Perched on a tranquil ridge in Sidemen, Bali, Laputa Villa — affectionately nicknamed “The Bamboo Castles in the Sky” — is exactly what it sounds like: otherworldly. It’s all sweeping vistas of emerald rice terraces, jungle tumbling down hillsides, Mount Agung looming like a painting, and the Indian Ocean glinting far below. Think fairytale kingdom but made of bamboo. And no, we’re politely ignoring what “Laputa” translates to in Spanish — best to leave that one at the door.
The villa isn’t just a place to sleep; it’s a living, breathing structure. Spanning nearly 1,000 square meters, its open-sided design means nature is constantly part of the experience. There are no walls between you and the horizon — except, thankfully, in the bathroom. That’s the only fully enclosed room, complete with hot water. Everything else invites the breeze, the light, and the hum of the forest inside.
Two dreamy bedrooms feature four-poster beds swathed in mosquito nets, creating a sort of bamboo-glam jungle retreat. The main living area — open on two sides — feels like a stage where monkeys swing past and butterflies flutter in mid-air. When the symphony of birdsong isn’t enough, a Bluetooth speaker is provided for your personal soundtrack.
Up a bamboo ladder, the loft holds the Skynet, a suspended netting where you can lounge like a hammock-dwelling bird and watch the sunrise explode over Mount Agung. Honestly, it’s hard to imagine a better dawn. Breakfast (included) arrives each morning, while a menu and WhatsApp service allow you to order local warung dishes or Western food delivered straight to your bamboo kingdom. The kitchen itself is simple — but here, that simplicity feels like a feature, not a flaw.
Despite its remote feel, Laputa Villa is surprisingly accessible: about 90 minutes from Bali Airport and an hour from Ubud. It sits high on a hill above Sidemen village, a spot still celebrated for its “real Balinese” atmosphere. Nights are cool enough to warrant a jumper, and days are all birds, breeze, and the low murmur of the rice paddies below.
Sustainability runs through the villa like bamboo fiber. Built entirely from locally sourced materials, Laputa celebrates Balinese craftsmanship while treading lightly on the earth. It’s not a treehouse, strictly speaking, but the jungle wraps around it like a living wall. Nature’s “guests” — frogs, insects, and the occasional gecko — wander in and out. Some will call it part of the charm; others, a test of their inner zen. Either way, it’s authentic Bali.
With its breathtaking setting and design, Laputa Villa isn’t just a stay — it’s a memory in the making, a bamboo dreamscape that feels both luxurious and rooted in the land. Starting around €300 per night, it’s a chance to slow down, sink in, and live your own “castle in the sky” moment.
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