Just a 15 minute drive from the famous Tegalalang Rice Terraces near Ubud lies Sebatu Sanctuary Eco Resort and its Hobbit Treehouse – a dreamy and totally unique boutique accommodation option to stay in when you’re visiting Bali!
Nestled amongst the jungle, the Hobbit Treehouse offers a peaceful and luxurious retreat that feels straight out of a storybook.
Built around a giant tree, reached by a suspension bridge, and featuring rounded doors, the place is just magic – and something we could only dream about when we were children!
Designed to resemble the whimsical homes of Tolkien’s Shire, the enchanting Hobbit Treehouse provides a blend of rustic charm and modern comfort, making it the perfect getaway for those seeking tranquility and adventure in a convenient location of Bali.
We recently stayed at the Hobbit Treehouse at Sebatu Sanctuary Eco Resort – here’s all you need to know!
The Hobbit Treehouse At Sebatu Sanctuary
Perched among the trees, the Hobbit Treehouse offers beautiful views of the surrounding jungle and rice terraces.
Its design draws inspiration from the hobbit homes in J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit,” with quaint, round doors, curved walls, and earthy, wooden interiors.
The attention to detail throughout the Hobbit Treehouse is exceptional.
You’ll see even the door handles are intricately decorated with dragons, there’s a map of Middle Earth, and there is a full on tree trunk running through the treehouse! Now that’s what we call a true treehouse!
The way to reach the Hobbit Treehouse is equally incredible.
You’ll walk through a secret door to a wooden rope bridge high suspended above the ground, until you get to the rooftop terrace seating area on top of the treehouse, which is where the tree comes out of the treehouse roof!
Climb down the step ladder to get into the treehouse – or you can just walk around the side if that’s easier!
The Hobbit Treehouse is honestly unlike anywhere we’ve stayed before and just a total dream. It’s almost guaranteed to bring you back to your childhood and make you search for your inner explorer!
There are so many spots to unwind, whether you want to sit and enjoy breakfast amongst the trees on your balcony, or just relax on the giant swing bed sofa underneath the treehouse.
If you’ve got kids or a third wheel with you, there’s even an extra bed in the loft – accessed by the wooden ladder in the room, which certainly adds another layer of adventure! There’s also some games in the treehouse to keep them occupied!
We loved how the architecture of the Hobbit Treehouse effortlessly blends with the natural environment so you can really feel immersed in nature. That being said, the treehouse has plenty of modern amenities to ensure a comfortable stay.
The interior features cosy furnishings and amenities, including a comfy bed with mosquito net cover and a fridge. Large windows and a private balcony ensure plenty of natural light and stunning views.
The bathroom also feels really luxurious, featuring an outdoor shower so you can feel close to nature, whilst still retaining complete privacy.
There isn’t a phone at the Hobbit Treehouse – instead you’ll be given the Whatsapp details of the team so you can just message whenever you need anything without having to physically to speak to someone. I loved this idea!
The Hobbit Treehouse looks just as stunning when it is lit up at night, especially with the giant fairy lights on the rope bridge creating a cosy atmosphere!
Other Accommodation Options At Sebatu Sanctuary
Sebatu Sanctuary also has several other accommodation options that each offer a different experience, but all look equally amazing and unique! There’s the Safari Tent, the Bamboo Pod, and two bespoke luxury villas: the Javanese Villa and the Dutch Colonial.
We were invited to check out the Safari Tent and it was just incredible – I honestly felt like I could have been in Africa!
It was so spacious, the interiors were stunning and really luxurious, and we loved the outdoor bath in the bathroom surrounded by fish! If we come back again we would love to stay here!
From our terrace at the Hobbit Treehouse we could see the 2 storey Bamboo pod, complete with its hanging net – which also looked incredible. Staying in a bamboo house is, after all, a must-do when in Bali!
The accommodation choices are fairly spread out from each other and offer a lot of privacy which we love.
