Back in Jakarta, running a backpackers’ hostel, we noticed the travel scene was changing. Backpackers were moving away from big party hostels and looking for more unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences—places rich in nature and culture rather than nightlife. We wanted to create something special, an eco-friendly retreat that would offer a peaceful, social, and fun experience in a truly wild and beautiful location.
The opportunity came unexpectedly when a friend of a friend, the owner of a piece of land in Towale Village, Donggala, approached us. We visited the land in 2017, camping there on the beach for a while, and instantly fell in love. Surrounded by jungle, overlooking the sea, it was the perfect place to build what we had envisioned.
But it wasn’t easy. The land was completely overgrown, thick with jungle, and there was no road access. Before we could even think about building, we had to carry every single supply the final 300 metres on foot. When we started receiving larger building materials, they had to be delivered by ox cart—a slow but strangely fitting start for an off-grid eco-lodge.
From the beginning, sustainability was at the heart of our project. We built everything with eco-friendly materials, relying on 100% solar power, harvesting rainwater, using composting toilets, and minimising plastic waste. After basic living quarters were built for our band of amazing volunteers, the first structure we started working on was the treehouse, a fitting beginning for a place so deeply connected to nature. The giant tamarind tree in the middle of the land was just crying out for a treehouse!
We wanted to cater to all kinds of travellers, so we designed Six Degrees Off Grid with both budget-friendly longhouse rooms and comfortable private bungalows. This way, whether someone was looking for a simple backpacker stay or a more relaxed bungalow retreat, they could find a space that suited them.
Beyond the setting, what truly makes Six Degrees Off Grid unique is the people. Ning, my wife, is a huge part of that. She has an incredible ability to remember thousands of guests’ names, and her warmth and hospitality have made many visitors feel like family. That’s exactly the kind of atmosphere we wanted—where guests feel truly welcomed, not just as travellers but as part of a community.
But our journey wasn’t straightforward. We actually started the project in 2018, but a series of challenges delayed our opening. That year, a devastating earthquake and tsunami struck Palu while my wife and I were there. Not long after, she was diagnosed with cancer (thankfully, she’s now fully recovered). Then, just as we were regaining momentum, COVID-19 put everything on hold. It wasn’t until this year that we were finally able to open our doors.
We’re always evolving, but our goal remains simple: to share this incredible place with more people. Whether you come for the peaceful setting, the social atmosphere, the adventure, or even the chance to spot a dugong, we want every guest to leave with memories they’ll never forget.
It’s been a long journey to get here, but standing on this land today, watching travellers from around the world experience it, makes it all worth it.