Imagine waking up to a beautifully local carved Joglo roof above you. As you sit up, you peek through your glass doors and see the sun slowly rising over rice terraces, gently swaying in the subtle breeze. As you step onto your balcony, you hear the soft sounds of local Balinese music nearby and breathe in fresh, untouched air. No loud bar music, no overwhelming motorbike fumes, and barely another tourist in sight. Just you, the terraces, and the Bali you always imagined.

If you are overwhelmed by Bali's transformation and itching for the serenity the Island of the Gods is known for, Puri Dajuma Terrace Eco-Lodge & Spa is the escape you have been searching for. Keep reading for my full review of this beautiful retreat and why it might just be your dream Bali escape.

*Oh & as always, practice sustainable tourism while traveling. The good news? Puri Dajuma makes that part easy for you.*

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, my blog may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.

Everything You Need to Know About Bali’s Puri Dajuma Terrace

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

About Puri Dajuma Terrace Eco-Lodge & Spa

Is Puri Dajuma Terrace Worth It?

Plan Your Stay

About Puri Dajuma Terrace Eco-Lodge & Spa

An aerial view over Puri Dajuma Bali. — An aerial view over Puri Dajuma’s property during rice harvesting season.

Their Story:

Puri Dajuma's story began when a French family fell in love with Indonesia and never quite left. Hand in hand with a second Balinese family, they built Puri Dajuma Beach Eco-Resort & Spa in 2002. All 50 of their staff members come from the surrounding villages, and giving back to the community and environment they call home has always been at the heart of everything they do.

In the years that followed, a dream began to grow; a second Bali paradise that would work cohesively with its beachside counterpart. In 2015, after much searching, the perfect location was discovered in the village of Pupuan Sawah, where Puri Dajuma Terrace now sits amongst the rice terraces. With a dedication to building something truly thoughtful that would stand the test of time, and a few Covid hiccups along the way, their doors officially opened just two years ago in 2024.

Both properties offer two completely different sides of Bali. Puri Dajuma Beach Eco-Resort & Spa sits right on the beach, giving you that classic coastal Bali experience with the ocean at your doorstep. Puri Dajuma Terrace, on the other hand, places you in the middle of the rice fields, surrounded by nature, village life, and serenity. Together, they complement each other perfectly, and many guests choose to split their stay between both.

Eco Commitment: Puri Dajuma Terrace Eco-Lodge & Spa takes its eco commitments seriously, and you can see it in every corner of the property. Their philosophy is rooted in the Tri Hita Karana Balinese principle, which translates to harmony with the Gods, harmony with nature, and harmony between People. This looks like composting 80% of kitchen waste, recycling glass using their own grinding machine that turns it back into sand, using only natural spa oils, bamboo straws, eco-certified cleaning products, and building everything from local and natural materials. They also actively support the surrounding villages through donations to ceremonies, a local dancing school, and even run an annual drawing contest with seven local primary schools to educate the next generation on protecting their environment. In fact, the entire staff here is from the village surrounding.

The Rooms at Puri Dajuma Terrace

The rooms at Puri Dajuma Terrace are thoughtfully designed with every small detail considered. From the locally crafted door carvings to the subtle pops of color throughout, the green details on the bedding, the pink on the kitchen walls and countertops, and the pink wall behind the tub. It is all very sleek and intentional, making the space feel warm, cozy, and completely unique to this place. Every room has its own private pathway and entrance, giving you the privacy and seclusion you come to somewhere like this for. The rooms are also flooded with natural light, making everything feel open, airy, and connected to the nature surrounding you. You will also find drinking water available with a refill station at the bar, a small but thoughtful touch that aligns perfectly with the eco ethos of the property.

There are 3 different room types.

The Joglo Room sits on the second level and spans a generous 75 square metres. It has a large balcony overlooking the rice terraces with chairs to relax in and a table, should you wish to dine there, as well as a back patio area. The room takes its name from the Joglo roof, a Javanese-inspired design that resembles a mountain with four sides, symbolizing harmony and balance. Above your bed, the inside of the roof is covered in locally hand-carved teak wood designs that are truly something to wake up to. Large glass doors open directly facing the rice terraces, making you feel like you are resting amongst them.

The Sawah Room features a garden patio overlooking the rice terraces and a large tub. Sawah means rice field in Balinese, and it was named as such because the rice terraces are quite literally at your doorstep. Like the Joglo, large glass doors open facing the terraces, so you never feel far from nature. This room has easier access to wander into the rice terraces from your room. This room also has easier access to wander directly into the rice terraces from your room, which is a pretty special thing to be able to do first thing in the morning and last thing at night.

The final option is the Villa, perfect for families or larger groups travelling together. Each villa has 2 bedrooms, each with its own private bathroom and patio area, giving everyone their own little space to retreat to. The main living area is open air, which in itself feels like such a Balinese way to live. You have a full kitchen, a dining area, and a living room with a couch and a swinging chair. From there, you step straight out to your own private pool overlooking the rice terraces.

