Bali Botanical Garden, also called Kebun Raya Eka Karya, is a large plant research and conservation garden in Bedugul, in Bali’s cool central highlands. Its grounds bring together tropical forest, open lawns and themed plant collections, including orchids, cacti and medicinal plants. Walk among the trees, learn how plants are used for medicine and ceremonies, or take a picnic break in the green space. The mountain setting is a welcome change from Bali’s warmer coastal areas, though morning is the better time for open views.
A garden for research and public visits
Known locally as Kebun Raya Eka Karya, Bali Botanical Garden is one of Indonesia’s four official botanical gardens. It was established in 1959 and is dedicated to plant research, conservation, education and recreation. The garden lies in Candikuning, in the Bedugul highlands, at about 1,240 metres above sea level.
The grounds cover roughly 157 hectares on the slopes of Gunung Pohen. Collections include plants from eastern Indonesia, including Bali, Sulawesi, Nusa Tenggara, Maluku and Papua. The exact totals vary between accounts, so the collection is best understood as a broad range of tropical plants rather than a fixed number.
Collections to look for
The garden’s specialist areas include orchids, cacti, begonias, ferns, aquatic plants and medicinal plants. The orchid collection is a particular reason to visit, while the cactus area offers a change of scale and habitat from the surrounding tropical greenery. Some of the themed collections are housed in garden buildings, so check which areas are open during your visit.
Plant displays also introduce the uses of medicinal and ceremonial plants. Elsewhere, tropical rainforest vegetation and birdlife add interest to a walk beyond the collection areas. The garden combines cultivated displays with forest and open lawns, so you can choose between a focused visit to particular plant groups and a longer wander through the grounds.
Planning time in the grounds
The garden is large enough to fill several hours, especially if you stop at the themed collections or bring a picnic. Wide lawns and picnic areas give families room to pause, while quieter corners suit a slower walk. Bicycles and buggy-style vehicles can be rented to help cover more ground; ask about availability on arrival.
Bedugul’s highland climate is cooler than Bali’s coast, and mornings can feel cold. Pack a warm layer. Mist and rain can arrive later in the day, limiting views across the surrounding hills, so an earlier visit gives you a better chance of seeing the landscape clearly.
On weekends, cars are permitted inside the grounds, which can make walking less peaceful. A weekday visit is a better fit if you want to explore on foot at an unhurried pace. The garden also has wheelchair-accessible parking, an entrance and restrooms.
Preguntas frecuentes
Where is Bali Botanical Garden?
It is in Candikuning, Bedugul, in Bali’s central highlands, within Tabanan Regency.
What can you see at Bali Botanical Garden?
The collections include orchids, cacti, begonias, ferns, aquatic plants and medicinal plants, alongside tropical forest, lawns and birdlife.
How much time should you allow?
Allow a few hours to explore the themed collections and grounds, or take a picnic break.
Is Bali Botanical Garden accessible for wheelchair users?
The garden has a wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking and restrooms.
