Dramatically perched on a ridge above a river valley against the majestic backdrop of Mount Batukaru, Rumah Lama is a cluster of antique timber buildings resting within a plantation of coffee and cacao entwined with vanilla vines.

If you’re content with century-old, back-to-basics charm coupled with spellbinding views, then a stay at Rumah Lama – a simple, five-bedroom, three-bathroom property – will be an inspirational experience, and one that will give you a very different take on Bali. Modernity and luxury are not evident in this eco-friendly mountain environment: there is no swimming pool, no internet access, no air conditioning (you won’t need it) and no hot water here – but the beauty, the nature, the peace, and the seclusion are so complete that city life will seem a million miles away.

This is a place to come and be alone with your lover, your family, or a small group of special friends – a rural, self-catering escape, blissfully isolated. The heart of Rumah Lama is the 110-year-old traditional Javanese joglo house, but what makes the heart beat is the location …

Feel the cool breeze against your skin as you step out onto a wooden jetty-style deck to gaze at the astounding view, stretched out before you like a map. On one side, your eyes will be led by an amphitheatre of rice terraces and a steep-sided river valley that meanders all the way down to the hazy sweeping curve of the southern plains. While on the other, the dense rainforest reaches up to meet the towering volcanic crest of the Bali’s second-highest mountain.

Chill out, kick back, read a few books, enjoy the great outdoors, or trek the mountain and forest. Transport is strongly advised (a car and driver can be arranged at extra charge) to ensure that you won’t feel too isolated. Bring your own food and do your own cooking (take note that the nearest supermarket is 35km away), or eat out in one of a few small restaurants, which you will find within seven kilometres of the property. The sole member of staff is a happy chap, with enthusiasm and lots of knowledge about the local area. He lives in the local village and manages the property, he’ll do the cleaning and take you on guided treks (for a small extra charge).

• Bed Linen
• Car Parking
• Ceiling Fans (Bedrooms)
• Main Dining (8 persons)
• DVD Player
• Hotplates
• Equipped Kitchen
• Toiletries
• Towels
• TV (Local channels)
• Manager
• Housekeeping (Full time)

Period	Net Rates
from 15 April 2012 to 31 May 2012	$ 250
from 15 June 2012 to 14 July 2012	$ 295
from 15 July 2012 to 15 August 2012	$ 295
from 16 August 2012 to 15 September 2012	$ 295
from 16 September 2012 to 14 December 2012	$ 250
from 15 December 2012 to 15 January 2013	$ 295

Rumah Lama comprises several buildings. The main single-storey house features an open-sided living and dining area (the core of an antique joglo house) and a simple open-plan kitchen flanked by a recent two-bedroom extension. Additionally, there are three one-bedroom, traditional, wooden joglo buildings that have been disassembled and transported from central Java – an area famous for its intricately carved woodwork. These are leisurely spread throughout a plantation of mango, papaya, cacao and coffee trees draped in vanilla vines.

The large living and dining space rests under an ornate, traditional high roof. This charming old building is open on two sides and supported by timber pillars. There is a wooden table in middle with dining for eight guests, as well as two plantation chairs and two armchairs. The floor is of antique tiles, and the cute little kitchen sits to one side, equipped merely with a two-burner gas hob, a sink, a fridge, crockery, cutlery, glasses, pots, pans and cooking utensils. Outside, sun loungers rest on a lawn that rolls into the valley.

The first bedroom in the main house is furnished with two wrought iron single beds suitable for either kids or a couple of adults and equipped with a DVD player for watching movies on a 24-inch TV screen. The other bedroom has a king-size wooden bed. The timbers and walls are whitewashed, while each of the two bathrooms is fitted with chequered black and white floor tiles, a cold-water shower, toilet and washbasin.

Three more ornately-carved joglo buildings each present a simple, sparsely-furnished bedroom – two with double beds and one with a (single) daybed. Each has a pretty, raised terrace with seats offering glorious rice terrace views. There is also a pergola in the plantation garden with a table and two bench seats. Guests staying in the three garden joglos share just one bathroom, linked to one of the rooms. The bathroom is spacious and light, but very simple, fitted with a washbasin, a toilet and a coldwater mandi (for the traditional Indonesian way of bathing, which involves using a small container to scoop water out of a large urn and pour it over the body).

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