About

Jero Tumbuk Culture & Retreat is a culturally immersive retreat and private villa nestled in the village of Santi, Selat, in the Karangasem Regency of eastern Bali. Situated at the foot of Mount Agung — Bali's largest volcano — and just 9 km from the sacred Besakih mother temple, the property is surrounded by lush rice fields and embedded within one of the island's most traditionally rich communities.

What sets Jero Tumbuk apart is its founding commitment to three core principles: preservation, empowerment, and sustainability. Rather than operating as a conventional retreat, it functions as a living cultural space where visitors are invited to engage directly with Balinese village life. Hands-on cultural workshops, retreats, and eco-tours allow guests to form genuine connections with local traditions, including the sacred Sang Hyang Dance, a ceremonial art form for which the surrounding region is known. Local culinary traditions are also woven into the experience, with dishes such as Jukut Paku, Ampet Satay, and Kangkung Telengis reflecting the authentic flavours of Karangasem.

The founders — guided by backgrounds in astronomy, urban planning, and architecture — shaped Jero Tumbuk with a clear social purpose. The retreat operates as a social enterprise, with activities designed not only to enrich the visitor experience but also to enhance the welfare of the surrounding community. Eco-friendly practices including organic farming, sustainable tourism, and local conservation efforts are central to how the property operates day to day.

Karangasem itself offers a quieter, more contemplative side of Bali — far from the busier tourist corridors — with cascading rice terraces, ancient temples, and a community that maintains deep ties to traditional Balinese customs. Jero Tumbuk reflects this spirit by positioning culture and nature not as a backdrop, but as the very heart of the retreat experience. For those seeking a stay that goes beyond relaxation and engages meaningfully with place, people, and tradition, Jero Tumbuk offers something genuinely distinctive in the Balinese retreat landscape.