Singaporean retiree Cheryl Kwok has opened Buyan Lakeside Villas, a boutique resort nestled in the northern highlands of Bali, offering visitors a tranquil alternative to the island’s popular southern destinations. Located in the mountain village of Pancasari, Buleleng regency, the property features five uniquely designed villas overlooking Lake Buyan, one of Bali’s four sacred caldera lakes.
Kwok, 65, moved to Bali with her husband in 2014 after nearly three decades in Hong Kong. Initially settling in the bustling south Bali area of Canggu, known for its vibrant digital nomad community and tourist attractions, the couple turned their attention north following the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. Travel restrictions led them to explore less frequented parts of the island, and Kwok soon became captivated by the cooler climate, mountainous scenery, and peaceful surroundings of the northern region.
After three years of planning and construction, the Buyan Lakeside Villas officially opened in July 2026. The resort sits approximately 1,300 meters above sea level and is about two and a half hours from Bali’s main international gateway, Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport. Temperatures range from around 30 degrees Celsius during the day to 18 degrees Celsius at night, providing a refreshing contrast to Bali’s southern coastline.
The villas, named after Indonesian regencies—Sumba, Toraja, Uluan Danu, Minang, and Waerebo—are designed with steep, triangular A-frame roofs, a feature Kwok insisted on despite concerns from her architect and builders about construction complexities. Interiors reflect a blend of “East meets West” aesthetics, with locally sourced furniture and decor including cowhide chairs and wooden cabinetry. Furnishing each villa cost approximately 200 million rupiah.
Kwok’s background in hospitality, public relations, and marketing influenced the project’s development. She previously worked at Grand Hyatt Singapore and spent over a decade in Hong Kong’s construction industry. Her vision was shaped by extensive travel and a lifelong appreciation for nature, stemming from her Chinese-British heritage.
Complementing the villas is Pepper Lane Cafe, offering a menu that includes Singaporean favorites like laksa, nasi lemak, and beef rendang, alongside Western dishes. The café caters primarily to international tourists, many from Europe, who account for roughly 70% of the resort’s visitors. Prices for main courses range from 105,000 to 433,000 rupiah. On weekends, outdoor barbecues are held by the lake, with guests able to enjoy grilled meats and vegetables for around 350,000 rupiah per person.
In December 2025, Kwok and her husband relocated to a newly built home on the property, accompanied by their six dogs and a variety of plant seeds from their former garden in Canggu. The cooler northern climate allows Kwok to cultivate produce not viable in the hotter south, such as raspberries, tomatoes, and herbs.
Looking ahead, Kwok plans to expand the resort by adding smaller, more affordable accommodations and possibly a padel court to meet growing interest in the sport. She supports ongoing infrastructure proposals like the North Bali International Airport, approved by President Prabowo Subianto in July 2025, which could improve access to the region. However, this airport project faces resistance from environmentalists and local residents concerned about tourism’s impact and ecological sustainability.
Kwok employs 18 local Indonesian staff, around ten of whom live nearby. She notes that the resort provides better wages than before, contributing to improved livelihoods in the community. Additionally, she has started a book collection initiative at the café to raise funds for SD Negara 4 Pancasari Elementary School, supporting the purchase of computers and other resources.
“I think if you try to fit in with the local people and you’re nice to them, they’ll help you as much as you help them,” Kwok said, reflecting her commitment to fostering positive local relationships alongside her hospitality venture.