PURI LUMBUNG

Perched on the edge of a terraced rice field, with views of farmlands, volcanic peaks and the northern coastline, Puri Lumbung is just about as far off the beaten track as you can get in Bali.

Located in the mountain village of Munduk, Puri Lumbung's accommodations are in simple, unadorned Balinese cottages. Accommodations may be modest, but step out on your balcony and you'll be stunned by the dramatic views. Munduk is one of the most spectacularly scenic areas in all of Bali.

If you're looking for shops, nightlife, tourist attractions or a variety of dining experiences, Puri Lumbung is not for you. What Puri Lumbung does offer is an unprecedented opportunity to experience rural Bali. It's entirely up to you as to the degree to which you choose to observe or participate.

Perhaps you prefer to simply sit on your balcony and read a book, as local children come and go in the ricefields just feet from your balcony. Or, you might decide to take advantage of the wide range of classes offered at Puri Lumbung. Emphasizing local lifestyle and art, available classes include yoga, cooking, wood-carving, weaving, music, dance, healing massage and traditional games.

If you're looking for access to the very best trekking in Bali, Puri Lumbung is the ideal jump-off point. Guided treks range from a moderate hike through ricefields and farms to nearby Munduk Waterfall, to extremely challenging day-long jungle treks - and everything in between. The Historical Trek follows the route of the ancient Majaphit expeditions and includes a visit to nearby ruins. A canoe ride is included with both the Inter Lake Trek and the Tamblingan Lake Temple Trek. The Stone Water Spring Trek visits the Batumejajah settlement, where water comes out of stone. There are a total of 15 different guided treks available from Puri Lumbung.

Puri Lumbung is actively involved in promoting eco-tourism. Preservation of the environment is a way of life at Puri Lumbung, where the staff and villagers have been educated in the importance of conservation.

The staff has been well-trained in hospitality, as well. They're warm and welcoming; unobtrusive but eager to please - a balance that's tricky to achieve.

Staying at Puri Lumbung is a delightful, memorable experience for anyone wanting to escape the trappings of tourism - for at least part of the time they're in Bali.

Accommodation Categories:

• Standard cottages
• Family cottages (2)
• Deluxe family cottage (1)
• Alam Dewata villa (1)