Dining at Puri Dajuma Terrace

Puri Dajuma Terrace Eco-Lodge & Spa has one main restaurant on its property, The Lesung. The restaurant and bar are set on top of a hill overlooking the cascading pools and the rice terraces below. It creates the perfect place to enjoy the sunrise, the sunset, and the natural feel of the entire property. All the food is locally sourced and made fresh, which you can truly taste in every bite. They truly care about the gastronomic experience here; this is not just hotel food. Every dish feels considered, made with real local ingredients and genuine Balinese flavour.

You are also welcome to enjoy your meal at your room's terrace or balcony, if you prefer, at no additional cost. Breakfast is not always included in your stay, but can be added on, which I would recommend.

Now, for someone who has quite the complicated diet, gluten-free and vegan, I was able to eat many of the options on the Puri Dajuma menu, and every one was genuinely delicious. I could feel my taste buds sing with every bite. It was a welcoming refresh from many of the other restaurants in Bali. The menu covers a diverse variety of food from local-inspired dishes that we all know, to western favorites in case you are missing home. They even had gluten-free pasta. Most meals range from 80,000 to 210,000 Indonesian Rupiah (4.50 to 11.50 USD), making it reasonable for the quality and experience you receive.

At breakfast, you can enjoy a healthy egg meal, a sweet meal like French toast, or something cold and fresh like a smoothie bowl. Lunch and dinner provide a plethora of options from fresh mixed vegetables and rice bowls with your choice of protein, to pasta, to curries, and nasi campur. I promise, every option will leave you satiated and happy.

On select evenings, the local girls’ Balinese dance club comes and performs traditional dances in full traditional attire during your meal. A truly unexpected and magical moment that reminds you exactly where you are and once again gives you that authentic Bali experience.

If you are hoping for a more intimate dinner experience, you can try the romantic dinner (just be sure to book in advance with the property). I found myself wandering down candlelit steps down the rice terraces and into a wooden gazebo decorated with local crafts, including petals made into art, floral designs gently blowing in the wind overhead, a large heart-shaped palm leaf design set behind the table, and candles and roses atop the table. When we sat down, we were facing the rice terraces all around, creating the perfect romantic escape for our sunset and after. For our dinner, we chose to enjoy fresh coconuts, the sharing vegetarian nasi campur, and vegan ice cream to finish the night. Anything we ordered from the menu was carefully crafted and brought down from the smiling staff members to our table, all the while we just enjoyed each other's company and the intimate setting. After finishing, when I wandered out of the gazebo, I caught a glimpse of the beauty of the night sky here, since it is once again away from the crowds and lit areas, as we slowly wandered back up the candlelit steps.

Sustainability Note: If you are searching for a sustainable retreat in Bali, the thoughtfulness extends beyond the rooms and into every meal. Many of the meals were served on locally crafted wood or ceramic pieces, helping avoid any extra waste. Even the romantic dinner was created with naturally made decorations that could easily be reused or put back into the Earth.

The Pool & Spa at Puri Dajuma

Have you ever dreamed of a relaxing massage in the middle of nature, with rice terraces stretching out all around you? At Puri Dajuma Terrace, that is exactly what awaits you. I wandered down the steps through the rice terraces leading to the gazebo, where the therapist, refreshing smells, and soft sounds of nature awaited me. It felt like my own little rice terrace retreat in Bali. I had a full hour of decompressing and letting go with nature while enjoying a Balinese massage. Afterwards, I enjoyed a spicy, warm ginger tea before wandering back up the steps and over to the double-tier pool to enjoy a swim overlooking the rice terraces. I honestly could just not get enough. I found a relaxing lounge chair nestled in a shallow section of the pool, slightly elevated above the terraces below, making it the perfect spot to simply sit, breathe, and take it all in.

If Balinese massage is not your type, the resort does offer quite a few other options alongside hair cream baths and facials. They use all-natural ingredients (think coconut oils, honey, lemon, and banana) crafted by local wisdom for you.

With the eco retreat having a focus on mind, body, and spirit, they do have a yoga shala where they offer private classes. With rice terraces in front of you and a volcano behind you, you could not ask for a better location to let go.

There is also a small shop on the property selling locally crafted pieces that are perfect to take your holiday home with you. Downstairs, you can find a small gym if you are hoping to sneak in a workout while you are here.

Things to Do Nearby Puri Dajuma

Outside of Puri Dajuma Terrace, there are many things to do if you enjoy a bit of exploring alongside your relaxing. The resort has electric bikes, which makes exploring the surrounding village easy. You can either ask for a guide or head out on your own, as I did. They have a Puri Dajuma map of the local Balinese village that is quite easy to follow. I found myself riding through streets with warm and friendly locals waving and Galungan decorations breezing by. I found many other rice terraces nearby and Sing Sing Waterfall, which is a very doable trek for anyone. It was refreshing to be able to ride a bicycle along the streets of Bali and not have to worry about traffic or nervous new drivers around.

