We often go to destinations and find a place to sleep. But sometimes places to sleep are a destination worth visiting themselves. After spending a week in incredibly busy Jakarta I was literally longing for some peace and quiet. A place without traffic, without smog, without 10 million people. We heard about Lodges Ekologika on Portibi Farms and figured this was the exact place we were in need of. It’s an eco-lodge retreat in the mountains just two hours from Jakarta. Sounds perfect, right? We could definitely use some fresh mountain air.
Gateway to paradise
Arriving on Portibi Farms was just like I imagined it. Getting there on a bumpy road, getting lost twice. But when we arrived it was silent, birds and butterflies everywhere, and so incredibly lush. Views over the valley as far as the eye could see. Just everything completely opposite of the busy city of Jakarta. We were planning on staying for just one night on our way down to the coast but extended pretty quickly.
What makes Portibi Farms so amazing?
You can be as active here as you wish. Climb a mountain, hike to a waterfall, get a farm tour, help out in the kitchen or do absolutely nothing. It’s all completely up to you. There are board games, a huge music collection, and books and magazines to choose from. You won’t be bored, that’s for sure. Portibi Farms is a place to relax, unwind and leave all your troubles behind.
Sleeping with the sound of nature
As nature is one of the most important foundations at Portibi Farms, both in a way of enjoying it, learning from it, and giving back to it, it seems pretty logical that your room will be surrounded by it as well. Portibi Farms is not like a standard hotel in that way. The rooms are scattered around the premises, each with an incredible view over the valley and plenty of privacy caused by the beautiful forest. With open-air bathrooms and very comfy beds, it’s easy to give your body some rest here.
The Mokum Food Club
There’s one thing in particular that needs to be mentioned here, ‘cause Portibi Farms knows a thing or 100 about cooking up good food. I can almost start calling this blog the Mokum Food Club, as I notice I’m talking food here in every story sooner or later. Well, so I am now again. We simply cannot NOT mention the food here. Fish from the BBQ, Indonesian satay, homemade ravioli, delicious salads, pancakes for breakfast… this really is my kinda place. The fun thing is they enjoy teaching you a thing or two, which made me end up in the kitchen making ravioli for the first time in my life.
Eat, sleep, relax, repeat
So, if there’s one thing you should definitely do when traveling around Java, it’s pampering yourself at Portibi Farms. There aren’t many places as tranquil, relaxing, and unique as Lodges Ekologika. Your host Jocean is a champ with a big love for good wine (which is very rare to find around Asia!), delicious food, great tunes, and awesome stories, so make sure to join him for an evening filled with laughter at the Pacifist Cannibals Lounge (aka bar). Portibi Farms is such a magical place, which makes you extend your stay in a heartbeat.
Marthe
For questions or bookings visit their website here.
Photos by: Mokum Surf Club©.
