Luxury, Organic Cuisine & Sustainable Bamboo Design
Responsible lifestyle in harmony with nature, sustainable bamboo design combined with luxurious comfort and loving service – that is Bambu Indah (beautiful bamboo). This eco-chic hotel is extraordinary and also environmentally friendly. It is located in Sayan, on the edge of Ubud and close to the Ayung River shore. Since 2005 eleven restored Javanese bridal houses and two open Bamboo tree houses provide unique and individual overnight accommodation.
John Hardy (jewelry designer and co-founder of the extraordinary “Green School“) and his wife Cynthia founded Bambu Indah. Initially, it was the Hardy family’s private, but their guests were so thrilled after visiting it, that they decided to extend and remodel it into a hotel.
Organic Kebun (Organic vegetable and herb garden)
John’s son, Orin Hardy, designed and created the gardens at Bambu Indah. Traditional Balinese rice, organic vegetables, herbs and flowers are grown in the gardens on the estate and used daily in the kitchen.
Only natural fertilizers including compost made from the estate’s organic waste are used. Vegetables, coffee, tea, beer and wine are sourced from local producers.
Minang House
The Minang House, the Sumba House, the restaurant’s kitchen, dining furniture and the new bamboo tree houses were all designed and built by John’s daughter, Elora Hardy, and her Ibuku team.
The unique Minang house does not have a single straight wall and is used for Morning yoga, private dinners and special events.
It was built in Sumatra in just 90 days by the Ibuku team out of black bamboo based on the model of a large clan house (Minangkabau rumah gadang). Each curve of the roof has the exact symmetry of a rising full moon.
Kolam (Swimming Pond)
This sustainable pool was constructed without any cement. Instead, it was built using recyclable polyethylene, lava stones and a vegetation regeneration zone, which naturally cleanses, filters and oxygenates the water and nurtures beneficial bacteria. To protect the impact on the environment, no chlorine or algicides are used. A deep pool cleaning takes place once a month at full moon to rid the pool of any algae. (You can find the scheduled pool cleaning days here.)
Bamboo observation deck
You can climb this chic tree house if you wish to go up higher or if you are just seeking some peace and quiet.
Africa Deck
From this deck, you have a fantastic view of the surrounding landscape. It is also the ideal spot to watch the sunset in a cozy beach chair while enjoying a drink from the small bar.
The Bamboo elevator is extraordinary! It takes you through the mountain to a lower level close to the river, where the tree houses and the other pools are located.
Crossing the bamboo suspension bridge and following a narrow path along the river we reached our treehouse – the Copper House.
Bamboo Tree Houses (Back-to-Nature)
Copper House (and Moon House)
A long stone staircase brings you to this tree house in the heart of the rain forest. Just entering it is already such a special experience. The view is simply stunning!
The Copper House and the Moon House (which is a bit lower behind the spring water pools), are built entirely from bamboo. Bamboo is strong, flexible and extremely environmentally friendly.
The tree houses have hand-hammered copper bathtubs, walk-in showers, special beds with built-in air conditioning, minibar and comfortable seating areas.
The views from your bed and the bathroom are overwhelmingly beautiful. The design is unique and truly exceptional. To have the privilege to stay in a semi-open tree house and fall asleep with the sounds of nature is a dream come true! The design is also from Elora Hardy and her Ibuku team.
At night the mosquito net is closed. The air conditioning is in the bamboo tubes above the bed. You only see the small air holes.
“If the view from your window feels a bit less spectacular than the one you had at Bambu Indah, I sincerely apologize.” -Diane, Manager
The bathtub is extraordinary: it has holes at the bottom that fills and empties it again.
Javanese Teak Houses
Every home at Bambu Indah is unique. The Javanese teak wood houses were traditional homes built by Indonesians over 100 years ago. Originally, they served as bridal houses to the Javanese noblemen. They were handpicked by John Hardy before being carefully dismantled, relocated to Bambu Indah and lovingly restored. One even has a glass floor (Udang House).
Padi House
Kuning House
Kolam House
Manis House
Jawa Lama House
Elora and Orin House
Spring water pools at the river
The natural spring water pools down at the river offer various areas to swim and relax.
