Nandini Jungle and Resort Review: A Luxury Villa in the Heart of Ubud’s Forest

“Luxury is being able to spend time in nature’s silence.” – Unknown

This quote perfectly captures my experience at Nandini Jungle by Hanging Gardens, a luxury villa nestled in the lush Payangan forest of Ubud. Unlike many other luxury villas that focus more on the bustling urban life of Bali, Nandini Resort offers a deeper kind of luxury. Here, I found that luxury isn’t just about opulent decorations or high-end amenities, but rather the peace brought by the surrounding nature. It’s a place to reconnect with nature, refresh your spirit, and recharge your soul.

That’s why I decided to spend 2 days and 1 night here, escaping from my busy routine to enjoy a more tranquil vacation.

Location and How to Get to Nandini Jungle and Resort

Just so you know, Nandini Jungle and Resort is located quite far from the crowds, in Payangan, Ubud, about a two-hour drive from Ngurah Rai Airport. Given the distance and winding roads, I opted to rent a Mini Cooper for comfort and safety during the journey. This turned out to be a great decision. Even though I had to navigate some winding roads, the comfort of this small car made the trip smooth and relaxing.

Once I arrived at the resort, I immediately felt the luxurious vibes that were different from anything I had experienced before. Nandini’s location, deep within a pristine forest, provides a peaceful and calming atmosphere.

There’s no city noise—just the soft whisper of the wind through the trees. This truly creates a hidden oasis, far away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Check-in and First Impressions

I was fortunate enough to get the villa I wanted, Villa Suite Panoramic Jacuzzi Corner, which was still available when I booked. Considering how quickly the villas here get booked up, I felt very lucky to have the chance to stay in one of the most sought-after villas. Located in the cool Ubud area, surrounded by lush forests, this villa offers a kind of luxury that you won’t find anywhere else—the peace that comes from the silence of nature.

Upon arrival at Nandini Jungle and Resort, I was warmly greeted by the friendly staff. The check-in process was simple, far from the overly fancy experience you might find at other luxury resorts. The semi-outdoor reception, open to the surrounding nature, immediately made me feel connected to the environment. The sounds of birds chirping and the rustling of the leaves added to the peaceful atmosphere. At that moment, I wondered, “Where is the luxury that was promised?” But my curiosity was soon satisfied when I was taken to my villa.

The journey to the villa was filled with the sounds of nature getting clearer—wind rustling the leaves and the gentle flow of the river. As I walked up the stairs toward my villa, I began to realize that the luxury here wasn’t just about material things, but the luxury of tranquility that only nature can provide. As the saying goes,

“The greatest luxury is silence — and nothing is quieter than nature.”

This is the true luxury. Perhaps that’s why the reception area is so simple—so that we can focus on the calming nature around us.

Villa Suite Panoramic Jacuzzi Corner Review: A Luxurious Retreat That Blends with Nature

The villa I chose, Villa Suite Panoramic Jacuzzi Corner, offers a rare kind of peace and serenity, far from the noise and chaos of the outside world. This 120-square-meter room features a garden view that opens directly to the lush tropical forest. From the moment I stepped into the villa, I felt that everything here was designed perfectly to create an experience that truly blends with nature, while still offering luxury, comfort, and privacy.

The facilities are top-notch, starting with the king-size bed, which is incredibly comfortable, and there’s also a jacuzzi in the corner of the villa, something I had been looking forward to after a day of activities. There’s also a cozy seating area for relaxing, a minibar, and an outdoor bathtub perfect for unwinding.

Additional facilities like a separate shower in the bathroom made my stay even more enjoyable. What sets this villa apart from other luxury villas is the tranquility. There’s no traffic noise or any other disturbance. All I could hear was the soothing sounds of nature, calming my mind and soul. I truly felt like I had the world to myself in this spacious and private villa. The level of privacy offered by Nandini is truly exceptional.

The Sacred River at Nandini Resort

Ubud is known for its peacefulness, but Nandini adds a spiritual dimension by offering exclusive access to the Ayung River, which is considered sacred by the local people. The river holds a rich history and is known as a powerful channel of spiritual energy in Bali. It was once a secret, known only to the locals due to its difficult-to-reach location. Now, guests at Nandini can experience this privilege as part of a truly unforgettable spiritual journey.

However, to reach this river, you’ll need to descend about 200 steps. It’s not an easy feat, but every step is worth it once you arrive. The intimate and magical atmosphere surrounding the river makes the journey feel extremely rewarding. Here, you can take part in a self-purification ritual called “Melukat”, using sacred water that is only accessible at Nandini.

Activities During My Stay at Nandini Jungle and Resort

One of the things I enjoyed most about staying at Nandini was the variety of activities offered. Not only can you enjoy the beauty of nature, but you also get to experience authentic Balinese traditions. Each day is filled with activities that make the stay even more memorable.

