Forget Bali’s beach clubs, this ‘jungle club’ is all the rage

Behind a timber door, my two-bedroom villa opens onto a yawning living space. To my left there’s a butler’s pantry and fridge groaning with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, a full kitchen, bar stools, and a dining table that seats six. To my right is a powder room, two plump lounges and two bedrooms – one of which boasts a deep tub and its own indoor-outdoor garden. I opt for the second bedroom so that I can prise open the curtains and watch the sun rise over the jungle. But taking centre stage is my own private plunge pool, ideal for a night swim under the stars.

Food + drink

K-Club’s signature restaurant Akar, meaning “root”, sources most of its produce locally. The vibe here is high energy: think thumping lounge music and a laser light show projected onto the jungle, while you dine on mirrored placemats upon sequined tablecloths. The menu is just as attention-grabbing, with the likes of seared Jimbaran Bay fillet barramundi, Indian Ocean slipper lobster, and at least seven different cuts of Australian beef, among a smattering of Indonesian dishes. Wash this down with a selection of cocktails served in stemless glasses, and beer and wine at Australian prices. For more informal poolside fare during the day, head to Kabana and feast on hummus, salads, sliders, and pide. This jungle club sashays into its own on Friday and Saturday nights with regular parties making it a firm favourite among the Instagram set.

Out + about

For a true taste of the area, take the resort’s ‘Ubud Experience’ tour that incorporates the famed Tegallalang rice terraces located 10 minutes from the hotel. Other options include an ATV or buggy jungle experience, or bicycle tour among nature.

The verdict

Stealing the limelight from Bali’s beach clubs, jungle clubs are all the rage right now. Kabana’s generous size, regular events, and quirky cocktails may indeed prove it lives up to its claim of being the best in the land, particularly when perched among K-Club’s many assets.

The essentials

Villas from $700 a night; glamping tents from $1500 a night. K-Club, Jalan Raya Cebok , Kedisan Tegallalang, Kedisan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali. Phone: +62 877 0003 3888. See kclububud.com

Our score out of five

★★★★

Highlight

Its name means “in bloom” and Mekar day spa will leave you flourishing like a lotus leaf. Finish your treatment with a 30-minute rose petal bath overlooking that glorious jungle to the soundtrack of a gushing river below.

Lowlight

It’s easy to be reminded that you’re simply not cool when you find yourself wishing they’d occasionally dial down the continuous lounge music in all the dining spaces. Solution: snatch some mealtime peace and quiet via your in-villa menu.

The writer stayed as a guest of K-Club, Ubud.