01
The Land
Respecting the jungle landscape and allowing architecture to follow the natural hillside.
Our Story
Rooted in the Jungle Since 2005
What began as an intimate hillside retreat has evolved over two decades into Nandini Jungle by Hanging Gardens — while remaining deeply connected to the landscape, community and traditions that shaped its beginning.
Susut, Payangan · Bali
Discover Our Story
Where It Began
A Chance Encounter That Became Nandini
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Swedish entrepreneur Magnus Falk frequently travelled through the Ubud region. While exploring the area by bicycle, a chance meeting with a local villager led him to the hillside that would eventually become Nandini.
The steep terrain was challenging, but instead of removing the character of the landscape, the resort was built into it — allowing villas, pathways and tropical vegetation to follow the natural contours of the hillside.
“I like to think that the land came to me rather than the other way around.” — Magnus Falk
Two Decades of Nandini
A Story in Time
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Late 1990s
The Beginning
A chance encounter during Magnus Falk’s travels through the Ubud region leads to the land that would become Nandini.
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2005
Nandini Opens
Nandini opens as an intimate hillside retreat.
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2007
The River
Access through the jungle is created to reach the secluded riverside below the resort.
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2019
A New Chapter
Nandini thoughtfully expands while preserving the character of the original hillside retreat.
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2022
Renewing Nandini
Major renovation and upgrades refresh villas and resort facilities.
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2024
New & Upgraded
Royal Suites and new dining and wellness experiences mark another evolution.
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Today
The Story Continues
Nandini continues to evolve in harmony with the jungle.
2005
The Beginning
The Beginning. One Remarkable Hillside.
Nandini officially opened in 2005 as an intimate retreat built along the steep jungle hillside. Inspired by traditional Balinese architecture, the original villas were created to sit naturally within their surroundings.
2007
A Hidden World Below
The Journey Down to the River
When Nandini first opened, the river far below the resort was not yet part of the guest experience. Access was created in 2007 through a series of steep steps descending through the jungle, with a lift later assisting guests for part of the journey.
Then & Now
The Evolution of Nandini
The resort has changed considerably since opening in 2005, but the landscape that shaped Nandini remains at the heart of its identity.
Then
The Early Years
Nandini began as an intimate collection of hillside villas, shaped by the jungle and rooted in Balinese character.
Now 2019
A New Chapter
Growing Without Losing the Landscape
The 2019 expansion marked one of the most significant chapters in Nandini’s history, introducing new accommodation while retaining the jungle setting and character of the original hillside retreat.
2022
A Major Renewal
Renewing the Nandini Experience
A major renovation and upgrade refreshed the original villas and expanded spaces throughout the resort, including enhancements to the lounge together with additions such as the pool bar, riverside yoga area, gym and wedding chapel.
2024
The Next Chapter
New & Upgraded Nandini
Nandini introduced another significant evolution of the resort experience, with upgraded accommodation and expanded dining and wellness concepts alongside the original Jungle Villas.
Beyond the Years
What Has Never Changed
Nandini has evolved, but the principles behind it remain closely connected to its surroundings.
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The Community
Working with local team members and communities whose knowledge and traditions remain part of the Nandini experience.
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Balinese Character
Natural materials, craftsmanship and Balinese traditions continue to influence the way Nandini looks, feels and welcomes its guests.
Nandini Today
The Story Continues
From the original hillside villas to contemporary Royal Suites, riverside wellness, dining and immersive jungle experiences, today’s Nandini continues the story that began more than two decades ago.
The Next Chapter
Be Part of Our Continuing Story
More than two decades after opening its doors, Nandini continues to evolve — shaped by the jungle, its people and every guest who becomes part of its story.