Yabbiekayu Eco-Bungalows

Beautiful bungalows set amongst vegetable gardens and surrounded by rice paddies. Genuine, warm staff, wholesome food and catered really well for vegan and vegetarian needs. So much to do in the local area as well as surrounding area. We stayed 5 nights and could have stayed longer.

First post-pandemic stay here, and it's even better than it was before. Perfect for our Indonesian/Australian family group of 9, but would also be my first choice for a solo writing retreat. Achieves the effect and experience that a hundred places in Bali strive for, but don't quite manage. Authentically local; but catering seamlessly to international visitors. Best towels ever; wi-fi you can count on; superb food and drink, with a lot of produce grown on the premises, or very close by. The eco-friendly features add to comfort - they're not a trade-off against it. Service is friendly and efficient, never slick or plastic.

Lovely, rustic, comfortable little eco-resort among the rice paddies of quiet Tembi village. A haven from the chaos and frenzy of other areas of Yogya, yet only a short Grab ride away from all the action and historical attractions. Exceptional organic food and pleasant company, with relaxed and happy staff due to the resort’s mission to provide a fair and fun workplace. Rarely do you find an organization where the vision and reality match up, but these converge at Yabbiekayu. An admirable venture and wonderful place to rest and enjoy the lush surroundings, mixed flower, herb, and vegetable gardens, lots of fresh gourmet food, and caring staff.

Disclaimer: I used to go to university in Jogja, so my love for it has deep roots. But returning as a working adult after not having scratched the travel itch for a good while, Yabbiekayu had me falling in love with Jogja all over again. It's not just their welcoming staff, or expansive views of Kasongan village surrounding the periphery, it's how everything has a story to be told about. The five Bungalows are experiments on sustainable living, evolving from one to the next. Mine was the first to be built, and entering it, I was swept away by the smell of aged timber, and tickled by the creativity in every bit of furniture. The outdoor bathroom got me feeling like a Javanese princess, and the well-stocked minibar plus private back garden views of the moonlight bouncing against the reflection of the rice paddies created nights I will soon never forget. I also ate pretty much all my meals during my stay at their organic restaurant because it is THAT good. I didn't try out any of their activities (I did still forage the pink water guavas to and from my bungalow), but I can imagine what they have to offer will astound nonetheless. If you, like me, want to support a business that supports itself from not only taking from nature, but teaching us to respect and work with it, that respects the culture of the people from whom it is created, with a dash of luxury and delectable dietary offerings, then Yabbiekayu is definitely the place for you.