Canadian eco-pioneer and jewellery designer John Hardy and his wife Cynthia are at the forefront of Balinese green design, and this stunning retreat is one of the many beautiful feathers in their cap.
Enchanting pathways cut through small rice paddies to bridge over natural riverside pools where you'll swim with tiny fish and relax in bales and hanging seats. Each beautiful house is different, and range from romantic woven pods and jaw-dropping treehouses to antique abodes with hand-carved teak and ensuites constructed from 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 John and Cynthia's daughters also contributing to the 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, and isn't it just. Unforgettable.
Bambu Indah
Ubud & Central Bali, Indonesia
Highs
- Beautifully constructed wooden houses with muslin-draped four-posters and unique touches - a treetop yoga deck in Guadua, a Japanese-style bathtub in Kuno
- Head-to-toe nourishment at the two excellent restaurants
- Natural setting amidst organic gardens and rice paddies with some of the most stunning views in Bali
- Amazing bamboo and reclaimed wood architecture, and strong eco credentials (the owners also founded the world-acclaimed Green School)
- Authentic and atmospheric, with lovely staff who are super-efficient
Lows
- Main deck overhangs a ravine, so more adventurous youngsters should be kept on a lead
- Set away from the Ubud action, though there are twice-daily shuttles and transport can be arranged
- Narrow paths leading to the rooms can get slippery in the rain; bring sensible footwear
- There are lots of steps so not suited to those with mobility issues
- 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
Don't bypass the utterly unique bamboo lift that carries you down through 20 metres of mud shaft to reach the riverside areas and Sunset Bar. There's only one like it in the world, and makes the trip for an evening tipple extra enticing.
- Eco retreat
- 24 houses for 2-6
- Restaurants + bar
- All ages welcome
- Open all year
- Outdoor Pool
- Spa
- Beach nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car not necessary
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Bicycles Available
Rooms
The 24 houses are a mix of traditional teak buildings and unique bamboo designs. Each one is individual, charming and decked out with classic 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. Natural anti-mosquito lotion is provided to ward off unwanted guests.
For couples looking for romance, there are spectacular boltholes for two: Copper is named for its extra roomy copper bathtub that overlooks the Ayung River, ideal for romantic moonbathing; Full Moon has a private yoga and meditation deck set in the trees; Pawon House sits with the other traditional houses but its private garden and plunge pool makes it feel extra exclusive.
For a pair of couples or families there are a few two-bedroom houses: River Bend has an enormous glass-walled living room and a kitchenette; cosy Elora and Orin House is modelled on the Hardy family home; Sumba House has a mostly open layout so better for families; Jambu House and Manggis House both feature two ensuite bedrooms across two floors and sit close to the main pool.
For something a little different, a few of the designs are in a league of their own: open-fronted Moon House gets its name from its crescent-shaped roof; the pair of Tents are set high up in the tree tops, where the views are unbeatable (and rates are budget-friendly); Tree House is a breathtaking structure tucked between two banyan trees, with woven bamboo walls to make it look like a giant bird nest - with a stunning bird's eye view of the jungle below, it's easy to believe it is.
Features include:
- Air conditioning
- Bathrobes
- Coffee / tea making
- Cots available
- Hairdryer
- In-room treatments available
- Minibar
- Mosquito net
- Safe box
- Slippers
- Toiletries
- Torch
- Umbrella
- WiFi
Eating
While the menus and formality at Bambu Indah's two restaurants differ, they share the same focus on organic ingredients and nourishing dishes.
The open-sided Riverside Warung is a relaxed spot to enjoy casual Balinese fare. Breakfast is served here and includes fresh fruit, local coffee, homemade bread and something hot (perhaps Balinese rice porridge or eggs) - try the watermelon juice. Lunch and dinner menus feature the likes of pumpkin soup, pork ribs, chicken satay and fish laksa.
Tembaga, the slightly more formal of the two, has an Asian fusion menu centred around anti-inflammatory ingredients. Everything is prepared over a live-fire grill and served at a communal table crafted from 70,000 chopsticks. Expect rendang beef cooked and served in a bamboo tube, twists on classics like Indonesian fried rice with cauliflower and mushrooms, and cocktails packed with probiotics. If that means they're healthy, we'll take double!
If you're here to celebrate, there are a few romantic spots to enjoy a private dinner. For a sundowner with a view, head to Sunset Bar where you can sip handcrafted cocktails and cold beers while looking out across Bongkasa rice paddies. 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
- Kids' meals
- Organic produce
- Restaurant
- Vegetarian options
Activities
- Take a dip in the freshwater, unchlorinated pool or natural riverside ponds then chill on your veranda, soak up those views and watch the swallows and butterflies fill their day
- You'll be sent a list of daily free activities: anything from cow bathing and duck egg collecting to a Balinese dance class or making an offering
- 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; the twice-daily free shuttle departs in the morning and afternoon)
- Visit the owner's truly inspirational Green School (a 20-minute drive); the Green Village and jewellery factory may also be of interest
- Enjoy a massage, sauna or invigorating ice bath, or morning yoga in super peaceful surroundings
- Browse the on-site boutique, stocked with jewellery designed by the owner
- Go hiking in the surrounding hills; don't miss the morning 'trash walk' where you tour the property and local village while doing some good for the environment
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Birdwatching
- Hiking
- Historical sites
- Mountain biking
- Plantlife / flora
- Rafting
- Sauna
- Shopping / markets
- Spa treatments
- Traditional cultures
Kids
Children are very welcome although the general ambience is quite peaceful. There are unfenced drops so we feel it's best for older children; our teens loved all the wildlife and the adventure of staying in a wooden house nestled in the jungle.
Best for:
Children (4-12 years), Teens (over 12)
Family friendly accommodation:
Elora and Orin 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, Jambu House and Manggis House also have 2 double bedrooms. Sumba House can sleep up to 6, with 4 in the open-plan sleeping/living area and 2 in an upstairs bedroom.
Cots Available, Family Rooms
Children's meals:
Kids menu available at Riverside Warung.
Kids Activities on site:
- Swing on a rope over a natural swimming pool
- Balinese dance class
- Egg collecting
- Traditional crafts
- Take the 'trash walk' and be inspired to clean up the environment by spearing garbage with a bamboo pole!
Kids Activities nearby:
- White water rafting
- Bali Zoo
- Bali Bird Park
Families Should Know:
The proximity of the steep Sayan gorge and the old wooden balconies, plus the meandering pool, makes it unsuitable for toddlersDistances:
- 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
Need flights?
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Our guests' ratings...
Based on 1 independent review from i-escape guests