Bali Botanic Garden Kebun Raya Bali covers an extensive area of 157.5 hectares, located in the cool highland region of Bedugul, at an altitude of approximately 1,250–1,450 meters above sea level. Thanks to its location, the garden boasts a unique microclimate that is ideal for cultivating a wide variety of tropical and subtropical plants.
The garden is divided into several thematic zones, each representing a specific type of vegetation or ecosystem.
Main Zones of the Bali Botanic Garden:
1. Central Area of the Garden: This area houses administrative buildings, the entrance zone, and an information center. From here, the main walking routes begin, leading through various themed gardens and collections.
2. Tropical Rainforest: This zone occupies a significant portion of the garden and features dense forests with tall trees, lianas, and epiphytes. Here, you can find plants such as:
Dipterocarp trees (Dipterocarpaceae), some of the tallest trees in the rainforests of Southeast Asia.
Palm trees of various species, including those endemic to Indonesia.
Ferns and mosses, which create the atmosphere of an ancient forest.
3. Orchid Garden: Orchids are one of the main attractions of the garden. A special greenhouse houses over 300 species of orchids, including rare and endemic varieties such as:
- Dendrobium — one of the most popular orchid genera, known for its vibrant flowers.
- Vanda — orchids with large and fragrant blooms.
- Phalaenopsis — known as "moth orchids" due to the shape of their flowers.
4. Cactus and Succulent Garden: This zone showcases a collection of plants adapted to arid conditions. Here, you can see: Cacti, Agaves, Echeverias and others
5. Medicinal Plant Garden: This area is dedicated to plants used in traditional Balinese medicine. Featured plants include:
- Turmeric (Curcuma longa) — known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Ginger (Zingiber officinale) — used to treat colds and improve digestion.
- Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) — a plant with a citrusy aroma used in teas and aromatherapy.
6. Bonsai Garden: This zone features miniature trees cultivated using the bonsai technique. Here, you can find:
- Ficus trees (Ficus spp.) — popular for bonsai due to their flexible trunks and small leaves.
- Carmona microphylla — a plant with tiny leaves and white flowers.
- Pine trees (Pinus spp.) — classic bonsai plants symbolizing longevity.
7. Lotus Pond: A picturesque pond covered with blooming lotus flowers creates a serene atmosphere. Lotuses (Nelumbo nucifera) are considered sacred in Balinese culture and symbolize purity and spiritual enlightenment.
8. Fern Garden: This zone showcases the diversity of ferns, some of the oldest plants on Earth. Here, you can see:
- Tree ferns (Cyathea spp.) — tall plants resembling palm trees.
- Bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum) — a common species often found in tropical forests.
9. Spice Garden: Bali is famous for its spices, and this zone features plants used in local cuisine, such as:
- Vanilla (Vanilla planifolia) — a vine whose pods are used to produce vanilla.
- Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) — a tree whose bark is used as a spice.
- Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) — a plant whose buds are used in cooking and medicine.
10. Rhododendron Garden: This zone is particularly beautiful during the flowering season when rhododendron bushes are covered in bright blooms. Rhododendrons (Rhododendron spp.) are plants that have adapted well to the cool climate of Bedugul.
Unique Plants of the Bali Botanic Garden:
- Titan Arum (Amorphophallus titanum): Also known as the "corpse flower," this plant is one of the most unusual exhibits in the garden. It attracts attention with its enormous size and strong odor, reminiscent of rotting flesh. The blooming of the titan arum is a rare event that lasts only a few days each year.
- Rafflesia Arnoldii (Rafflesia arnoldii): Another unique plant found in the garden. Rafflesia is known as the largest flower in the world, reaching up to 1 meter in diameter. Like the titan arum, it emits an unpleasant odor to attract pollinating insects.
- Nepenthes (Nepenthes spp.): These plants, also known as "pitcher plants," are carnivorous. Their leaves are transformed into pitchers filled with fluid that digests insects. Nepenthes are endemic to Southeast Asia and can be seen in a special section of the garden.
Bali Botanic Garden Infrastructure:
- Paths and Trails: The garden is equipped with convenient pathways that allow visitors to easily navigate between zones. There are both short routes and longer trails for those who want to explore the garden in its entirety. Walking through the garden can take an entire day, but it is more convenient to travel by car and stop near the most interesting zones.
- Viewpoints: The garden features several viewpoints offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and Lake Bratan.
- Cafes and Rest Areas: The garden has cafes where visitors can enjoy snacks and refreshing drinks, as well as picnic areas.
