When I got to know about Permaculture at DesaVisesa, Ubud, I was kind of moved. I was in Bali to enjoy a much deserved break from the daily grind, seeking physical as well as mental relaxation. The way this resort functions made me repeatedly keep saying, ‘this was exactly what I needed.’
DesaVisesa proudly calls itself an eco-friendly resort. This does not simply reflect through the eco-friendly consumables offered to its guests but also through the eco-friendly practices adopted by the entire staff. The care with which this resort uses everything at its disposal without harming the environment showed me how conservation is achievable if you care for it. I felt that ‘eco-friendly’ wasn’t just a marketing gimmick but it was DesaVisesa’s whole identity. After seeing some innovative practices, I was intrigued to find out more about of those and decided to take a guided tour of the part of the resort where they practice Permaculture.
Simply put, Permaculture is a process through which sustainable and self-sufficient agricultural practices are developed. The best part about these practices is that you don’t need a farmland. You can apply the principles of Permaculture even to a tiny garden in the balcony of your city flat, or to a small plant in a window box. DesaVisesa has been practising this culture for years now. The most exciting thing is that they offer their guests a trip to their farm where they can become a farmer for a day. If that doesn’t shatter the monotony of city life, what can?
Our guide, Made, enthusiastically told me about Permaculture; how the resort follows traditional Balinese calendar to plant, plough, sow and harvest. They believe in the auspicious days to perform major agricultural acts. As we explored the resort’s beautiful Permaculture farm, we were interrupted by a family of quacking ducks who were making a beeline to their shelter. I also had good time petting a horse, feeding cows and trying to have a conversation with the ducks. Soon we immersed ourselves in agricultural activities enjoying our delightful surroundings that had come alive with the chirping of birds and whistling winds.
It was my first time planting rice in the paddies and walking through rice fields like it was my backyard. As the sun shined mildly over our heads, Madé told us about how they made compost. We helped him make more of it, slowly but happily, while chatting and sharing experiences.
Made explained that the concept behind Permaculture was ‘perma’ which means permanent and ‘culture’ which means a way of living. I later read about another variation of the word which suggests it emerged as a short form for Permanent Agriculture. DesaVisesa thrives on sustainability and recycling their resources without letting anything go to waste. The high quality compost from animal waste that we had helped with would be used to fertilize the quarries of plants, flowers, fruits, herbs, vegetables and spices that were grown in the farm. All the local produce that came from this farm was directly used by the resort’s restaurants. He proudly told me that 80% of the raw material was organically grown in the farm, which meant almost every other dish served at the restaurant was organic and of high quality.
He made me sow seeds of marigold and water some plants carefully. Mulberry bushes, tomatoes, chilli, spinach, onions, aromatic ginger were all being cultivated under the best care. While working with Made and others, I saw dedication to promote and encourage sustainability. They also possess remarkable awareness in recycling maximum materials through their well-maintained farm. Seeing all of this does fill one with a will to do their bit toward keeping the planet safe and healthy.
The more I thought about it, the more I realized that DesaVisesa put to practice what they preach. Every fresh juice I had or the ingredients used in my spa treatments were from the Permaculture farm that they had painstakingly created for the betterment of their land. The whole idea of thinking about greater good and not hoarding resources made the venture worthwhile. Made was able to make our entire day productive and cheerful with his smiling face and happy demeanour. It was the kind of tour that not only helped me with de-stressing myself but also educating me about the many things that are being done at this resort to keep it green and clean.
As we walked towards WarungTani, the resort’s restaurant for local dishes, we were taught to make healthy drinks and dishes. In this restaurant that bathes in natural light, benches are set for guests in the shade of the trees outside. Everything about this place tells you how much it loves nature. The Permaculture tour helped me feel that love myself, a feeling I will cherish for a long time.
DesaVisesa Ubud lovingly practices sustainability by implementing Permaculture practices. Everybody can learn a lot through this experience and implement the practices back home.
