Sarinbuana Eco Lodge~ Bali

During my trip in Bali I was fortunate to stay in some absolutely amazing hotels. One in particular, the Sarinbuana Eco Lodge, was truly magical. Located in the mountains about an hour north of Ubud this beautiful, hand-crafted lodge is nestled in a the wilds of a rain forest. Owned by an extremely adventurous and intriguing expat family from "down under", Norm and Linda are passionately devoted to permaculture practices and sustainable tourism. This is a truly authentic eco-resort in every way and they revel in sharing their enthusiasm and love for nature with guests who travel far and wide to experience their hospitality.

View from the dining room down to Kuta.
My first siting in nature of one of the most exquisite flowers in the world. This was just volunteering it's presence down the hill from from the dining room. Bali's abundant exotic beauty still abounds.



My lovely Orchid Room overlooking a panoramic view of jungle hills and valleys with the sound of a rushing creek below swollen from the occasional daily downpour.



Their pet guinea pigs and bunnies helping out with composting!

All our absolutely delicious meals were made fresh with organic ingredients harvested directly from the garden.

Here I am learning how to make the temple offerings that so profusely abound all over Bali. Girls learn from a very young age how to quickly create these for daily offerings. All materials are natural and decompose back into the earth or the bellies of street dogs. My teacher here had a good laugh at how difficult it was for me to put the bamboo twigs through the palm without tearing it. For me it was more a lesson in respect for those nimble Balinese fingers which can seemingly effortlessly make beauty out of everything.


Pics from a hike in the rainforest where I sampled my first cocoa pods. They were so sweet and tasted just like the sweet tarts I enjoyed as a child. I also enjoyed my very first experience with leeches that found their way into my sandals.... yuck.

Here is the trailhead leading into the rainforest. Seacology, an international organization based in Berkeley, has worked with Sarinbuana Eco Lodge to establish the preservation of this unique habitat. They provided the funding for a large community center and school in exchange for the 1,975 acre forest reserve. Please read more about the unparalleled work Seacology is doing around the world.