Comprised of over 17,000 islands, Indonesia is considered the largest archipelago in the world. Rich with culture and natural beauty, the islands of Indonesia are a popular travel destination for people all around the world. Read Culture Trip’s guide to the best cultural hotels.
Cutting-edge design inspired by the area’s surrounding magnificence lie at the heart of the Alila Villas Uluwatu in Bali. The hotel stands on the edge of a plateau, allowing visitors unbroken views over the ocean to the horizon from its cliff vantage point. The hotel was designed by the award-winning WOHA, the Singaporean architectural firm that built the School of Arts in Singapore. The resort prides itself on its Weddings at the Edge of The World: wedding ceremonies that are set in an overhanging cliff-side platform that feature the hotel’s famous views of the horizon as the backdrop to vows of eternal love. For those seeking adventures, Alila Villas also organises multiple ‘journey’ tours that take visitors to the best natural and cultural spots around the area.
Providing accommodation in four stunning Balinese rice barns (or Lumbungs), The Bali Purnati Center for the Arts exudes an authentic and comfortable Indonesian aura. The mission of this organisation is to create collaborations between people, traditions and cultures through art residencies, with the desired result of further understanding and artistic growth. Engaging in many art fields, past participating artists have created unique works that fuse Asian traditional practice with contemporary artistic thought. Guests can interact with the artists during their projects, and at the end of their time Purnati puts on a display of their work for the local community. Visitors are also encouraged to take part in yoga and art activities during their stay.
Located on a jetty in the middle of a forest, Rimba Ecolodge can only be reached by boat. The lodge’s location is perfect for travellers who want to explore the surrounding rainforests and Tanjung Puting National Park by foot or by wooden boat (klotok). The lodge also organises many tours that allow visitors to meet the animal inhabitants of this natural territory, as well as conducting night tours that show the glowing mushrooms and fireflies of the area, while the feeding stations give animal enthusiasts a chance to meet orangutans and other primates face to face.
The Temple Lodge leaves behind the rest of the world and allows its visitors to stay in a serene and secluded environment of natural beauty. Located on top of the Bali’s southernmost tip – the white cliffs of the Bukit Peninsula – the thatched roof and tropical rustic design of this accommodation matches perfectly with its surroundings. From its raised perspective, visitors can view the sublime waves that attract surfers from around the world and can even venture down to the beach for a closer look. The hotel offers experiences that are nourishing for both body and soul, such as yoga courses, massages and a menu full of organic ingredients.