mission & vision
There are several core ideas involved in the endeavor to create Jiwa as a destination for eco-conscious travelers. The most important to us is that we are authentic about our efforts, knowledge, and limitations in the area of sustainability. We have been very intentional in the design/building process with regard to limiting negative impacts to the land and community. That matters to us. Not as experts in the field, but as concerned human beings who understand the importance of living with our natural and human environments, not against them. While we have taken some positive steps in the imagination of the lodge, we have much still to accomplish and promise to learn and grow along the way. The following helps to illustrate our commitment and highlight the steps we have currently taken, but there is much more to come. Waste management, single-use plastic, and recycling efforts are still real issues in Bali. Our goal is to work with our community to find solutions to these challenges that work for everyone involved.
a Chemical-free stay
At Jiwa, we are committed to a completely chemical-free environment. All of our cleaning supplies, shampoos, soaps, and laundry detergents are made naturally here in Bali, using plant-based ingredients and traditional methods. By eliminating harsh chemicals, we protect the soil, waterways, and surrounding ecosystems that sustain this land. This approach also creates a healthier experience for our guests, reducing exposure to toxins and irritants while enhancing overall wellbeing.
It’s a simple but powerful way we care for both the earth and the people who stay with us. Support this effort by refraining from the use of personal chemical products during your stay.
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​We work with a variety of locally-based companies including:
Bali Asli (located just 30 minutes from Jiwa, family owned)
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Sensatia Botanicals (20% of revenue goes directly to employees)
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Eco Bresih (hand made in Bali, fully plant-based)
Wastewater gardens
At Jiwa, all wastewater from our bungalows, dining room, and bathrooms is carefully collected and treated through a natural, multi-stage process. Using gravity, filtration, and biological treatment, the water is cleansed without chemicals before being released into our wastewater gardens. These gardens allow us to grow papayas and other plants and fruit, turning what would otherwise be waste into a regenerative resource.
By treating and reusing water on-site, we prevent contamination of groundwater and nearby rivers. This closed-loop system protects the surrounding environment while supporting a healthier, more resilient landscape.
Natural living Pool
Our natural living pool is designed as a thriving ecosystem rather than a chemically treated facility. Using gravel-bed filtration, continuously circulating water, a wetland zone of living plants, and small fish, the pool stays clean and balanced without chlorine or harsh chemicals. This natural system supports local biodiversity while protecting surrounding soil and waterways.
For our guests, it offers a cool, refreshing swim that feels gentle on the skin, eyes, and senses. The result is a truly immersive experience—one that honors nature while providing pure, restorative comfort.
Solar
energy
Our solar panels play a key role in reducing Jiwa’s overall energy footprint. Generating approximately 30–40% of our power needs, they significantly lessen our reliance on nonrenewable energy sources. In times of inclement weather, the system helps ensure continued power for our dining room and reception, supporting comfort and continuity for our guests. Installed atop our laundry and storage facility, the panels also serve a dual purpose by shielding the building from excess moisture.
This helps keep the space dry and naturally reduces mold in Bali’s humid climate—an example of thoughtful design delivering both environmental and practical benefits.
Bird-proof glass
Throughout the lodge, we use bird-proof glass designed to protect local wildlife without compromising beauty or views. Subtle vertical adhesive lines help birds recognize the structure and avoid collisions—an important measure, as bird strikes kill billions of birds globally each year. This simple intervention significantly reduces harm to native and migratory species that move through the area. For our guests, the effect is seamless: the lines are elegant, unobtrusive, and often mistaken for a decorative design detail.
It’s a quiet example of how thoughtful choices can protect life while preserving a sense of openness and connection to nature. We are proud to report that, during the two years since installing these windows, we have not had a single bird death anywhere on the property.
Gardens & compost
Jiwa’s food gardens and composting system are central to our approach to self-sufficiency and land stewardship. Across the property, we grow a wide variety of fruit—including durian, papaya, pineapple, mangosteen, oranges, salak, coconuts, bananas, and duku—alongside food gardens of local spinach, vegetables, and herbs. This allows our kitchen to source ingredients directly from the land, ensuring meals that are fresh, seasonal, and deeply connected to place.
All biodegradable waste from the property—food scraps, garden trimmings, leaves, and select paper products—is composted on-site. The resulting compost is returned to nourish our gardens and trees, completing a natural cycle that reduces waste while enriching the soil that feeds both our guests and the land.
Materials
Our choice of building materials reflects Jiwa’s commitment to responsible, low-impact construction. Wherever possible, we source cement, gravel, and tile from local suppliers, reducing transportation-related emissions while supporting nearby businesses. All timber used at the lodge is farm-grown, ensuring forests are not depleted for our building needs. For our pool decking, we selected recycled plastic planks in place of wood, lowering demand for timber and supporting forward-thinking sustainability initiatives in partnership with ECOLLABO8. Continuing our search for innovative local partners, we worked with ALTERIZE for walls and flooring in several bungalows, incorporating rice husk and micro-cement to naturally cool interiors while adding an elegant, textured finish.
We have also made extensive use of bamboo throughout construction—a strong, fast-growing local resource that offers both durability and natural beauty. Traditional bedeg, inspired by woven bamboo patterns commonly found in Balinese art and design, has been seamlessly integrated across the lodge. Through these thoughtful material choices, we aim to build in a way that honors the land today while protecting it for the future.
Community Impact
Community is at the heart of Jiwa. We are deeply grateful to live among the villagers of Karya Sari, a small farming community known for its warmth, generosity, and beauty of spirit. Whenever possible, we hire locally, support our local Banjar, and contribute to village needs such as road construction, repairs, and community ceremonies. Our pathways have also created easier access for local farmers to reach their land, blending Jiwa naturally into daily village life. We strive to make Jiwa a place where our team feels valued and at home—through shared meals, team gatherings, a dedicated staff lounge, and an open, welcoming environment.
From guest experiences like sugar-making and jeep tours to handcrafted details such as sewn napkins and towels, we proudly collaborate with local families and artisans, ensuring Jiwa’s presence strengthens both livelihoods and community connection.