The Clove House in Munduk - Island in the Sky

The Clove House in Munduk is a real gem for all those looking to enjoy the tranquility and amazing beauty of mother nature in a unique and comfortable mountain hut. It is ideal for private yoga or meditation retreats, as well as for writers, painters or couples looking for a romantic getaway in an unbelievable dramatic setting. Walk to Munduks 3 beautiful waterfalls directly from the house and enjoy staying in a world-class minimalist designed home. The Clove House is also CHSE Certified. Like an island in the sky, the clove house serves the special purpose of bringing people back to nature and their own core self. In a hectic world, filled with material and mental distractions, I see the clove house as a haven for seekers, nature-lovers and practitioners of any spiritual discipline, but also simply as a place to come, relax and get away from it all! The design of the house follows an optimal flow concept, trying to make best use of light, wind, view and the actual site. Even though simple in its layout, lots of conscious selection of materials make it a cute warm “nest” in the middle of nature. Recycled materials, such as rough-surfaced ulin hardwood, have been used for the flooring and recycled teak wood for the sliding doors. Furniture is held minimal, yet comfortable enough to spend a few days in the house. I am personally a big believer in less is more, but still want my place to be comfortable. Please enjoy! VILLA OVERVIEW - Walk to Munduks amazing waterfalls DIRECTLY from the villa - Private minimalist house in the middle of Bali Jungle with ocean view - Outdoor bathtub with jungle views - Swings, Hanging Chair & Hammock - King-size Bedroom with 180 degree views - Japanese-inspired bathroom with waterfall-style shower - Large open deck with relaxing chairs and dining area and yoga space - Private garden with sun loungers and bench - Free parking space upstairs and access to restaurant - Direct Access to Munduk’s trekking path and waterfalls (closest one about 15 minutes) - Safety box - Fully equipped kitchen - Wi-Fi The house follows the idea of joining elegantly my 3 major design influences: modern minimalism, Japanese traditional design, and Balinese Feng Shui. Choosing darker colours and wooden elements give the villa a warmer cozy atmosphere in the colder terrain. There is a big king-size bed with mosquito netting for a comfortable sleep or for those that like to laze around during the day. Via a Japanese style sliding door one can opt to have a view of the jungle while standing under the rainfall shower or step out and take a hot relaxing bath under the sky in the colder evenings. A small but complete kitchen is hidden behind the other door, for those who prefer to cook on their own, or simply to put up the kettle for a hot cup of tea or coffee (provided!). To the front, the veranda opens onto the endless majestic view of Bali’s jungle and ocean. SERVICES You can expect clean, simple and friendly service. We are limited in our power to manage the services, as we outsource/collaborate with Arya Utama Bungalows. Simply be aware, that Munduk is in a rural part of Bali, further away from modern life and people are more simple minded. Expect basic English-skills ( you may ask Mr. Surya or Mr. Adi for assistance if you have any communication issues). Arya Utama provides a range of simple Balinese food at great prices (I personally recommend the Vegetable curry, Nasi Goreng and Vegetable Soup), that they can bring down to the house at an extra charge of 20%. Last order 6.45pm. Please pre-order your breakfast at the desired time one day before in person or via phone provided in the villa. You may also order breakfast in the morning, but expect some waiting time. Please help yourself with tea and coffee that is already available in the villa. INCLUDED SERVICES: - Choice of different breakfast sets (omlette with toast, jaffle, fried rice, vegetable soup, banana pancake) all served with fresh fruit plate/or fruit juice - Free Coffee, Tea and drinking water in the villa - Free Welcome drink - Housekeeping/Towel change - please order it whenever you need it (otherwise nobody will come to clean in order to guarantee an undisturbed stay) - free Wi-Fi - Free Phone with initial credit to call reception and order services at Arya Utama OPTIONAL SERVICES (extra charges apply - it is highly recommended to pre-order services one day before, as it is more difficult to organize in the mountain area): - Airport pick up/drop - other destination pick up/drop - Trekking service - Tour service - Motorbike rental - In-room service at the villa (food prepared by Arya Utama Restaurant, simple Indonesian food, 20% surcharge for delivering downstairs to villa). Last order 6.45pm. - Body Massage & Reflexology in the villa TIPS - One of Bali’s largest markets, providing freshest produce directly from the farms, is situated about 15-20 minute drive, at lake Tamblingan. A good place to stock up on food items should you plan to cook yourself! For longer stays, the staff at Arya Utama might be able to stock you up with simple groceries at the nearby local market (potatoes, carrots, leek, tofu, tempeh, cabbage etc) for a service fee of 100,000 IDR. - Please use the kitchen in a proper way and leave it behind in a clean state. If you find any difficulties (missing objects) please let us know so we can replace or buy them for the next guest and improve our service. Please let the staff at Arya Utama know if the gas is empty/finished and DO NOT change the Gasbottle/regulator by yourself. Please let the staff at Arya Utama know any of the following has run out: Salt/Pepper/Sugar/Coffee/Tea/Cooking Oil/dishwashing liquid – we provide these items in the kitchen free of charge during your stay. There is a French press and Moka machine available for coffee preparation, as well as a tea pot for preparing tea. - On the lowest level we have started planting some ginger, turmeric, lemongrass and pandan leafs in the garden, so you can use it for preparing traditional fresh herbal tea.