9 kampung villas in Bali that will bring you back in time

Tired of staring at water villas or resorts on top of a cliff?

Why not experience Bali from the inside of a kampung-style villa (traditionally Javanese-style villa)?

More than simply resorts in the lush rainforest greenery, these villas hark back to the very beginning of not just Bali, but Indonesia as a country.

So if you’re game for a very unique and also historical experience, here’s some traditional villas too gorgeous to miss.

Note: The prices reflected below are the low season rates, and they exclude tax and service charges. Accommodation rates often change with room availability, and low or high seasons. We recommend double checking for the final prices before confirming your booking.

1. Jungle luxury: Hartland Estate, Ubud

Just a short 7-minute drive from the centre of Ubud, the Villa at Hartland is a beautiful kampung villa set in the middle of a gorgeous jungle.

With amazing vistas of the Sayan Valley, you can enjoy quiet atmosphere of the resort suites, which are actually reclaimed teak houses from Java.

These houses, known as Joglo, are rich in history that takes you back in time, without sacrificing any luxury.

The villa offers room for a maximum of eight guests.

2. Village in luxury: The Kampung, Amed

A vision on the beaches of Amed in Northern Bali, The Kampung gives you a chance to experience living in an antique Javanese village house.

Situated right on the coastline, there are two accommodation options, Kampung Jambi and Kampung Lima.

In both, you will find all the modern luxuries, with hand-hewn wooden beams, intricate carvings, and a rustic design you’ll fall in love with, if you are conscious of style.

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3. Time turner: Kampung Kecil, Sanur

Have you always dreamed of staying in a house filled with amazing architectural styles of the past?

Located in quiet Sanur, Kampung Kecil has five antique villa accommodation options, which includes a beautifully restored Javanese teak villa.

And that’s not all – set in a beautiful garden with other historic artefacts, the villas feature recreated period furniture and decor that’s sure to sweep you up in the unique craftsmanship of that time.

4. Designer antique retreat: Natural Joglo, Ubud

Just a 20-minute walk from Ubud, in the quiet village of Penestanan, lies a tropical haven on the edge of the ricefields.

The Natural Joglo, a reclaimed antique house from Java, has been brought to life by its owner, an architectural designer.

Imagine staying in this living relic, complete with a spacious loft-style set up, beautiful antique timber roofing and reclaimed panels, carvings and doors. And at every turn, there is something to ignite the senses, from the open air bathrooms to the lush rice paddy views.

Isn’t it a wonderful destination for a retreat?

5. Colonial beauty: Vila Keliki, Ubud

At the highest point of the gloriously dense greenery of the Keliki Estate, you’ll see the Colonial Villa – part English colonial house and part tropical Javanese bungalow.

This interesting blend is an attraction by itself, where you can get an ancient regal experience in the middle of the Balinese wilds.

Designed to bring the outdoors into the house with numerous shutter along three walls, the Colonial Villa offers not just period features such as antique chandelier, but fabulous views as well.

You can look out over the paddy fields, or even at the mountains from the delightful infinity pool.

6. Living the kampung spirit: Taman Bebek Bali, Ubud

If you find yourself at this corner of the jungle in Ubud, you’ll be looking over the amazing Ayung River and far away – at the Taman Bebek Bali.

The crowning jewel of their ancient villa options is the Malay Villa, built in the elegant, bungalow style of Terengganu in Malaysia.

This is something to live up to, but the Javanese Villa weaves in and out of the ancient and the contemporary with ease, blending antique decorations and textiles with beautiful views and an escape from the modern humdrum.

What’s more, you can also chill on the wide balcony and enjoy the Kampung spirit (with an open air concept), literally.

7. Century-old legend: Villa 342, Seminyak

Journey through time when you stay at Villa 342 in Seminyak.

Located along a private road just off Jalan Laksmana, Villa 342 is a one-hundred-year-old Javanese Joglo with its own compelling story – it was actually rescued from destruction in Central Java and transported to its current site piece by piece!

With four bedrooms and space for up to eight people, the villa fuses ancient luxury with modern beauty.

You can literally open your windows to stunning gardens, and experience living in an era where homes are decked with beautiful period details, such as intricate carvings, stately wooden beams and decorative antiques.

8. Balinese summer home: Luxury Joglo Villa, Oberoi

Snug in the luxury area of Oberoi in Seminyak, this beautiful Joglo Style Villa is an ancient home away from home.

Following a traditional joglo architectural style, such as wood paneling, beamed roofing and teak details, this villa also houses four bedrooms and bathrooms, so there’s plenty of room for eight people.

The best part? Despite its traditional decor, you don’t need to worry that you’ll have to live the traditional way, too. In fact, you can pretty much enjoy one of the best modern luxury living, with a fully-outfitted kitchen, beautiful Balinese art pieces and a private pool.

9. Rainforest retreat: Naya Ubud, Ubud

Hidden in the outskirts of Ubud, amidst the rice paddies, temples and local villages, is a retreat offering serenity and authenticity.

That’s the Gladak villa at Naya, inspired by the Javanese architectural styles.

This loft-style teak cottage is in fact nestled right in the middle of Naya’s lush, jungle gardens.

With room for up to four people in two rooms, the Gladak has a private balcony, rainfall shower and amazing rainforest views.

Did we miss out any gorgeous Kampung-style villas that should be in this list? Let us know below!

Photos via baliluxuryvillas.com, The Kampung, Bojonegoro, Kampung Kecil, Yogya, Airbnb, HyperionInternational, FlipKey, Villagetaways, Naya Gladak, Taman Bebek Bali

PLEASE NOTE: All the above information is correct at the date of publication. If you come across any changes or updates, please let us know and we will update the information accordingly. Thank you! Tell us

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