Location
A few kilometres to the northwest of Canggu, a towering banyan—one of the ‘elders’ of the tree kingdom—heralds the turning to Seseh, a traditional beachside village approached via an avenue of coconut palms.
The village of Seseh still retains the customs and culture of old Bali. Here, you will see the rice being planted and harvested in the fields, fishing boats returning in the morning with the night’s catch, as well as frequent, colourful processions to the large beachside temple. There are no international restaurants here, but you might just see a barong dancing on the street. A Barong is a high-spirited, benevolent beast representing the power of good; danced by two men inside an ornate costume. The good news, for folks who want to immerse themselves in the customs and culture of old Bali, is that the people of Seseh encourage and welcome congenial visitors. There are now a number of private rental villas in this area, which have seamlessly integrated without in any way detracting from the simplicity and charm of the two villages.
Historically, the fishing village of Seseh was important in the 18th century when the temple was established as the major temple of the former Kingdom of Mengwi. At that time it was also a small trading port, inhabited by a number of families of Chinese decent. Likewise there are records of Chinese-style shop houses in Banjar Sogsogan during this period.
Today, this is an ideal destination for those who want to get lost in the beauty of the countryside, and for those who want to engage with the local people and gain privileged insights into the Balinese Hindu lifestyle.
Villa Belong Dua is one hour’s drive from Bali's International Airport and 30 minutes drive from the busy shops, world-class restaurants and vibrant nightlife of Seminyak. It is also 30 minutes drive from Nirwana Golf Course, one of the best golf courses in Asia; and close to Tanah Lot, Bali's most dramatic and venerated sea temple. The famous surfing beaches of Canggu and Pererenan are within walking distance. The majority of the island’s shopping malls, theme parks and tourist attractions are also within reach.
Villa Overview
Villa Belong Dua is an enchanting two-bedroom holiday villa in Bali, located in the heart of the tiny village of Seseh on the southwest coast. Resting on 1600 square metres of land in a beautiful walled garden complete with 20-metre swimming pool, the traditional architecture and artefacts celebrate the heritage of Bali, incorporating the symbolic elements of Balinese Hinduism. A series of five stand-alone pavilions are positioned in accordance with an ancient and complex set of rules, while the interiors are contemporary, stylish and romantic, incorporating both modern and antique furnishings as well as 21st century facilities. This includes WiFi internet access, LCD screen satellite channel TVs and DVD players, an iPod and three docking stations, imported kitchen equipment, and a genset to ensure that the villa always has electricity in case of power failures. There is also a secure covered car-park and a staff service area.
From the moment you enter Seseh village and cross the threshold of Villa Belong Dua, you will experience the warm hospitality, history and culture of Bali. The name of the villa is taken from a stone water vessel, dating back to a time when two of these containers could be found in every household, and were used every day to store water for drinking and washing. Two of these are showcased at the villa, along with an antique ‘jineng’, which is a traditional thatched Balinese rice barn and a symbol of social status, indicating that the family who owned it had a lot of land for rice culture. The jineng now serves as a place to relax or as a playhouse for kids. The villa’s imposing entrance gate is a copy of a Hindu temple gate at Angkor Wat in Cambodia and, after passing through this, you will cross a lily pond complete with a bubbling water feature and a Balinese guardian statue. Villa Belong Dua sits in a traditional street, which is well lit at night. A nearby pathway offers walks to the river and rice fields.
The living pavilion is located close to the main entrance, overlooking the garden and pool. Distinguished by a vaulted roof supported by eight wooden pillars, and open on three sides, it is furnished with a comfy, oversized daybed, and a low dining table sourced from a Javanese ‘warung’ (eatery), surrounded by floor cushions. A large mirror reflects the sunny garden, and the pavilion is beautifully lit at night.
Behind the living pavilion is an air-conditioned media room, which doubles as an office. It is fitted with built-in desks and a sofa area equipped with a satellite-channel TV and DVD player.
Accommodation
Accommodation comprises an open-sided living pavilion, an air-conditioned media room, and two bedrooms in separate stand-alone pavilions, named ‘Menaga’ and ‘Bangkat’, which are names that go back to the time when the village of Seseh was much bigger and administratively divided into three ‘banjars’ or local village councils.
The Menaga Pavilion
The Menaga Pavilion features an open-air terrace at the front, lit by colonial-style bell-jar lanterns; the terrace is furnished with an antique daybed on wheels. The romantic air-conditioned bedroom is furnished with a king-size netted bed upon a wooden floor complete with a shag pile rug, under a soaring roof. The walls are cream with terracotta tiling behind the bed, and the room is equipped with a wall-mounted LCD screen satellite-channel TV and DVD player. Sliding doors can be opened for cross ventilation and there is the additional facility of a ceiling fan. The delightful, air-conditioned, en-suite bathroom is decorated in earthy tones and fitted with a sculptured terrazzo bathtub for two, and double washbasins upon a terrazzo vanity unit, which faces a window to ensure plenty of natural light. Glass doors can be opened for a semi-alfresco bathing experience, complete with an outdoor rain shower set in a private walled courtyard with a pebbled floor and a serene Buddha statue. There is also a handheld shower in the bathtub, and a circular skylight that channels the moonshine. Off the bathroom is a charming, spacious dressing room, furnished with a wardrobe, chair and a dressing table that doubles as a desk.
Bangkat Pavilion
The Bangkat Pavilion features an open-air terrace at the front, lit by colonial-style bell-jar lanterns; the terrace is furnished with a built-in cushioned daybed. The romantic air-conditioned bedroom boasts a recycled timber floor furnished with a king-size netted bed and a shag pile rug, under a soaring roof. The walls are cream with terracotta tiling behind the bed, and the room is equipped with a wall-mounted LCD screen satellite-channel TV and DVD player. Sliding doors can be opened for cross ventilation with the additional facility of a ceiling fan. There is also a dressing area with a built in wardrobe, a long mirror, and an antique dressing table. The delightful, air-conditioned, en-suite bathroom is decorated in earthy tones and fitted with a sculptured terrazzo bathtub for two, and double washbasins upon a terrazzo vanity unit, which faces a window to ensure plenty of natural light. Glass doors can be opened for a semi-alfresco bathing experience, complete with an outdoor rain shower set in a private walled courtyard with a pebbled floor and a serene Buddha statue. There is also a handheld shower in the bathtub, and a circular skylight that channels the moonshine.
