Oshom Bali Escape

By June Ramli

Sydney, June 9: I recently took a spontaneous trip to Bali and discovered a hidden gem — Oshom Bali, located in Tabanan, not far from the iconic Tanah Lot. With just one day to spare over the Sydney long weekend (thanks to today’s public holiday), I made the most of a short getaway.

I flew out early on Saturday morning, June 7, with Batik Air Malaysia. The flight took about seven hours, and we landed in Bali around 11:30am local time. Having packed light — just 7kg of hand luggage — I was able to skip the baggage carousel and head straight to immigration and customs.
Waiting outside was a driver arranged by Oshom Bali, who drove me directly to the hotel — a journey of almost two hours. Upon arrival, I was warmly welcomed by the entire staff, including Miss Dina, who made a great first impression.

We were greeted with fresh coconut water and shown to our treehouse-style room, perched on the edge of Pantai Nyanyi, a beautiful black sand beach. The team had thoughtfully decorated the room with cheerful touches, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Later that afternoon, I enjoyed high tea at the hotel’s café and took a peaceful walk along the beach. While the sea appeared murky due to recent rain and there was some litter along the shore, the spot remained popular with couples doing wedding shoots. Interestingly, many brides wore black — a colour typically avoided in Chinese culture, but seemingly embraced here.

That evening, I had the opportunity to tour Nuanu City with the Head of Nuanu Tourism Experience Daniel Korolevl. He took me around the Aurora Media Park, where I saw twelve alpacas imported from Australia and an immersive multimedia show. I also visited Luna Beach Club and admired two striking statues created by South African artist Daniel Popper. While the area is rich in creativity and culture, the shopping options felt underwhelming compared to Seminyak, which is known for its independent boutiques.

Nuanu Creative City itself was established in 2021 by Russian tech entrepreneur and multimillionaire Sergey Solonin. Spanning 44 hectares, the gated city is a self-contained destination for conscious living and creativity. It features an international school, daycare centre, Luna Beach Club, artist spaces, and a glassblowing workshop run by two Americans from Chicago. A shopping mall is also underway, with more attractions set to open soon, positioning the city as a future hub for arts, wellness, and education.

After the tour, I returned to my room, ordered Mie Goreng (which I highly recommend), and fell asleep to the sound of crashing waves.
The next morning began with a delicious breakfast of Nasi Goreng and watermelon juice, which I enjoyed at the restaurant overlooking the beach. Because of the rain, the blinds were pulled down, but I didn’t mind. After a nap, I headed back to explore the Nuanu Creative Centre, followed by a light lunch and a one-hour Balinese massage by the ocean.

The massage setup was slightly unconventional — I had to undress in the open, which was fine as the property was quiet. However, once the hotel becomes busier, a more private arrangement might be needed. I was told guests can request in-room massages, though I wasn’t offered that option. Still, the massage itself — set against the backdrop of the sea — was expertly delivered and incredibly relaxing.

After a quick shower, I packed up and checked out. The hotel arranged transportation back to the airport, which took about 90 minutes. After a short wait at the terminal, I boarded my Batik Air flight back to Sydney. Though we departed slightly late, the flight was smooth and just five and a half hours long.
Despite the constant rain throughout my two-day, one-night stay, the property left a lasting impression. It’s ideal for travellers looking to unplug and unwind — there are no phones or TVs in the rooms (though one can be requested), and staff communicate with guests via WhatsApp — a thoughtful modern touch.
There’s no deposit required at check-in, but full payment is expected upfront. Nearby attractions include Canggu and Tanah Lot, although traffic in Canggu can be intense. The hotel’s restaurant closes at 11pm, but GrabFood is available 24/7, and the reception operates around the clock.

I didn’t get to try the pool due to the weather, and when the rain eased, I was out exploring the property. Currently, there’s no shopping on-site — only restaurants and funky bars — but a shopping centre is expected to open by year’s end, which will enhance the overall experience.
If you’re planning to visit, I’d recommend staying at least three days and two nights to truly soak in the surroundings and explore Nuanu City without feeling rushed. Since the property is quite far from central Bali hotspots like Seminyak or Ubud, it’s essential to arrange transportation in advance. The area is serene but remote, so planning ahead will make your stay much smoother.
So why Oshom instead of a hotel in Seminyak or Kuta? Because here, you get a kampung-style treehouse by the beach. It’s peaceful, secluded, and rich in local charm — a welcome contrast to the commercial buzz of central Bali. The only drawback is the distance from the airport and popular areas, but if you plan ahead, the reward is a restorative escape in one of Bali’s most unique up-and-coming enclaves.

Travel Tip Box

• Getting There: Book a private driver or hotel pickup in advance. Expect a 90–120 min drive from the airport.
• Room Rates: Prices start from IDR 5,500,000 (approx. AUD 350) per night— confirm on hotel website or third-party platforms.
• How to Book: Visit oshombali.com or find it on Booking.com and Agoda.
• What to Pack: Raincoat, insect repellent, comfortable sandals, and a good book — you won’t need a TV.
• Language: English is widely spoken by staff, though basic Bahasa Indonesia phrases are appreciated.
• Best For: Digital detoxers, couples, creatives, and solo travellers wanting peace with a cultural edge.

Disclaimer: The author paid for all flight expenses and some meals during the trip. Accommodation at Oshom Bali was provided on a complimentary basis for review purposes. All opinions expressed are the author’s own.