We were tired of scratching around like chickens amidst the chaos, heat and grime of lowland Bali, so we left Kuta for the mountains and found a gem of a spot. Bali Mountain Retreat lies on what must be the last pristine forested mountain left on the whole island, and offers a taste of what Bali must have been like in the 1950's or something. It is like another world up there and we both found it hard to believe there still exists such a quiet, serene and wild place hidden away on such a small heavily populated island. The views are astounding and I have never found a better place for meditation. The cafe views are tooooo good, and i always ate more courses than I should have, but the food is superb and I could not drag myself away from the views. We stayed for ten days and I ended up participating in a music retreat and wrote two songs whilst there. The proprietor, Richard is a great fellow and will look after your every need. The Balinese locals way up there on the mountain are soooo friendly, and I even had the opportunity to see a traditional Balian (healer) there for a healing for a long term minor eye ailment I had been carrying for many months. The healing involved what westerners might regard as a magical and well as more mundane, prosaic therapeutic interventions. I think my eye is feeling a bit better, but time will tell if my visit to the shaman fixed the problem. None-the-less it was a magical and enchanted encounter with a very traditional Balinese healer. Finally I have found a place where that traditional Balinese feel still endures, and whose staff are actually willing to take a bit of time out to teach you about their culture. We climbed the cacao trees with the locals at the retreat and i got to harvest and prepare my own wild crafted chocolate! The highlight for me though, apart from the music retreat which i thoroughly recommend if you go at the right time of year, is the serenity, quiet and the friendliness of the local staff, and their willingness to actually help you connect with the locals there. If you are lucky enough to go to Bali Mountain Retreat say hi to Richard and Rani and all the crew up there where the eagles fly, and tell them "chocolate fiend Robert will be back sooner than two shakes of a lamb's tail.

Bali Mountain Retreat offers a haven of peace and beauty. After travelling the steep & deteriorating roads to get there you really feel like you're away from the bustle of regular life.
The setting is amongst lush tropical gardens; beautiful stone pathways connecting the buildings.
The rooms are simple and clean & tastefully decorated, ranging from secluded honeymoon style, own bathroom, to a traditional rice house for those looking for a budget experience.
One of my favourite places to while away an afternoon is what was called the "Birds nest", a small, open style room set at the top of a staircase, with a perfect view of the valley all the way down to Denpasar. At night the lights of the city look magical, and sunrise is spectacular.
Extremely friendly staff are always cheerful and willing to help at any time.
And to top off this perfect retreat setting, the food is absolutely fabulous!
Although a little out of the way, Bali Mountain Retreat is well worth a visit for those searching for a peaceful Balinese experience.

We spent a glorious 3 nights at Bali Mountain Retreat and loved every minute of it. The host Richard has everything organised beautifully but still with a wonderful sense of relaxation. The rooms were clean and fresh,we had our own en-suite with shower. There is plenty to do as Mt Batukaru is close by. One can take a walk for half an hour an hour or all day. However long you like. If you want to take a walk to the top of the mountain (sacred to the Balinese people I believe) Richard can arrange a guide if needed. Or if you want to just chill out and do absolutely nothing this is the perfect place.Quiet and serene.There is a masseuse on hand for those wanting to really relax with a Bali style massage.The staff are friendly and the food is gorgeous with plenty of variety with a mixture of Balinese and western style meals.And there is always some other interesting traveler to talk to.Richard is always available to suggest things to do or arrange transport.This fabulous place was the highlight of our Bali trip and we wouldn't hesitate to give it the highest recommendation.

Wow! I just enjoyed my 4th blissful stay at Bali Mountain Retreat, and for me it truly gets better every time. As this has long been my favourite get-away spot in Bali, I figured it was high time to contribute another review. This place is PERFECT for anyone wanting to truly escape the 'mainstream mayhem' of the common tourist scene in Bali. If you are aiming for a deeper experience of nature, inner and external tranquility, soaking up one of the most traditional regions of the island, whilst enjoying refreshingly warm and personal - tasteful - hospitality... you're on the right track!
Entering the foothills of Mt. Batukau, above the bustling town of Tabanan...well, I didn't know what to expect the first time. After an exhilarating drive out of the chaos, up the winding, increasingly rugged road, to arrive at....BLISSFUL, intimate Bali Mountain Retreat. BMR host, Richard, is a gem; warm without pretense, immediately exuding the peaceful calm, normally associated with Balinese locals. This time I stayed in one of the Superior Teak House rooms - exquisite and spacious. Flower-folded towels, fresh mountain water, very comfortable bed, immediate hot mountain water. A stroll down to the retreat cafe offers an incredible view, and I often spend evenings gazing all the way to the coast from the vantage point of the Bird's Nest, directly above the cafe. The spacious, respectfully social restaurant also enjoys tree-top views, and the food is some of the nicest, non-pretentious cuisine I have experienced in Bali.
The high forests of Mt Batukaru always call to me when I stay at Bali Mountain Retreat, so I make it a point to get out for daily hikes to higher ground - so refreshing, and the local villagers are always generous with welcoming free smiles.
The in-house masseur, Lusi, is very gifted, offering personal treatments that stand out above the usual tourist treatments at standard venues in Ubud, Seminyak, Kuta, and Sanur.
The strongest sensation I consistently experience at Bali Mountain Retreat is one of INSPIRATION. Thank you, Richard and Rani (Richard's lovely, hospitable wife). I love the natural, often musical environment you genrously share - and of course, as you already know -- I'll be back!