The journey to Villa Champuhan takes guests past verdant rice fields fringed with palm trees, down a bumpy track and into a haven of secluded, tropical grandeur. On arrival, a wide stone staircase descends amidst cascading water ponds into an immense lobby/living room, firmly setting the tone for this sleek four-bedroomed villa where everything – from floor-to-ceiling glass windows and doors, to oversized sofas and an antique Timorese wooden dining table for eight – is designed on an impressive scale. Even the views are huge: the villa is perched above an expansive section of the Yeh Penyet river, its banks dense with bamboo groves, mango trees and coconut-laden palms. The gush of the river is ever-present, blending with the melody of birdsong and the hum of cicadas to create a true rainforest harmony.

The villa sprawls across an impressive 70m of river frontage, with three sleeping pavilions (one with adjoining rooms making an ideal family suite), two living rooms, two pools, and a choice of indoor/outdoor dining areas providing ample space to spread out. The owner, who has a young family, clearly considered children’s wishes when designing the villa. Kids will love the bunk bed room and having their own outdoor bathroom. The comfortable library makes a wonderful hide away, with an interesting assortment of coffee table books and novels.

A gleaming 25m infinity pool tiled with grey-green Indian slate and flanked with deck chairs and shady balés for lounging overlooks the river and a smaller pool which lies just below. Throughout the property manicured lawns and sloping garden beds filled with lush foliage contrast vividly with thick walls of creamy sandstone and polished dark timber floors.

An extensive menu offers Indonesian and western dishes (on guest account), but due to the remote location meals do need to be planned ahead. Guests are also welcome to self cater. If the bright lights of the city beckon, the trendy boutiques, bars and restaurants of Seminyak are only 15km away; easily reached courtesy of the complimentary car and driver provided for eight hours each day.

Gloriously situated between the river, terraced rice fields and coconut groves, there are no shops or other amenities in the immediate vicinity of Villa Champuhan. This infinitely rural scene is ideal for walking or bike rides. A narrow country road leads to the black sands of Nyanyi Beach three kilometres away, while the traditional Balinese village of Cemagi – with its market and temple – lies a few kilometres to the east and the Nirwana Bali Golf course and Tanah Lot sea temple a little further to the west.

Map (see Google Map)

 

Places of Interest(KMs)
Tanah Lot sea temple	6.0
Canggu	12.0
Kerobokan	13.0
Seminyak	15.0
Kuta	23.0
Mt Batukaru	30.0
Ngurah Rai Airport (DPS)	35.0
Ubud	38.0

 

About Seseh-Tanah Lot
A few kilometres north-west of Canggu, a towering banyan, sacred in many cultures, heralds the turning towards Seseh, a traditional beachside village approached via an avenue of coconut palms.

Seseh and its tiny neighbouring villages of Sogsogan and Cemagi still retain the customs and culture of old Bali. Here, you will see farmers in conical hats riding rusty old upright bicycles, as well as frequent, colourful processions leading to Seseh’s large beachside temple. You might just see a barong (a high-spirited, benevolent beast representing the power of good; danced by two men inside an ornate costume) dancing on the street. The good news, for folks who want to immerse themselves in the customs and culture of old Bali, is that the villagers encourage and welcome congenial visitors.

Although you can now find a few private rental villas in these three villages, they have seamlessly integrated without detracting from the simplicity and charm of the location. This is an ideal destination for those who want to get lost in the beauty of the countryside, and for those who want to engage with the local people and gain privileged insights into the Balinese Hindu lifestyle.

A little further up the coast is Tanah Lot, famous for its dramatic and venerated sea temple, which is perched on a craggy wave-lashed rock at the edge of the glistening black shoreline. It is probably the most photographed sight in Bali, especially in the late afternoon when its splendid profile is silhouetted against the setting sun. One of the top things to do in the Seseh-Tanah Lot area is to tee off at the 18-hole, 72-par, championship-standard Nirwana Bali Golf Club, frequently voted as the number one golf course in Asia. This, however, still remains a remote area with few facilities other than the souvenir stalls and simple eateries within the temple grounds, and three international restaurants within Pan Pacific Nirwana Bali Resort.

About Bali
Bali is Indonesia’s most popular tourist location and is considered one of Asia's premier tropical island destinations. Steeped in history and renowned for its artistic way of life, Bali is a peaceful contrast to some of the more frantic destinations Asia has to offer.

