Alam Sari
Life in an open-air villa, perched 42 steps up on top of a rice paddy immediately transcends you to a very peaceful place. As I roused from my slumber, I could hear a faint, soft, tinkling sound of a village cowbell…. somewhere in the distance. Was this in my dream or was I awake? As the warm, tropically scented breeze gently drifted by me, I became aware that sitting at the end of my bed, framed by the window, was a majestic view of Mount Agung. Yes, I was indeed awake.
Bali. It allows for a subtle shift of consciousness. Village life seems to glide slowly into motion as the daybreaks and serenity floats on top of the air, like an invisible veneer, as beauty and nature surround you.
A small stone path leads you to the Alam Sari open-air restaurant. Flowers ablaze with hues of red and yellow overhang the footpaths, banana and coconut fronds sway ever so slightly in the breeze and you find yourself making the subtle shift to the feeling that is essentially Bali; a natural essence that relaxes and allows you to accept this warm culture that greets you at every small liaison from the temple offering lady, to the vegetable seller to the concierge on duty.
A stay at Alam Sari (meaning natural essence) situates you 9 kms from Ubud. Staying at a small hotel in a rural location allows the experience of Bali to come to you; Balinese culture and family life is intertwined here and to start your experience, a guided walking tour of the local village is a great introduction to an authentic rural working farming community.
The local village of Keliki is unchanged with time, with the exception of the increased volume of traffic on the road nowadays. After crossing this small and slightly nightmarish road you take a trail along the rice fields and if it’s early morning, you will no doubt share this trail with a uniformed line of stately ducks, on their way to work. These ducks go about pecking and searching for eels that lay in the bottom of wet rice fields, busily tilling the soil whilst depositing rich excrement. With the alertness of a military battalion they exit the field, on command, when their duck master hoists a white flag and leads them to the next field.
There are lovely nature walks through the resort grounds including a herb and spice garden, organic vegetable garden and an extensive orchard. Cooking courses are offered and a range of other crafts and activities such as batik, dance, painting, mediation and yoga.
The environmental ethic is strong at Alam Sari; the water is solar heated, a composting system is used in the gardens, natural rubber mattresses guarantee a restful sleep, the furnishing fabric is made from woven Balinese cotton and the modern furniture is made from Kaji mas timber (rapid harvest timber grown on the island of Sumbawa, Indonesia which is sustainably grown and replanted under an eco management plan).
The land that Alam Sari was built on was bought in 1990. Aprile and Hugh Collett, the owners of the land (both from New Zealand) wondered what to do with it. “We wanted to do a few things”, Aprile explained. “Firstly, we wanted to give back to Indonesia and it’s people some of the huge benefits and wonderful experiences we have gained in our long time living here”. Aprile went on to explain “We wanted to share with others some of the special magic that Bali offers in it’s unique culture and people. In a rural village environment, away from the touristy beach resorts, (where I feel Balinese culture has been rather distorted), we wanted to practice respect for both the physical and cultural environment whatever we did.”
And so, Alam Sari was built whilst maintaining a respectful and co-operative relationship with the local villagers, their institutions and their leaders. Now, 12 years on, with established organic gardens that supply the hotel restaurant year-round, a beautiful spa with private garden and jacuzzi, 12 bungalows and 2 large villas and on-going improvements and upgrades, April and Hugh’s commitment to provide local employment and give back to the community has brought wonderful opportunities to this small Balinese village.
By allowing guests to see village life first-hand and by carefully designing, planning and guiding school and special interest groups, a meeting between east and west has flourished allowing a mutual understanding and beneficial exchange of cultures. “Different is interesting”, you often hear the Balinese say and by opening the pathways, mutual understanding and respect is built and cultural exposure is equally fascinating for both recipients.
A stay at Alam Sari will transport you to another world where nature, harmony and balance meet and the natural essence will no doubt linger with you long after you have left.
Fact File
Alam Sari Resort – 12 Bungalows, 1 Master Luxury Villa Suite, 1 Villa 3 bedrooms.
Rate includes 3 free shuttles per day into Ubud and a free village tour (highly recommended).
Full spa facilities : treatments using natural products grown in the organic garden on site.
Staff : Lovely staff, well managed, meet and greet at airport if required.
Drivers : available to guests – these drivers have a depth of experience and knowledge about all destinations.
Popular Attractions : Besakih, the mother temple of the island, Kintamani, the volcanic crater, Elephant Treks (nearby Taro Village), White-water Rafting and Mountain Biking.
Kids Activities : Many activities including batik making, candle making, puppet making, weaving and kite making.
School Groups : International and national school groups welcome. Educational programs designed to suit school groups. As international teachers based in Bali, Hugh and Aprile Collett can design, organise and plan a tailored program to suit.
Address : Tomol Pos 03, Tegallalang, Gianyar 80561, Bali, Indonesia
(Location: Keliki Village 9 kms out of Ubud)
Photos by David Metcalf
www.davidmetcalfphotography.com
