Image adapted from: Airbnb
Many of us are constantly on the lookout for our next getaway, which we can hop to during our next long weekend – and Bali, a paradise for sun-seekers and surfers, is one of the popular choices among Singaporeans. However, the island isn’t the same as what it once was – it’s now overrun by pricey Western cafes and hordes of tourists.
To preserve the Bali of 20 years ago and still sustain travel, eco-resorts started springing up in the more remote parts of the island. A stay at one of these resorts is more about connecting with nature and hanging with the local community, rather than about wild party nights out.
While it’s fun trotting down the beaten paths of Denpasar city and Seminyak Beach, it’s worthwhile experiencing an eco-stay that will give you the legit traditional Balinese experience. Here’s a list of resorts for you to get started on planning your eco-vacay!
At The Alchemist, you don’t live with nature – nature lives with you. Craggy tree branches grow into the cabins and treehouses, making jungle living a reality. We are crushing over the Romeo treehouse, where its limestone walls add a fairytale touch. The cabins are joined by a bar and cafe for you to socialise over pizzas and smoothies.
The resort’s shuttle bus will take you to Balangan Beach FOC, where you can swim, surf or suntan on the soft, golden sand.
Prices start from $85 per night. Book your stay here.
Address: Jl. Pantai Balangan, Jimbaran 80361, Bali, Indonesia
Telephone: +62 85857196504
Website
Leave the hustle and bustle of Kuta when you touch down at Bali Airport and head straight to tranquil Ubud, where you can stay in one of the charming cottages at Swasti Eco Cottages – each one constructed entirely out of recycled wood.
Here, you can mingle with furry friends such as free-roaming rabbits, sheep and goats at their organic farm. It all started with the owners rescuing a sheep, before other animals got adopted into the family. They also serve a hearty afternoon tea with cakes FOC to sweeten your stay!
For $36, you can learn to cook organic Indonesian meals at Swasti’s cooking class. The class lasts for 1.5 hours and is held at the resort’s restaurant. All ingredients will be provided, and most of the vegetables are picked from their organic garden.
Prices start from $130 per night. Book your stay here.
Address: Jl. Nyuh Bojog, Banjar Nyuh Kuning, Desa Mas, MAS, Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Telephone: +62 361974079
Website
At Sang Giri, you’ll be glamping high up in the mountains, where the cooling breeze of the night serves as the perfect AC! The 8 tents here come complete with en-suite bathrooms and a terrace. And nothing beats waking up to a magical sunrise amidst the mountain ranges.
Outdoorsy types will love it here – bikes and trekking boots are up for grabs at the camp for you to venture into the wild with.
Prices start from $136 per night. Book your stay here.
Address: Jatiluwih Kangin, Penebel, Tabanan, Jatiluwih, Penebel, Kabupaten Tabanan, Bali 82152, Indonesia
Telephone: +62 81558334888
Website
Tucked away in Ubud’s jungle, Villa Pererepan is a dreamy vacay spot for you and bae. And since it’s the one and only villa in this secluded spot, you can be sure that there’ll be zero disturbances.
Built with bamboo, this rustic little villa resembles a cage – but with wide glass windows, it is by no means stifling.
A plunge pool with a view of the surrounding lush greenery is literally just a few steps away from your bed. The room is also filled with eco-friendly furnishing such as organic bamboo bed linen and a natural latex mattress.
If you’re up for exploring the wildlife in the area, you can bird and monkey watch at the villa. Binoculars and are available for loan so you can get up-close views of the island’s vivid birds. The villa also arranges transport to batik-making and jewellery-making workshops in nearby areas if you want to bring home a piece of Bali with you.
Prices start from $217 per night. Book your stay here.
Address: Jalan Melayang, Ubud 90571, Ubud, Pejeng Kaja, Tampaksiring, Bali 80552, Indonesia
Telephone: +61 416150655
Website
Surrounded by paddy fields, Bali Eco Stay is where you’ll be sleeping right next to nature. All 8 rustic bungalows come with a view of the unruffled countryside, and you can take a dip in the resort’s natural pools or waterfall to cool off.
For about $11 an hour, you can interact with local community by taking up kite-making, farming or basket-making classes – it’s a great way to immerse yourself in Balinese culture.
Prices start from $163 per night. Book your stay here.
Address: Kanciana Village, Kemetug, Gunung Salak, East Selemadeg, Tabanan Regency, Bali 82162, Indonesia
Telephone: +62 85100223732
Website
Floating Leaf Eco-Luxury Retreat is the ultimate getaway for frazzled city dwellers to get back on top of their game. Retreats are held all year round for solo travellers and groups, and they come packed with perks such as green juices, yoga classes, and organic food. The resort serves garden-to-table meals, and you can pick your ingredients yourself!
