Sarinbuana Eco Lodge, Indonesia

Sarinbuana Eco Lodge is a sustainable retreat nestled in the lush mountains of central Bali, Indonesia. They are renowned for their commitment to eco-tourism, with a strong emphasis on environmental conservation and community involvement. As a family-run establishment since 2000, the lodge has transformed from a secluded farmstead into a pioneering eco-accommodation provider in Bali.

The operation is deeply connected to both the local community and environment, guided by principles of sustainability and regeneration. Sarinbuana Eco Lodge strives to provide lasting benefits to their surroundings while delivering a unique, engaging, and memorable experience for all guests.

Sustainable practices: They focus on minimising their ecological footprint by using renewable energy sources, implementing waste reduction strategies, employing chemical-free cleaning methods, and sourcing food, services, and supplies locally.

Accommodations: Sarinbuana offers a variety of eco-friendly lodging options, from charming bungalows to self-contained cabins, all designed with permaculture principles to harmonise with the surrounding nature.

Activities: Guests can engage in a range of eco-focused activities, such as guided nature walks, bird watching, and exploring nearby waterfalls. They also offer opportunities for cultural immersion, including traditional Balinese cooking classes and various local-led workshops.

Restaurant: Their restaurant aims to provide fresh garden-to-table meals, with vegetarian and vegan options as the main feature. They do not use palm oil or MSG (Monosodium glutamate), and the restaurant is open to outside guests, set against the stunning backdrop of Bali's lush valleys.

Community engagement: Sarinbuana collaborates closely with the local community to support initiatives that promote sustainable livelihoods and education. They also work with local leadership to advance various projects, including road safety, waste collection, and a village statue.

In summary, Sarinbuana Eco Lodge offers a unique experience for travellers seeking to connect with nature while supporting environmental and social sustainability.

What is special about the Sarinbuana Eco Lodge?

Sarinbuana Eco Lodge is a pioneering establishment in committed ecotourism, nestled amidst lush food forests on the verdant slopes of Mt Batukaru. What sets them apart is their genuine commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. Their eco-lodge exemplifies that it is possible to succeed in business while being faithful to the natural environment and local community.

They prioritise a small, intimate experience, allowing guests to connect with the real Bali while contributing positively to the local area. Each of their six unique bungalows offers comfort and stunning views. Their restaurant boasts incredible vistas and serves delicious, healthy meals. Guests can also enjoy a beautiful natural swimming pool (using living water, free from chlorine) and a luxurious wood-fired sauna.

Their organic gardens provide many of the fresh vegetables, herbs, and fruits served. Activities cater to nature lovers and those interested in Balinese culture, with options for massages following guided walks through the protected rainforest, as well as workshops in Balinese cooking, carving, flute making, and traditional medicine.

Their eco-tourism model is built on tangible actions. They have recently invested in a solar energy system that now supplies about one-third of their energy needs. Additionally, they have leased land alongside their creek to restore it to nature by replanting native species.

What unique features are incorporated in the Sarinbuana Eco Lodge?

At Sarinbuana Eco Lodge, there is a strong focus on eco-principles, ensuring they remain a priority in every aspect of their business—this is their unique feature. They strive to integrate their operations sustainably with the natural, social, and built environments in their local area, constantly developing new projects and systems to achieve this goal.

They believe it is not enough merely to use natural cleaning products, fresh local produce, or energy-efficient appliances; these should be standard for any responsible business. At Sarinbuana Eco Lodge, they aim to regenerate nature, create an exceptional experience for guests, and advance their community.

Over their 20 years of operation, they have observed a significant increase in the number and diversity of bird species around the lodge. This inspired their latest project: the creation of a wildlife sanctuary. They aim to expand the protected area around the lodge, allowing local flora and fauna to thrive while planting native tree species to regenerate the ecosystem. This will also enable them to participate in more wildlife release programmes.

What activities are being offered at the Sarinbuana Eco Lodge?

There is so much to do at the lodge, but simply relaxing is also a popular choice! Their activities have been developed by the Balinese community to share this knowledge with guests. These offerings allow visitors to engage and learn directly from the local community while contributing to village life and the conservation of the natural surroundings.

Here are some options available to guests:

• Nature and educational hikes (3-5 hours): Through local rice paddies and farmland, or more challenging treks into the nearby Batukaru rainforest.
• Downhill bike rides: From the mountains to the coast, this is a fantastic way to explore Bali’s farming villages
• Sauna: Relax in the wood-fired sauna.
• Yoga: Enjoy yoga in their treetop bamboo space, available for use whenever desired.
• Wellness: Soothing and restorative massages are provided by skilled local masseuses, each with decades of experience.
• Arts and crafts: Carving workshops with a talented friend, who will guide participants in either stone or wood carving during a two-hour session.
• Cooking: Join cooking classes with their head chef, who will generously share recipes for guests to recreate at home.
• Small excursions: Short walks to discover private waterfalls and pools.
• Gardening: Join a free garden tour to delve into tropical gardening and permaculture.
• Birdwatching: Early morning birdwatching tours or night spotlighting walks.
• Language class: Participate in their weekly English class and traditional dance lessons for local children.
• Workshops: Explore many more workshops, including bamboo flute making, traditional plant medicines, calligraphy, and Balinese costume and language classes.

Reviews - Listen to some voices about Sarinbuana Eco Lodge

Jungle Eco Lodge adventure by Bridget

Staying at the eco-lodge was an amazing and unique experience. We stayed in the Rupah Manis bungalow which was very spacious for myself and my husband. The views of the jungle were spectacular and peaceful. There is plenty to do at the eco-lodge despite its remote location. We did self guided yoga, a guided jungle hike, massages, and a cooking class, as well as swam in the waterfall swimming hole and learning about the plants grown in their garden. You must be ok with nature to stay here - we had some visitors in our room (lizards and slugs!). This is the jungle!! The staff were so friendly and kind. Especially liked the wood-fired pizza night.

Paradise on the mountain by Karen

Sarinbuana Eco Lodge was a delightful surprise from beginning to end. The location is superb, high up on Mt Batukaru, the views are magnificent, and the accommodation is comfortable, private, and beautiful. The staff were friendly and welcoming- as present as needed at all times. And then there was the food- spectacular- delicious, fresh, and largely acquired on-site. I have rarely eaten so well. I can’t recommend this Eco Lodge more highly- I loved my time there.