We’ll bring you through some of the most unique hotels that you never thought you’ll find in Bali. Read on to find out!
1. Sleep with the lions at Mara River Safari Lodge, Gianyar
Ever wanted to dine with the rhinos?
Now you don’t have to fly halfway across the world to have an African safari adventure – you can get it at the Mara River Safari Lodge.
Located in the heart of the Bali Safari and Marine Park, this resort will definitely make your stay a memorable and unforgettable one, with its quirks and unique activities.
Photo via Abigail Chang
Not only will you get to feed carrots to zebras, rhinos and elephants right from the comfort of your own balcony.
View from balcony (Photo via Amesh Budiristio)
You’ll even get to watch the rhinos and zebras graze together while you are dipping yourself in the pool.
You can dine with lions at the in-house Tsavo Lion Restaurant too!
From honeymoon to family-friendly getaways, this resort is suitable for all. Couples will enjoy the romantic atmosphere at the restaurant in the evenings, while thrill-seekers can quench their thirst for adventure at the night safari, where you can come into close contact with predatory animals.
On a similar vein, young children will love the petting zoo, informational performances and the vibrant Disney-esque Bali Agung show, which also features props that are completely handmade by the staff!
We’d love to say more, but you’ll have to make a personal trip there to experience the wonders of this place. This we’ll say – you won’t regret it.
Photo via Stephawie, Mara Safari Lodge
Read our fun-filled experience at Mara Safari Lodge here!
Mara River Safari Lodge
Location : Jl. Bypass Prof. Dr. Ida Bagus Mantra Km. 19,8 Gianyar 80551 – Bali – Indonesia
Official site
Location : Jl. Bypass Prof. Dr. Ida Bagus Mantra Km. 19,8 Gianyar 80551 – Bali – Indonesia
Phone: +62 361 751 300
Official site 2. Stunning Eco-Friendly Jungle Retreat – Villa Pererepan
Here, what could be more romantic than being in bed together with your soulmate, watching fireflies casting their light over the beautiful jungle view?
Villa Pererepan (Villa Awang Awang) set along the Petanu river valley, surrounded by gardens and jungle and offering amazing views, this villa is perfect for nature-loving couples.
However, since it’s close to jungle, do be prepared for bugs, and well… a more ‘natural’ experience.
It’s also an eco-friendly accommodation – almost all the furnishings and materials used in the décor are sustainable.
And did you know, the design of both the villa and the plunge pool is based on one of nature’s great mysteries – the golden ratio (otherwise also known as the golden section or the golden rectangle)?
It encompasses the harmonic and symmetrical principles of nature itself. Nature expresses the golden ratio through a simple series of whole numbers which you may have heard of – the Fibonacci series.
Villa Pererepan, Ubud (From USD 163 per night)
Location : Jl. Melayang, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia 80571
Contact : +61 882271112
Check Rate on Agoda Official Site 3. Do a luxury rustic holiday at Thematic Village Houses at Bambu Indah, Ubud
Bambu Indah may have one of the best water villas in Bali, but that’s not all to it.
If you want to live the village life, these quirky themed houses may be what you’re looking for.
You can even climb up to a tree house in the compound that overlooks the valley!
Photo via sarahcatelli, shecooksshegardens.com
Or do a Tarzan swing across the natural pool!
Photo via sarahcatelli
Or enjoy a sunset cocktail on the Afrika deck, with majestic view of the rice fields and distant mountains.
There are eight different themed houses, and each is more beautiful than the next, the pictures say it all.
Deciding where to stay will be a blissful dilemma indeed!
Bambu Indah
Location : Banjar Baung, Desa Sayan, Ubud, Gianyar
Phone: +62(0)361 977 922 / +62(0)361 886 8807
Check Rate on Agoda Official Site 4. Feel like a mermaid at this Water Villa – Villa Laksmana II
Do you love water? Is soaking in cool calm water your favourite pastime, and you wish you were born a mermaid?
If so, you’ll love this exotic water villa, one of the rare villas you’ll find in Bali that’s completely surrounded by water.
In fact, the first thing that greets you upon entering the villa is the pool!
You also get two huge comfy beanbags for nights when you just want to soak your feet in the water and admire the starry night sky.
Villa Laksmana II (USD $212/night)
Location: Jalan Kayu Aya, Kuta, Bali, Indonesia
Check Rate on AgodaWrite up for Villa Laksmana II contributed by Candice Neo
5. Cozy up with nature at Desa Atas Awan
Desa Atas Awan certainly lives up to its namesake as the Village Above the Clouds.
It’s hard not to feel like you’re at the top of the world when you’re looking at views like this, no?
All three of the resort’s accommodation choices – Sunrise Suite, Bungalow and Sunset Suite – offer nothing but gorgeous views of the sweeping valleys and mountainous areas across the Munduk Andong Valley.
The large, floor-length glass windows will also immerse you in your surroundings – imagine living surrounded by untouched nature, yet still retaining all the modern comforts you need. We don’t think life gets any better than that.
And this.
Desa Atas Awan
Rooms from $83 per night.
Location : Munduk Andong Kelod, Baturiti, Bali, Indonesia 82191
Contact: +62 (0)81339406099
Check Rate on Agoda Official Site 6. Travel back in time at the secret wooden house
These swanky villages may be located right smack in the middle of Bali’s hustle and bustle, but it’s nothing like those boring apartments or run-of-the-mill villas that you’ll most likely stay in when you visit Kuta.