There is even a small restaurant for drinks and snacks.
Restaurant Dapoer
The Dapoer restaurant serves traditional Indonesian dishes and homemade bread, cereals, jams, teas and desserts. All served with fresh and sustainable ingredients from Bambu Indah’s gardens.
Bambu Indah strives to produce all vegetables and herbs on-site, but some products are bought from local farmers and producers. Local products mean less time in transit and fresher, more nutrient-rich food. Products purchased locally also support the local economy.
For breakfast you are spoilt for choice, for example, there are homemade Bubur Bali (Balinese porridge), cereals, homemade breads, jams, egg dishes and fresh seasonal fruit.
Romantic dinners
There are countless options when it comes to romantic dinners. Whether in the traditional Bale Kuno, on the deck of your treehouse, on the A frica deck or with lots of candles and fire down by the river – Bambu Indah is the perfect place for any special occasion. (Special Dinner – Menu)
The loving decoration of our table was incredible!
“We know what it’s like to do amazing things.”
Our menu: Summer rolls, Garden fries (fried vegetables), Beef rendang, Tofu sisit, Dadar gulung (green pancakes) and Chocolate coconut balls.
Honeymoon & Weddings
The ambiance at Bambu Indah is one of calm and romance. From intimate and private couple only ceremonies to memorable 200-guest weddings, anything is possible. You can find more information on weddings here: Bambu Indah Weddings.
Romantic firelight dinner on the river
Spa
Unfortunately, we imagined our In-Balance Duo Massage with two therapists, differently. We did not find the massage very relaxing and are therefore unable to recommend it unconditionally.
Ibuku by Elora Hardy
John Hardy established the Green School in 2006. His daughter, Elora Hardy, inspired by the highly qualified local craftsmen, founded her own design company, Ibuku in 2010. This group of like-minded designers and architects would like Bali to become a global center for sustainable design. The Green Village also by Elora, offers sustainable living in exceptional bamboo villas.
On a guided tour you can visit the Green School, the Green Village and the Bamboo Factory. Very interesting!
Conclusion
Bambu Indah has extraordinary romantic flair. The environmental awareness and sustainable design concept are exemplary and impressive! Their attention to detail is seen and felt everywhere. The Tree houses are spectacular and the Teak houses, the restaurant and the pools are exceptional. Preferably one would like to stay in a different house every night. Guests are not treated as guests, but as friends. We found it magnificent and would like to visit Bambu Indah again!
Rooms: 11 Teak houses and 2 Tree houses (another one is under construction)
Transfer: About 1 – 1.5 hours (depending on traffic) from Denpasar airport
Air Temperature: 21.5 – 32.5 degrees Celsius
Best Travel Time: Dry season: May – October; Most popular: June – September; Rainy season: November – April (mostly just short rain showers, but it is also cheaper)
Flight duration: For example: with Emirates from Germany to Denpasar with a stopover in Dubai: flight time approximately 15.5 hours
Time difference: CET +8 hours
Price: From USD 150 / night including breakfast and afternoon tea
Activities: Sunset Cocktails, Morning Yoga, Green School Tour, Green Village Tour, Bamboo Factory Tour, John Hardy Jewelry Factory Tour, Village Walks, Blessings, Ceremonies
Special features: Extraordinary accommodation, exceptional bamboo design, big freshwater pools, great food
Perfect for: Couples, nature lovers, romantics, ecotourists
Bambu Indah
Ubud, Bali, Indonesien
Phone +62 (0) 361 977 922
WhatsApp +62 812 38 34 31 74
reservations@bambuindah.com
www.bambuindah.com
Slow Food Bali – Snail of Approval 2014, 2015 (5% of ingredients are produced in Indonesia, sustainable waste management and fair pay for employees)
HICAP Sustainable Hotel Awards 2013
Green School Bali – the innovative school made from bamboo by John Hardy
Green Village Bali – spectacular & sustainable Bamboo villas by Ibuku
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Please note: We funded our stay at Bambu Indah ourselves.
