Nestled within the lush Gunung Geulis in Bogor, The Amalina represents a hidden Indonesian treasure. The resort compound is strikingly beautiful, featuring a heavenly multi-level garden with pathways connecting three buildings that exemplify Indonesia’s oldest traditional architecture. Here is where the old charm of ancient Indonesia meets the practicality and comfort of 21st-century civilization.
Back when the The Amalina was but a concept, top Indonesian architects deemed the project impossible, believing that heritage preservation can’t engage the basic principles of homemaking. The idea of adapting centuries-old traditional Indonesian houses for modern-day habitability without making major changes to their original design was unimaginable and unrealistic.
Today, however, we can see how the old houses within The Amalina’s compound have been restored to their original splendor. Standing gracefully on a lush green landscape rich with natural elements, they have become some of the finest examples of modern-day traditional homes.
Saving Indonesia’s Vanishing Heritage
Farida Mardiati and Janti Soekirman have long shared a love of traditional Indonesian architecture. When the pair acquired the long-awaited two hectares of land in Gunung Geulis, the first idea that came to mind was to create an authentic Indonesian eco-cultural sanctuary – which led to a relentless search for Indonesia’s oldest abandoned houses. The mission was to bring these houses to the land in Gunung Geulis to be restored to their original function as residences. The challenge, however, was to keep the original design while injecting modern elements to make the houses more comfortable for living.
Balinese House
The Balinese house was the first residential reconstruction that was brought to The Amalina directly from Bali, comprising a beautiful outdoor gathering place called wantilan as well as a bedroom.
From the morning until in the afternoon, the wantilan has an atmosphere that is warm and inviting, while at night it feels magical. Shimmering and radiating golden hues, wantilan allows you to immerse in the mysterious sounds, sights and scents of nighttime as you can see the stars clearly while you lounge on the upholstered rattan sofa with a drink in your hand. There were times during the full moon when people have reported seeing a rainbow in the sky.
Javanese House
The joglo house, which represents Javanese traditional architecture, is the second construction that was brought from Central Java to The Amalina to be restored. The 100-year-old construction was previously owned by a rich Javanese merchant from Kudus. Today, as the brainchild of Janti Soekirman, the joglo house represents an ideal version of a Javanese residence for modern people.
Viewed from the front, the house doesn’t appear to be a two-storey construction. At ground level we are presented with today’s version of a joglo, consisting of a dining room, living room, bedroom and a kitchen. Downstairs, serving as an additional living space is the realization of Janti’s longtime dream: two bedrooms boasting the mystical beauty of a Middle Eastern home.
Banjarese House
The oldest construction within the compound, the house was once a Banjarese king’s residence. The centuries-old house was found by Farida in her mother-land in South Kalimantan in a very poor condition – abandoned, dilapidated with age. After restoration, the house has become the most unique construction within the compound, despite being the oldest, as an example of Indonesia’s ancient split-level house model.
The Amalina
Jl. Bukit Pelangi Raya
Gunung Geulis, Sukaraja
Bogor – West Java
T: +62-251 259 8444