In fact, when you step into this accommodation, you’ll probably feel like you’re in ancient Bali. The five antique teak cottages available are found in your very own secret garden, surrounded by banana and coconut trees, as well as other exotic flora and fauna.
All the furniture in the rooms are also personally designed and made out of recycled wood.
Better yet, the compound is only a short distance away from the major tourist areas, yet still affords you privacy and a unique experience of true Balinese life.
Photos via Airbnb
Just don’t forget that it’s actually the year 2015!
Secret wooden house in Denpasar
Rooms from $35
Location : Jalan Gunung Soputan No 99a Gang Dukuh Anyar, Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia
Check Rate on Airbnb
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7. Go for eco-luxury at Sharma Springs Bamboo House, Ubud
What could be more eco-friendly than staying in a house made of bamboo?
It’s not just about the beautiful view and cool mountain breeze. You are staying at one of the most amazing examples of sustainable design.
Sharma Springs Bamboo House
Location : Tanah Ayu, Sibang Gede, Abiansemal, Badung 80352 Bali, Indonesia
Check Rate on Airbnb Official Site
Not an Airbnb member yet?
Location : Tanah Ayu, Sibang Gede, Abiansemal, Badung 80352 Bali, Indonesia
Phone: +62 361 469874
Check Rate on Airbnb Official Site
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Get a $25 credit by using this link
8. Camp in comfort at Sandat Glamping Tents, Ubud
The term Glamorous Camping perfectly defines the experience you will get when staying in one of these charming tents in Sandat.
Connect with nature without giving up the comfort and luxury of sophisticated furnishings – and of course, wifi.
Hardcore campers might frown at the concept, but hey, that’s how you ‘camp’ in style, isn’t it?
Sandat Glamping Tents
Location : Jalan Subak Sala Banjar Sala Ubud
Check Rate on Airbnb Official Site
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Location : Jalan Subak Sala Banjar Sala Ubud
Phone: + 62 821 44081998
Check Rate on Airbnb Official Site
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Get a $25 credit by using this link
9. Experience another world at your very own Hideout – Eco Bamboo Home with water wheel
If you ever want to try cosplaying Robinson Crusoe, the Hideout is the place to do it.
This secluded wooden hut, found on the Gunung Agung highlands, is set to give you all the privacy you need – and more. Its largely hidden location is not the only reason why it’s so unique though.
No, here’s the catch – the Hideout was handcrafted out of wood, and is also fully sustainable on its own.
Don’t believe us? You can check out that magnificent water wheel. This contraption is actually the only source of water and electricity for this tiny miracle in the woods!
The cozy atmosphere is also bound to make you feel at home, and for how it’s fully equipped with everything you can possibly need, the price for a night’s stay at this place also comes at a steal.
No matter what your six-year-old says, this is the best hiding place ever.
Eco Bamboo Home with water wheel
Rooms from $46
Location : Selat, Bali, Indonesia
Check Rate on Airbnb
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10. Live in paradise on earth at Sapulidi Bali
Want to live on your own island but can’t afford to do so (obviously)?
At Sapulidi Bali, you’ll no longer find yourself surrounded by people all day – instead, you’ll meet the pleasing sight of beautiful nature all around you.
The resort’s executive rooms all feature the magnificent view of a natural fish pond. But of course, you won’t have to swim with the fishes – private pools are provided at the back.
Photo via Geralda Nenni HP
Photo via cici-lestari
If you’re not exactly a fan of water, the resort also features superior and deluxe villas, which are surrounded by rice paddies far and wide.
Photo via destinebali, dueanphenjoop
In the evening, the setting sun gives an almost ethereal glow to the surface of the water and grass.
So when you look out your window at the endless greenery stretching ahead of you, it’s almost as though the rest of the world doesn’t exist.
And sometimes, we like it better that way, don’t we?
Sapulidi Bali
Rooms from $60 per night.
Location : Jl. Raya Pengosekan, Banjar Pengosekan Kelod – Mas, Ubud, Gianyar – Bali, Indonesia
Contact: +62 361 977309
Check Rate on Agoda Official Site 11. Chill in a quirky home at Room@Bali Hip Suites, Ubud
When you escape from the beach party scene of Seminyak to the quiet mountainous region of Ubud, you’d want to make the most of the tranquil view.
Room@Bali offers four private suites with stunning uninterrupted view of the Ayung river valley and a chic themed decor.
That’s not to mention it shares the same view with luxury resorts like the world renowned Amandari and Four Seasons Hotel, but at an affordable price of USD150 per night!
Room@Bali Hip Suites
Location : Jl.Raya Sayan, Kutuh, Sayan, Ubud, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Check Rate on Agoda Official Site
Location : Jl.Raya Sayan, Kutuh, Sayan, Ubud, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Phone: +62 361 8989403
Check Rate on Agoda Official Site 12. That odd-little bamboo house of Kali Manik Eco Resort
You’d almost think you’re staying in a strange odd-shaped version of a bamboo house.
The eco-friendly Kali Manik Eco Resort offers calming views of the surrounding greenery just across Kalisada Beach.
Each bamboo-built bungalow features a private terrace with a day bed and a hammock for guests’ to relax in.
This beachfront villa also features an organic restaurant which serves up Indonesian and international cuisine, an on-site library, and is just a five-minute walk away from the Kalisada Village.
Pemuteran dive centre is a 30-minute drive away, and you can even explore the Pemuteran hidden underwater temple!
And to get to West Bali National Park, it’s 40 minutes by car.
If you’re keen to go hiking, fishing or snorkelling, just let the friendly staff know and all will be nicely arranged for you.
Kali Manik Eco Resort (From $53 a night)
