One of Indonesia's largest mountain botanic gardens, set in the highlands. Cool forests and walking paths among the flowers.
Spanning the southern shore of Lake Beratan at an altitude of 1,250β1,450 meters, the Bali Botanic Garden (Kebun Raya Bali) is the largest botanic garden in Indonesia. Its approximately 157-hectare grounds cultivate over 2,000 species of plants, focusing on mountain flora from Eastern Indonesia (Bali, Nusa Tenggara, Sulawesi, Maluku, and Papua), as well as trees, ferns, orchids, succulents, and medicinal/spice plants from around the world. This is not just a park, but a national research institution dedicated to the collection, research, conservation, and education of plants. The garden features diverse sections, including an orchid garden with one of the world's foremost collections, an area dense with giant tree ferns, and a medicinal plant garden (Usada) featuring plants used in Balinese rituals. It offers a time of intellectual refreshment, allowing visitors to stroll among beautiful flowers and rare plants in the cool, clear mountain air.
History: The Nation's Green Legacy
This botanic garden was opened in 1959, based on an idea by Indonesia's first president, Sukarno. It is the second national botanic garden in Indonesia, following the Bogor Botanic Garden (Java) which was established during the Dutch colonial era. Its primary purpose was to study and conserve the flora of Indonesia's eastern mountainous regions. Since its opening, it has worked with researchers from home and abroad to collect, classify, and propagate many valuable plants. It plays a vital role as a 'green ark,' carrying Indonesia's biodiversity into the future.
Culture: Ritual and Medicinal Plants
Within the garden is a section called the 'Usada Garden,' which features a collection of medicinal plants used in traditional Balinese healing. For centuries, Balinese have used the medicinal properties of plants to treat illnesses and maintain health. The garden also systematically cultivates and displays various flowers and leaves that are indispensable for Hindu rituals. For example, visitors can see the flowers used in 'canang' (daily offerings) and the leaves used to sprinkle holy water during ceremonies. It is a fascinating place to gain a deeper understanding of Balinese culture from a botanical perspective.
How to Enjoy and Activities
The vast grounds can be explored on foot or by driving through (for a fee). The 'Bali Treetop Adventure Park' (separate company and fee), featuring zip lines and aerial obstacle courses, is also located within the garden and is fun for both children and adults. You will often see local families enjoying picnics on the large grassy areas. It's recommended to set aside a full day to relax and explore. The highlands are known for changeable weather, with frequent mist and rain, so bringing rain gear and a jacket is advisable.
Highlights (What to Check Out!)
The orchid garden, featuring over 800 species from around the world, is a must-see. You can also view rare orchids endemic to Bali. The fern garden, overgrown with giant tree ferns, feels like stepping into Jurassic Park. Additionally, an area of tall conifers creates a landscape so reminiscent of a European forest, you might forget you're in Bali. From the Hindu temple located at one of the highest points in the garden, you can also catch glimpses of Lake Beratan.
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