Batu Ritung Lodge

The Batu Ritung Lodge derives its name from a megalith (rock monument) erected in remembrance of a local warrior, Ritung, who is also an ancestor of ours.

The lodge is a unique structure as part of it stands in a pond (rest assured, no sewerage enters the pond), as originally built by my late father, Galih Balang.

Our lodge is essentially a 2-storey wooden dwelling with 6 guest-rooms on the upper floor. The rooms offer comfortable beds with 2 and 3-guest configurations which eventually accomodates up to 20 guests at any one time. Should your group be larger, the huge living area on the same level could accomodate an additional 20 comfortably. And, should the whole 40 or so pack insist to stick together even when sleeping, the living area on the ground floor will sufficiently fullfil your fancy.

A verandah on the upper floor offers a great view of the village and its surroundings, and is a favorite hangout.

Another favorite hangout is the reading-cum-dining area overlooking the pond and a patch of paddy field which, other than food, serves reading materials ranging from magazines to novels. Please bear in mind though to leave the reading material behind as you leave. Adjacent to the dining area is a mini family-muzium should history be your thing. You could even try your hand at beading or some other local handicraft. Should the task be deemed too much to handle, ready-made handicrafts are available for purchase as souvenirs.

Meals are predominantly what we gather from the 'jungle supermarket' and wahtever we grew in the vegetable plot. So every meal is as fresh as they could get, even buns or muffins at breakfast. All cooking is done by wood-fired stoves.