We recently spent four nights at Bali Eco Stay on the slopes of Mt Batukaru. This small and sustainable Eco retreat offers fantastic views across rice paddies down the slopes of the mountain and to the ocean in the distance. Accommodation is in open Balinese bungalows which are homely and comfortable. We enjoyed relaxing afternoons in our open living area and could not get enough of the views and the lush tropical landscape.
Be aware that this is a different style of five star accommodation. There is no airconditioning or mini bar and the narrow walkways can be steep and slippery in the humid climate. There is no pool but a lovely swimming hole that forms part of the river used to water the rice fields. And when you turn the lights on at night you will attract insects. Mosquito nets on beds are provided. Also be aware that while there is a lovely breeze which keeps you comfortable in your bungalow, outdoor activities will get you sweaty and wet and it takes a long time to dry your clothes. So pack accordingly. You can get your clothes washed and dried, though.
What is missing is terms of Western "creature comforts" is easily made up for by the serenity and beauty of the environment and the hospitality of your hosts. Right from my first inquiry via email we felt well taken care of. Transport from our other hotel on the North Coast was easy and it is recommended to use Bali Eco Stays drivers as the roads leading up to it are very steep and washed out by rain. As soon as we arrived we were greeted by Mini, one of the owners and also the head chef of Kupe Kupe restaurant, and after quickly checking into the beautiful Rice Water bungalow we enjoyed lunch at the restaurant. Mini and her staff are excellent cooks and most of the food you eat is organic and grown on the property. The fiddle tip (fern) spring rolls with feta cheese and peanut sauce were a terrific example of modern wholesome fusion cuisine. We thoroughly enjoyed every meal and every heavenly smoothie or healthy juice drink at Kupe Kupe, and if you are willing to pay a bit more, wine and other alcoholic drinks are also available. They make a great gin and tonic. You normally pre-order your meals in the morning or evening since the restaurant is small. And again, the view from the restaurant is nothing but spectacular. Truly an experience, even if it rains. We were there at the start of the rainy season.
We did a great walk on the property up the mountain and back through the rice fields as well as a mountain bike trip down to the ocean which was great fun. Bali Eco Stay offers a plethora of activities from bushwalking to crafts and cooking classes. What is great about them is that they are run by the local community in Kinciana Village and your money helps to run a sustainable and environmentally friendly tourism and community development project. Our guide, Alit, was really friendly and explained a lot of details about Balinese culture and everyday life. He also shared our concern about the often unsustainable tourism that you encounter in other parts of Bali. To us it seemed that the partnership between Mini and Agung as local owners and John and Cath Blundstone originating from Australia is a viable and more sustainable alternative that helps sustain local communities while offering an Eco-friendly and welcoming experience. We would love to come back and definitely recommend Bali Eco Stay to our friends.