FEATURES • DESTINATIONS
Crafting Timeless Tranquility:
The Remarkable Evolution of
Bambu Indah
January2025
Words by The Punch Editors
Photography by The Punch & Bambu Indah
Bambu Indah can be found in Ubud’s land of growth, in a small village called Baung, nestled in sacred grounds, verdant rice terraces, and lush jungles. This boutique resort has an air of magic that blends into its surroundings. At one point in time, the site was a small cluster of wooden houses covered by bamboo groves. Today, it’s transformed into a larger-than-life sanctuary with 28 rooms surrounded by emerald green grass that relish the climate.
Cynthia Hardy and her husband’s tenacity in diligent management have elevated Bambu Indah into a tranquil retreat that mirrors traditional Indonesian architecture. The centerpiece of their vision is a striking replica of a traditional Sumba home, its soaring roof reaching 11 meters high. They’ve also introduced newly rebuilt Gladaks–four of which are two stories high–and four elegant bamboo guesthouses. Before venturing into resort development, the couple was engrossed in jewelry design. Their transition to creating Bambu Indah came from a desire for a space that could accommodate their growing guest base.
ORIGINS OF BAMBU INDAH
15 years into their life in Bali, Cynthia Hardy and her husband saw a chance to shape their future when the land next to their home became available. Fearing it might be developed into a large hotel, they purchased it, although the land remained untouched for years. As their need for more space grew with their frequent guest hosting, they turned to traditional Javanese Gladaks–charming 150-year-old teak houses—for inspiration. They placed these houses on their new property, initially offering simple guest accommodations for US $20 a night, with the fee going directly to the housekeeping staff. What started as a practical solution evolved into the foundation of Bambu Indah.
The name “Bambu Indah” was inspired by a beautiful bamboo grove beside one of the wooden houses. The phrase “ini bambu indah sekali”–meaning “this bamboo is so beautiful”–encapsulated the spirit of their retreat. From this appreciation of nature’s beauty, Bambu Indah blossomed into a unique resort that effortlessly fuses with its natural surroundings and reveals the deep connection its founders have with the land.
THE DEFINING SPIRIT
Countless moments at Bambu Indah hold a special place in the hearts of its founders. One such memory shines brightly—the joy of hosting group events, like the conclusion of a ‘Bamboo U’ course, where 45 people gathered by the river for a buffet and a slideshow. The scene came alive as guests, many experiencing it for the first time, dipped into the refreshing natural spring water. Witnessing their awe and delight was moving for Cynthia. It’s in these shared experiences that the true magic of Bambu Indah is interlaced, creating memories that linger long after the moment has passed.
PERSONAL STORIES IN THE DESIGN
Cynthia and her partner have always harbored a deep love for wood, drawn to the primitive Javanese design with its rich use of hardwoods. Their home, perched on stilts above a tranquil pond, playfully reflects the design of a Borneo longhouse–a style that first captivated Cynthia during a memorable, life-changing trip with a friend from California in 1989 to a nomadic village where 60 Poonan people resided in a longhouse.
Their admiration extends to the traditional Gladak houses, Limasans, and Joglos. When their daughter Elora began exploring bamboo architecture, they were immediately captivated by her approach. Each structure they’ve created at Bambu Indah tells its own story, from the Copper House on the Ridge to the Moon House, now a renowned honeymoon destination. The Guadua House, with its whimsical witch’s hat roof, and the Riverbend House, each possess unique narratives merged into their design. These creations demonstrate a connection to both tradition and innovation, making each corner of Bambu Indah a vision for their family’s passion.
KEY SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVES
At Bambu Indah, the earthy elegance of mud walls shows their dedication to age-old handiwork. Each wall, sculpted by hand through multiple applications, echoes the memories and frames the transient scenes of cycling through Balinese villages where mud walls were ubiquitous. This layer of knowledge merging with bamboo architecture is the long-lasting passion for preserving traditional techniques. Bambu Indah stands to be a better-run place, rather than planning for otherworldly perfection.
