Checking into Seraya Shores in Karangasem Bali

Seraya Shores is a place I’ve been too several times and always look forward to coming back to.

Located on the coast of SE Bali just around the corner from the Ujung water-palace the guest house is right on the shore behind some tall palm trees. If you want crashing waves and waving palms come here.

Seraya has 4 cottages which consist of the owners (saphir bali and Jamie ), a large 2 storey, a central single storey and a far end 2 storey. Furniture is designed for relaxing. There are plans underway for a salt water swimming pool and 2 more cottages.

Barrie and Candika got what I think is the best room in the house, the upper room in the large cottage which has a view over the whole property. Marj took the rooms underneath to save her from the stairs. I ended up with the single storey cottage which is beautifully simple and open.

At Seraya all meals and soft drinks / juices are included for 250,000rp per person. You can find cheaper places to stay but why bother if you can come to a place like this.

Barrie loved the place and I can understand that after spending time in Kuta.

Down on the central bale the guys were playing gamelan music and drinking tuak ( palm beer). Not wanting to be rude I joined them for a cup but didn’t want to go overboard because I had guests to entertain, that and a bottle of Cabernet I brought from Kuta.

Dinner was served by Sasa, the young kid from Perasi down the coast and the lovely Wayan from the town of Seraya up the hill. They cooked white rice, a boiled potato dish, grilled chicken, grilled fish, green beans in coconut, and another vegetable dish. We couldn’t finish all the food and it was very good.

Wayan told me she isn’t married and doesn’t have a boyfriend. When I asked why she said that no one is interested. What’s wrong with these guys? Too much tuak perhaps.

The evening was very nice and the only blip on the radar screen was locals burning garbage down by the water-palace. I have to hand it to Balinese, they have a talent for creating beautiful things and a talent for screwing them up. Still with views like we had no one was complaining.

Seraya Shores has been built piece by piece, one cottage at a time and saphir bali and Jamie told me they have learned by trial and error. saphir bali lived on the original bale for a year before building to learn about how the seasons affected the sunrise, sunset, breezes, rainfall etc. and how to position the cottages. I think they did a pretty good job and after the salt water pool is finished won’t life be lovely!

(Photos by Barrie & Nick)