Enchanting pathways cut through small rice paddies to bridge over a natural pool-river where you'll share the freshest of swims with tiny fish. Each beautiful house is different, and range from romantic woven pods and jaw-dropping treehouses to an antique Javanese bridal house with hand carved teak and thick bamboo. Views across the Ayung river gorge are lush lime green, and the horizon rises up to picture-perfect mountains.
This is a real family affair, with the Hardy's daughters also contributing to the 9 unique designs. Though totally original in form, each one is carefully laid out to make the most of the wilderness around it. Sit out on your deck and feast on their garden produce. Shoot the breeze then wait for the sound of frogs to fill the air as you drift off to sleep. Bambu Indah means beautiful bamboo in Indonesian. Unforgettable.
Highs
- Beautifully constructed wooden houses with muslin-draped four-posters and unique touches - a treetop yoga deck in Guadua, a handmade copper bathtub in Copper
- Natural setting amidst organic gardens and rice paddies
- Some of the most stunning views in Bali
- Amazing bamboo architecture and strong eco credentials (the owners also founded the world-acclaimed Green School)
- Authentic and atmospheric, with lovely welcoming staff
Lows
- Bambu Indah is undergoing renovations, so there may be some disruption
- Main deck overhangs a ravine, so more adventurous youngsters should be kept on a lead
- Set away from the Ubud action, though there are daily shuttles and transport can be arranged
- Narrow paths leading to the rooms can get slippery in the rain; bring sensible footwear
- Be prepared to share your room with the resident wildlife, this is a true back-to-nature experience
Best time to go
Our top tips
Every aspect of the site and buildings are living examples of sustainability: the School's many buildings are cooled and powered by sustainable energy solutions including micro-hydro power, solar power, bio-diesel and predominantly natural air-conditioning. Indonesian bamboo, local alang alang grass, traditional mud walls and mud brick are used to construct classrooms, athletic facilities and other school buildings to minimize use of non-sustainable materials such as concretes and plastics. Their standard is to use 99 percent natural materials in any construction projects, to recycle as many materials as possible, and to manage their waste responsibly.
- Eco retreat
- 9 rooms
- Restaurant + bar
- All ages welcome
- Open all year
- Outdoor Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car not necessary
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Bicycles Available
Rooms
Each house is individual, charming and decked out with traditional Javanese furnishings and a smattering of collectables from the owners' travels - from Tibetan rugs to African wallhangings. The rustic décor masks more modern touches: comfortable mosquito-netted beds, hand-beaten copper basins, open-air rainshowers, even Japanese washer-drier-high-tech loos.
There are two pod-like houses: Copper is named as such for its extra roomy copper bathtub that overlooks the Ayung River, ideal for romantic moonbathing; Guadua offers maximum relaxation, with private yoga and meditations decks, plus a hidden plunge pool. For something totally traditional, Jawa Lama is an original Javanese bridal suite with a four-poster canopy bed and vaulted ceilings that drench the room with light.
For a pair of couples or families there are 2 two-bedroom houses: River Bend, which has an enormous glass-walled living room; and Elora and Orin House, with high ceilings, glass windows and an exterior spiral staircase.
For something a little different, there's Moon House, which gets its name from its crescent-shaped roof, or 2 luxurious tents set high up in the tree tops, where the views are unbeatable. Tree House is a breathtaking structure designed by the Hardy's daughter Chiara; tucked between two banyan trees, the woven bamboo walls make it look like a giant bird nest, and with a stunning bird's eye view of the jungle below, it's easy to believe it is.
Features include:
- Fan
- Hairdryer
- In room treatments available
- Minibar
- Mosquito net
- Safe box
- WiFi
Eating
The beautiful open-air bamboo restaurant serves meals throughout the day, and special private dining can also be arranged in the central Minang House, on your veranda or on the deck overhanging the ravine (request in advance).
Breakfast includes fresh fruit, local coffee, homemade bread and something hot (perhaps Balinese rice porridge or eggs) - try the watermelon juice. For lunch we recommend the raw, vegan lasagne which was surprisingly delicious and super-fresh.
In the evening the daily dinner menu features organic ingredients fresh from the garden: we enjoyed a tasty Balinese fish curry with just-harvested rice and vegetables, washed down with some Balinese beer. Things wind down early in a place as tranquil as this so expect last drinks orders at around 9pm.
Ubud is just a 15-minute drive away, so there are plenty of options for eating out, from chic contemporary restaurants to traditional warungs. Bambu Indah’s neighbouring hotels also have some excellent restaurants open to non-guests, mainly offering romantic riverside dining.
Features include:
- Bar
- Breakfast
- Coffee / tea making
- Dinner by arrangement
- Lunch by arrangement
- Organic produce
- Vegetarian options
Activities
- Lap up Ubud's culture by visiting some of the many temples, galleries and museums. There's also excellent shopping, dining and yoga opportunities (a 15-minute drive)
- Take a dip in the freshwater, unchlorinated river-pool then chill on your veranda, soak up those views and watch the swallows and butterflies fill their day
- Visit the owner's remarkable and truly inspirational Green School (a 20-minute drive), the Green Village and jewellery factory may also be of interest
- Enjoy a massage or morning yoga in super peaceful surroundings
- Go hiking in the surrounding hills; if John Hardy is in residence, don't miss the morning 'trash walk'
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Birdwatching
- Hiking
- Historical sites
- Mountain biking
- Plantlife / flora
- Rafting
- Shopping / markets
- Traditional cultures
Kids
Children are welcome and older children will love the adventure of staying in a wooden house with nature all around.
Best for:
Children (4-12 years), Teens (over 12)
Family friendly accommodation:
Elora and Orin House house is a great option, as it has a double room downstairs with a private garden bathroom, and one upstairs also with its own bathroom; both bedrooms can fit an extra bed or baby cot, too. River Bend also has 2 bedrooms, while Treehouse has an extra bed suitable for a child.
Cots Available, Family Rooms
Kids Activities on site:
- Swing on a rope over a natural swimming pool
- Take John Hardy's 'trash walk' and be inspired to clean up the environment by spearing garbage with a bamboo pole!
Families Should Know:
The proximity of the steep Sayan gorge and the old wooden balconies, plus the meandering pool, makes it unsuitable for toddlers
Distances:
- Airport: 1 hour
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Bambu Indah is about a 15-minute drive from Bali's cultural centre, Ubud. It overlooks the Sayan Valley and and is a 1-hour drive from Seminyak or the international airport.
By Air:
Fly into Bali Ngurah Rai International Airport (47km). You can also fly to Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, then travel overland or take a connecting flight to Denpasar.
From the Airport
The property offers a transfer from the airport, which we'd recommend taking.
By Ferry:
There are frequent boats between Bali and the major islands in Indonesia, including Java, Lombok and Komodo.
Getting around:
The hotel offers bicycles, scooters and car transfers for getting around. There are also twice-daily shuttles into Ubud.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- Denpasar 47.0 km DPS
Other:
- Beach 40.0 km
- Shops 0.6 km
- Restaurant 1.0 km