Hanging Gardens of Bali

Hanging Gardens of Bali is the resort behind one of the most photographed pools in the world. Set in the village of Buahan in Payangan, north of Ubud, it clings to the side of the Ayung River gorge, with villas stepping down the hillside through thick rainforest. The famous two-tiered infinity pool appears to float above the treetops, looking across the valley towards an old temple on the opposite ridge.

Beyond the pool, the resort is a genuine jungle hideaway. Mornings bring mist rising off the river, afternoons are filled with birdsong, and a private funicular carries guests between reception and the villas, giving a slow, scenic ride through the forest canopy.

Rooms & villas

The resort has around 44 villas, each with its own infinity pool overlooking the jungle and open-air living and dining spaces that blend Balinese design with contemporary comforts. Categories range from one-bedroom suites and one-bedroom panoramic pool villas to two-bedroom family pool villas. Many villas have views across the valley to the temple, and the setting is quiet and secluded throughout.

Dining

• Three Elements – the main restaurant, serving Indonesian and Western dishes on an open-air terrace beneath the jungle canopy
• Wine cellar – for tastings and private dinners
• Floating dining – a signature experience where a meal is served on a boat-shaped tray in your villa pool
• Afternoon tea – served with valley views

Facilities & experiences

The two-tier infinity pool is the centrepiece and is at its most atmospheric early in the morning before other guests arrive. A riverside spa offers Balinese massages, body scrubs and facials in open-air pavilions, and babysitting can be arranged. The team can organise trips to the rice terraces of Tegallalang, temple visits, white-water rafting on the Ayung and outings to Ubud’s art markets, about 30 minutes away by car.

Who it suits

Hanging Gardens is made for couples and honeymooners who want jungle seclusion, a private pool and that unforgettable main pool. It is remote by design, so it suits guests happy to relax in the resort and take day trips with a driver. The hillside layout involves steps and the funicular, and the location is roughly an hour or more from the airport; check the latest child policy before booking with young kids.

Practical tip: the best light for photographing the famous pool is early morning, when mist hangs over the gorge and the pool is quiet. The rainy season (roughly November to March) brings heavier afternoon showers but also the lushest views. Pack insect repellent and light layers for cooler evenings in the hills, and plan day trips early to avoid Ubud’s afternoon traffic.

Payangan itself is a rural district of rice fields, small temples and village life, so a walk or bike ride through the surrounding lanes offers a gentle counterpoint to the resort’s luxury.