offers vacationers a country-charm farm experience to reconnect with nature
Located in the scenic mountainous region of Pancasari
Bali Farm House offers visitors the chance to interact with friendly alpacas and other farm animals in the largest outdoor nature playground for family fun and bonding
With its playful natural landscape and expansive fields
Bali Farm House is more than just a tourist attraction; it’s a place to unwind and relax
The Tuscan-inspired modern country chic venue sits on a lush 4.7-hectare plot
with a 1,800-square-meter eco-friendly playground serving as the premier destination for both children and adults to enjoy fun farm activities for the whole family
the little ones can drop by The Nursery for cuddles with rabbits and guinea pigs or a visit to The Stable
continued with a ride on the back of a Shetland pony for a scenic tour around the farm
Those looking to leave with a memento of their time at Bali Farm House can take a detour to the Farm Shop for a gift or two
they can also book a two-hour farm photo session that can also include cameos by the friendly farm animals
Families can also have a picnic accompanied by donkeys for a more unique dining experience
while traditional sit-down options can be found at The Farm Pantry for coffee
The Barn restaurant offers farm-to-table Indonesian classics and Western favorites
With seating for up to 150 visitors both indoors and outdoors
the restaurant can also accommodate events
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Near the road from hard-partying Kuta to picturesque Lake Beratan
a massive luxury resort stretches languorously down a mountain ridge—not a particularly notable sight
but for the fact that this hotel sits dark and empty
Built in the 1990s and seemingly abandoned on the eve of its opening
the pristine modernity of this derelict building adds significantly to that giddy
something-bad-happened-here feeling that tantalizes ghost hunters and urban explorers alike.
The Ghost Palace Hotel—more formally known as the PI Bedugul Taman Rekreasi Hotel and Resort—lies overgrown with creepers
One story suggests that the real estate developer behind the project became cursed due to his corrupt business practices and subsequently went bankrupt
Another tells of a fully operational hotel filled with workers and guests
all of whom suddenly disappeared in one night
leaving specters and demons to stalk the hotel's empty corridors
Other ghostly accounts chalk up the supernatural presence to the spirits of laborers worked to death in the construction of the hotel
the actual history of the Ghost Palace Hotel is somewhat difficult to verify
but the most likely scenario is that it was built starting in the early 1990s as an investment project of Tommy Suharto
the youngest son of former Indonesian President Suharto
after being convicted of ordering the assassination of a judge on Indonesia's Supreme Court who had previously found him guilty of corruption charges. Subsequently
construction of the hotel ground to a halt and has never restarted
Now abandoned for over a decade, the building still bears the furnishings and fixtures of a hotel preparing to receive its first guests. A video from a recent visit to the Ghost Palace Hotel can be seen here
or PI Bedugul Taman Rekreasi Hotel & Resort
is located on the mountains in the central highlands of Bedugal
but the site can be entered at its highest point
entrance through the main gates is watched by 'security officers' and cleaners; at some point they began to take payment of about 10,000 IDR to enter the hotel
Meant to be one of the most extravagant hotels in the world
abandoned architectural gem in Mexico City
Spend the night in this former asylum for the incurably insane
which claims to be one of the most haunted places in the United States
Locals believe this abandoned ruin on the outskirts of Bucharest is haunted
A paradise hotel turned from opulent to overgrown
This semi-spooky remnant of an abandoned hotel provides fantastic views
Frank Baum wrote part of the "Wizard of Oz" series in this wooden Victorian beach resort
This abandoned hospital is one of the most haunted places in Costa Rica
Nestled amid the peaks and lochs of the Scottish Highlands
this inn and pub has played host to outlaws and ghosts
Bali has become one of the world’s most fabulous places to visit
each fully booked plane and the millions upon millions of arrival passengers each year in some way chips away at the exotic nature of this island paradise
The unexplored has sadly become the common with the steady flow of Instagram influencers who with each post to their followers make Bali’s hidden treasures
high in the mountains and far away from the nearest beach bar
that is still a place of untrampled beauty
That’s where you’ll find the little-known village of Bedugul and a lovely respite from the masses in the Saranam Resort and Spa
