You’ve seen the photo. Even if you don’t think you have, you definitely have. It’s that twin-tiered swimming pool that seems to float directly over a prehistoric-looking canyon, surrounded by a wall of green so thick it looks like the jungle is trying to swallow the concrete. That’s the Bali Hanging Gardens (now officially known as Hanging Gardens of Bali), and honestly, it’s probably the most "Instagrammed" hotel on the planet before Instagram even existed.
It’s weird. In a world where luxury hotels go out of style faster than last year’s iPhone, this place stays relevant. Why? Because while every other resort in Ubud tries to replicate that "floating" feeling, this one actually sits on a 45-degree incline. It’s steep. It’s terrifyingly beautiful. It’s also a bit of a logistical nightmare that somehow works.
If you’re planning to drop a significant amount of cash here, you need the reality, not just the drone shots.
The Architecture of Gravity
Most people think the "Hanging Gardens" name is just a cute marketing gimmick. It isn't. The hotel was designed by architects who clearly didn't care about how hard it would be to carry a suitcase to a room. They built it into the side of a mountain in the Payangan rainforest, north of central Ubud.
The centerpiece is the pool. Designed by French architect Popo Danes, it’s a geometric anomaly. It’s suspended. It’s cantilevered. It mimics the shape of the surrounding hills. When you’re swimming in it, you aren't just looking at the jungle; you’re technically hovering over it. This specific design won "World's Best Swimming Pool" from Condé Nast Traveller and about a dozen other outlets, and it's the reason the hotel stays booked despite being relatively isolated.
What most people get wrong about the location
Ubud is a vibe, but the Bali Hanging Gardens isn't actually in Ubud. Not really.
It’s about 30 to 40 minutes north of the Ubud Monkey Forest. This is a massive distinction. If you stay here, you aren't walking to a cafe for a latte. You are in the deep, deep bush. You will hear macaques screaming at 4:00 AM. You will see bugs that look like they belong in a Jurassic Park sequel.
That isolation is the point.
The resort uses a funicular—basically a tiny cable car—to move guests up and down the steep terrain. If the funicular breaks down (which, let’s be real, happens in the tropics), you are getting the leg workout of your life. It’s a vertical property. Everything is a climb.
📖 Related: How to Actually Book the Hangover Suite Caesars Las Vegas Without Getting Fooled
The Villas: Privacy vs. The Jungle
There are 44 villas here. Every single one of them has a private infinity pool.
That’s a lot of water.
The villas are built with traditional Alang-Alang thatched roofs and lots of local wood. They feel "Old Bali." They don’t feel like a sterile Marriott in Dubai. But here’s the thing: because you are in a rainforest, humidity is your constant companion. The wood creaks. The air is heavy. If you’re the type of traveler who freaks out when a gecko crawls across the wall, this might not be your paradise.
- Riverside Villas: These are the ones you want. They sit lower down the cliff, closer to the Ayung River. You can hear the water rushing. It’s loud, natural white noise.
- Panoramic Villas: These sit higher up and offer those "big" views of the valley and the Dalem Segara Temple across the way.
- Family Suites: Basically just more space, but honestly, this is a honeymoon hotel. Bringing kids here feels like bringing a cat to a dog show. It’s possible, but everyone looks a little stressed.
The interiors are heavy on silks and dark woods. It’s romantic. It’s moody. It’s also a bit dark during the day because of the thick canopy overhead. You’re trading bright, airy modernism for deep, immersive jungle soul.
Why the Ayung River Matters
The resort overlooks the Ayung River, which is the longest river in Bali. It’s sacred to the local Balinese people.
From the hotel, you can see the Dalem Segara Temple on the opposite bank. Often, you’ll hear the faint sound of gamelan music or chanting drifting across the gorge. It’s hauntingly beautiful. It reminds you that you aren’t just in a luxury box; you’re in a place with thousands of years of spiritual history.
Many guests take the trek down to the river. It’s a steep hike. The hotel offers "Jungle Cooking" classes down there or romantic dinners by the water. If you do the dinner, expect a lot of candles and a lot of mosquitoes. Bring the spray. The hotel provides it, but you should probably bathe in it.
