Have you ever dreamed of staying in a tree house surrounded by stunning views of the ocean and the islands? If so, then you might want to check out Rumah Pohon, a set of tree houses on Nusa Penida Island, near Bali, Indonesia. Rumah Pohon, which means "tree house" in Indonesian, is one of the most popular and unique destinations on the island. It offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience of sleeping in a cozy wooden hut perched on a cliff, overlooking the turquoise waters and the iconic Raja Lima and Thousand Islands viewpoints.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about staying at the Rumah Pohon tree houses, from how to book, how to get there, what to expect, and what to do nearby. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, an adventurous escape, or a family-friendly vacation, Rumah Pohon has something for everyone.
Location
Rumah Pohon is located on the eastern side of Nusa Penida Island, about 25 kilometers from the main port of Toya Pakeh and 20 kilometers from the main town of Sampalan. The tree houses are situated on a hill called Bukit Molenteng, which is also home to two of the most famous viewpoints on the island: Raja Lima and Thousand Islands. From the tree houses, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the ocean and the surrounding islands, such as Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan, and Lombok. You can also see the Atuh Beach, which is a white-sand beach with crystal-clear water and rock formations at the bottom of the hill. The location of Rumah Pohon is ideal for those who want to experience the natural beauty and tranquility of Nusa Penida Island.
How to Get There
To get to Rumah Pohon, you first need to get to Nusa Penida Island from Bali or other nearby islands. The most common and convenient way is to take a ferry, a speedboat, or a flight. Here are some of the options:
- Ferry: You can take a public ferry from Sanur, Padang Bai, or Kusamba in Bali, which takes about 90 minutes and costs around 40,000 IDR (2.8 USD) per person. The ferry operates daily from 6:30 am to 4:30 pm and arrives at the Toya Pakeh port on Nusa Penida Island.
- Speedboat: You can take a fast boat from Sanur, Serangan, or Nusa Lembongan in Bali, which takes about 30 to 45 minutes and costs around 150,000 to 250,000 IDR (10.5 to 17.5 USD) per person. The speedboat operates daily from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm and arrives at the Toya Pakeh or Banjar Nyuh port on Nusa Penida Island. You can book your tickets online or through your hotel or tour agency.
- Flight: You can take a flight from Denpasar or Lombok to the Nusa Penida Airport, which takes about 15 minutes and costs around 350,000 to 500,000 IDR (24.5 to 35 USD) per person. The flight operates daily from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm and arrives at the Nusa Penida Airport, which is about 14 kilometers from the Rumah Pohon tree houses.
Once you are on Nusa Penida Island, you need to rent a scooter or a car to get to Rumah Pohon. The road conditions on the island are not very good, so you need to be careful and drive slowly. You can rent a scooter for about 70,000 to 100,000 IDR (5 to 7 USD) per day or a car for about 500,000 to 700,000 IDR (35 to 49 USD) per day. You can rent them from the port, the town, or your hotel. Alternatively, you can hire a driver or join a tour that includes Rumah Pohon as one of the destinations.
To get to Rumah Pohon from the Toya Pakeh port, you need to follow the main road to the east for about 25 kilometers until you reach a sign that says "Rumah Pohon". Then, you need to turn right and follow a narrow and steep road for about 2 kilometers until you reach the parking area. From there, you need to walk for about 10 minutes on a dirt path until you reach the tree houses. The total journey from the port to the tree houses takes about an hour and a half.
Accommodation
Rumah Pohon consists of four tree houses that can accommodate up to two people each. The tree houses are made of wood and bamboo and have a simple and rustic design. They are equipped with a mattress, a pillow, a blanket, a fan, a light, and a power socket. They also have a balcony with a hammock and a chair, where you can relax and enjoy the view. The tree houses share a common bathroom, which is located on the ground level. The bathroom has a toilet, a sink, and a shower with cold water. There is no Wi-Fi or hot water at the tree houses.
The four tree houses are named after the cardinal directions: North, South, East, and West. They have different sizes, layouts, amenities, and views.
The price and availability of the tree houses vary depending on the season, the demand, and the booking platform. The average price ranges from 150,000 to 300,000 IDR (10.5 to 21 USD) per night for two people, including breakfast. The tree houses are usually fully booked during the high season (July to September and December to January), so you need to book well in advance if you want to secure your spot. You can book online or offline, depending on your preference.
How to Book
There are two ways to book a stay at Rumah Pohon: online or offline. Here are the pros and cons of each option:
- Online: You can book online through various booking platforms, such as Airbnb, Booking.com, or Agoda. This is the most convenient and reliable way to book, as you can see the availability, the price, the photos, and the reviews of the tree houses. You can also pay online using your credit card or PayPal. However, the online booking platforms may charge a service fee or a commission, which can increase the price of the tree houses. You may also need to confirm your booking with the owner or the manager of the tree houses, as they may not update their availability regularly.
