Jiwa Garden: A Green Sanctuary Reimagining Development in Bali

Hey! I’m Jason, a Business Journalist at Bukit Vista, and in today’s feature for Bali Business Review, we explore a verdant opposing the typical Bali Development, community-powered movement nestled in the heart of Bali. Jiwa Garden isn’t just a lush space tucked away on the outskirts of Canggu—it’s a living example of how sustainable development can flourish hand in hand with community, biodiversity, and mindful living. Join us as we tour this eco-conscious haven and take an early look at the much-anticipated documentary Mimi Jiwa, which aims to preserve the soul of Bali amidst an era of misguided urban expansion.

🌱 The Birth of Jiwa Garden: Turning Soil into Sanctuary in Bali Culture of Sustainable Tourism

Established in December 2020, Jiwa Garden began as a humble permaculture project with a simple mission: restore green public spaces in an increasingly concrete-dominated Canggu in Bali Developement. Over the past few years, it has blossomed into a dynamic ecosystem incorporating:

• A permaculture farm transforming organic waste into nutrient-rich compost
• A farm-to-table café offering locally sourced meals
• A community venue for workshops, yoga sessions, and environmentally-conscious events

But above all, Jiwa Garden remains rooted in its founding intention—to be a communal green space where people can reconnect with nature, themselves, and others.

🌸 A Natural Counterpoint to the Concrete Jungle in Bali Developement

In an area where rice fields are rapidly being replaced by villas and restaurants, Jiwa Garden stands as “the last green stronghold” in Canggu. As one walks beneath the shady canopy, it’s hard to believe such serenity still exists here. Lenny, the founder of Jiwa Garden, emphasizes that this space is not curated for profit, but rather for purpose.

“When you see people gardening, everyone’s smiling. No one’s angry,” Lenny shares during our interview. “It’s simple—get your hands dirty and reconnect.”

In a place increasingly defined by noise, speed, and overdevelopment, Jiwa Garden invites you to slow down, dig your hands into the earth, and remember a different way of living.

🏗️ Bali Development with Soul of Sustainable Tourism: The Jiwa Garden Philosophy

Bali’s growth is inevitable. But the question Lenny and many others are asking is: what kind of development are we fostering?

Unlike the numerous projects that prioritize short-term profit over long-term sustainability, Jiwa Garden models a different path. It’s not anti-development—it’s pro-mindful development. This means:

• Designing with water, soil, and biodiversity in mind
• Respecting the island’s cultural and ecological identity
• Building for community benefit rather than market speculation

“It’s not about overdevelopment,” Lenny says. “It’s about misguided Bali development. There’s a better way, and Jiwa is our living example of that alternative.”

🎥 Memijak Jiwa: A Documentary Celebrating Sustainable Tourism and Bali Cultural Heritage

In addition to its green initiatives, Jiwa Garden is at the epicenter of a new storytelling project: Memijak Jiwa. Originally conceived as a documentary about the garden itself, the film has now expanded its scope to highlight other conscious communities across Bali working to:

• Preserve biodiversity and native habitats
• Maintain cultural traditions threatened by rapid modernization
• Showcase regenerative practices that promote long-term sustainability

Though still in production, Memijak Jiwa promises to be a critical reflection on how to preserve Bali’s essence—not just for the island’s residents and local communities, but also for global audiences who cherish the island’s unparalleled beauty and spirit.

🌿 Why Places like Jiwa Garden Matters Now More Than Ever in Sustainable Tourism

Canggu has been a part of Bali Developement and its surroundings are changing fast. Glimpses of old Bali are slowly sinking beneath layers of glass and concrete of Bali Developement, and Jiwa Garden is one of the final spots resisting that tide. But it’s not a place of resistance through protest—it’s a space of creation, education, and reconnection.

Whether it’s gardening alongside the community on Saturday mornings, sipping a freshly brewed coffee from the café, or wandering through the grounds petting the farm’s cats and chickens, visitors often leave with more than they expected. They leave with a sense of purpose, inspiration, and a reminder that sustainable development isn’t fictional utopia—it’s happening right here.

🌍 Visit Jiwa Garden. Support the Movement.

If you’re living in Bali or just passing through, Jiwa Garden is more than worth a visit. Meet the community, take part in a gardening session, or simply unplug in nature’s quiet embrace. Also, stay tuned for the release of Memijak Jiwa—a documentary that could shape the future conversation around the Bali Developement and preservation of Bali’s heart and soul.

For a deeper look into this story, watch our full video interview here: Jiwa Garden: The Future of Sustainable Development in Bali.

Until next time,
Jason, Business Journalist at Bukit Vista