Staying at Ulaman Bali Eco Retreat: Review, Guide + Tips

Ulaman Bali is a new boutique eco-retreat that was only opened mid-way through 2020. It features incredible wavy and earthy bamboo architecture, sweeping jungle views, beautiful pools, and essentially everything you would want out of a more remote and extremely visually and spiritually pleasing getaway.

Ulaman Bali Eco Retreat is an ‘eco-luxe’ resort with 8 beautiful bungalows and 3 unique rooms in the main building, and a whole new ‘phase 2’ section that I have yet to see, but looks beautiful.

Complete with a spacious hilltop yoga shala, a beautiful open-air spa area with a variety of treatments, and an on-site restaurant with delicious locally sourced fare, you have all you need in one place.

Here in this Ulaman Bali Review/Guide, I will tell you all about our two-night stay in the Paras Bungalow. I will share any tips we have from our experience, our photos, anything we learned, and what we recommend for your visit!

Ulaman Bali Story and Vibe

The idea behind Ulaman was to come close to the earth, promote wellbeing and eco-consciousness, and to have a more Ubud-style vibe closer to popular Canggu. Why travel all the way to Ubud when you can find luscious jungle and bright green rice paddies near the coast, too?

I must admit that I assumed Ulaman was in Ubud when I first saw photos of it. I was surprised and impressed to learn that it was so close to expat central Canggu, but truly immersed into nature. With tons of eco-initiatives, and everything you need for a zen getaway, I was intrigued immediately.

Ulaman is truly close to Balinese culture and people, while providing a space for travelers who enjoy experiencing something unique and rejuvenating.

Chatting with the Owner

We got the opportunity to meet the owner, Dino – an Italian Canadian who has been coming to Bali for 22 years – and hear a bit of his perspective and story. With a background in real estate and restaurant ownership, he combined his skills to create the masterpiece of Ulaman Bali.

He actually didn’t even plan to make a resort, rather a beautiful home of his own in the jungle near the meeting of two rivers (the name ‘Ulaman’ is actually the name of the river). As a lover or protecting the environment, he spoke to builders and architects who could create buildings from natural materials – hiring Inspiral Architects for the job.

The retreat ended up expanding more quickly than anticipated. Once the first house was built, they added two villas by the side for guests. It was at that point the ‘go big or go home’ mentality took over, at which point 6 more pool villas were built to compete the 11 rooms.

The rooms are all built from bamboo, wood, stone, and a fascinating material called ‘rammed earth.’ Rammed earth is essentially made by using earth from the land, adding a few ingredients, and ramming it so tightly together that it becomes stronger (and more aesthetically pleasing) than concrete!

One of my favorite things that Dino said was that he wanted Ulaman to be a welcoming and inclusive space for all. From people who want to meditate, do yoga, and drink tea to those who want to drink cocktails, smoke, and celebrate – to people who sway between any extremes – he envisioned it as a haven for all to be themselves.

Dino’s Vino – Ulaman Wine Cellar

As a passionate winemaker, Dino brought his skills over to Bali with him to make his own line of artisanal wines. Bali is not known for its wine – and Dino knew this – so he decided to make his own. In Ulaman’s Wine Cellar – dug into the rock beneath the yoga shala – you can look around his personal collection and maybe even buy a bottle or two.

I highly recommend it! Tt was the first time I’d had good wine in a VERY long time in Bali and what better way than straight from the winemaker?!

Ulaman Bali Phase 2 Plans

Think Ulaman already looks incredible enough as it is? Well, you’re 100% right, but there are actually still some BIG plans in store for expansion. Ulaman’s phase 2 expansion plan has finally been completed, and make the property that much more incredible.

The plans firstly and notably include a plan for a turbine that will use the power of the river to create energy to power the resort. This will expand the eco-initiatives even more by creating power from the land.

Next, there are plans to double the size of the resort with a bridge over the river. Plans include a dam to make the river into more of a lake and store power (swimmable too), incredible lotus-style bamboo dining areas, a larger restaurant, and even more private bungalows – some built raised up in a similar style to the yoga shala.

In short: it’s going to be EPIC!! I can’t wait to see how phase 2 goes – planned to open in mid-late 2021. They plan to use the river to power the resort and use a dam to store energy also.

Rooms/Accommodation at Ulaman Bali

There are currently 11 rooms at this boutique eco-retreat – with space for a total of 22 people. It’s small and intimate – which is just the kind of hotel I love! There’s plenty of beautiful space to relax and enjoy the jungle.

The room prices are extremely fair for what you get – especially at the same price as a low-grade hotel in the US or Australia! In my opinion staying here is a very worthwhile splurge to have a unique experience – something I value above all else as I travel!

Main Building Rooms: Cocoon Upper Deluxe (2) and Deluxe Suite (1)

Price: 2020: 2.5m/1.75m/night IDR

The beautiful main bamboo house has three extra-deluxe rooms. The upstairs rooms are nearly like pods, or cocoons, with round outsides and luxurious designs. The downstairs Deluxe Suite opens up to the pool and main path.

These are the more luxurious rooms of the resort. Although all are very unique and photogenic, these are the most so.

