Summary
Have you ever wanted to explore a remote island and unplug? Sleep in a wooden tree house and have it all to yourself? Wake up to the sound of the ocean waves?
There’s a place near Bali where you can do all of that, and it’s very budget-friendly—it’s called the Nusa Penida treehouse!
This is on the island of Nusa Penida, and the full name of the place is Rumah Pohon Molenteng (‘Rumah Pohon’ is Indonesian for tree house, and Molenteng is the name of the village).
This tree house may not be the only one that Nusa Penida or Bali has to offer (there’s also one at Suwehan, for example), but this one came first. This guide will explain how to get there!
Visiting the Tree Houses
I first visited the Nusa Penida treehouse in 2017 and then came back the next week to stay a night. It was one of the coolest experiences I’ve had during my travels.
The room and bed are very basic, but the views and location are out of this world. You will feel like a modern-day Robinson Crusoe, guaranteed.
When I stayed here, I fell asleep to the sound of geckos chirping in the trees and woke up to an incredible sunrise over the Raja Lima islands, with dolphins and manta rays swimming and jumping in the distance.
Today, this is sadly not a hidden spot anymore due to the internet, but I still believe this tree house is one of the most incredible places in Bali.
Even if you don’t have time for an overnight stay, you can still visit the tree house and take some memorable photos.
Staying in the Tree Houses
You can make a reservation on Booking.com to stay in a tree house for about 550k IDR ($35 USD). It’s a very basic room, but the price is reasonable for the amazing experience.
There is a small outhouse nearby, so you have the essentials, but there’s no WiFi available (I had a weak 3G reception at times, but it was barely usable).
As of 2024, there are actually a total of three tree houses here. I stayed in tree house #2, which sits at the edge of the front cliff and has arguably the best view.
All the tree houses provide great views of the nearby islands and cliffs.
The tree houses are situated on a short peninsula with huge cliffs and dramatic island views.
The third tree house was added in 2018 and seems to be more upscale; however, I haven’t had a chance to check out its interior yet.
Interestingly, all of the tree houses have electricity, which allows for fans and lighting, making your overnight stay comfortable.
If you walk further past the tree houses, you’ll find a small Hindu shrine and a fantastic view of the islands.
Update (2024)
Regrettably, this place is turning into a tourist trap. There’s now a row of fake bird nests for photo ops, and they’ve built a large concrete bathroom, detracting from the natural ambiance.
A recent fee of 75k Rupiah (~$5 USD) per person is now required to see the treehouse, and photo opportunities are limited to only a few minutes. Additionally, the wait in line can take an hour or more.
Although the tree houses remain an attractive visit, the experience isn’t quite as breathtaking as it once was. Hopefully, someone will take good care of this place as it deserves. Meanwhile, due to the stunning background scenery, this could still be considered the best tree house in Bali.
Raja Lima Viewpoint
Raja Lima (Five Kings) is the viewpoint you’ll first encounter when you reach the parking area, prior to the short hike down to the Nusa Penida treehouse.
This viewpoint is sometimes referred to as ‘Pulau Seribu’ (Thousand Island) viewpoint, named for the five prominent rocks scattered across the ocean below.
Three of the ‘kings’ can be seen in the image below. This viewpoint also features a quaint warung (a small food and drink shack) where you can enjoy refreshments while taking in the view.
This could be regarded as a complimentary addition to your visit to the Rumah Pohon tree house in Bali.
How to Get There
The Rumah Pohon tree house is located on the southeast side of Nusa Penida island, near Bali.
If you’re staying on Penida island, this location is accessible by car or scooter, approximately a one-hour drive from the main docks and accommodations in northern Penida.
Be cautious if you travel by scooter, as the road is rough and may pose risks in certain areas if you don’t proceed carefully!
From parking, it’s a short 10-minute hike down to the tree house.
If you’re seeking additional information on how to reach Nusa Penida island from Bali, you can find that here.
More Nusa Penida Travel Tips
Are you looking for more information on the beautiful island of Nusa Penida in Bali?
This island is filled with stunning beaches, cliffs, caves, and snorkeling spots!
Day Tours to Nusa Penida
If you’re on a tight schedule or prefer not to deal with the logistics of arranging your own trip to Nusa Penida, GetYourGuide offers prearranged day trips to Penida, including hotel transfer, fast boat tickets, island tours, and same-day return to Bali.
Many travelers have used GetYourGuide for various day tours and activities globally, and they come highly recommended!