The Economics of a Bucket List Stay
Let’s talk money. Bali Hanging Gardens is expensive.
👉 See also: How Far Is Tennessee To California: What Most Travelers Get Wrong
You’re looking at anywhere from $500 to $1,200 a night depending on the season and the villa type. Is it "worth it"?
That depends on what you value.
- You're paying for the engineering. Maintaining an infinity pool on a 45-degree mud-and-rock slope in a tropical climate is a feat of human will.
- You're paying for the silence. Aside from the wildlife, there is no traffic noise. No scooters. No honking.
- You're paying for the "Shot." People come here specifically for the photos. The staff knows this. They are basically professional photographers at this point.
If you want a modern "smart room" where you control the lights with an iPad, go to the W in Seminyak. This is different. This is about being tucked into a mosquito net while rain hammers the thatch roof. It's about luxury through atmosphere, not gadgets.
Sustainability and Challenges
In 2026, we have to talk about the footprint. Building a massive concrete structure on a river gorge isn't exactly "leave no trace."
The resort has made strides in waste management and sourcing local produce from the surrounding Payangan villages, but a luxury resort is still a luxury resort. The sheer amount of water and electricity required to keep 44 private pools and one giant double-decker pool running in the middle of a jungle is immense.
There’s also the challenge of aging. Tropical environments are brutal on buildings. The maintenance team here is constantly fighting back rot and moss. Some travelers complain that the rooms feel "dated." I’d argue they feel "settled." It looks like it belongs there now. It doesn't look like a shiny new scar on the hillside.
A Note on the Service
The Balinese are world-renowned for hospitality, but "Jungle Time" is a real thing.
Service here is polite, warm, and genuine, but it isn't "New York City fast." If you order a club sandwich at 11 PM, it might take a while to get to your villa via the funicular. Relax. Breathe in the damp air. You’re in the rainforest.
✨ Don't miss: How far is New Hampshire from Boston? The real answer depends on where you're actually going
Common Misconceptions
People get confused about a few things before they arrive.
First, the pool isn't open to the public for free. You used to be able to get a "Day Pass" for a reasonable fee, but the resort has tightened this up to protect the privacy of staying guests. If you aren't staying there, you’ll likely pay a hefty price for a lunch reservation just to get a glimpse of the pool.
Second, the "Hanging Gardens" isn't the same as the "Tegalalang Rice Terrace." People see "Gardens" and "Bali" and assume it's the famous rice paddies. It’s not. The resort is surrounded by primary rainforest, not manicured rice fields. It’s much wilder.
Third, the weather. It rains more here than in Kuta or Seminyak. Much more. You are in a microclimate. Even if the sun is shining at the beach, it might be a torrential downpour in Payangan. The rain actually makes the place better—the green becomes more vivid and the mist rolls into the valley.
Actionable Advice for Your Trip
If you’ve decided to pull the trigger and book a stay, don't just wing it.
- Book the Funicular-Adjacent Villas if you hate waiting. If you’re at the very edge of the property, you might be waiting 10 minutes for the lift.
- Visit the Spa. It’s located right by the river. Getting a massage while the Ayung River roars three feet away is probably the best thing you can do for your nervous system.
- The Temple Walk. Take the guided walk to the local temple across the valley. It gives you a perspective of the hotel from the outside, which is arguably more impressive than the view from the inside.
- Eat Local. While the "Western" menu is fine, the Balinese dishes are where the kitchen shines. Ask for the Bebek Betutu (slow-cooked duck). It’s a regional specialty.
- Check the Season. If you go during the peak of the rainy season (January/February), the river will be brown and churning. If you go in the dry season (June-August), the river is clearer and the humidity is slightly more bearable.
The Bali Hanging Gardens isn't just a hotel; it’s a specific moment in architectural history. It’s the place that proved you could build something spectacular in an impossible location. It has its quirks, and it's certainly not cheap, but there is a reason it remains the benchmark for jungle luxury.
To make the most of your stay, book a minimum of three nights. Anything less and you’re just rushing to take photos without actually feeling the rhythm of the forest. Give yourself time to get used to the funicular, the humidity, and the sound of the river. That's where the real magic happens.