It’s all about yoga here – there’s a sprawling space specially for yoga classes, a variety of yoga equipment, and a salt water pool with lotus platforms for yoga sessions.
Prices start from $168 per night. Book your stay here.
Address: Jl. Pantai Purnama No.42, Sukawati, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80581, Indonesia
Telephone: +62 811380202
Website
To experience island living, spend the night in Riviera House’s bamboo huts. As you chillax on hammocks or sand bags in the shared spaces, indulge in fresh coconuts and ice-cold beers all day!
While there are no onsite cafes or activities, the huts are within reach of surfing spots, yoga studios and cafes frequented by locals. Don’t fret, your friendly hosts at Riviera House will book the activities for you! If you’re unsure where to start, the hosts’ favourite spots are posted on the website.
Here’s the catch – bathrooms are shared. But for $24 per night, it’s still a steal!
Book your stay here.
Address: Jalan Pantai Berawa, Banjar Pelambingan No. 40, Desa Tibubeneng, Kuta Utara, Tibubeneng, Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Telephone: +62 87860464541
Website
Bambu Indah was fashioned by jewellery designers who added a little luxe to eco-living. While each house has a unique character, our pick goes to the Copper House for its open architecture atop a spring water pool and copper bathtub.
Garden-to-table cuisine can be found at the resort’s restaurant, with ingredients straight from their own organic garden. Menus are built around local produce such as Balinese rice, herbs and vegetables. For ingredients they can’t grow themselves, the restaurant sources them from local farmers to sustain the local community.
The founders of Bambu Indah are also the owners of the Green School campus just a stone’s throw away from the villa. For $17, you can take a tour through the campus and learn how bamboo was used to create sustainable designs for the community. There is also a jewellery factory where you can see the campus’ designers at work! Tours start at 2.45pm from Monday to Friday, and 10.30am from Saturday to Sunday.
Prices start from $170 per night. Book your stay here.
Address: Banjar Baung, Desa Sayan, Ubud, Sayan, Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Telephone: +62 361977922
Website
Just a heads up: you’ll be sharing some space with monkeys at Mu Bali, an eco-friendly resort on a cliff. Mornings are met with fluffy bread and brioche, freshly baked in-house. No kaya or soft boiled eggs here, but there are homemade fruit jams to pair with your roti!
If eating clean is your mantra, look no further than the resort’s communal dining table. Ingredients are organic and locally sourced, and the menu ranges from Indonesian to French cuisine. For lunch, dig into the tempeh burger or homemade quiche. For dinner, the menu is seasonal, but some past dishes include pesto pasta and sauteed tempeh with peanuts.
If you’re in serious need of a pamper session, the spa at Mu Bali has jaw-dropping views of the ocean where you can unwind to the sound of crashing waves. All scrubs and oils are natural and free of chemicals.
Note: When you hear the sound of a gong, you’ll know that dinner is served!
Prices start from $176 per night. Book your stay here.
Address: Jl. Pantai Bingin, Pecatu, Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali, Indonesia
Telephone: +62 3618957442
Website
Sleeping underneath the stars just got a whole lot easier in Bali, with these transparent plastic Airbnb domes that completely slay the glamping game. Each dome comes with a cosy mattress, so you can lie amidst nature in ultimate comfort.
When night falls, relive the good ol’ days of school camps by huddling around a warm campfire, toasting marshmallows and listening to ghost stories – firewood can be purchased from the property. As you snuggle under the covers in the dome, gaze at the stars in the clear night sky.
The domes are just minutes from a secluded beach with soft sand where you won’t need to chope a sunbathing spot.
Note: You will be spending the night in the domes. If you need to access the toilets, they’re a short walk away at the main building.
Prices start from $120 per night. Book your stay here.
Skip the hotel chains and opt for a unique stay in one of these eco-resorts. Not only does eco-travel make travelling more sustainable for our Earth, it also provides wellness for your mind and body and will bring you closer to nature.
Eating out can get expensive and unhealthy. But there are many tingkat delivery options for…
A camera under $10? We won't gatekeep this no more!
Do you remember playing these arcade games in the 90s? From Daytona to Street Fighter,…
I hopped off the plane at the airport of one of these places with a…
This amusement park has tons of thrilling rides that’ll give you an adrenaline rush -…
Abigail Chue - Becoming an actress in Singapore When people entertain the idea of a…