Day 1

1. Making Canang

At 2:00 PM, I joined my first activity: making canang, a small offering made from coconut leaves decorated with flowers and other natural materials. I was given an explanation of the philosophy behind each ingredient and how to make them. This activity allowed me to learn more about Bali’s culture and spiritual traditions.

2. Melukat

After making canang, I proceeded with Melukat, a purification ritual that uses sacred water (tirtha) to cleanse oneself from negativity and bad energy. What’s unique is that Nandini has exclusive access to sacred water from the Ayung River, making this experience more intimate and personal.

Although the journey was a bit tiring with 200 steps down, it was all worth it when I reached the river. The surrounding atmosphere felt intimate and magical. The Melukat ritual was guided by an experienced pemangku adat, making the experience calm and respectful.

3. Afternoon Tea

After Melukat, it was time for afternoon tea. I had the option of tea or coffee, along with snacks. I opted for a refreshing premium iced tea, paired with bubur sumsum pandan, peyek, and other local snacks that were absolutely delicious!

4. Sunset Yoga

In the late afternoon, I joined the sunset yoga session at the gazebo by the rice fields. Guided by a professional instructor, the setting was incredibly peaceful and calm. Despite being a beginner, the instructor adjusted the movements to suit my level. I even managed to try a headstand for the first time, thanks to the instructor’s help. New achievement unlocked!

5. Dinner and Relaxing

Dinner arrived in the evening, and after a day full of activities, I was excited for a relaxing meal. This turned out to be one of my favorite moments. The restaurant at Nandini provided a peaceful atmosphere with perfect lighting—not too dark, and not too bright. As someone who doesn’t like either extreme, the ambiance here was just right.
The food was delicious—everything from the appetizers to the main courses and desserts. It was complemented by traditional Balinese dance performances, which added a warm touch to the experience.
After dinner, I spent some time relaxing by my villa, stargazing—a rare sight in Jakarta or other big cities. If you’re with a partner, it’s definitely a romantic experience.

Day 2

1. Morning Walk

I woke up feeling refreshed and excited for my second and final day at Nandini Jungle Resort. The first activity of the day was the morning walk, which is part of the resort’s daily program.
The walk starts around 7:00 AM and takes you through the surrounding rice fields and forests. If you love exploring nature while getting some light exercise, you’ll love this activity. The fresh morning air here is pure and refreshing—no pollution, no traffic noise—just the sounds of birds and the rustling of the wind.

2. Breakfast

After the morning walk, it was time for breakfast! Nandini Jungle Resort offers a signature dish, the Mediterranean Mezze Platter, along with a variety of other options, from Asian dishes to sweets, and premium coffee and tea. Breakfast is served from 7:00 to 10:30 AM.

I tried several dishes: the mezze platter, mie goreng, pancakes, peppermint tea, and pineapple juice. What stood out to me was the mie goreng, which had a rich, authentic Indonesian flavor—savory, slightly spicy, and very satisfying.
The pancakes were also amazing! They were soft, fluffy, and moist—not too sweet but perfect when topped with maple syrup and fresh fruit. A perfect way to end a relaxed breakfast while enjoying the beautiful Ubud surroundings.

3. Swimming

After breakfast, I decided to swim before check-out. The swimming pool at Nandini is truly special, as it faces the forest. The view is absolutely breathtaking—you can see the lush greenery surrounding the pool, offering a refreshing and peaceful atmosphere.
To get to the pool, you need to descend about 100 steps, but it’s all worth it for the calm and serene environment. You can swim, sunbathe on the sunbeds, or simply relax while enjoying the fresh air and tropical forest aroma. This was the perfect final activity before my check-out.

Security and Privacy at Nandini

You might be wondering, “Is it safe to stay in the middle of the jungle like this?”
The answer is: absolutely!
Nandini provides top-notch security with a high level of privacy. All access to the resort is monitored and guarded 24/7. The villas are also designed to ensure high privacy, so you can feel safe and comfortable throughout your stay, whether alone or with loved ones.
The privacy is well-maintained—each villa has its own separate access, and you can’t see into other villas from your balcony. So, you can truly enjoy your vacation without any interruptions.

Overall Review: Nandini Jungle and Resort

Overall, Nandini Jungle and Resort offers a unique kind of luxury that sets it apart from other luxury villas or resorts in Bali. Nandini not only provides premium facilities but also offers an experience of enjoying nature’s tranquility, free from noise and pollution. With exclusive access to the sacred Ayung River, excellent service, and a peaceful atmosphere, Nandini is where luxury and serenity come together perfectly.

Nandini is perfect for those looking for a honeymoon, healing retreat, or simply an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Don’t hesitate to experience the luxury and calmness here.

If you want to experience this kind of stay, you can choose Nandini as your accommodation and combine it with a Ubud Tour by Bali Premium Trip for a more complete sightseeing experience. For convenience, Bali Premium Trip also offers VIP airport service directly from the airport to Nandini Jungle Resort.

In conclusion, Nandini Jungle and Resort is a place where luxury and peace meet perfectly, giving you an experience unlike any other luxury resort.