1 Bedroom Private Pool Villas

Price: 2020: 1.5m/night IDR

Apart from the main Cocoons, there are eight 1-bedroom bungalows along the property. These bungalows are cheaper and, depending on which one you choose, a bit more secluded/private. Each is it’s own self-contained house with a beautiful sweeping bamboo roof, curved private pool, and jungle view. They are a fantastic value!

Which Rooms I Recommend at Ulaman Bali

Bambu – If you want to splurge on a deluxe room, I would choose this ‘Cocoon Upper Deluxe’ room. It’s on the second story, so offers more privacy than the Deluxe Suite below, and faces the rest of the property with a lovely balcony view (the room on the other side faces a wall and is directly above the main restaurant and bar).

Paras – This is the Villa we stayed in. It’s a bit more private, near the edge of the property, and has a great view of the other bungalows and architecture from the private pool.

Batu – if you want a view of the main pool from your own private pool, as well as more of the beautiful buildings, this is a good room to choose. It won’t be as secluded though.

Kayu – This is an outside room one row back from the rooms next to the pool area. As it’s near the road and only next to a small walkway, I would say this is probably the most secluded room on the property if you want privacy.

Ulaman Room Amenities

The rooms and villas at Ulaman are equipped for comfort. That means white robes, slippers, speakers, a flat-screen TV, a warm bath, and all the trimmings. You’ll have a coffee machine and pods, water refilled daily, a mini-fridge, and a closet. The bathroom has a hair dryer, shampoo, conditioner, and soap ready.

The rooms are spacious (especially the upper cocoon deluxe rooms) and beautifully decorated with tasteful and earthy art. The atmosphere inside and outside the rooms at Ulaman is simply delightful – truly.

Ulaman Bali Eco Inititiatives

Ulaman is an eco-conscious property that uses locally sourced products and locally farmed food. They work with the local villages to ensure proper consumption and waste management, and are again in the process of creating a turbine that will utilize the power from the river on the property to create energy to power the resort.

All the building materials are natural – wood, bamboo, and rammed earth, and you’ll find tropical plants, colorful flowers, fruit trees, and an organic garden as you explore the beautiful grounds. So basically, you can feel good about staying here!

Ulaman Bali Yoga + Retreats

The yoga studio here is perched atop a small cliff overlooking the pool and restaurant. It’s a STUNNING space surrounded by jungle where you can clearly hear the flowing river and waterfall. All yoga supplies – mats, blocks, pillows, blankets, and even straps and oils- are provided.

There is an extra cost to take a class or request a teacher, but you can also use the space for free and take an online class or make up your own.

Ulaman is also home to many different kinds of retreats, including yoga retreats, juice cleanse programs, and other wellness getaways. Check their website to see what might be coming up!

Ulaman Spa

The Ulaman spa is in the lovely twirly snail-shaped building next to the pool. Adorned with white curtains, the space has two massage tables open to the breeze and jungle sounds.

While still more expensive than a ‘regular’ Bali spa (of course), the spa treatments here are reasonably priced. You’ll pay 250k for a 60 minuet full body Balinese massage or 125 for a 30 minute foot massage. They also have epic couples honeymoon packages and other special massages like hot stone and lomi lomi.

Ulaman Food

The food here is fantastic! While some menu options may seem basic at first glance, each dish comes out with a truly flavorful Ulaman twist and lovely presentation. Expect spring rolls, different kinds of sate, wedges, and salads for starters (about 60-90k each), different kinds of flavorful pasta, pad thai, nasi goring, chicken, and fish and chips for mains (100k-125k each), and some spectacular creative desserts such as banana chocolate ’sushi.’

Food recommendation: Starter: Sate Lilit (comes on a smoking charcoal mini grill), Chicken Bumbu, Banana Chocolate Sushi

Floating Breakfast at Ulaman Bali

Ulaman also offer’s their version of Bali’s famous floating breakfast! I mean, did you even come to Bali if you didn’t have a floating breakfast?!

You can pre-order your breakfast either to your room or in the main restaurant area – and you can specify the you’d like the floating tray also. It’s the perfect place to have this Bali culinary experience, and even better for photos!

Things to Do Around Ulaman Bali

As this really is a self-contained retreat, I personally recommend spending as much time as possible soaking up the amazing architecture, crystal-clear pools, delicious food, and relaxation. Ulaman is quite remote and quite literally surrounded by rice fields, so relish in the vibes of the deep jungle and endless green.

That being said, make sure to take some time to wander through the rice fields! They extend in every direction around Ulaman and are lovely for fresh air and obviously also for photos!

The closest central area is a small area called Pandak Gede – where you can find an ATM and some shops. But, as it’s on the other side of a canyon, it’s still a 10 minute drive.

Tabanan Central is a 20 minute drive from Ulaman Eco Retreat. Canggu central is closer at 18 minutes away. Getting to Ubud from Ulaman will take you about 45.

Thanks to Ulaman Bali for hosting us, but as always all words are my own!

Make sure to check out some other awesome Bali experiences:

Unique + Boutique Hotels in Uluwatu – Uluwatu Food Guide – Ubud Restaurants with a View – Bali Helicopter Ride – Uluwatu Bars Guide – Best Nusa Penida Beaches