Equally remarkable is their water filtering system, which combines sand filtration, ijuk (palm fiber), colloidal silver, and reverse osmosis to ensure purity, allowing guests to drink directly from the taps and significantly reduce plastic and glass bottle use. In the kitchen, their choice of coconut and olive oils over less sustainable options like canola is environmentally conscious and health-focused. Used cooking oil becomes coblong to magically light paths at night, exemplifying their integration of sustainability into daily operations. Their gardens, with homegrown produce and composting practices, close the loop of regeneration. Eight spring-fed pools benefit from natural springs and regular maintenance, while ducks and cows contribute fresh eggs and valuable compost and methane gas, fueling local tea and coffee brewing. This careful use of resources shows Bambu Indah’s commitment to future-proof living.
ROLE OF PERMACULTURE GARDENS
At Bambu Indah, the permaculture gardens prosper under the expert care of the dedicated team, who convert kitchen scraps into mineral-rich compost that promotes exuberant plant growth. Guests can explore these lush gardens, partake in harvests, and discover edible wonders such as binahong, bamboo shoots, and a variety of other delights beyond mere ornamentation.
Adjacent to the rooms, rice fields and winding paths weave through plots of Rose, Ella, coriander, rosemary, arugula, okra, pumpkin, spinach, chili, torch ginger, and bananas. The harvest features exotic fruits like mangosteen, soursop, nutmeg, jambu, and papaya. This pledge to regenerative methods allows guests to enjoy food grown free of chemicals, placing them on a journey from compost to the table and deepening their appreciation for natural beauty and conscious living.
IMPACTFUL DAILY HABITS
Cynthia begins her mornings with a two-hour routine of walking, pilates, or yoga, fulfilling both body and mind. She grounds herself with deep breathing before tackling her daily tasks, balancing work with relationships, and practicing gratitude for mental well-being. Her environmental mindfulness is reflected in her eating habits, as she focuses on consuming only what she needs while savoring the sensory pleasures of sound, sight, smell, and taste, embracing the simple joys of good food and health.
HIDDEN GEMS
At Bambu Indah, every facet of the guest experience is delicately constructed by their attentive team, from the impeccable rooms and linens to the thoughtfully curated lighting. While guests may sometimes overlook subtle details–whether a unique dish on the menu or a particular feature within their expansive environment–the trust in the abundance of such experiences more than compensates for what may go unnoticed. Bambu Indah aims to make sure that each guest encounters something truly memorable, even if they miss a few nuances during their stay.
DEEP COMMUNITY INTEGRATION
In the quaint village of Baung, a connection with the local community blossoms daily. The Hardy family actively engages in the rhythm of village life, contributing to the monthly banjar (village council) and hosting a cherished community temple on their property. Villagers frequently pass by, extending warm invitations to join in their vivid ceremonies. They also partake in rituals at the nearby water temple, nestled between the Riverbend House and the Guadua House, burying themselves in the dynamic interplay of local traditions and celebrations.
FUTURE ASPIRATIONS
As Cynthia envisions the future of Bambu Indah, her ambition grows. With the successful addition of 15 new rooms, she is dedicated to upholding the high standards of excellence that define the property. Maintaining this level of quality is crucial, as even the slightest dip can trigger a series of effects; making consistency a central challenge. John shares a vision for gentle development across the river, where enhancements like ice baths and a sauna near the spring-fed pools are contemplated.
Looking further ahead, Cynthia and John aspire to uphold their commitment to regenerative farming and best practices. They strive to raise awareness about the delicate nature of their environment, understanding that its preservation demands thoughtfulness like guiding a ship to safety. Grateful for their life in Bali, they hope to harness a legacy of environmental consciousness that future generations will cherish. The goal remains to tread lightly, preserving Bali’s natural beauty, and as this philosophy continues to guide their efforts, to inspire others to honor and enhance the island’s poetic landscape.
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Uncovered Bali is a collective project showcasing the sustainable journeys of carefully selected Bali businesses to a global audience. Each story highlights the unique impact these enterprises have on preserving Bali’s cultural and environmental heritage while driving positive change. Through this project, we aim to inspire global leaders, travelers, and communities to embrace more sustainable practices and appreciate the powerful role that local businesses play in shaping a better future.
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