
Bali's jungle eco-stays provide a natural retreat for tourists seeking to relax and reconnect with nature. These accommodations, found in areas like Tabanan, Ubud, and Munduk, range from budget-friendly homestays to exclusive resorts. Eco-stays in Bali are characterized by their sustainable or regenerative operations, utilizing locally sourced materials and produce, such as heritage rice, bamboo, coffee, and textiles. Examples include Bali EcoStay in Tabanan, known for its organic gardens and bungalows by a river stream; Mana Earthly Paradise in Ubud, which actively rebuilds ecosystems and offers activities like eco-printing and Bahasa language courses; Ayu Gumi Eco-Stay in Munduk, featuring traditional Balinese huts with forest and mountain views; Hideout Bali, a collection of bamboo homes in East Bali for a complete retreat; and Ulaman Eco Luxury Resorts, an award-winning resort with unique designs like Floating Lake Villas and Avatar Tree Houses.
This summary was generated from a story originally published by Bali news.
Must readArtist Vincent Leroy's "Eccentric Lenses" installation in Munduk, Bali, offers a dynamic optical experience. This kinetic sculpture uses Fresnel lenses that interact with the wind, continuously altering the perception of the surrounding landscape. Each lens pivots on an off-center axis, creating an illusion of languid drifting and constantly generating new configurations. As the lenses rotate, they cause the mountains, fields, and sky to appear inverted and fractured, making the stable vistas fluid and ever-evolving. The artwork explores a unique rotation paradigm where centers shift, creating an uncertain axis, and allows the landscape to seem animated as it is projected through the shifting lens surfaces. The installation provides countless perspectives, with the horizon subtly shifting and natural features constantly rearranging, especially as daylight fades and the lenses scatter light. "Eccentric Lenses" aims to open dialogues between constructed and natural worlds, inviting viewers to reconsider their perspectives within the environment.

The Oregon Zoo has placed a rare female Bali myna, also known as the Bali starling, in its public Vollum Aviary. This species, the official bird of Bali, Indonesia, is listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Poaching and habitat loss drastically reduced its wild population to just six birds in 2001, with fewer than 100 adults estimated to remain in their native habitat today. The female myna arrived at the Oregon Zoo in November 2023 through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Species Survival Plan. She previously raised a chick with an older male, and after the male's death, she was moved to the Vollum Aviary. Nicole LaGreco, who oversees the zoo's bird population, highlighted the importance of this public display in raising awareness about the species and the threats it faces. Poaching for the illegal pet trade is the primary threat, as the bird is highly prized and holds significant national symbolism in Bali. The Wildlife Trafficking Alliance, in partnership with the International Fund for Animal Welfare, works to discourage keeping wild animals as pets. Oregon residents can report suspected illegal animal sales to the Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division hotline.

The Harris Hotel Kuta Tuban Bali offers a practical and affordable stay, particularly for travelers with early morning departures or late-night arrivals at Ngurah Rai International Airport. Located just half a kilometer from the airport, the hotel provides a complimentary five-minute shuttle service. It features 146 rooms and suites, ranging from 25 to 50 square meters, some with garden or pool access. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, multi-channel TV, and tea/coffee making facilities. The hotel's design is described as functional and cheerful, with clean white walls and orange accents. Guests can enjoy a large, child-safe pool, a small spa, and an adequate gym. Harris Cafe serves a variety of Indonesian, Asian, and international dishes, including a breakfast buffet and an all-day menu with reasonably priced options like nasi goreng kampung. A pool bar offers drinks and snacks. Despite its proximity to the airport, the hotel is not under the flight path, ensuring a quiet stay. Nearby attractions, accessible by walk or taxi, include Lippo and Discovery malls, Waterbom Bali waterpark, Kuta Art Market, and Jerman Beach, which is a 10-minute stroll away. Rooms start from $53 a night, with discounts for Ascott Star Rewards members.