RNV Eco Resort Batukaras — Hotel in Desa Batukaras

We got a mixed experience from the guesthouse and from the location overall. Unfortunately we happened to arrive to Indonesia just before the big Covid crises and therefore our experience was affected by the difficulties caused by travel restrictions. However, the guesthouse owners were very keen to have us and helped us with travel arrangements to get to Batukaras. We had a package deal of visa plus accomodation and we were also keen to surf and cool down at the beautiful guesthouse. But it turned into a nightmare. We were not able to check-in at the guesthouse at first due to local travel restrictions. By the time we were able to move over to RNV guesthouse we had come to the realization how hard it will be at time of restrictions to access the basics, starting from food and endings with surf wax. The local community was not very happy (to say the least) to see international tourists around. And overall, it was an unexpectedly conservative community in a location that promotes itself as surf destination (I do not recommend surf bikinis on the beach, or also small shorts in the streets). The surf in general is super soft and small and even without international tourists, the surf break is very crowded at the evenings. As result we thought that we made a fair compromise with the RNV guesthouse to cut our stay short but to compensate our stay there with full room charges (not discount package price). Since that offer, we didn’t feel that the hosts were friendly or accommodating. Furthermore, the rooms have dry toilets (or a type where you poop in the bucket and add some saw dust on it until it gets emptied manually). The toilets were releasing such a bad smell into the room despite the air-fresheners in the room, and the toilet was also not emptied as regularly as promised. We, from our side, also felt very uncomfortable to ask the owners to empty the toilet and eventually it felt repulsive to us to use the toilets. The internet in the room was of very poor quality making it hard to have any work calls. ||When we tried to develop a conversation about our next plans to move to Bali to see the situation there, we got a very aggressive and judgmental response about not appreciating Batukaras. We had great difficulties trying to figure out by our own how to find a clinic for PCR tests, and at the end the hosts did not even come to say goodbye when we left. Eventually the RNV guesthouse owner refused to share the contacts of our visa agent. Overall, we felt more like walking ATMs than guests at the guesthouse. We wish the owners would have been transparent and honest about the overall situation so that we could have made a better informed decision and take ownership for...

If you’re a young traveler planning a stay of a week or more, I do not recommend this place. Enjoying a pleasant evening during your vacation here is challenging.

Room Conditions •No Air Conditioning: The heat is overwhelming, significantly affecting sleep quality.

•Insects: Numerous bugs and debris from wood-eating ants frequently fall onto the bed, causing discomfort.

•No Refrigerator: If you wish to enjoy cold water, beverages, or fresh fruit during your stay, you’ll be disappointed.

Service •The two foreign owners provide only basic information and guidelines; there’s no notable service to speak of.

•In contrast, nearby locally-run accommodations offer much friendlier and higher-quality service, often sharing valuable information about local attractions.

Location •While manageable once familiar, reaching the property requires navigating unpaved uphill roads, which can be hazardous for inexperienced motorbike riders.

Overall •For short visits, this place might suffice, and the photos are appealing. However, for travelers coming from afar or planning to stay longer than three days, I wouldn’t recommend it.

Tip •Batukaras has many superior accommodations with better service and conditions that aren’t listed online. Visiting local cafes and asking around can lead you to...

What started out as just a couple of weeks at RNV ended up as nearly 2 months. We were welcomed so warmly by Nico, Vanessa, and Rose. They are an amazing family. Great to share breakfast, drinks, surf, and even a bit of garden football. The facilities are excellent. The pool is wonderfully maintained, is cleaned naturally, and provides a great spot to chill after a session in the waves. We loved passing our evenings between the pool and the hammock situated just outside our room. The beds could not be more luxurious, enveloped by mosquito nets to give you a perfect nights sleep, with jungle sounds reverberating softly in the background. Waking up at RNV is a real treat. Brilliant breakfasts are a fantastic welcome to the day ahead. With epic surf and loads to go and see it is the perfect location. Though the place was amazing, it’s the people that make the place and considering this - RNV is the dream. Any problem, big or small, Nico and Vanessa would always help. The dream duo coupled with their daughter Rose and the greatest and softest ‘guard’ dog Oxo is an accolade that cannot be overstated. Go and stay at RNV - you will always want to...