Activities and Experiences
Another reason why we absolutely love Sebatu Sanctuary is because they offer several unique experiences that you just can’t find anywhere else in Bali. Our two absolute favourites were the fish pool and the VWs!
Sebatu Sanctuary Pool
The swimming pool at Sebatu Sanctuary is incredible. Not only is the pool huge, with plenty of sun loungers to relax in, but there are 300 fish in the pool that you can swim with – plus a waterfall!
I love how unique this is, plus this pool is the only chemical-free natural pool in Bali!
I thought at first it may feel strange swimming with so many fish, or that they may try and nibble my toes, but honestly when you’re in the water you barely notice them!
The resort has a couple of inflatables you can lie on, as well as some snorkel masks you can use to look at the fish underwater, plus if you have a waterproof camera you can get some nice photos of the fish!
Excursions In The Classic VW Combis
Coming from Australia it’s fair to say we love getting around in campervans, and so when we saw Sebatu Sanctuary has its own fleet of classic VW combis, we just knew we had to visit this place!
We found this so unique for a resort, and we jumped at the chance to be driven around the beautiful landscapes in the 1969 Samba bus!
The ride was so pleasant, it was so spacious inside, and our driver was amazing!
Plus, wherever we went, our beautiful combi turned everyone’s heads!
You can book one of the combis for a tour or even a photoshoot if you like. I definitely recommend it!
If you just want to do a tour, for example to the temples and rice terraces of Ubud or to visit some waterfalls, and you aren’t bothered about the VW combis (say what?), you can still arrange a driver at Sebatu Sanctuary and have a customised tour.
Cultural Experiences: Cooking Classes, Balinese Ceremonies & More!
Sebatu Sanctuary offers so many opportunities to get immersed in the local culture and enjoy unique activities.
From Balinese cooking classes to wood carving classes, a visit to a coffee plantation to learn about harvesting coffee, or attending a Balinese ceremony at a nearby temple, just book your activity with the reception!
Yoga and Meditation
Sebatu Sanctuary also offers early morning yoga, as well as meditation sessions. The calm, peaceful environment of Sebatu Sanctuary makes it an ideal place to rejuvenate the mind and body.
Where Is Sebatu Sanctuary Located?
Located in the village of Sebatu, Sebatu Sanctuary Eco Resort lies in a beautifully secluded area and in such a great location, away from all the noise and traffic of Ubud.
Ubud was once a peaceful place popular with yogis and spiritual retreats, but over the last few years it has transformed into a busy, chaotic town with an insane amount of traffic that it just can’t handle.
So actually, you don’t want to stay right in the centre of Ubud these days as it’s just not what it used to be.
Sebatu Sanctuary is 14km north of Ubud, and takes just over half an hour to drive to.
It’s close enough that you can still easily head into Ubud for a visit if you wish, but far enough that you can really unwind and enjoy the quiet and peaceful surroundings of the resort.
Sebatu is full of rice terraces – it’s like how Bali used to be! Click here to book your stay at Sebatu Sanctuary.
Food At Sebatu Sanctuary
The breakfasts served at Sebatu Sanctuary are so yummy, whether you choose a smoothie bowl, a breakfast burrito or the fluffy pancakes! We chose to have our breakfast overlooking the pool which was so peaceful.
The lunch and dinner menu is equally delicious, featuring a fusion of Asian cuisines. There is a big selection of dishes to choose from, and it’s great that lots of the ingredients are grown either in-house or locally.
Evicurious Restaurant – the restaurant at Sebatu Sanctuary, is also open to those who aren’t staying overnight at Sebatu Sanctuary, plus it also provides take-out if you require.
Sustainable & Responsible Tourism At Sebatu Sanctuary
Sebatu Sanctuary has a big focus on eco tourism and sustainability which is really important to us when choosing somewhere to stay.
It is committed to low impact tourism practices and ways in which it can minimise its environmental impact.
Some of the ways in which it does so is by using solar panels, harvesting rain water as the primary potable water sources during the rainy season, as well as using two electric cars.
