Meet the most beautiful sunrises, discover mystic rituals of Bali, soak in a rose petal Jacuzzi, dine with candles in a forest, wander through the jungle, feed the monkeys, learn to cook Balinese food and visit the famous Ubud… Nandini Jungle by Hanging Gardens is hiding from the rest of the world in the depths of the jungle that makes it a great place for a spiritual journey on a sacred river in the middle of Ubud’s lush jungle.
Straight from the airport we go to the North of Bali, deep inside the island. Next to Buahan village and 30 min away from Ubud there is a breathtaking place where the Nandini Jungle by Hanging Gardens is situated. This place is absolutely magical thanks to its location and mystic atmosphere. Modelled on a traditional Balinese village and simply constructed from natural materials, the Nandini Jungle by Hanging Gardens effortlessly combines the luxury of a five star resort with the raw beauty of the forest below. The resort is built on a hill surrounded by beautiful jungles and finishes by a gurgling mountain stream and a sacred waterfall.
Approaching the hotel you can only see the endless jungles and rice fields. All the rooms are hidden from the prying eyes. There are traditional villas landscaped into the hillside and modern rooms, including the biggest Presidential Suite which is the biggest suite in Bali, built with a creativity and quality of workmanship that highlights the beauty of this area. Each offer stunning and uninterrupted views over the river gorge or the jungle, and a feeling of luxurious seclusion from the outside world.
We have chosen the Presidential Suite to enjoy the luxury and privacy of the hotel. As promised by its name it really offers the best comfort and service. It is truly priceless to wake up to the sounds of the forest and those magical Balinese sunrises!
The resort boasts a river flowing just below its premises, a river renowned by locals as one of the island’s strongest channels for the spirits of Bali. The journey to this mystical river involves descending 200 steps down the mountainside, a physical and spiritual descent that leads to a place where water and earth meet, where Vishnu and Shiva converge to create a sacred space.
The significance of this river is deeply rooted in local folklore and spiritual beliefs. According to Balinese tradition, the river serves as a channel for spirits originating from the island’s mountains and volcanoes. Blessed by a local priest, the river’s hidden wonders were unveiled, and its exceptional presence of spirits was acknowledged.
Visitors, including meditation gurus from around the world, attest to the profound energy of the river. Its powerful currents crashing against the rocks create an atmosphere conducive to meditation and inner peace, enhanced by the release of negative ions.
Yet, the mystery of the river extends beyond human perception. Despite the abundance of monkeys in the area, they refuse to approach the river and waterfall, leading locals to believe that the spirits themselves deter them.
In the hotel they really grow rice, as well as a bunch of different crops – from beets to ginseng. The territory of the hotel is a garden, the harvest from which can easily end up in your plate or cup. We must say that the guests are not only treated to environmentally friendly food from the garden, but also have opportunity to learn how to cook it all in a Balinese style. Learn how to source, prepare and enjoy wholesome cuisine and visit their small, yet growing organic garden to choose the right herbs for the delicious dishes the Chef will teach you.
We highly recommend to visit the Wild Ginger Restaurant. We bet you’ll be pleasantly surprised with the quality and variety of the food offered in the menu. We still remember it with a joyful smile! If you want to spend a romantic dinner in a private and relaxed atmosphere the Nandini Jungle by Hanging Gardens has something to offer. Experience the breathtaking beauty surrounding mystical Ayung River. Along the river, atop a cliff, overlooking the jungle, the culinary team can create an unforgettable private dining experience showcasing the flavors of Bali.
Local activities also include a bike ride through the surrounding jungle. You will be picked up early in the morning and taken through a thicket to explore a local village. We also recommend to visit the famous city Ubud. This is a place where traditional Balinese culture imbues every waking moment, where colourful offerings adorn the streets and where the hypnotic strains of gamelan are an ever-present soundtrack to everyday life. The most known attraction of Ubud is the Monkey Forest. It is home to Padangtegal’s Pura Dalem or temple of the dead. It is also home to a group of mischievous long-tailed macaque who will entertain you with their antics. Do keep shiny objects out of their sight, as they have been known to kidnap such items for ransom of a sweet or treat.
There are a few more attractions around which you might enjoy such as The Royal Palace, The Water Palace, the museum Puri Lukisan and the local art market Pasar Seni. The last one is a treasure trove of local handicrafts, home wares and quaint souvenirs for anyone looking to bring home a made-in-Bali product, spread over two floors. Fresh produce such as fruit, vegetables, poultry and local snacks can be purchased from the wet market located at the basement of the building. To snag the best bargains, arrive early in the morning and do not be afraid to haggle with the shop owners – it is a way of life here, and they enjoy the exchange.
Upon returning to the hotel you have to spend a few hours by the pool, which rises right above the river. Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere by listening to the sounds of the forest. Continue your relaxation in a truly magical Sungai spa in Nandini. Spa on the river means: Relax, Rejuvenate and Restore. Discover a soothing and restorative escape for your body and soul. Take a relaxing Balinese bath with rose petals overlooking the river and jungle while drinking a glass of champagne. We guarantee you’ll keep this moment in your memory forever!
The Sungai Spa offers the finest in luxury treatments and amenities. Take your spa experience to the next level by experiencing a real Balinese massage at the foot of the jungle waterfall. This is the perfect treatment for those who find it hard to unwind and relax during a regular massage. You can choose between two-hand and four-hand massage. The therapists will be rising the tension and applying advanced massage combinations of stretching and rolling movements with long, deep strokes. A mix of sounds of the nature, warm oils and a therapeutic head massage ensures you emerge completely relaxed.
Whether one interprets the river’s energy through spiritual beliefs or scientific phenomena, the shared experience remains undeniable. Nandini Jungle by Hanging Gardens offers not just a luxurious stay but a spiritual journey, where guests can connect with nature and explore the depths of their souls in a place where the mystical meets the mundane.
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