In our former lives, Valerie worked as a CPA while I spent my days in educational leadership. After many years in our respective fields, we began struggling to extract the essential joy needed to grind through the nine-to-five in Los Angeles. There was a soullessness in the hustle that no longer balanced with what we wanted from life. Firm believers that there is still wonder and beauty in the world, Val and I dreamed about building something where these beliefs could grow and be shared with fellow travelers. Jiwa Eco Escape is the result of that dream.

 

Jiwa is a boutique eco-lodge in the small farming village of Karya Sari, Tabanan, on the slopes of Mt. Batukaru. It was created as a place where people and nature can thrive together. Spread across a hectare of lush forest, it spans two properties connected by a small farming road. Buildings have been built using bamboo, farm-grown timber, and other natural/local materials wherever possible, blending into the landscape with minimal impact. The lodge runs entirely without chemicals—using plant-based cleaning and laundry supplies, natural soaps for the bathroom and shower, and waste-water gardens to filter and reuse all black and grey water. The lodge also hosts an all-natural, living pool. The glass in our windows has been bird-proofed, keeping the forest’s wildlife safe as it flows around us. This first-of-it's-kind approach eliminates deadly bird-strike throughout the property. Finally, our solar paneled storage room allows us to reduce electricity consumption and keeps the lights on should weather cause trouble.

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Jiwa's six bungalows were designed in a modern organic style, featuring natural finishings with a touch of luxury. Each offers privacy and quiet immersion in the surrounding forest with views across lush valleys, clean flowing rivers, and terraced rice fields. Designed for simplicity and comfort, the bungalows provide a gentle balance of rustic charm and natural beauty.

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The shared spaces at Jiwa are shaped for rest and renewal. The natural pool, wood-fired sauna, and massage bale invite deep relaxation, while our yoga and retreat platform opens into the canopy, perfect for movement, meditation, or stillness. In the open-air restaurant, we serve wholesome meals inspired by our hometown favorites and local flavors, made to nourish both body and spirit. Jiwa Eco Escape is more than just a place to stay—it’s a chance to slow down, reconnect with yourself, and pass some time in nature's embrace.