Amidst the natural beauty, comforting spa treatments, outdoor pool and riveting views from the balcony, DesaVisesa’s heart beats from its green, eco-friendly farm that you must explore while in Bali!
DesaVisesa proudly calls itself an eco-friendly resort. This does not simply reflect through the eco-friendly consumables offered to its guests but also through the eco-friendly practices adopted by the entire staff. The care with which this resort uses everything at its disposal without harming the environment showed me how conservation is achievable if you care for it. I felt that ‘eco-friendly’ wasn’t just a marketing gimmick but it was DesaVisesa’s whole identity. After seeing some innovative practices, I was intrigued to find out more about of those and decided to take a guided tour of the part of the resort where they practice Permaculture.
Simply put, Permaculture is a process through which sustainable and self-sufficient agricultural practices are developed. The best part about these practices is that you don’t need a farmland. You can apply the principles of Permaculture even to a tiny garden in the balcony of your city flat, or to a small plant in a window box. DesaVisesa has been practising this culture for years now. The most exciting thing is that they offer their guests a trip to their farm where they can become a farmer for a day. If that doesn’t shatter the monotony of city life, what can?
Our guide, Made, enthusiastically told me about Permaculture; how the resort follows traditional Balinese calendar to plant, plough, sow and harvest. They believe in the auspicious days to perform major agricultural acts. As we explored the resort’s beautiful Permaculture farm, we were interrupted by a family of quacking ducks who were making a beeline to their shelter. I also had good time petting a horse, feeding cows and trying to have a conversation with the ducks. Soon we immersed ourselves in agricultural activities enjoying our delightful surroundings that had come alive with the chirping of birds and whistling winds.
It was my first time planting rice in the paddies and walking through rice fields like it was my backyard. As the sun shined mildly over our heads, Madé told us about how they made compost. We helped him make more of it, slowly but happily, while chatting and sharing experiences.
Made explained that the concept behind Permaculture was ‘perma’ which means permanent and ‘culture’ which means a way of living. I later read about another variation of the word which suggests it emerged as a short form for Permanent Agriculture. DesaVisesa thrives on sustainability and recycling their resources without letting anything go to waste. The high quality compost from animal waste that we had helped with would be used to fertilize the quarries of plants, flowers, fruits, herbs, vegetables and spices that were grown in the farm. All the local produce that came from this farm was directly used by the resort’s restaurants. He proudly told me that 80% of the raw material was organically grown in the farm, which meant almost every other dish served at the restaurant was organic and of high quality.
He made me sow seeds of marigold and water some plants carefully. Mulberry bushes, tomatoes, chilli, spinach, onions, aromatic ginger were all being cultivated under the best care. While working with Made and others, I saw dedication to promote and encourage sustainability. They also possess remarkable awareness in recycling maximum materials through their well-maintained farm. Seeing all of this does fill one with a will to do their bit toward keeping the planet safe and healthy.
The more I thought about it, the more I realized that DesaVisesa put to practice what they preach. Every fresh juice I had or the ingredients used in my spa treatments were from the Permaculture farm that they had painstakingly created for the betterment of their land. The whole idea of thinking about greater good and not hoarding resources made the venture worthwhile. Made was able to make our entire day productive and cheerful with his smiling face and happy demeanour. It was the kind of tour that not only helped me with de-stressing myself but also educating me about the many things that are being done at this resort to keep it green and clean.
As we walked towards WarungTani, the resort’s restaurant for local dishes, we were taught to make healthy drinks and dishes. In this restaurant that bathes in natural light, benches are set for guests in the shade of the trees outside. Everything about this place tells you how much it loves nature. The Permaculture tour helped me feel that love myself, a feeling I will cherish for a long time.
DesaVisesa Ubud lovingly practices sustainability by implementing Permaculture practices. Everybody can learn a lot through this experience and implement the practices back home.
Amidst the natural beauty, comforting spa treatments, outdoor pool and riveting views from the balcony, DesaVisesa’s heart beats from its green, eco-friendly farm that you must explore while in Bali!
