The hype
Guests are blown away by the magical design and views, calling it a 'once in a lifetime' stay, but many note it's more of a glamping experience than a luxury hotel.
Veluvana Bali
$200-450/ night
Book this if You want the ultimate 'Instagram vs. Reality' bamboo treehouse experience where the photos are 100% real but so are the bugs and humidity.
Why People Love It
- Architectural marvels: bamboo houses shaped like owls, cobras, and mantas
- The 'Scorpion' house has a bed on tracks that slides out of the room
- Unfiltered views of Mount Agung and lush rice terraces from your bed
Quick Take: A stunning, photogenic architectural feat that forces you to coexist intimately with nature—heat, insects, and roosters included.
Reviewed by @Travelholicday: I stayed in the Octopus House and it was a total dream. Taking that bamboo elevator up to my private rooftop pool while looking out at the rice fields was a core memory. It’s a bit far from town, but waking up in this bamboo masterpiece is 100% worth the drive.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The heat and humidity without AC can be stifling, and the 'jungle noises' (roosters at 4am, construction machinery) often ruin the peace.
- You are an influencer or photographer chasing the perfect shot
- You enjoy 'soft adventure' and don't mind bugs or humidity
- You want to wake up to sunrise views of a volcano
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
- Housekeeping: Daily cleaning is thorough, but nature fights back instantly.
- Bathroom hygiene: Clean, but open-air design means leaves or bugs can appear minutes after cleaning.
- Maintenance: Bamboo requires constant care; expect some creaks and wear, but generally well-kept.
- Linens & towels: Fresh, but can feel damp due to high humidity.
- Odors & scents: Fresh jungle air mixed with occasional damp bamboo or smoke from burning rice fields.
Sleepability™
5.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Roosters and jungle wildlife (loud and early)
- Nearby construction projects
- Farmers working in adjacent rice paddies
Before you book
Good to know
- Breakfast is included but the 'floating breakfast' is an extra charge.
- The location is in Sidemen, about 90 minutes from the airport—far quieter than Ubud.
- There is no reception desk in the traditional sense; communication is via WhatsApp.
What to pack
- Earplugs (essential for roosters)
- Strong bug spray (the mosquitoes are real)
- Light, breathable sleepwear (no AC means warm nights)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Scorpion House: Features a unique 'moving bed' on rails that slides onto the deck and a hidden pool.
- Squid House: Fun for the adventurous with a bamboo slide directly into the pool.
- Owl House: Classic bamboo design with a hammock and great upper-deck views.
Rooms to avoid
- Octopus House: If you value privacy (rooftop pool is visible) or dislike the 'open air elevator' quirk.
- Any unit if you absolutely require AC.
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“We are celebrating a special occasion and would love the Scorpion House for the moving bed experience, or whichever unit currently has the most privacy from nearby construction.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there really no air conditioning?
Yes, really. They provide fans and 'coolers' (evaporative), but the houses are open-air bamboo structures designed for natural ventilation.
Are there bugs in the room?
Absolutely. It is an open-air bamboo house. You will likely see ants, geckos, spiders, and moths inside.
Is it private?
Not entirely. Farmers walk the rice paddies right in front of your pool, and other villas or construction sites may overlook you.
How do I get food?
There is a small kitchenette and room service available (often from a nearby warung), plus a few restaurants within walking distance.
Is the pool private?
Yes, each bamboo house has its own small private pool, though visibility from outside varies.
Is it suitable for kids?
Generally no. The open structures, steep stairs, lack of railings, and pool drops make it unsafe for young children.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'Octopus' house has a bizarre 'pair of toilets' installed side-by-side—a funny photo op or awkward experience depending on your travel partner.
- ✨
Request the 'floating breakfast' in advance; it sells out because everyone wants the photo.
- ✨
Don't rely on the 'open air elevator' in the Octopus house being a smooth ride; it's more of a mechanical novelty.
5 things to know before you go
💡The humidity makes everything feel slightly damp, including the sheets.
💡You might have a 'gecko roommate' who chirps loudly at night (they eat the mosquitoes, so they are friends).
💡The 'moving bed' in the Scorpion house is manually operated or slow—it's cool but finicky.
💡Construction noise in Sidemen is increasing as the area becomes the 'new Ubud'.
💡The 'open air bathroom' means you are showering with nature watching you.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Veluvana Bali is located and what's nearby.