Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sarinbuana
The little village of
SARINBUANA
is tucked away on the southwestern slopes of Gunung
Batukaru. It's just a few kilometres west of Wongayagede, but feels more remote because no
roads link the two - access is via a loop road west of Tabanan, which has no sights per se so
receives few tourists. Yet the relative lack of visitors only adds to the appeal of the
eco- and
community-focused accommodation
hereabouts. A climate that is cooler at 750m altitude
than the sweltering plains below helps, too. These rainforest retreats are not for everyone -
if you value traditional hotel amenities or are nervous of nature, which is omnipresent, they
aren't for you. For everyone else they are tiny pieces of paradise; a chance to utterly escape
that deserves a few nights at least.
GETTING AROUND: GUNUNG BATUKARU AND AROUND
By car or motorbike
This area is inaccessible without your own transport or unless you're
on a tour. Be aware that signposts are sketchy up here - try to source a decent map and be
prepared to busk navigation.
On a tour
Many agencies in south Bali resorts offer trips to Pura Luhur Batukaru, usually
taking in the Jatiluwih rice terraces and either Pura Taman Ayun at Mengwi or Bedugul's Pura
Ulun Danu. SeeBali Adventures uses the area for mountain-biking, motorbike and quadbike
tours (from $79;
seebaliadventures.com
).
ACCOMMODATION AND EATING
WONGAYAGEDE
Prana Dewi
Signposted 1km north of Wongayagede village (right if coming from Jatiluwih)
0361 736654,
balipranaresort.com
.
If peace and quiet is your thing, this resort among
former rice terraces is your place: four rooms and eleven bungalows are styled in a sort of
rustic minimalism with views to Gunung Batukaru; a magic spot for occasional yoga and
meditation retreats. Has a springwater pool, and a restaurant (9am-9pm) which serves fresh
dishes like vegetable curry (main courses Rp40,000-65,000) made fro
m h
ome-grown
org
an-
ic red rice and vegetables. Can also provide trekking guides. Doubles
$75
, bungalows
$92
JATILUWIH
The Organic Farm
Signposted from Senganan junction 0813 5337 6905,
theorgan-
icfarmbali.com
.
Peace, solitude, calm - this is a small slice of rural paradise where simple is
best; think electricity, mattresses, mosquito nets and
mandi
“showers” in huts among aston-
ishing scenery. The farm is integrated in the local community so you can visit the village and
local houses with the owners, learn about the farm or go on day-trips in the jungle. Great
food
for guests, too, served at communal meals. Two nights minimum, reservations essential.
$133
SARINBUANA
Bali Eco Stay
Kanciana village, 5km south of Sarinbuana 0813 3804 2326,
baliecostay.com
.
This organic venture has five wooden bungalows with deep verandas and
