Jungle Cafés in Bali: A Sip of Paradise Among the Palms
If you’ve ever dreamed of sipping your morning coffee surrounded by emerald greenery, the sound of cicadas in your ears, and the scent of fresh rain on ancient leaves, Bali’s jungle cafés are your ticket to paradise. As a Dutch wanderer with a love for gezelligheid (coziness), I’ve spent countless mornings and lazy afternoons tucked away in these leafy sanctuaries. Let me take you on a journey to some of Bali’s most scenic jungle cafés—where every cup comes with a view worth waking up early for.
1. Akasha Restaurant & Café: Ubud’s Eco-Chic Hideaway
Location: Jalan Raya Tegallalang, Ubud
Nestled on the northern edge of Ubud, Akasha feels like the lovechild of a Balinese treehouse and a Dutch bohemian loft. This eco-conscious café is built entirely from sustainable bamboo and reclaimed wood, with open-air seating that makes you feel like you’re floating above a sea of ferns. The view? A panoramic sweep of rice terraces melting into wild jungle, often shrouded in early-morning mist.
Must-try: Their coconut lattes and vegan banana pancakes are as lush as the surroundings. The café’s commitment to zero waste and local sourcing adds an extra layer of feel-good to your visit.
Fenna’s Pro-tip: Arrive at sunrise for golden lighting and fewer crowds. Settle in with your journal, or just listen to the symphony of birdsong that seems to start the day here.
2. Jungle Fish: Bali’s Iconic Hanging Pool Café
Location: Desa Sebali, Ubud
Floating above the Osh River Valley, Jungle Fish is the kind of place you see on Instagram and think, “That can’t be real.” Yet here it is, with its infinity pool dangling over a steep ravine and a breezy café serving up smoothie bowls, fresh juices, and strong Balinese coffee.
Order a cappuccino and let your feet dangle in the water as you gaze out over a tapestry of palm trees. The atmosphere strikes a beautiful balance between relaxed luxury and unfiltered jungle adventure—think barefoot elegance over high heels.
Fenna’s Perspective: As a Dutchie, I appreciate Jungle Fish’s relaxed approach to hospitality—no fuss, no rush, just good food and breathtaking views. It’s the sort of place where time drifts by as easily as the clouds overhead.
3. The Secret Garden Café: Munduk’s Misty Mountain Gem
Location: Munduk Village, North Bali
For those willing to venture off the well-worn path, The Secret Garden Café in Munduk is a revelation. Set amidst rolling hills and waterfalls, this café is a magnet for hikers, dreamers, and anyone craving crisp mountain air. Wooden decks jut out over the valley, offering postcard-perfect panoramas of terraced fields and distant volcanoes.
Menu highlights: Try the traditional Balinese kopi tubruk and homemade cakes infused with local spices like cinnamon and clove.
Fenna’s Travel Tip: Pair your visit with a trek to the nearby Munduk Waterfall. There’s something magical about sipping hot coffee while your clothes dry in the sun after a morning swim beneath a cascade.
4. La Pacha Mama: Ubud’s Boho Jungle Retreat
Location: Jalan Penestanan Kelod, Ubud
If you’re after a café with a dash of playful color and Latin flair, La Pacha Mama in Penestanan is your spot. With lush hanging plants, rattan swings, and vibrant murals, this place feels like a tropical greenhouse crossed with an Amsterdam café. Vegan tacos, mezcal cocktails, and live music nights create an atmosphere of laid-back celebration.
Why I love it: The blend of Latin and Balinese influences reminds me of the open-mindedness I cherish in Dutch culture—welcoming, diverse, and just a touch quirky.
5. Sayan House: Elegant Dining Above the Ayung Gorge
Location: Jalan Raya Sayan, Ubud
For those special occasions—think birthdays, anniversaries, or just “treat yourself” days—The Sayan House serves up fusion cuisine and cocktails with a side of jaw-dropping jungle views. Perched on the cliffside, the terrace overlooks the Ayung River and a canopy of ancient trees. As the sun sets, the jungle comes alive with fireflies and the distant hum of gamelan music.
Favorite dish: The Japanese-Balinese tasting menu, which fuses the best of both worlds. Don’t miss the passionfruit mojito!
Photography Tips for Jungle Café Hopping
- Go early: Soft morning light adds a magical glow and fewer crowds make for cleaner shots.
- Look for contrasts: Capture the interplay between rustic wooden interiors and vivid green exteriors.
- Include local details: Think hand-carved cups, woven baskets, and bright tropical blooms—a nod to Bali’s artisanal heritage.
Final Thoughts: A Jungle Café State of Mind
What makes Bali’s jungle cafés unforgettable isn’t just the coffee (though it’s outstanding), but the way they invite you to slow down, savor the moment, and soak in the island’s untamed beauty. For Dutch travelers and all those seeking something beyond the ordinary, these cafés offer a taste of Bali’s wild heart—a place where adventure, community, and tranquility are always on the menu.
Tot ziens in the jungle!
May your cup—and your spirit—always be full.
P.S. If you have a favorite jungle café in Bali, let me know in the comments! I’m always on the lookout for the next hidden gem. And don’t forget to check out my gallery below for more lush, leafy inspiration. 🌿☕✨
Comments (0)
There are no comments here yet, you can be the first!