Driving through the south side of South Forbes Golf City’s Nirwana Bali Village, one comes across a nondescript Asian-style roofed pavilion surrounded by tall palm trees and vibrant tropical plants. The structure, simple but quite inviting, lends a mystery: What does this pavilion lead to? Considering that this is the high point of the property, what could be down there?
As you step into the pavilion, you see a very long beige and brown staircase. Considering its length, you’ll wonder whether it’s worth it to trek down the natural stone path. Walk down and walk down you go, and halfway down, your eyes finally catch a glimpse of several structures that echo the pavilion upstairs. You conclude that it’s but a portal to a one-of-a-kind clubhouse, and there is only one word to describe what you see: Dramatic with a capital D.
The humongous leaves of a Giant Bird of Paradise cannot quite hide the beauty of this Asian-style gem from your eyes. When you finally reach the bottom of the stairs, two big pavilions, a turquoise pool and three small, private cabanas for intimate gatherings greet you. Throughout, tropical landscaping accented by colorful flowers and shrubs lend a tropical resort feel reminiscent of the island of Bali, the inspiration for this themed village and its eponymous clubhouse.
Balinese Heaven
Literally, the effort to traverse the sloping terrain is worth it to reach the Balinese-style tropical resort heaven that this clubhouse offers. Alternatively, residents and their guests can access the clubhouse via the rotunda at the lower side of the property.
But whatever way you take, you imbibe right away the resort feel of this destination. Imagine teens hosting a private swimming party in their cabana. Meanwhile, birthday parties and other large events can be organized at the grand pavilion beside the pool.
The clubhouse’s architects — Lawrence Santos, UAP and Ma. Liza Caguiñgin, UAP, managing partners at SC&A Architects & Planners — are grateful that Cathay Land president Jeffrey Ng ultimately decided to push through with their vision. According to them, the concept enhances the dramatic site — the high point of a sloping hill and the edge of a cliff with a view of an old-growth forest on the other side of the river.
The architects conceded that Bali’s dramatic cliff-top hotel villas served as inspiration for this endeavor, and expressed hope that residents “can feel” a sense of calm and peace every time they visit this seemingly “floating” clubhouse.
The architectural design also minimized earth movement, thus preserving much of the original terrain. Not only that, the landscaper — Atty. Ronald Uy, legal head of Cathay Land — also preserved an old native tree that borders the clubhouse’s cliff edge. It’s like it has been there forever to watch every joyful family moment — because yes, this tree has been there for ages.
Private Retreat
This private retreat is an exclusive amenity for residents of South Forbes Golf City’s Nirwana Bali. The township’s second Balinese-style village after the highly sought after Bali Mansions, Nirwana Bali offers lot sizes ranging from 150 to 565 sqm., with prices starting at only P3.9 million.
This five-hectare subdivision occupies one of the highest elevations in this township, at 237 meters. Thus, residents will enjoy cool breezes from Tagaytay City in this side of Silang, Cavite, throughout the day.
For a private tour of Nirwana Bali and its dramatic clubhouse, please call 8635-7777 or visit www.southforbes.com.
