Having already been to the two largest Indonesian Botanic Gardens in Bogor and Cibodas, I just HAD to drop by recently to check out Kebun Raya Bali. Although smaller than its Javanese cousins, these Gardens have a very Balinese flavor, and are certainly worth stopping by if you are in the Bedugul area.
This article may contain affiliate links. If you click on those links and make a purchase, at no extra cost to you I will get a small commission. This will go a long way toward keeping this website running. As always, thank you for your support! Click HERE for more information.
Now, before I start, let me just go on record as saying that I am not normally a Botanic Gardens type of person. Even back at home in Australia, I never found them all that exciting. Having said that, I have to add now that the Indonesian Botanic Gardens are quite amazing. Both Kebun Raya Bogor and Kebun Raya Cibodas had me astounded at how BIG and beautiful they were. Both were very different to each other, and now that I have visited Kebun Raya Bali, I can say the same for it as well.
These Gardens are nowhere near the incredible size as Bogor or Cibodas, but that doesn’t take away from them at all. They have some great views, beautiful places to have a relaxing picnic, and epic trees that are just begging for photos!
Where is Kebun Raya Bali?
Kebun Raya Bali is easy to find. Located right in the town of Bedugul, most people pass right by the front gate without even realizing. Simply click on THIS link for an exact Google Maps location, or check out the screenshot below.
The Gardens are something that I had been meaning to visit for a long time. We go to Bedugul regularly, especially when passing through on the way to Munduk. They make a great stop off for anyone that is heading to North Bali, and an extra stop for visitors to Handara Gate, which is only 5 minutes up the road.
About Kebun Raya Bali
Kebun Raya Bali are the famous Botanic Gardens of Bali. They are the sister gardens of the Historic Kebun Raya Bogor, and Kebun Raya Cibodas in West Java. Located at 1300 meters above sea level in Bedugul in Central Bali, they cover a whopping 157 Hectares.
The Gardens are a mixture of forest, thick trees and wide open spaces. They are home to over 21,000 specimen from 2400 species, and have been the biggest Gardens in Bali since they were first constructed in 1959. The species represented in the Gardens come from all of the mountainous regions across Eastern Indonesia. Besides these, there are also 10,000 preserved species in the park as well as collections of Ferns, Cacti, Orchids, and Carnivorous Plants.
Ticket Prices Kebun Raya Bali
Tickets in Kebun Raya Bali, as they are at all of the Botanic Gardens in Indonesia, are VERY reasonably priced. In fact, we actually paid our entry, and included the shuttle ride around the Gardens for LESS than we expected to pay for a simple entry!
Here is a breakdown of the costs, and below I have included a photo of the ticket booth as well.
- 20k rupe single entry
- 30k rupe single entry plus shuttle
- 5k Rupe Scooter Parking
- 15k Rupe Car Parking
- 15k Rupe Bicycle Hire
What to expect
When you arrive at Kebun Raya Bali, you will be met by security who will point you the right way to the parking area. We arrived by Scooter, and once we paid the minimal parking fee, proceeded into the carpark off to the right.
The ticket office is located to the left, so once you alight from your scooter and fend off the dozen or so Strawberry Sellers (Bedugul is VERY famous for strawberries) head on over to the ticket office. Entry is cheap, and you will not part with much of your hard earned to get inside.
Upon entry, you will find a couple of small stalls where you can buy some refreshments, and have the option to hire electric scooters or pushbikes. We have done the pushbike option before at Kebun Raya Bogor, so this time took the great price for the shuttle instead. One of the tables nearby will take your ticket and exchange it for a wrist “bangle” ticket. Head for the shuttle and settle in for a quick tour of the Gardens.
The tour doesn’t take long to get around the Gardens if you don’t make any stops. We asked the driver to stop regularly though, just so we could take photos and enjoy the views.
Things to do at Kebun Raya Bali
For a Botanic Gardens, there are actually quite a few things to do. Most of them involve looking at plants and trees, or simply relaxing. But then, isn’t that what a garden is for?
Things to do:
- Take a Shuttle Tour
- Hire an electric scooter or pushbike
- Experience Bali Treetops Adventure Park
- Stop by at the Three Hindu Temples
- Enjoy the view and picnic on the lawn overlooking the lake
- Get photos at the Kebun Raya Bali Giant Tree
- Check out any of the amazing gardens, including a Rose Garden and Cactus House
Where to stay
Kebun Raya Bali is very easy to get to from anywhere in South Bali on a daytrip. However, if you want to see more of this amazing area, then why not stay the night? There are some really nice places around the lake that are highly recommended. Here are some of the best!
Pondanu Cabins by the Lake
This place is amazing, and the rating on Booking.com reflects that, at a whopping 9.3! I was first recommended them by a local tour guide, and I can see why. With great facilities, extraordinary views across the lake, and location not far from Handara Gates, you would be crazy not to check them out.
Handara Golf and Resort Bali
Does this place even need an introduction? With the iconic gates at the front, why not actually drive through them and enjoy all the facilities as well. The Resort offers beautiful views of mountains as well as immaculate fairways, and is central to all of Bedugul.
Chakra Backpacker Hostel
If you are after a more budget friendly stay, then the Chakra Backpacker Hostel is the best in the area. Located only 2km from the Temple, it is well placed for easy access.
What else is nearby
This one is easy, and really depends upon what you classify as “nearby”.
Very local to Kebun Raya Bali is Handara Gate. This is the very popular Gates of Handara Golf and Resort where anyone who is anyone gets their photo taken. If you are heading up (early morning is best) for your photo at the gates, then why not drop by Kebun Raya Bali for a picnic lunch afterward?
Also very local is Ulun Danu Beratan Temple. This is the famous “floating” temple that you see in every second picture of Bali. It is a wonderful place to visit, and many tours will take you there on the same day as Handara Gate. Just up the road in the other direction is the Blooms Garden as well, so there are plenty of options available.
If you are planning a daytrip to the area, then there are also many attractions around the area that you can add in. Besides the few already mentioned, you have the incredible Twin Lakes right nearby. Beyond them, there are no less than a dozen waterfalls, including Sekumpul, Git Git, Banyu Wana Amertha, and Banyumala Twin Waterfalls.
On the way to Bedugul, you will also pass right by Leke Leke Waterfall, which is one of the most famous waterfalls in Bali. It would almost be a crime to not stop!
My suggestion is to organize your own daytrip. Click on THIS LINK to be able to charter a car and driver to take you where ever you want to go. It is by far the best way to visit parts of Bali that you want to see without the hassle!
Summary
Kebun Raya Bali is very, very popular with local travelers and visitors to Bali. On weekends and Public Holidays it can get very busy as a result. If you are interested in Gardens, and are in the area, then they are definitely worth stopping by to check out. Especially for the very minimal entry fee, and the fact that they are so handy to other attractions close by!
If you found this guide helpful, then why not check out more of my Bali Guides at THIS LINK.
DON’T FORGET to leave a comment. I promise to reply!
Leave a reply