there is an unperceivable line of mass tourism in Bali that stops at Ubud
Beyond seems to be an unchartered territory that most outsiders do not dare to explore
At least that is what one would think as there is very little chatter beyond that imaginary border
and most recently Uluwatu have received the lion’s share of tourists staying at a plethora of these destination’s mega resorts and boutique hotels
Perhaps it is the distance from the airport or that it is just not popular for the TikTok crowd but for whatever reason
central Bali remains the delicious road less travelled
Beyond Bali’s latitude line of mass tourism is a simpler place where the rice patty fields are bigger
the valleys wider and the mountains are higher
The roads wind and turn through small towns up the mountain to a much higher elevation at 3000 feet above sea level where the air is noticeably fresher and even several degrees cooler
That is where you’ll find the Saranam Resort and Spa
along a roadside in the crossroads village of Bedugul
From the roadside you’ll see the parking lot and not much more but once inside
After a warm and genuine greeting by the staff
with beautiful objects d’art and glimmering marble floors
it is merely a frame and platform for the resort’s most riveting gem
The treasure is the breathtaking views of the steep tropical valley; surrounding tropical jungles
Throughout the stay at the Saranam Resort and Spa
these fairytale-like views steal moments to appreciate
after waking or during a contemplative moment during a candle lit dinner
The Saranam Resort and Spa is a complete resort set on 5,000 acres with 79 rooms and suites and 10 villas
and a massive free form infinity edge pool
The resort makes the ideal base to explore the area with countless activities to pursue on and off the property
The accommodations are exceptional with all the creature comforts that one would expect in a luxury mountainside retreat
The Deluxe Rooms are perched high upon the hillside with comfy king-sized beds
beautiful furnishings and contemporary design
The most compelling feature is the outdoor living spaces created to take in the stunning views of the valley
Just beyond the floor to ceiling sliding doors
the balcony spans the width of the room with deck furnishings ideal for an evening of watching the sunset over the mountains in the east or for a cup of coffee to start the day
The Hilltop Villas are on a hillside overlooking the property and have even more features and amenities
Inside the wooden houses are traditional Balinese décor
classic mid-century furniture and exposed rafters with king sized beds draped in muslin netting
The baths are lavish with a deep soaking tub ideal for relaxing after a long day of exploring
the resort’s speciality suites are fit for a king with outdoor showers and private pools
Dining at the resort is exquisite as well with several venues and both European and Balinese cuisine options
while most of the caring staff are from the nearby villages so there’s a certain authenticity that comes from that
Cafe Toya is located near the pool and is ideal for an afternoon lunch or a romantic evening dinner
Dining is available alfresco or from inside the contemporary designed restaurant area with sliding doors to allow in the fresh air and provide sweeping views of the pool and the valley beyond
L’Altitude Restaurant is the all-day dining restaurant offering incredible high-altitude views with large windows that open to let in fresh air and unobstructed sunsets during your meals
from lazing around the pool on chic day beds to more active pursuits
The staff literally could not be any friendlier and are happy to provide transport on a golf cart around the property from your villa or guest room
To get from the pool area all the way to the reception and restaurant areas above there is a nifty vehicular which is an elevator that travels along the ground at a 45% angle
The activities are endless from daily yoga classes provided by talented instructors to kid’s club by adoring staff so that parents can have some alone time
A stay at the Saranam Resort and Spa is about being surrounded by the beautiful natural surroundings of the area
Staff members are happy to take guests on an escorted rice paddy walk but expect a lot more that just a leisurely stroll
The walk is about two hours long and traipses through the fields adjacent to the property
verdant landscape and up close to the rice fields
and wooded areas with vistas over the valley
At the end of the trek guests stop at a local café for a fresh smoothie or perhaps a cold Bintan beer while overlooking the rice fields from the terrace
It’s a wonderful way to spend a few hours exploring the area and getting close to the fields
Away from the property there are countless adventures in the area
Some of Bali’s most incredible landmarks are in this region yet you’ll start to see more regional versus foreign tourists
Lake Bratan offers one of the island’s top 10 temples that date back to 1633
all offering plenty of locations to take your own enviable Instagram photos
The Bedugul Botanical Garden is one of the four main botanical gardens in Bali worthy of spending a few hours to explore the diverse flora with more than 400 species of orchids
For some local treats and great souvenirs to take back home
visit the local market with prices much lower than what you’ll find at the markets in the major cities
Arguably the most visited landmark in the area is the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces
comprised of unbelievable rice terraces as far as the eye can see and most stunning to behold
It’s a bit of a tourist haunt with many restaurants and shops around
You’ll see the local people working through the rice harvesting process
breaking the rice from the stalk and then preparing it for transport and drying
take photos from the areas set up for your ideal photo high above the rice fields
One experience that guests will never forget is to chase the area’s stunning waterfalls such as the Leke Leke Waterfall
After a 30-minute hike on a well-maintained trail
over a river and a suspended bridge are the falls
It is recommended to go early as you may just have the waterfall to yourself to dive into its fresh and clear waters that spill from 60 yards above
For many, Bali can be somewhat of a been-there-done-that destination. The first several visits are incredible and filled with wonder. After that, the crowds at the busy tourist destinations can make it feel somewhat trite. However, beyond the invisible line that stops at Ubud are untrodden adventures yet to unfold, such as those you’ll find in the Bedugul and its surrounds, and your stay at the Saranam Resort and Spa.
Bali is bringing the heat this year with numerous openings
including the kind of big-ticket luxury resorts and wellness experiences that make it the ideal escape for those looking to reconnect with nature and themselves
The long-anticipated Raffles Bali opened late last year in Jimbaran Bay
where guests enjoy the attention of a “well-being butler,” who does everything from drawing a bath with rose petals to providing aloe for over-sunned skin
Watch the sunset on the spectacular outdoor terrace of the Writers Bar
should you want to make your stay in Bali a little more permanent
Contact us at letters@time.com
February remains deep in Bali’s rainy season
with high humidity and regular afternoon rain showers
Storms can be intense but are often short-lived
with rainfall usually increasing in the afternoon or evening
creating an atmosphere that’s cozy for exploring indoor activities
February is a great time to see Bali in its lush
pack waterproof clothing and plan for flexibility in outdoor activities
but it can still be a good month for travelers looking to avoid high-season crowds
but you may want to enjoy Bali’s indoor offerings and cultural sites on rainy days
Take advantage of low-season rates for accommodations and flights
as well as a more peaceful Bali experience
may experience ocean debris washing ashore due to seasonal currents
Traveling in February offers a quieter experience in Bali
If you’re prepared for rain and have a flexible itinerary
humid days with temperatures averaging 27-30°C (81-86°F)
usually coming in heavy bursts during the afternoons or evenings
with some impact on water-based activities due to wind and currents
with temperatures around 22-25°C (72-77°F) and more consistent rainfall throughout the day
and rain spells may last longer than in coastal areas
Visitors should come prepared for damp conditions and possibly slippery trails in more elevated areas
The Bukit Peninsula experiences frequent afternoon rain but has the advantage of faster drainage due to its limestone terrain
as the ocean can be rougher during this season
The Nusa Islands share similar weather to the Bukit Peninsula
with warm days averaging 27-30°C (81-86°F)
though the islands’ scenic landscapes remain stunning
Bali Weather Guide
Jl. Bumbak 55Kerobokan Kelod, Bali 80361+62 (0)813 5368 4470(Get Direction)
Ghost palace: the former resort in Bedugul
Spooked travellers have shared photos from inside a "ghost palace" in Bali as floods of tourists return to the Indonesian holiday spot
Superstitious locals believe the so-called "palace"
has become haunted after being abandoned before ever taking on visitors
Thrillseekers keen to investigate some paranormal activity for themselves have taken trips to the eerie location
which is known as the Bedugul Taman Rekreasi Hotel & Resort
A pair of Aussie tourists shared mysterious photos taken during their visit to the dilapidated resort online last month
and described seeing what they thought was a "figure" with hands
"My mum and I were standing at the top of the stairs and I called out to see if I would get a response," a woman recalled on Facebook
"We both heard a disembodied voice and the air went very cold."
She shared a blurry photo she claimed showed a figure at the bottom of a set of stairs that had its hands reaching out to them
Her mum shared her own haunting experience from when they visited a few years ago
"It's definitely haunted and beautiful inside
Someone else claimed they had technology problems when they visited
"When my daughter and myself went there my camera started going off by itself
We also both thought we heard our driver calling for us
but when we asked him he told us he hadn't," she wrote
The resort was built over several stories with an abundance of separate balconies
Photos of its condition nowadays shows it has been entirely overrun with trees
while parts of its structure has suffered damage
Some have claimed the resort was developed by Indonesian President Suharto's son Tommy and was shut down following him being jailed in 2002
The establishment was never opened for public use
having been shut on the eve of its grand opening
Locals have previously shared unconfirmed stories of overworked labourers being killed while building the resort
Many believe they have remained at the site and continued to haunt it over the years
Others swirl rumours of a curse thrust on the businessman behind the construction
which left him bankrupt and unable to complete it
A HOTEL built by playboy businessman Tommy Suharto eerily sits rotting in the jungle
The Bedugul Taman Rekreasi Hotel & Resort in Bali has been abandoned for more than two decades and is now blanketed by weeds and vines
The abandoned site dubbed the "Ghost Palace of Bali" was destined to become a luxury hotel - but is now a desolate wasteland
Even locals on the Indonesian island have steered clear of the eerie remnants of the building
Legend has it that the would-be hotel is haunted by the ghosts of the exhausted workers who died there during its failed construction
Others claim the playboy businessman behind the development
Under a cloak of Bali's luscious greenery
the unfinished resort looks like the perfect playground for lost souls to wreak havoc
The main components of the hotel were completed before construction for the swanky accommodation came to a halt
Now all that's left behind is a series of powerful structures
grand staircases and incomplete guest facilities
Vegetation and wildlife have now taken up permanent residency - embalming every inch of the place in weeds
Stunning marble floors and traditional decorations have lost their former glory and now sport a coat of thick moss
Grass has sprouted up between the intricate stone tiling
while wayward leaves have wrapped themselves around the columns
A men's bathroom - kitted out with urinals and a sink - seems frozen in time
except for the swathes of mould growing on the walls
A series of incredible images taken by French photographer Romain Veillon have offered the world a glimpse inside the deserted palace
The Parisian snapper dared to step foot on the spooky site to explore the almost-regal ruins
Urban explorers and adventurous tourists have been attracted to the place
which is situated on the road from Kuta to Lake Beratan
thrill-seekers keen to witness the haunting beauty seem to be able to find a way inside
Some go in search of answers or signs - as even the ownership of the doomed hotel built in the 1990s has been called into dispute
The opulent resort is thought to have been bankrolled by Tommy Suharto
the youngest son of a former Indonesian President
The plan to open the establishment is then believed to have been scrapped in the early 2000s when he was jailed for corruption
Suharto was sentenced to 15 years for murder - which some people say sealed the fate of his initially promising enterprise
But others claim the hotel actually has links to Indonesian royalty rather than the scandal-hit playboy businessman
Locals talk of a frightful curse that was put on the resort developer
Taxi drivers dropping tourists off reportedly refuse to even enter the grounds in fear of the spirits and wait outside the gate
An urban explorer who braved the chilling expedition told how there is no sign of human presence - and that the building has been "swallowed" by nature
explained: "The abandoned building used to be a beacon of elegance and luxury in the area
the remnants of the hotel are largely swallowed by vegetation as nature continues to creep in
"The hotel is rumoured to be haunted by the spirits of workers who tragically died during its construction
"The empty halls and deserted rooms certainly give off a very creepy aura
in tune with the ghost stories and supernatural tales reported by many people who have visited."
The explorer, from the Netherlands
visited the hulking property in June this year
Roman described how rooms were littered with rubble
some bathrooms still had robes and other toiletries stashed inside them
Roman continued: "It is interesting to see just how big the hotel was
"Some might notice that some of the hotel’s features aren’t decayed but were never fully completed in the first place
many fittings and finishes have seemingly been left undone
adding to the mystery behind the hotel’s quick demise and the timeline of how it all happened."
Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click this link: thesun.co.uk/editorial-complaints/
digicultNetizens poke fun at Marina Bay Sands replica being built at Bali tourist attractionPHOTO: Facebook / Canggu InfoPUBLISHED ONAugust 21, 2020 6:15 AMByIlyas SholihynInspired by card decks
Moshe Safdie designed the grand Marina Bay Sands resort
now globally renowned as a prominent part of the Singapore skyline with its three main towers and a long skypark perched on top
Little would the legendary architect know that a cartoonish
amateur version of his work would pop up in the mountain lake resort area of Bedugul in Bali
Not much else was initially known about the project
it would seem that a mini-replica of the luxurious integrated resort is being built as an installation
which is part of an upcoming recreation spot
Pictures of the half-built replica popped up on the Canggu Info Facebook group
where the administrator joked that Marina Bay Sands has been moved to Bali
As it turned out, the exhibit is part of a Bedugul’s newest tourist attraction called The Bloom Garden. Aside from children’s rides, restaurants and cafes, Nusa Bali reported that there’ll be spots for photography
the Marina Bay Sands replica is said to be one of its biggest highlights
The development hasn’t exactly won a lot of praise
Both the Balinese people and Singaporeans expressed their confusion over the oddly-proportioned knock-off
Coconuts
There’s more to the Bali than Canggu and Ubud – escape the traffic jams and environmental woes of popular hotspots with a journey off the beaten track as the island grapples with a surge in tourism
it is possible the service will become permanent and replicated in other tourism centers
For visitors to the island who are eager to avoid the padat merayap (dense
creeping) road conditions of the southern regions
and to reduce their environmental impact while supporting local communities
Bali’s central and northern districts offer myriad options for responsible travel
As well as in the neighboring district of Kintamani, which averages around 1,700 meters above sea level, Bedugul’s nutrient-rich earth and cooler climate provide ideal conditions for growing arabica. On Lake Beratan’s western edge, Candikuning Coffee Farm produces specialty arabica beans processed with several methods and sold under the Infinity Coffee & Roastery brand
founded by Balinese coffee expert Gung Bagus in 2016
The resulting cups are available just a few minutes from the farm at The Joglo Beratan
as well as at the brand’s flagship stall at Matahari Terbit Beach and Warung Kecil Infinity on the Bypass
For culturally curious foodies, a visit to Pengalaman Rasa kitchen and culinary lab in Bengkala village
Buleleng regency is an essential experience
which incorporates traditional architecture principles and natural materials
head chef and Bengkala local Ayu Gayatri Kresna creates native dishes and drinks with fine dining flair
a steamed rice cake and spiced chicken dish unique to Buleleng
regales diners with vivid descriptions of the time-honored techniques used to create the flavorsome fare
as well as the local wisdom behind products such as palm sugar
as well as the traditional Balinese liquor arak and tuak
Around 25 kilometers east of Pengalaman Rasa in the small coastal village of Les is Amisewaka Desa Les Community Center
Amisewaka delivers vocational and life skills training to disadvantaged young people
with the aim of boosting their confidence and empowering them to find jobs in leading hotels and restaurants — one student from the center’s first group of graduates is now permanent staff at famed Bali restaurant Locavore
Amisewaka’s roof is covered in edible permaculture gardens and solar panels set against a backdrop of coconut palms
Students learn how to use the organic harvests to create healthy dishes and refreshments
while the excess produce and other goodies are sold at a weekly market held every Thursday from 1pm–4pm
consider making a donation or sponsoring a student
With international arrivals expected to exceed the provincial government’s target of 4.5 million for 2023
it is more important than ever for travelers to consider how their time in Bali impacts its environment and local communities
Exploring beyond the southern regions and supporting locally owned and operated businesses is a great way to start
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