Bakung Beach Resort

Laid-back base a short walk from Kuta Beach

Set back down a small lane off Jl. Kartika Plaza in Tuban, Bakung Beach Resort sits a 4‑minute walk from Kuta Beach and about 3 km from Ngurah Rai International Airport. Traditional buildings with wood pagoda-style roofs frame a tropical garden, and most of the action centres on a large outdoor pool with sunloungers and a once‑popular swim‑up bar.

Location: close to everything, calmer than Kuta centre

Reviewers repeatedly highlight the easy location: a short stroll to the “strip”, Lippo Mall and other shopping centres, and a stone’s throw from Pantai Jerman beach. Many mention that everything a tourist needs—restaurants, massage, laundry, mini markets, hair and nail salons—is within walking distance. Despite this, several guests note a calmer atmosphere than in central Kuta, making it handy for late flights, quick stopovers, or as a cheap base to explore.

Rooms: big, basic, and very mixed in condition

Unfussy rooms come with flat‑screen TVs, minibars or fridges, kettles, and tea and coffee‑making facilities; all have complimentary Wi‑Fi and either a veranda or balcony with pool or garden views. Guests often like the generous room size, strong air‑conditioning and, in some cases, very clean, comfortable beds. Others, though, report mould in corners, musty smells, leaking bathroom ceilings and old furniture that “doesn’t really feel properly cleaned”. Several recent stays mention ongoing renovations, room mismatches versus bookings, missing amenities like toiletries or mini bar, and no hot water during works.

Cleanliness, safety and maintenance: the biggest pain points

Feedback on cleanliness ranges from “super clean” and “very presentable” to “filthy” and “unloved”. Multiple guests describe stained or grey towels, tired linen, and bathrooms needing a deep scrub or even bleach. Some cite serious maintenance concerns: cracked and uneven tiles on walkways and in rooms, gaps under doors letting in bugs and cat fur, and mould inside air‑conditioning units. One reviewer called out jagged headboards and unstable tiles as safety risks, and another noted cats “everywhere”, which was a problem for allergies.

Pool, gardens and the not‑quite‑a‑resort feel

Almost everyone agrees the pool is the star: big, generally clean, with plenty of sunloungers and leafy gardens around it. Lights in the trees add a relaxed evening feel, and some guests mention cultural shows and a pleasant poolside breakfast area. However, the swim‑up bar is often unmanned or inoperable, and one reviewer felt the ponds and fish areas needed serious maintenance.

Food, breakfast and on‑site experience

Breakfast is available for a surcharge and is usually described as basic but OK: a simple buffet roughly equivalent to $5aud, with coffee, eggs cooked to order and enough variety to start the day. Some guests like the value and note a “good inclusive breakfast”; others see the restaurant as little more than tables under a shed. Wi‑Fi, while complimentary, is frequently reported as slow or unstable.

Service, price and who it suits

Staff come across as a major plus for many: “super friendly”, “helpful”, and particularly patient at reception and in the kitchen. A few guests, though, experienced cool check‑ins or limited English, especially around complaints. Where reviews agree is on price: rooms around $25 a night are considered excellent value by budget travellers, long‑time repeat guests and those just needing a night before or after a flight. In return, you trade away modern polish, consistent cleanliness and resort‑level upkeep.

For travellers who prioritise a low rate, big pool and walkable Tuban location over spotless rooms and slick design, Bakung Beach Resort can still work as a cheap, old‑school Bali base.