I discovered Taman Sari Resort almost by chance. I was looking for somewhere far from Bali’s busy south, a place where I could wake up to the sound of the sea instead of traffic. That search led me to Pemuteran, a quiet coastal village in North Bali, and eventually to Taman Sari.
From the moment I arrived, I felt at home. The resort blends into the landscape. Lush gardens, traditional Balinese design, and bungalows that open directly onto the beach. There was no sense of separation between the property and the village. Instead, it felt as if Taman Sari was part of Pemuteran’s heartbeat.
The highlight, for me, was right offshore: the Biorock coral gardens. I had read about them before coming, but nothing compared to snorkeling above them for the first time. Just a few steps from the resort, I swam over sculptures turned into living reefs, with corals and fish reclaiming what was once damaged seabed. Knowing that this project began with the late I Gusti Agung Prana, the founder of Taman Sari, made the experience even more meaningful. It wasn’t just about marine conservation—it was about a vision that combined community, tourism, and nature.
Every interaction at the resort reflected that same spirit. The staff were not just employees; many came from the local village and spoke with pride about the coral restoration. I joined a simple temple ceremony, shared stories with a dive guide from Karang Divers, and felt included in something larger than just a holiday.
What I loved most was how Taman Sari balances comfort with responsibility. My room had the touches of luxury I craved, but the resort also champions eco-practices and supports the community. Staying here didn’t feel like being a tourist it felt like being a guest, welcomed into Pemuteran’s ongoing story.
When I left, I didn’t just take photos. I carried with me the sense that tourism can be different—that it can protect, nurture, and even heal. Taman Sari is not only a place to stay. It is a reminder of what can happen when people and nature work together.
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