In 2007 Dutch artist Karien Froeling fell in love with this gorgeous place in the hills above Singaraja. She bought it impulsively and started to convert this virgin sawa (ricefield) into a tropical paradise. The Pondok grew around a 100 years old “lumbung” (Balinese rice barn) placed on columns. Inside and outside are seamlessly connected. The swimming pool follows the shape of the sawa’s. When you swim you have a magnificent view over the ricefields towards mountains, Singaraja city and the Bali sea.
In an early stage of this ambitious project Karien’s husband passed away. She kept on creating alone for more than 2 years. In 2016 she married Jack and since then they live at Jack’s place Gunung Paradis (about 33 km West from Pondok Apsari). This made it possible to share Pondok Apsari with guests to have their own experience living so close to -and in nature. It is a great feeling to share that experience of peace, tranquility and freedom.
The manager of Pondok Apsari is Ida Bagus (named Djie) who and his family live next doors. They are wonderful hosts.
Karien and Jack