In addition, the Hobbit Treehouse is constructed using locally sourced, eco-friendly materials.
Sebatu Sanctuary also supports the local community by having a farm to table approach. It sources produce from nearby farmers where possible, ensuring that tourism benefits the local economy.
Things To Do Near Sebatu Sanctuary
There are so many touristy things to do within just a short drive of Sebatu Sanctuary.
Here are some of the best things to do when staying here, and you won’t need to worry about arranging transport, Sebatu Sanctaury has drivers that can take you wherever you wish to go!
Tegalalang Rice Terraces
Just a 15 minute drive from Sebatu Sanctuary are the famous Tegalalang Rice Terraces.
If you want to walk among the rice terraces, aim to get here first thing in the morning to get the best light for photos, as well as avoid the crowds.
There are several cafes and pool clubs overlooking the rice terraces, as well as the famous Bali swing, nests and lots of photo opportunities here.
Tirta Empul Temple
A 10 minute drive from Sebatu Sanctuary will take you to the famous Tirta Empul Temple. Tirta Empul is a water temple that is sacred to the locals, but it is also one of the busiest temples in Bali!
There are several holy springs at the temple, and the blessed water here will purify those who bathe in these waters.
You’ll need to arrive first thing in the morning if you want to avoid the crowds, or be prepared for the queues if you visit later in the day!
Pura Mengening Temple
If all the people at Tirta Empul Temple are a bit too much for you, then head to Pura Mengening, less than a 5 minute drive from Tirta Empul.
Pura Mengening Temple is very similar to Tirta Empul in that it is a water temple and you can do purification here, but you won’t find crowds, even during the day!
We preferred Pura Mengening so much more to Tirta Empul. It felt less of a tourist attraction, and as it wasn’t busy you could take your time here and really enjoy it. There’s quite a few steps to walk down, but it’s a good workout!
With both the water temples of Pura Mengening and Tirta Empul you will need to hire one of the sarongs to be able to go into the water.
Ubud
While Ubud is super busy these days, a lovely quiet spot is the Campuhan Ridge Walk, especially if you arrive early in the morning.
Alternatively, head to the infamous Sacred Monkey Forest or the market in Ubud.
Waterfalls
A 35 minute drive south of Sebatu Sanctuary will take you to some breathtaking waterfalls: Tibumana Waterfall, Kanto Lampo Waterfall, Suwat Waterfall and Tegenungan Waterfall.
The waterfalls are all fairly close to each other so you can visit them one after the other.
Just make sure to arrive early to avoid the crowds!
Or head 45 minute drive east of Sebatu Sanctuary to two of the most stunning waterfalls in Bali: Goa Raja Waterfall and Tukad Cepung Waterfall.
These waterfalls truly took my breath away – they’re definitely up there as two of the most Instagrammable places in Bali!
Conclusion
Sebatu Sanctuary is a fantastic place to stay when in Bali.
It’s one of the island’s leading boutique resorts, and there is so much to do here, whether you’re keen to swim with the 300 fish in the pool, go on an excursion in one of their VWs, or just relax in your one-of-a-kind accommodation.
The Hobbit Treehouse at Sebatu Sanctuary is definitely somewhere you’ll want to add to your Bali bucketlist if you’re keen to stay in a peaceful and unique accommodation, yet still be close to the major tourist sights.
Whether you’re a fan of Tolkien or simply seeking a tranquil retreat, a stay at Sebatu Sanctuary in the charming Hobbit Treehouse offers an unforgettable stay!
This article is sponsored by Sebatu Sanctuary Eco Resort. All views expressed however are my own.
Caterina McGrail is a Travel Writer and ex-Flight Attendant based in Australia. She has visited 85 countries and lived in several – including Italy, Australia, United Arab Emirates and England. Her work has been featured in a variety of popular travel publications including Fodors, Escape, Australian Traveller and Bear Grylls, as well as several international aviation and travel companies. She only writes about places she has personally visited, and aims to give real, honest advice to help her readers.