Creating a Bali aesthetic in your backyard means blending natural materials, tropical foliage and calming design elements. With Island Thatch’s Bali huts, bamboo panels and authentic roofing, you can transform your outdoor space into a lush landscape inspired by the beauty of Balinese garden designs. Whether it’s a cosy courtyard or a large garden, these Balinese garden ideas bring the essence of Indonesia into your home.
Why the Bali aesthetic is so popular in Australia
Australians are drawn to the Bali aesthetic because it represents relaxation, peace and timeless style. Balinese culture celebrates the harmony between nature and architecture, creating lush, tropical gardens that double as sanctuaries.
From Ubud’s Monkey Forest to the tranquil temples of Seminyak, Bali is full of hidden gems that inspire outdoor design worldwide. Recreating this natural look at home gives you a slice of that paradise without needing a trip abroad.
At Island Thatch, we help Australians capture this style with authentic thatch huts, gazebos, bamboo panels and more– products designed to withstand a tropical climate while staying true to their Balinese roots
Balinese backyard ideas to transform your space
Create shade with a Bali hut or gazebo
A Bali hut is often the focal point of a backyard retreat. It provides cooling shade and creates a great spot for entertaining family and friends. Add outdoor furniture like rattan chairs or daybeds to make it more inviting.
- Traditional Bali huts – authentic alang-alang thatch.
- African gazebos – rustic style with durability.
- Umbrellas – ideal for small Balinese garden ideas.
Frame your garden with bamboo panels
Privacy meets authentic style when you add bamboo fencing. As part of your Balinese garden décor, bamboo panels enhance the sense of immersion by blending with plants and providing a natural backdrop for sculptures or stone statues.
They’re also practical – bamboo panels are lightweight, durable, and easy to install, making them a cost-effective way to transform an ordinary fence line into a tropical screen. Pair them with climbing plants like jasmine or bougainvillea, and you’ll create a seamless natural look that feels straight out of Ubud.
Add a calming water feature
Every Balinese garden concept embraces water. From ponds to fountains, a water feature is more than décor – it symbolises flow, renewal and relaxation.
For smaller spaces, even a tabletop bowl fountain or wall-mounted spout can mimic the sound of Bali’s rivers. For larger gardens, koi ponds or tiered stone fountains can act as focal points while attracting local birds and wildlife, enhancing the natural beauty of your backyard.
Layer tropical plants for a lush effect
The heart of a Balinese garden is its plants. To recreate Ubud’s lush landscapes, layer:
- Palms and banana trees for canopy cover.
- Frangipani for beauty and fragrance.
- Heliconias, ferns and gingers for colourful ground layers.
- Lotus or water lilies around ponds to tie in your water feature.
This layered planting style makes any space feel immersive and alive. It’s also a smart way to create shade naturally, keeping your backyard cooler in summer.
Use natural materials to capture the essence of Bali
Balinese homes rely on natural materials – woven items, bamboo, timber, stone and thatch. These finishes give your home and garden an authentic and natural look, making it feel timeless.
Add stepping stones, timber decking, or bamboo walling to tie the design together. Even simple touches like a stone statue or wooden lantern can bring balance and authenticity to the space.
Add lighting and décor to enhance the mood
Soft lighting and traditional sculptures transform a simple garden into a magical retreat. Solar lanterns, stone lamps and warm furnished spaces invite you to spend evenings outdoors, soaking in the atmosphere.
For a dramatic effect, uplight tall palms or frangipani trees. For a subtle glow, string woven pendant lamps around your Bali hut. Lighting doesn’t just create ambience – it highlights the textures of natural materials and makes your garden feel like a boutique resort after dark.
Eco-friendly trends in Balinese garden design
Modern Balinese landscape design ideas aren’t just about aesthetics – they also reflect sustainability. Many Australian homeowners now explore:
- Eco-friendly materials – recycled timber, bamboo, synthetic thatch.
- Australian-made décor that reduces transport emissions.
- Indigenous-certified suppliers who craft authentic products.
These choices give your backyard an authentic style while supporting local communities and reducing environmental impact.
Inspiration from Bali’s hidden gems
When you visit Bali, you’ll notice how every garden is designed to immerse you in its essence. From the traditional temples to the bustling streets near Ubud, the balance between style, function and nature is always evident.
Take inspiration from these best places by focusing on authentic details – bamboo panels, water bowls, stone statues – and then adapting them to your backyard space in Australia.
FAQ section
To create a Bali aesthetic, focus on combining natural materials like bamboo, stone, and timber with lush tropical foliage. Add layers of greenery, a water feature for calming ambience, and furniture that encourages outdoor living. Many people also include a Bali hut or gazebo as a focal point, offering shade and an authentic resort feel. The essence of a Balinese garden comes from balancing functionality with aesthetic beauty.
A Balinese garden thrives on vibrant, tropical greenery. Great plant choices include:
- Palms for height and natural shade
- Frangipani for fragrance and flowers
- Heliconias and gingers for a splash of colour
- Ferns and ground covers for a layered natural look
- Lotus or water lilies if you have a pond or water feature
These plants work together to create the lush, tropical atmosphere that makes Bali gardens so unique.
Yes – even the smallest backyard can capture the Balinese garden concept. Some small Balinese garden ideas include using vertical planting with bamboo or climbers, adding a compact water feature, or styling with pots and raised planters to bring in tropical foliage. Clever use of lighting can make your outdoor space feel bigger, while statues or carved timber panels can provide a strong focal point.
To give your garden an authentic Balinese feel, think beyond plants. Add decorative sculptures or statues, choose furniture crafted from natural materials, and incorporate textured stone or pebble pathways. Subtle garden lighting can highlight trees or features at night, while a Bali hut creates a versatile spot for dining or relaxation. The goal is to immerse yourself in the essence of Bali – a peaceful retreat that feels like one of the island’s hidden gems right in your own backyard.
Bring your Bali garden to life with Island Thatch
Creating your own Balinese garden design isn’t just about looks – it’s about creating a space for relaxation, family time and lasting memories. Whether you want a single focal point like a hut or a complete tropical garden makeover, Island Thatch has the range and expertise to help.
Contact Island Thatch today to explore the value of authentic materials and get tips for your project.