(Maybe ready for harvest in December 2018). When pulling out the ginger/turmeric roots, please breakf of a small piece and push it back into the ground so it can re-grow for future guests. - Please throw all sanitary napkins, toilet paper, tampons into the garbage bin provided – do not flush down the toilet. You have private access to all the facilities of the house. You will share the parking/restaurant area. From the house you can walk down to Munduk's amazing waterfalls - ENjoy! Mr. Adi or Mr. Surya might be able to drop you to the house (extra charge). On site, there will be Arya Utama's staff available to check you in and help you with any issues you might have. Feel free to contact Adi on Airbnb any time. Munduk Village is a Green village or a small mountain village, located between 500 to 1200 meters above sea level and with average temperatures of 20 to 25°C. With a population of 6,200 people, the village of Munduk Village has a rich history. The Dutch brought colonial architecture to Munduk Village, along with traditional export commodities such as coffee, cocoa, cloves and vanilla. It was revered by famous artists since the 1920's, writers and painters alike - not difficult to understand why, when one spends a few days here. Munduk has 3 wonderfull waterfall that you should visit when you come to Bali. Arya Utama offers transportation and rental services. Please inquire directly with them about the costs. Munduk is a great spot for simply walking - trek down to 3 different waterfalls and taste coffee and yummy meals at some of the great cafes (we recommend Golden Valley Eco CAFE). THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE BOOKING: -Please bring enough cash money as the nearest ATM is 20 minute drive -no children under 18 years allowed, as there are very low railings (50cm) and some areas without railing. This is held intentional, so as to give the undisturbed feelings, as well as making the house adult – only. -Refrain from drinking high amounts of alcohol because of the risk of loosing balance and falling over the railing 4 meter. -All swings, hammock, hanging chair are to be used at your own risk. Thick ropes and excellent iron ware has been used to make it safe, and regular maintenance is carried out, however we cant take responsibility for any injuries or broken ropes due to wear, improper use or negligence by the user. -The hot water is set to VERY HOT (about 70 degrees Celsius), so as to guarantee that the bathtub can be filled up in proper way. Please be aware of this at all times and take care not to use the hottest setting on your body. -The road down to the house is rather steep and about 5 minute walk to the upper restaurant area – that’s the price we must pay for undisturbed jungle immersion ☺ We recommend using the food deliver service from the upper restaurant and it costs only 20% extra on top of the cheap local prices. -The road down to the waterfall is natural and might be slippery and steep at times. Please walk slowly. -During rainy season some parts of the paths, as well as the bridge and decking might be slippery. Please walk with caution. -The food provided at the accommodation is simple but good quality Indonesian food. Should you desire more refined cuisine, we recommend to head to Ngiring Ngewedang or to bring items so you can prepare your own meals in the kitchen. You may also try to have your breakfast at the waterfall Golden Valley Eco café below, about 40 minute walk from the house, turning right at the first T-fork. -If you plan to have lunch at Arya Utama we recommend to let the staff know in the morning , as it is rare for people to have lunch there (most eat at the waterfall cafés). Please be aware that sometimes the lunch service might not be available due to the main cook (Ibuk) being busy with ceremonies. -To guarantee complete privacy, cleaning of the villa will only be carried out when you order it. You can let the staff know directly or via the phone provided. -Some garden lighting has been set up to illuminate the path down to the house. For ecological purposes we have set the timer to switch the lights on from sunset til 10.30pm. -Even though some natural bamboo has been planted to guarantee some fencing and privacy, the house can be seen from the side by the occasional hiker. A bamboo mat can be pulled down to guarantee more privacy. -The bathtub is completely out of view from by-passers or residents. Very rarely a farmer might roam that jungle area, however we have not seen that happening so far. ☺ - The Clove House lies at a higher altitude of 1000m - expect a much milder climate than in the south of Bali. Highly recommended to bring a jumper, sweater, socks and long pants for the fresher evenings. The story behind the Clove House Inspired by movies such as TOTORO and other Sudio Gilbhi movies, year-long meditation practice and a love for nature, the clove house was born with the intention to bring people back to nature, back to themselves, back to peaceful silent contentment. Having come to Arya Utama over the past 5 years for short-period meditation retreats, somehow I developed an intimate relationship with its surroundings and the owners. The walks one can take to the waterfalls in the area, the endless stunning sunsets over the ocean (in dry season), the sounds of the jungle, the passing clouds, the thundering rain, the dry sunshine, the variety of wildlife, and the smell of clove and coffee in the air (dry season) have made me fall in love with this place and have made it my personal sanctuary to regain energy, vision and focus. May you get the same benefits while staying at this beautiful place on earth!