- Offline: You can book offline by contacting the owner or the manager of the tree houses directly. You can find their phone number or WhatsApp number on their Instagram account (@rumah_pohon_nusapenida) or on their website (www.rumahpohonmolenteng.com). This is the cheapest and most flexible way to book, as you can negotiate the price and the duration of your stay. You can also pay in cash when you arrive at the tree houses. However, the offline booking method may not be very secure or trustworthy, as you may not get a confirmation or a receipt of your booking. You may also face communication issues or misunderstandings with the owner or the manager, as they may not speak English very well.
What to Expect
Staying at Rumah Pohon is a unique and memorable experience that you will not forget. Here are some of the things that you can expect from your stay:
- The view: The view from the tree houses is breathtaking and mesmerizing. You can see the ocean, the islands, the cliffs, and the sky from your bed or your balcony. You can also witness the sunrise and the sunset, which are spectacular and magical.
- The experience: The experience of staying at Rumah Pohon is adventurous and romantic. You can feel the breeze, the sun, and the stars on your skin. You can hear the waves, the birds, and the crickets in your ears. You can smell the wood, the salt, and the flowers in your nose. You can taste the local food, the fresh fruits, and the coffee in your mouth. You can touch the nature, the culture, and the history with your hands.
- The challenges: The challenges of staying at Rumah Pohon are also part of the charm. You may have to deal with the lack of privacy, the shared bathroom, the limited amenities, and the tourists. You may also have to face the road conditions, the weather, and the wildlife. You may have to sacrifice some comfort and convenience for the sake of the adventure and the view. But you will also gain some unforgettable memories and stories to tell.
- The tips: The tips for staying at Rumah Pohon are to be prepared, flexible, and respectful. You should pack light, bring a flashlight, a mosquito repellent, a sunscreen, and a jacket. You should check the availability, the price, and the condition of the tree houses before you book. You should also confirm your booking with the owner or the manager of the tree houses. You should be flexible with your plans, as the weather, the transport, and the availability may change. You should also be respectful of the local people, the culture, and the environment. You should follow the rules, clean up after yourself, and leave no trace.
Tips and Recommendations
To make the most of your stay at Rumah Pohon, here are some tips and recommendations that you may find useful:
- The best time to visit Rumah Pohon is during the dry season (April to October), as the weather is more sunny and dry, and the views are more clear and colorful. The wet season (November to March) may have more rain and clouds, which can affect the road conditions and the visibility. However, the wet season may also have fewer tourists and lower prices, which can make your stay more peaceful and affordable.
- The best duration to stay at Rumah Pohon is one or two nights, as you can enjoy the sunrise and the sunset, and explore the nearby attractions and activities. Staying longer may be too boring or uncomfortable, as there is not much to do at the tree houses, and the amenities are very basic. Staying shorter may be too rushed or regretful, as you may not have enough time to appreciate the beauty and the uniqueness of the place.
- The best tree house to choose is the one that suits your preference and budget. The North and the South tree houses are the cheapest and the smallest, but they have the best view of the ocean and the sunrise. The East and the West tree houses are the most expensive and the biggest, but they have the best view of the ocean and the sunset. They also have more amenities and privacy. You can choose the one that matches your needs and expectations.
- The best things to do and see near Rumah Pohon are the Raja Lima and Thousand Islands viewpoints, which are just a few minutes walk from the tree houses. They are the most iconic and scenic spots on Nusa Penida Island, where you can see the stunning cliffs and the islands from different angles. You can also visit the Atuh Beach, which is a beautiful white-sand beach with crystal-clear water and rock formations at the bottom of the hill. You can swim, sunbathe, or relax on the beach. You can also try some local food and drinks at the warungs (small restaurants) on the beach. Other attractions and activities that you can do on Nusa Penida Island are the Kelingking Beach, the Broken Beach, the Angel's Billabong, the Crystal Bay, the Peguyangan Waterfall, the Tembeling Forest, the Goa Giri Putri Cave, the snorkeling, and the diving. You can rent a scooter or a car, hire a driver or a guide, or join a tour to explore the island.
- The best way to enjoy Rumah Pohon is to be open-minded, adventurous, and grateful. You should not expect a luxury or a comfort stay, but rather a unique and a memorable stay. You should not focus on the negatives or the challenges, but rather on the positives and the opportunities. You should not take anything for granted or for granted, but rather appreciate everything and everyone. Rumah Pohon is a place where you can connect with nature, with yourself, and with others.
Conclusion
Rumah Pohon is a set of tree houses on Nusa Penida Island, near Bali, Indonesia, that offer a unique and popular destination for travelers who are looking for a different and exciting experience. By staying at Rumah Pohon, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the ocean and the islands, a cozy and rustic accommodation, and a adventurous and romantic escape.
You can also explore the nearby attractions and activities, such as the Raja Lima and Thousand Islands viewpoints, the Atuh Beach, and the snorkeling and diving. Rumah Pohon is a place where you can fulfill your childhood dream of staying in a tree house, and create some unforgettable memories and stories to tell.
