From the jungle interior and coastlines of Bali to the hidden paradise shores of Moyo Island and the ancient hills of Java, each of Aman’s five Indonesian destinations provide distinct perspectives on one of the most diverse nations in the world. This year, Aman has launched a series of cultural, culinary and wellness experiences across its Indonesian resorts, which encourages guests to uncover the rich living heritage of the land.
Named ‘Peaceful Soul’ for the serenity of its setting in Central Java’s cultural heartland, Amanjiwo overlooks the 8th-century UNESCO Heritage Site of Borobudur, the world’s largest Buddhist temple. Away from the crowds, Amanjiwo has long been able to offer privileged access and exclusive private tours at dawn to this ancient site. This year, in a further exploration of the resort’s culturally rich setting, Amanjiwo has opened Sasanatama – a purpose-built venue dedicated to Jemparingan, the rare and highly ceremonial form of Javanese archery. Traditionally taught exclusively within royal palaces, Jemparingan can now be learned beyond palace walls only at Amanjiwo, offering guests an unprecedented opportunity to engage with this living history. Coinciding with the start of Javanese New Year, Amanjiwo will host a Jemparingan Festival in June, where Jemparingan enthusiasts from Yogyakarta, Magelang, and the surrounding areas will be invited to compete for the Amanjiwo Cup.
This year, Amanjiwo also unveils Sasanaboga, a new venue for immersive Javanese, epicurean experiences. Guests embark on a gastronomic journey that begins with a visit to traditional markets and local home businesses to source fresh ingredients, followed by a visit to Amanjiwo’s organic kitchen gardens. Using these ingredients, the experience culminates with an interactive cookery class, followed by a sumptuous lunch on the farm, which features a kitchen garden and Joglo (wood-fired stove). As night falls, guests can also enjoy the Javanese Wayang Dinner – a signature culinary experience introduced recently, combining the art of Wayang (traditional shadow puppetry) with a refined exploration of Javanese cuisine.
Amanjiwo will close between 1-30 March 2026, in order to complete a new phase of villa development, which will result in four new villas at the resort, set to complete in 2027. Designed as a series of standalone structures focused around a central tree and reflection pool, each will have a master bedroom pavilion and three additional bedroom suites, a living and dining pavilion, and an outdoor dining pavilion – all set in Amanjiwo's tranquil terraces and gardens.
From Amanjiwo, guests can fly the short distance from Yogyakarta International Airport to Bali to reach the inland resort of Amandari which overlooks the verdant hills of the Ayung Valley, near Ubud. Bali has drawn travellers ever since word of its legendary beauty began to spread in the early 1900s. It was on this sacred land, at the very heart of the island that Aman launched its second property in 1989 to capture and preserve the purity of Bali’s unique culture and joyful spirit. Amandari has done just this for almost three decades, reflecting this truth in every nuance of its name – ‘peaceful spirit’.
Amandari was inspired by the layout of a Balinese village with an open-air reception designed after a wantilan (a village meeting place). Here, guests are invited to explore Bali’s artistic traditions through experiences such as the Balinese Wayang Experience — a family-friendly introduction to shadow puppetry. The experience includes puppet crafting and colouring, culminating in a live performance accompanied by live gamelan music, which brings this ancient art of storytelling to life. Led by a master puppeteer and a respected Balinese cultural practitioner, the performance deepens guests’ knowledge of Balinese Wayang and its spiritual significance in local life.
For those drawn to adventure, Amandari newly offers a white-water rafting experience along the Ayung River, concluding at a private finishing point just below the resort. Spanning 14.6 kilometres, the scenic journey passes through lush valleys and waterfalls, passing temples with intricate stone carvings depicting scenes from the Ramayana along the way. Upon arrival at the private riverside spot, Amandari’s team welcomes guests with refreshments. From here, guests have the option to return directly to the resort or visit the nearby Pesiraman Temple — a sacred water temple, dating back to the 7th century.
For over three decades, Amankila has occupied its own dramatic, cliff-side spot on the coastline overlooking the Lombok Strait on the east side of Bali. Resting on a lush hillside beneath the sacred Mount Agung, the resort offers guests peaceful respite on its black-sand shores, alongside an opportunity to connect with the local way of life. Beyond Amankila, guests can discover the rural traditions and royal remains of East Bali’s historic regency, with some of Bali’s finest hiking, mountain biking and scuba diving.
In collaboration with the Royal Family of Karangasem, the resort invites guests to delve deeper into the region’s remarkable history, culture and cuisine through its Karangasem Royal Dinner — an exclusive dining experience, introduced last year. Held at Taman Soekasada Ujung, also known as Ujung Water Palace, this rare experience offers guests privileged access to the royal palace, with the entire space reserved exclusively for their evening.
For guests wishing to discover the island’s lesser-known charms, Amankila has introduced a new trekking route to Bukit Gumang Temple which is perched atop Gumang Hill. This sacred Kahyangan Jagat temple holds deep historical and spiritual significance and offers sweeping views of East Bali’s lush hills, the imposing Mount Agung and the ocean beyond. Suitable for those with a moderate level of fitness, the trek is available at both sunrise and sunset, offering an unforgettable opportunity to see Bali’s enchanting landscapes. At the resort, Amankila Residences are currently under construction, and are set to complete in 2027, with sales now live.
An idyllic island paradise, located on the beautiful island of Moyo, Amanwana is accessible via a scenic flight from Bali to Sumbawa. Over the past three decades, the tented camp, one of the very first of its kind, has provided a base from which to enjoy the lush jungle vegetation and diverse wildlife, as well as exceptional waters for snorkelling and scuba diving, and unparalleled access to the natural wonders of the region.
This year, new daily flights from Bali have been introduced, which are followed by a boat trip across the shimmering Flores Sea to reach Moyo Island. Located just east of Moyo Island, Saleh Bay is known as the home of the second-largest whale shark population in Indonesia with at least 99 known whale sharks inhabiting its waters year-round. Amanwana has recently enhanced its signature adventures with the introduction of a new dedicated boat for whale shark excursions. Accompanied by an experienced guide, guests encounter these magnificent creatures first-hand and gain insight into their behaviour and natural habitat.
Back on the shoreline, a new open air Yoga Pavilion called Yoga Shala has recently been built overlooking Amanwana Bay, where Frendy Agung Dewanta, a newly appointed resident practitioner, hosts daily meditation and breathing exercises and teaches spiritual practices. A gifted healer, Frendy blends the intuitive practices of his Javanese ancestry with contemporary energy work. With years of experience guiding individuals through life transitions (from emotional stress and illness to personal breakthroughs) he offers compassionate and empowering guidance. Through breath, sound, and subtle energetic techniques, he helps guests connect with their hearts, intuition and inner peace.
Not only can guests embrace wellness through yoga and meditation, but also with a new Floating Sound Bath experience at the Diana Waterfall — an experience that harmoniously blends the soothing vibrations of singing bowls with the natural rhythm of cascading waters, inviting deep relaxation and mental clarity.
Taste of Asia Returns in 2026
Following its successful debut last year at Amankila and Amandari, Taste of Asia is set to return in 2026, expanding to include Amanjiwo. The event will be a celebration of the historic Maritime Silk Road that connected Indonesia and India and will explore the shared heritage of spices that have shaped the cuisines of both nations. Taking place on 24 July at Amandari, 26 July at Amankila, and 29 July at Amanjiwo, it follows the theme “Khasanah Jalur Rempah” (Tales of the Spice Trade). This year, the event highlights Indian cuisine and will be led by a visiting chef from sister property Amanbagh, who will offer guests an introduction to the rich culinary traditions of India at each resort.
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