There’s something wildly surreal about Rumah Pohon Tree House on Nusa Penida. Maybe it’s the way it clings to the edge of a cliff, daring gravity to give it a nudge. Or maybe it’s the view — a panorama of jagged islets rising from turquoise waters that doesn’t just take your breath away but kind of leaves you laughing in disbelief. Like, how is this even real?
Getting there takes effort — there’s no sugarcoating that. You’ll need a fast boat from Bali (Sanur Harbor) to Banjar Nyuh, then either rent a scooter or hire a driver. The roads are rough. Twisty, hilly, occasionally potholed. If you’re not super confident on two wheels, trust me: go with a driver. You’ll thank yourself later when you’re not white-knuckling it through gravel.
Once you make it to the top parking area, there's a small entrance fee and a short-but-sweaty hike down some wooden stairs. Around 10–15 minutes, give or take. The trail’s scenic though — all cliffside paths and photo ops, including a few cheeky Instagram installations if that’s your thing. But the real prize? That last treehouse at the end of the trail.
Perched just so, the Rumah Pohon faces east — which means, yes, sunrise here is the stuff of travel dreams. And also yes, it gets crowded. For 75k IDR (roughly five bucks), you get two minutes in the treehouse, with a local attendant managing the queue and helping you climb up. That might sound a little rushed (because it is), but honestly, two minutes with that view is enough to burn it into memory — and camera roll.
The inside of the treehouse? Well... it’s basic. Mattress, fan, that’s about it. But no one’s really here to sleep. In fact, overnight stays aren’t even allowed anymore. This is a sunrise stop, not a full-blown retreat. It’s about the moment — the view, the breeze, the early morning stillness before the crowd.
Plan it right, and you can fit Rumah Pohon into a full day exploring East Nusa Penida. Start with sunrise at the treehouse, then check out Thousand Islands Viewpoint, wander down to Diamond Beach, hike along the cliffs to Atuh Beach, and maybe detour to Goa Giri Putri Temple, a spiritual site hidden inside a limestone cave. It’s a long day, but it’s a good one.
Practical tips? Bring water. Wear proper shoes (not sandals, seriously). The stairs back up will test your patience — and your calves — especially in the heat. The bamboo shakes a bit underfoot, so if you’re afraid of heights... maybe don’t look down too much.
And where to stay? Nearby spots like Diamond Beach Villas, Kubu Penida Villa, or the budget-friendly Diamond Beach Bungalow offer comfort, views, and easy access to the island’s best corners.
Rumah Pohon isn’t glamorous. It’s not even especially comfortable. But it’s unforgettable — a quick, breathtaking pause in a journey that’ll stay with you long after the sand’s out of your shoes.
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