A 40-minute ride from the North of Ubud in Indonesia, Buahan, A Banyan Tree Escape is introducing Lentera Bumi, an extraordinary conservatory dedicated to fireflies, on the auspicious day of silence.
Hidden between endless layers of impenetrable flora with unobstructed views of the seven peak mountains and rice fields to add to the scene, Buahan– Banyan Tree Escape lies in the heart of a Balinese forest, next to the quaint village of Buahan. Ideal for those looking to pause, unearth, reconnect, and refresh, this nature’s escape sits untouched from the daily rigours of city-life. Adding to this tranquil beauty is the upcoming Lentera Bumi, the first and only resort-based conservatory dedicated to supporting and restoring local firefly populations in Bali.
Introducing Lentera Bumi
What?
Translating to ‘lantern of the Earth’, the launch of Lentera Bumi will coincide with Nyepi — known as the Day of Silence where Balinese Caka New Year is celebrated in pure serenity for 24 hours — in March. The initiative will focus on supporting and reviving the local firefly populations in Bali.
Puspa Anggareni, Resort Manager of Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape says, “It is a continuous process to work in harmony with nature while orchestrating collective efforts from the surrounding community to align with our own operations.”
Why?
Notably, fireflies are important indicators of healthy natural ecosystems. These light-emitting insects play a crucial role in nature’s delicate food-cycle stability. Due to habitat loss, increased pesticide usage, and pollution, firefly populations are dwindling globally, with some species feared extinct. Lentera Bumi seeks to combat these factors by drawing inspiration from the Balinese Tri Hita Karana philosophy, which emphasises connections between spirit, humanity, and nature. Through this, Buahan– Banyan Tree Escape aims to put the spotlight on education and conservation in the hopes of creating a new standard for sustainable tourism while also providing travellers with an indelible experience.
How?
To ensure an optimum regeneration process and maximise survivability, the project will include a firefly breeding nursery. It will also facilitate in the education of local communities, and introduce new organic agricultural practices on the resort’s onsite farm and rice field, all carefully led by biology experts from the University of Udayana Bali. Think practices such as substituting commercial pesticides and agricultural chemicals for eco-friendly alternatives derived from natural materials or using organic compost as a food source for fireflies to aid their survival.
Experience It Yourself
Home to 16 lodges with no walls, guests at the resort are invited to wander and get lost in the midst of pristine nature. It extends an invitation to an alternative way of being– which comprises small, barefoot-luxury resorts that provide a natural, unimpeded retreat in communion with the surroundings.
With The Silence Day package, one can avail the exclusive Lentera Bumi experience by booking a minimum two-night stay in one of the lodges or bales. This offer is inclusive of a daily lunch, spa treatments, wellness and leisure activities, as well as the chance to witness the release of the newly bred fireflies back to their natural habitat under the dazzling night sky.
Related: I Travelled To Bali As It Reopened To Tourists — Here’s What It’s Like To Visit Now
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