The inner peace and creative talents of the Balinese has attracted artists the world over fascinated by local dancers, silversmiths, wood carvers, potters and painters that seem to pervade throughout the island. The abundant verdant fields and surrounding sea have long supplied Bali with an easy surplus of food leaving time for life’s more artistic past times. As a result everything in Bali has a creative and religious element centred around the local Banjar (residents association) – little, adorned temples are everywhere, doors are covered in intricate carvings, huge kites ward off evil spirits and colourful roadside ceremonies bring traffic to a standstill.

Bali is a popular destination principally from Australia and Asia but also from all over Europe. The island welcomes thousands of visitors each year to a relaxing lifestyle, stunning beaches, world class surf, vibrant villages, and spectacular scenery all with an exquisite tropical climate. Located approximately two hours’ flying time from Singapore the island is serviced by an international airport at Denpasar with direct flights to and from many major cities in Asia, Europe and Australia and many more via Jakarta, Indonesia’s capital.

The island offers an impressive range of leisure and lifestyle amenities including world-class golf courses, wonderful seascapes for surfing, diving and snorkelling as well as luxurious spas, chic boutiques, tropical forests, towering volcanoes and international cuisine.

On arrival guests are ushered into the main living area with towering ceilings, walls of Indian sandstone, giant candle holders and comfortable couches. Sliding glass doors open onto the pool allowing in the gentle river breeze. With the exception of this room the villa is air conditioned throughout, and offers a sophisticated lighting system that provides the perfect glow for every mood.

All rooms come with extensive river/rainforest views, timber floors, and a selection of fine art and ethnic artefacts. The main pavilion also houses a walk-in bar with stylish amber hued wall lights, leading into a dining room with a heavy wooden table for eight which overlooks the pool and a courtyard dominated by gurgling fountains.

The highly functional kitchen is well stocked with classy table ware and cooking equipment. A second more intimate living room offers a comfortable space to enjoy a huge flat-screen satellite-channel TV, as well as DVD player, WiFi, and iPod dock. Stairs lead down to the cosy library, with a sofa that has a slide out feature converting it into additional sleeping space for two children.

All bedrooms are fitted with air conditioning, fans, queen-size beds, (except the kids room), safes, satellite TV, and each has the luxury of a bath and an outdoor rain shower. The first master bedroom has wonderful forest-green feature walls, ample windows revealing panoramic views, and a long furnished deck poised directly over the river. Comforts include a four-poster bed with coverings of hand-woven textiles, a walk in wardrobe, a river-view bathtub, and an indoor as well as outdoor shower. The second master bedroom is above the library and offers a birds-eye view over the pool, gardens and river. Furniture includes a daybed on the deck and a comfortable arm chair with a bright orange motif. A partitioned dressing room leads to a charming courtyard bathroom with a stone tub set in a gurgling pond.

The final pavilion is reached by a wooden bridge and has bedrooms of similar proportions; one with a double bed scattered with batik cushions, a dark wooden wardrobe and a desk, the other with four pale timber bunk beds attractively arranged around a bright blue shaggy carpet. Both have river and garden views as well as private courtyard bathrooms set amidst lush foliage. Closest to the river is the gym, with its own veranda.

 

Bedroom 1 Double 4.8m x 5.1m Bedroom 2 Double 4.9m x 5.9m Bedroom 3 Double 4.7m x 5.1m Bedroom 4 (Kids Room) Bunks 4.7m x 5.1m

---

 

Double - Master Bedroom

Bathroom - Master Bedroom

Double - Bedroom 2

Bathroom - Bedroom 2

Double - Bedroom 3

Key Amenities

• Air-con
• Internet (WiFi)
• Swimming Pool (Private)
• TV (Satellite/Cable)
• Washing Machine

Other Amenities

• Baby Cot
• BBQ
• Bed Linen
• Book Selection
• Car Parking
• Ceiling Fans
• Coffee Machine
• DVD Player
• Equipped Kitchen
• Food Starter Pack
• Generator
• Hairdryers
• High Chairs
• IDD (Extra)
• iPod Dock/Speakers
• Iron/Board
• Main Dining (8 persons)
• Microwave
• Oven/Hotplates
• Safe
• Toiletries
• Towels
• Tumble Dryer
• Wine Fridge

Villa Staff

• Babysitter (Extra)
• Chef/Cook (All meals)
• Garden/Pool Staff
• Housekeeping (Full time)
• Manager (Restricted hrs)
• Masseuse/Spa Therapist (Extra)
• Security
• Shopper