Nature Lodge, a splendid hideaway spreads over 7 hectares of verdant countryside of Sen Monorom, Mondulkiri, offers the best leisure time for your weekend retreat. Let’s take a look!
Established in 2007 by a lovely couple, the accommodation is a set of eco-friendly bungalows where you may find interesting and relent, aim at nature-loving travelers looking to break away from the hustle and bustle of city life (for a while). It is also an effort to maintain “environmental friendliness, fair employment and ethical practice”, provide “ethical employment, language and vocational tourism training to locals in Sen Monorom”.
Bungalows
If you’ve been to the Central Highland of Vietnam, you may find it similar but I bet it just bears resemblance to the exterior features, not interior designs. That’s the case here.
The rustic cabins are made of reclaimed wood details, from walls to roof, staircase to log table by the balcony, gentle breezes blowing softly on a hammock where guests may love to take a glance at horses below greeting with echoed whinnies through the trees.
Step inside and don’t let the furnishing amaze you as it did to me. So gorgeous vintage findings, including a fabulous cushioned-wooden bed accompanied by a white mosquito curtains above.
The bathroom is super cool that you would love it for the first time seeing. Good furnishings with tasteful decoration makes it an unforgettable moment during your staying there. The water is heated by bio-gas so it takes a little time to be ready.
With plenty of space between cottages, you may get lost for the first time trying to navigate. Admittedly, so did I, especially at night where the light is scarce (true, we used our headlight or smartphone to light up the environment all the time, it is quite interesting). No worries, you would get used to it quickly on day.
Tree top café
Another amazing corner when you stay at Nature Lodge. There’s great charm in many of the lodge’s well-thought out details, particularly the bar, as well as the tree top balcony. Chilling out with friends by the pools is the best to kill time. I even borrowed a guitar and we had a wonderful acoustic night. So great!
I’ve never been to any places like this before, truly live among nature, all wooden parts, the small statue with mysterious smile, cushion lounges, tables and chairs on the high decks overlooking the surrounding canopy of forest and garden views.
The Nature Lodge tree tops café & kitchen opens daily from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM, serving a variety of Western, classic Khmer and Thai cuisine. The lounge offers free wifi 24/7 so it’s perfect if your would like to reconnect to the world while looking for relaxation, meals or refreshments.
Facilities
Guests tend to come for a couple of days to relax over leisurely dining or merely short-term stop on their around-the-world trip.
Become a big fan of the lodge or you will be tired out by running around the expansive property for photography or pleasedly strolling for a summer sunset or a fresh dawn. Such a chilled-out vibe.
Also, the bar is perfect for leisurely relaxation. You can play billiards, guitar with friends or sipping a drink for a peaceful morning, or just swinging on a hammock while recollecting beautiful wanderlust memories.
It is all wooden, with vintage-styled orange lighting, impressively cute and very unique.
Although the lodge is officially open, it’s not 100 percent: there’s still quite a lot under construction, like new bungalows. In other words, there’s still a presence of equipment and noise that’s definitely annoying.
Afterall, it is beautifully preserved natural landscape, amongst thousands of native trees and many fruit trees (avocados, then you see!) that have been planted for years in order to restore deforested areas. Such an immersive green world!
The premises also provides large grass areas and communal fire places, an open space for group activities. We did campfire there with grilled shrimps, seasoned meat and beer, making so loud that the host gently reminded us to keep quiet (Oh, I was so sorry but, it was so exciting for any first-time experience).
Service
Travelers could find the staff is so friendly that it’s hard to be grumpy. Any of the attendants would be happy to offer you a stroll back to the bungalow after dinner, in case you get lost.
You may note that the room service attendants are not English-proficient so you are advised to contact the bartender for specific help.
Hardly find a flock of travelers, no, particularly on weekends, means, you will get peaceful corner for yourself, if that’s what you’re after.
Conclusion
I love the lodge for the very first time staying. Its nature beats me up with love that we had a wonderful night camping, singing and playing billiards together and Nature Lodge is a gem that you’d love to explore when in Mondulkiri.
More photos:
