Bali Botanic Garden (Eka Karya)

Highland Ecosystem and Volcanic Landscape

The main characteristic of Bali Botanic Garden is determined by its location on the slopes of Mount Pohon. Its hilly topography provides a dramatic variation in landscape, from gentle grassy plains to dense, ascending forest areas. Due to its location in an ancient caldera, the soil here is very fertile thanks to its volcanic content, allowing various types of flora from eastern Indonesia and other cool climate regions to thrive.

Unlike lowland tropical forests, the ecosystem in Eka Karya Botanic Garden is dominated by mountain vegetation. High humidity throughout the year creates a microclimate that supports the natural growth of mosses, ferns, and epiphytes on the trunks of giant trees.

Biodiversity Richness and Unique Collections

As an ex-situ conservation institution, Bali Botanic Garden houses an extraordinary collection of plants, especially those from eastern Indonesia. One of its main attractions is the Orchid Garden, which collects over 290 species of wild orchids, including rare endemic Balinese orchids like Bulbophyllum binnendijkii.

In addition, visitors can explore other unique collections:

1. Fern Garden (Cyathea): A collection of fern plants that evoke a prehistoric ambiance. Some of the giant tree fern species here are remnants of ancient vegetation.

2. Cactus Garden: Housed in a uniquely shaped greenhouse, the cactus collection here includes various species from arid regions successfully adapted to the cool temperatures of Bedugul.

3. Rose Garden: An area filled with various rose varieties in bright colors, offering a touch of European aesthetics amidst the Balinese forest.

4. Bamboo Collection: This botanic garden boasts one of the most complete bamboo collections in Indonesia, serving as a carbon sink and a stabilizer for mountain soil erosion.

Outdoor Experience and Nature Tourism Activities

Bali Botanic Garden is designed to bring people closer to nature through various educational and refreshing activities:

• Picnic on the Great Lawn: The vast grassy area near the Kumbakarna Laga statue is a favorite spot for families to picnic while enjoying the distant view of Lake Beratan.
• Forest Bathing (Shinrin-yoku): With walking trails that cut through the natural forest, visitors can engage in therapeutic walks under the canopy of giant trees to reduce stress and inhale phytoncides released by the trees.
• Botanical Education: For science enthusiasts, there are scientific name labels on each collection tree, allowing visitors to learn about plant taxonomy independently.
• Bali Treetop Adventure Park: For those seeking adrenaline, there are outbound facilities such as flying fox and suspension bridges among large trees, designed without damaging the integrity of the tree trunks.

Conservation Status and Environmental Protection

Eka Karya Botanic Garden is under the auspices of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN). Its main focus is research, conservation, education, and tourism. Here, efforts are made to save rare plants threatened with extinction due to forest exploitation or climate change.

The waste management system in this area is very strict. Visitors are encouraged to take their trash home or dispose of it in designated sorted bins. Furthermore, the use of motorized vehicles in certain areas is being restricted to maintain air quality and the tranquility of the local fauna habitat, such as various mountain bird species (e.g., Sunbirds and Kingfishers) that call this botanic garden home.

Best Visiting Times and Seasonal Variations

The best time to visit Bali Botanic Garden is in the morning between 08:00 and 11:00 WITA. During this time, the air is still very clean and the sun is not too intense. Towards noon, mist usually starts to descend from the peak of Mount Pohon, creating a very distinctive mystical and cool atmosphere.

Seasonally, visits between April and September (dry season) offer clearer skies. However, for those who wish to see flowers in full bloom, the transition period from the rainy to the dry season is when the rose and orchid collections appear freshest. It is important to note that temperatures here can drop to 15 degrees Celsius, so it is advisable to always bring a jacket or warm clothing.

Accessibility and Supporting Facilities

Reaching Bali Botanic Garden takes about 1.5 to 2 hours of travel from the city center of Denpasar or the Kuta area via the main Denpasar-Singaraja route. This journey offers eye-pleasing views of terraced rice fields and green valleys.

The facilities at Bali Botanic Garden are very complete to support tourist comfort:

• Parking Area: Spacious and organized for both two-wheeled and four-wheeled vehicles.
• Shuttle and Bicycles: Electric bicycle rentals and shuttle services are available for visitors who want to explore without getting tired walking in the vast area.
• Restaurants and Kiosks: There are cafeterias serving warm dishes, perfect for enjoying in the cool air.
• Accommodation: Several guest houses and camping areas are available for those who want to experience staying amidst the silence of the mountain forest.

Bali Botanic Garden (Eka Karya) is not just a photo destination, but a living museum preserving the archipelago's biodiversity. A visit here offers a different perspective on Bali tourism—an escape into tranquility, where the rustling of leaves and the chirping of birds become natural music that heals the soul. By preserving every inch of its land, we help ensure that this Green Lung of the Island of the Gods will continue to breathe for future generations.