If you are looking to explore nearby destinations with cultural significance or a bit of adventure, the hotel can organize tours and transport for you. Some of these include:

A visit to the UNESCO-listed Jatiluwih Rice Terraces. I highly recommend having been before; they are just breathtaking. You can cycle there, enjoy a meal, wander around, and find some other waterfalls.
Explore Pura Luhur Batukaru, an ancient Hindu temple at Mount Batukaru.
If water temples are more your thing, you can wander around Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, which sits beside Lake Bratan.
Take a day trip to Ubud.
Hike Mount Batur at sunrise, another must-do thing in Bali. I have a full guide on hiking it right here.

Through their beachside sister property, Puri Dajuma Beach Eco-Resort & Spa, you can also arrange trips to Mount Ijen, surfing sessions, and day trips to Menjangan Island, which is exactly why so many guests choose to stay at both properties and get the best of both worlds. The rice terraces and the beach, all in one trip.

If you prefer to stay on the property, you can enjoy yoga, a massage, and even Balinese dance lessons from girls from the surrounding village. They are so sweet and truly talented little dancers. During harvesting season, you can also join the local rice terrace farmers to better understand the crop and how it goes from farm to table. I did this and absolutely loved my time learning and joking around with them. You would be surprised at how cutting the rice is truly an art form. Beyond that, cooking lessons, floral decoration making, wood carving, and more are all included in your stay. There was so much to do, I honestly felt like I simply did not have enough time to do it all.

How To Get To Puri Dajuma in Bali

Puri Dajuma Terrace is about 2 hours from Denpasar International Airport. You can order a Grab or Gojek from the airport or wherever your previous destination was, or, to make life easy, you can simply organize a comfortable and cozy car transport through the hotel. The private car was 680,000 IDR (38 USD).

Otherwise, you can choose to rent a motorbike and drive yourself there. Just be mindful that the roads can be a bit uneven, curvy, and uphill throughout. Puri Dajuma can organize bike rentals for you as well.

The drive itself is a beautiful introduction to West Bali with winding roads, lush green jungle scenery, and a feeling that you are leaving the chaos of tourist Bali further behind with every mile.

Travel Tip: Download an eSIM before you arrive so you are never without data on the road. I use Airalo and have never been let down.

Is Puri Dajuma Terrace Worth It?

So is Puri Dajuma Terrace Eco-Lodge & Spa worth it? Yes, without hesitation.

If you are someone who has been to Bali before and felt like something was missing, or if you are visiting for the first time and want to experience the Bali that exists beyond the repeated tourist hotspots you see on social media, this is your place. It is perfect for eco-conscious travelers, couples, honeymooners, solo travelers who want to slow down and regroup, and anyone who has been craving that authentic Balinese experience that can feel so hard to find these days.

There are no crowds, no chaos, no feeling like you are just another tourist passing through. Instead, you are welcomed into the rhythm of local Balinese life. You can join in local ceremonies, help with the rice farming, trek through the terraces, learn how to cook local dishes, make offerings, and even learn how they make Galungan decorations. These are the kinds of experiences that most tourists in Bali never get to see anymore, and here they are simply part of everyday life at the resort.

The staff here are some of the warmest and most genuine people you will encounter in Bali. Many of whom have been with the property since it first opened, and you can feel that pride and love for the place in every interaction with them.

Every detail of this place feels intentional, from the locally sourced food on your plate to the hands that carved the Joglo you fall asleep looking at. Nothing here feels manufactured and everything feels meaningful. It really shows that they took their time building a beautiful place for people to truly escape to.

If you really want to make the most of your time in West Bali, I would highly recommend combining your stay here with Puri Dajuma Beach Eco-Resort & Spa just down the road. Rice terraces and a black sand beachfront; two completely different sides of Bali, one seamless experience. It honestly does not get much better than that.

→ If you are planning to extend your Indonesian adventure beyond Bali, I also have a full review of Seraya Eco Resort in Komodo here.

Plan Your Stay

You can book your stay at Puri Dajuma Terrace Eco-Lodge & Spa either through their website or through my booking link here.

The best time to visit is honestly anytime throughout the year, but Bali's rainy season runs from late November through to March. The rice terraces are at their most lush and green from March to April, just before the first harvest. September and October are equally beautiful before the second harvest. I visited in late May during harvest season, and honestly, it was still breathtaking. Instead of tall green terraces, everything had taken on a warm golden hue that was just as magical.

If you really want the full Dajuma experience, I would highly recommend booking a mix of both properties. Stay at Puri Dajuma Terrace for the rice terrace and jungle feel, and then head down to Puri Dajuma Beach Eco-Resort & Spa for the beachside Bali vibe. You truly get the best of both worlds and two completely different but equally special sides of Bali in one trip. You can book Puri Dajuma Beach on their website or through my link here.

Travel Tip: Never travel without the right insurance to cover you for sickness, injury, or theft. After 6+ years of travel, Safety Wing is the one I keep coming back to.

→ If you are looking to explore more of the real Bali beyond the tourist trail, I have full guides on some of my favourite hidden corners, including Amed, Munduk, and Kintamani.

Disclaimer: This stay was hosted by Puri Dajuma Terrace Eco-Lodge & Spa. As always, all opinions are my own.