What It’s Like to Stay in a Treehouse Hotel

Bali from the Treetops: My Treehouse Hotel Adventure in the Island’s Canopy

If you’ve ever dreamed of waking up to the gentle rustle of leaves, sunlight dappling across your bed, and the distant crash of waves mixed with the symphony of cicadas, then, dear reader, you’re in for a treat. Let me take you on a journey—up a ladder, through a rainforest, and into the heart of Bali’s most enchanting accommodations: the treehouse hotel.

Treetop Temples: Bali’s Canopy Hideaways

Bali, with its lush volcanic hills and wild, untamed jungle, is a place where childhood fantasies of treehouse living are not only possible but elevated—sometimes quite literally—to an art form. Nestled in the less-trodden corners of the island, especially in areas like Sidemen, Nusa Penida, and the edges of Ubud, you’ll find treehouse hotels that seem to have sprouted from the earth itself. Forget cookie-cutter resorts; these are handcrafted havens perched high among banyan, teak, and coconut palms.

I remember my first glimpse of one such treehouse, swaying gently in the breeze, its bamboo railings entwined with wild passionflower vines. It brought to mind my Croatian childhood summers spent clambering through olive trees, only here the air was thick with frangipani and the distant call to prayer, not the salty tang of the Adriatic.

The Ascent: Getting There is Half the Fun

Reaching your treetop suite is an adventure in itself—think sturdy rope bridges, wooden ladders, and the occasional monkey giving you an appraising side-eye (pro tip: keep your snacks hidden). As you climb, the sounds of the world below fade away, replaced by birdsong and the soft patter of tropical rain. By the time you reach your room, you’ve already shed a layer of city stress.

Inside the Treehouse: Rustic Luxury with a Balinese Soul

Let’s be clear: these aren’t your childhood backyard forts. Bali’s treehouse hotels blend rustic charm with thoughtful amenities. Picture mosquito-netted beds facing panoramic jungle views, open-air showers where you can wash beneath the stars, and handmade wooden furniture carved by local artisans. Everything smells faintly of sandalwood and adventure.

One night, as the rain drummed on my thatched roof, I lounged on my balcony, sipping Bali kopi and watching fireflies dance through the foliage. It felt like living in a scene from The Jungle Book, but with WiFi (albeit sometimes a little moody, as is the island way).

The Rhythm of the Trees: Daily Life Aloft

Life in the treetops is dictated by the sun and the sounds of nature. Mornings begin with the golden haze of sunrise filtering through the canopy. Breakfast is often delivered in a basket—think tropical fruit, fresh coconut water, and banana pancakes still warm from the griddle.

Most days, I’d venture down to wander through rice terraces or borrow a scooter to explore hidden temples. But some afternoons were best spent doing absolutely nothing: reading a book in a hammock, watching clouds drift over Mount Agung, or learning the slow art of doing nothing—a skill the Balinese have perfected.

Off the Beaten Path: Hidden Treehouse Gems

While Instagram has made a few treehouse stays (like the fabled Rumah Pohon on Nusa Penida) famous, there are still many secret retreats waiting to be discovered. In Sidemen, treehouse bungalows overlook emerald green valleys where farmers still plough with water buffalo. Near Munduk, I found a treehouse among coffee plantations, where mornings began with the scent of roasting beans and the distant laughter of children walking to school.

This is the Bali I urge you to seek: a place where you can trade poolside cocktails for early morning birdsong, and your only worry is whether the gecko on your ceiling is plotting world domination (spoiler: he’s just after the mosquitoes).

Practicalities: What to Expect and Pack

• Pack Light, But Smart: Treehouse hotels aren’t always suitcase-friendly. A backpack is your friend. Bring insect repellent, a headlamp (trust me, those jungle nights are dark!), and a sense of adventure.
• Embrace Simplicity: Some treehouses are eco-friendly, with compost toilets and solar showers. Others offer full creature comforts. Check the amenities before booking.
• Respect the Locals: Both human and animal. Don’t feed the monkeys, and remember that you’re a guest in more than just the hotel—you’re a guest in the forest.
• Book in Advance: These unique stays are in high demand, especially during Bali’s dry season (April to October).

Treehouse Wisdom: Why Stay Here?

There’s a special kind of magic in sleeping among the trees. You gain a new perspective—literally and figuratively—on Bali’s rhythms, its culture, and its wild, untamed beauty. It’s a reminder that adventure doesn’t always require scaling a volcano or surfing a reef. Sometimes, it’s simply a matter of climbing a ladder, breathing deeply, and letting the island work its quiet wonders.

So next time you find yourself Bali-bound, resist the siren call of the infinity pool for just a night or two. Choose a treehouse hotel, and you’ll discover the island as the birds—and perhaps your inner child—always have: from the treetops, with wonder.

From the Adriatic cliffs to Bali’s emerald jungles, may your travels always bring you a little bit closer to the wild. And if you spot a gecko on your balcony, tell him Zvjezdan says hello.