Who says Bali is only beaches and parties? Come here to refresh, cool off, and Chill!
qponx
2026-02-01
Tired of Bali's heat and crowds? Escape to the Bali Botanical Garden in the cool Bedugul highlands, a refreshing destination nicknamed the "Little Switzerland of Bali." This massive forest park offers a welcome change of pace with its vast lawns, towering trees, and fresh mountain air. It's the perfect spot for a relaxing picnic, with unique photo opportunities like a cactus greenhouse and a giant banyan tree. This is the ultimate chill-out spot away from the typical beach scene.
To be honest, recently in Canggu, the crowds and heat almost made me emo, so I just wanted to find a place to Nongkrong and truly Chill. A friend said they'd take me to a"Little Switzerland of Bali," and I didn't believe it at first. But then, I stepped on the gas and drove into the Bedugul highlands. The moment I rolled down the car window, cool air rushed in, and it felt at least 10 degrees cooler! Anjay, this is the right way to start a vacation!
I'm talking about this place – Bali Botanical Garden (Kebun Raya Bali).
Stepping into Miyazaki's Forest
Don't be fooled by the name"Botanical Garden"; this is basically a giant forest park, okay! [1] The area is ridiculously huge, with endless lawns and towering trees everywhere you look. The air is so fresh it could be bottled and sold. On weekends, tons of Lokal families come here for picnics, spreading out a blanket, setting out snacks and drinks. Some even bring portable stoves to cook Indomie. This relaxed vibe, Mantap! [2]
We didn't plan much, just wandered around casually. By chance, we stumbled into the cactus greenhouse, where all sorts of weird and wonderful succulents make for amazing photos [3]. We also found an incredibly huge banyan tree; it felt as magnificent as the Tree of Souls in 'Avatar' – absolutely stunning for photos.
First, the Disclaimers, Then the Love
However, let's cool down a bit; this place isn't perfect. To be honest, some areas feel a bit run-down. Especially the public restrooms, the smell is quite off-putting. I hope the management can pay more attention to it [4]. Also, because the place is so big, some plant areas don't feel very well-maintained and appear a bit desolate. Don't come with the expectation of strolling through a meticulously manicured garden; just treat it as a semi-wild natural oxygen bar, and you'll be fine.
Listen Up! Heartfelt Advice for My Girls
- Transportation is Key: This place is way too big; walking the whole thing on foot is practically an impossible mission. If you're not up for a lot of walking, just rent a golf cart (approx. 250k-300k/hour). If you want to cruise around yourself, you can rent an electric scooter (approx. 50k-75k/hour) [5]. But be warned, some uphill paths are tough even for a scooter with a child on it – don't ask me how I know...
- Pack All Your Gear: Definitely bring a light jacket; the temperature difference in the mountains is significant, it can get cold suddenly [6]. Also, bring rain gear; you know how mountain weather can be. Oh, and it's best to bring some cash; it's convenient for buying tickets and food [7].
- Ticket Info: Weekend tickets are about 30k IDR per person [8], parking fee is extra. For this price, you get a whole day of peace and coolness – I think it's worth it!
- Picnic is the GOAT: Highly recommend bringing your own picnic mat and food! Find a lawn under a big tree and lie down – isn't this way better than being squeezed among crowds at a beach club?
- Temple Etiquette: There are two Hindu temples inside the garden; if you want to visit them, remember to bring or rent a sarong [9].
- Forget the name! Vast giant forest park with bottled-fresh air, instantly whisking you into Miyazaki's forest [1]!
- Cactus greenhouse: odd, photogenic succulents [2]. And an 'Avatar'-like giant banyan tree for epic photos!
- 30k IDR [3], locals picnic & chill [4] on lush lawns for all-day peace & cool!
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