I stayed at a hotel called Taman Harum, or perfumed garden, in the village of Mas, for 2 nights in November 2011. trying to escape from the chaos that is Ubud, I found this hideaway some 20mins away, along the road from Ubud to Kuta. Heading south from Ubud, you first come to the village of Peliatan, and then Mas. Although separate villages, they all merge into one large road-side existence.

This is the famed village of wood-carvers, and the Taman harum hotel is right smack amongst all the galleries and shops. Enter its doorway, and the property extends far inside. It was built and owned by one of the most famous wood-carvers, and he still lives at the back. The hotel has its own gallery too, called tantra gallery, with high quality (but expensive) wood sculptures.

The chalets are very spacious, and I stayed in the standard type, without the balcony on the 2nd floor. These are the same configuration but with the added floor. If they tell you of the wonderful views of ricefields from the balcony, they speak of the past. This view has since been obstructed by fast-growing trees that have been planted next to the resort. So, no, no more view, but rest assured these trees will provide more wood for those delicate sculptures you just have to buy!

Although the bathroom is seriously cramped, the room layout is very nice, with the large sitting area and a small patio too. The bed is comfortable but a bit creaky. This resort is a great place to see the large geckos called Tokay Geckos. Models of these geckos are sold everywhere, in wood, stone or even silver.

Walk around at night and you’ll find them hunting insects near lightbulbs. They have a very loud call, so don’t panic if you suddenly are awoken thinking a monster has entered your room.

The internet is free, and I am happy. The property is excellent, and you can get out to the surrounding ricefields by walking to the back of the resort, go out the door and turn right. The lobby is nicely done, very informal and well laid-out. There are cultural performances on certain nights on an outdoor stage. If you want to head into Ubud, the resort provides free shuttles, you arrange the times. They take you, and pick you up, from the visitor’s centre in Ubud, right opposite the old palace.

The only not-so-good things were the lights in the room are too dim… we older people with older eyes need slightly more light to see where our clean underwear is. There were also several leaks in the roof, which were being patched up each morning as they are found. The food in the restaurant is not bad, but there is no variety. I can’t imagine having the same tiny potion of fried noodles for breakfast for more than 2 days at a stretch.

Otherwise, a greatly positioned resort in the heart of wood sculpture land, and a peaceful retreat too. Walking around the galleries near the hotel is well worth the price, because you don’t have to pay the extra 30% that they charge when a taxidriver brings you… that’s his commission!

Also remember, this hotel is in Mas village, NOT in Ubud as sometimes it is marketed as being in Ubud… it is near Ubud..

We stayed here on the way to Ubud as part of our honeymoon as it is in the centre of woodcarving for Bali, the village of Mas. The hotel was really good value and had a great warm pool. We stayed on the first night in Bali and also our last so saw two of the rooms which were of a good standard and were good for the transit to and from Ubud, as well as the woodcarving shops that we were keen to see (if you are looking for some wood carved souvenirs then definitely pop into Wayan Subar's little show room which is a 3 minute walk from the hotel on the same road, we saw him carving away outside his house and found that he charged considerably less than the big galleries [about 5 times less!] for his quality work)

The food was ok but not amazing so I wouldn't suggest this is luxury but is good for the surrounding area, and does have an air-conditioned bus into Ubud which takes 30 minutes.

I've spent 5 days in Ubud Taman Harum Cottages and I enjoyed everything of this place.
The cottages are fully surrounded of trees, plants, statues, flowers.. with a nice swimming pool. Staff is polite and very nice. The breakfast is simply magnificent. Free wi-fi provided.
Rooms are very spacious and cozy. Make sure to book one of the rooms with the view on rice fields!
The hotel is located 15 minutes from Ubud center, but they provide a free transport to Ubud area all day long until 10 pm. Near the hotel there are a lot of nice art galleries, especially for wood statues, objects,etc. It's wood carver's area.
Good value for money and very nice balinese atmosphere!!!!

I had Room 201 (part of a duplex) - located across the path from the reception area. It was two levels with a nice terrace on the 2nd floor. It overlooked rice fields on one side and the infinity pool on the other. The room had good air conditioning, a garden bathroom, lots of hot water and electronic mosquito repellent devices on each level.

There are 12 steep steps to the upper level which had a bed, sofa and TV and a beautiful comfortable terrace with table and chairs, sink and plantings. The lower level had the main bedroom, sitting area, small patio and front garden with two chairs. The included breakfast was good and the service was friendly.

Have the hotel pick you up at the airport as the property can be a little hard to find as it is off a busy street and you look like you are turing into an art gallery’s parking lot. Behind is this secluded, quiet, hospitable place bordered by rice fields. The cost of the airport transfer is comparable to taxi prices.


Lunches and dinners in the hotel restaurant were average. They are building a larger restaurant on the property and I hope the kitchen will improve. There is one computer for public use at 500 rupiah per minute. (about $3.50 per hour)

One afternoon, staff children had run of the pool so noise was a problem.

There is not a whole lot to walk to in the area - across the street is a mini-mart, ATM, moneychanger and place to buy sim cards. Mas is known for its woodworking, so there are small galleries up and down the main street. I didn’t find any restaurants within walking distance.

Thankfully, there is a free shuttle to/from Ubud which leaves you at the Tourist Office, in the center of town.

A staff member told me they are remodeling all the rooms - putting in bathrooms and air conditioning on the second level.

I would stay here again at the beginning or end of a trip as it is a quiet, comfortable place to unwind yet close enough to Ubud (15 minutes) to take advantage of its shopping and restaurants.