The hype
Guests are blown away by the pool and the views, but many feel the rooms are starting to look tired for the price point.
Hanging Gardens Of Bali
$600-1200+/ night
Book this if You want the ultimate 'Tarzan meets luxury' honeymoon where the pool is the destination and you don't plan to leave the property.
Why People Love It
- The world-famous twin-tiered infinity pool that actually lives up to the hype
- Funicular rides through the jungle canopy to get to your room
- Total immersion in the rainforest with monkeys often visible from your balcony
Quick Take: A bucket-list visual masterpiece that relies heavily on its iconic pool and jungle setting to distract from aging hardware and exorbitant dining costs.
Reviewed by @Recommendotel_: I stayed at the Hanging Gardens and it was surreal. The funicular ride down to my villa set the tone immediately—total seclusion. Swimming in that famous tiered pool while looking out over the dense jungle was the highlight of my trip. It's the ultimate romantic hideaway.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
You are a captive audience for food and drink, and the prices reflect that (e.g., $80+ USD for dinner per person).
- You are on a honeymoon and want privacy
- You are an influencer or photographer chasing *that* pool shot
- You love the sound of a rushing river and jungle insects while you sleep
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
- Housekeeping: Daily service is thorough, with evening turndown. They do a good job fighting the jungle encroachment.
- Bathroom hygiene: Generally clean, but the open-air design means you might find a stray leaf or ant. Terrazzo tubs show some age.
- Maintenance: The property is nearly 20 years old and it shows in places—weathered wood, some peeling paint, and 'tired' soft furnishings.
- Linens & towels: Clean and high quality, though the humidity can make them feel perpetually damp.
- Odors & scents: Fresh jungle air, occasionally damp/musty in lower villas due to lack of direct sunlight.
Sleepability™
8SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Roaring Ayung River (white noise for some, loud for others)
- Cicadas and jungle wildlife at night
- Funicular mechanical noise if you are in a villa directly next to the tracks
Before you book
Good to know
- The hotel is in Payangan, not central Ubud—factor in travel time for excursions.
- Monkeys are common and will steal food left on your terrace; keep doors locked.
- Breakfast is often not included in the base rate and costs ~$60 USD per person.
What to pack
- High-strength DEET insect repellent (the jungle is real)
- Lightweight rain poncho (funiculars are open-air)
- Slip-on shoes for easy transition between villa and pool
Room Genie
Best picks
- Panoramic Pool Villas (higher up) for maximum sunlight and sweeping valley views
- Riverside Villas (like Villa 71) for total privacy and soothing river sounds, though they can be darker
Rooms to avoid
- Villas directly adjacent to the main pool/restaurant level if you want total privacy
- Lower-level villas if you struggle with humidity or darkness
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am celebrating a special occasion and would love a Panoramic Villa on a higher level for the best light and valley views. Please avoid units directly next to the funicular tracks to ensure quiet.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the pool really that good?
Yes. It is an engineering marvel and arguably the most photogenic pool in Bali. It is heated, which is rare and welcome in the cooler jungle air.
Can I walk to Ubud center?
Absolutely not. It is a steep, winding 30-minute drive on narrow roads. You cannot walk it.
Is it kid-friendly?
Technically yes, but not really. Steep drops, open water, and a quiet 'honeymoon' vibe make it stressful for parents of toddlers.
How is the food?
Good but overpriced for Bali. You are paying for the view and the logistics of getting ingredients there.
Does the funicular break often?
It has a reputation for being temperamental. It moves slowly. If it breaks, staff will help, but it can be an inconvenience.
Are there bugs in the room?
You will likely see ants, geckos, or moths. It is an open-concept resort in a dense rainforest. Housekeeping is good, but nature finds a way.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Book a spa treatment to access the 'Spa Collection' area, which has its own stunning views and river access.
- ✨
The 'Romantic Dinner' by the temple is expensive but offers the best private view of the illuminated pool at night.
- ✨
If you get motion sickness, the funicular ride is slow and smooth, but the drive *to* the hotel is very winding.
5 things to know before you go
💡The humidity down by the river villas is intense; clothes never quite feel dry.
💡The funicular is not an elevator; it's a slow, open-air cable car that takes patience.
💡You can hear the screams of rafters on the Ayung River below during the day.
💡The 'library' is a nice air-conditioned escape if the humidity gets too much.
💡Room service tray charges are steep, so stock up on snacks before you arrive.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Hanging Gardens Of Bali is located and what's nearby.