8 Great Forests and Parks in Bali
Explore Bali's Most Beautiful Outdoor Spaces
Venture into the forests and parks of Bali for a different perspective of this tropical island. Inland, you’ll find huge Banyan trees thriving in villages and temple grounds, tamarind trees in the northern region, and bright red flame trees, acacias, and mangroves dominating the south.
The island is a thriving habitat for exotic animals, including monkeys, civets, mousedeer, and barking deer. The Bali starling (Leucopsar rothschildi) is the island’s only indigenous bird, but you’ll also find over 300 other species of bird, like wildfowl, sea eagles, sandpipers, and blue kingfishers. Of course, hikers get to enjoy miles of trekking routes, many of which lead to Bali’s volcanic mountains.
1. Alas Kedaton Monkey Forest
Temple grounds populated by monkeys
Good for: Adventure, Photo, Unusual
Alas Kedaton is a nutmeg forest and temple which serves as a sanctuary for gray long-tailed macaques. Also called Obyek Wisata Alam Alas Kedaton, it’s one of several monkey forests in Bali. A must-see is the Pura Dalem Kahyangan Kedaton Temple, where you can walk on pathways surrounding the mossy temple walls.
Many choose to explore this forest as an alternative to the more popular Ubud Monkey Forest, especially those on tours to Bali’s western region. Alas Kedaton is quite far from the island’s main tourist destinations, which means you’ll usually find fewer crowds on your visit. Read more
Location: Jalan Raya Alas Kedaton, Kukuh, Tabanan, Bali 82121, Indonesia
Open: Daily from 9 am to 5 pm
Phone: +62 (0)361 814155
Alas Kedaton Monkey Forest
2. Bali Botanic Garden
Nature conservation meets beauty and adventure
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo
The Bali Botanic Gardens provide several scientific services and facilities in support of plant research and conservation, including a herbarium, seed bank, library, glasshouses, nurseries, and plant databases. The giant, rare, and extremely smelly Rafflesia that lives here (parasitic plant with the largest flowers on earth) has bloomed and wilted several times throughout the years.
A wonderful family day out can be spent at these lovely gardens, exploring the paths winding through the lush greenery, and discovering the enormous range of stunning, tropical plants that call this place home. Read more
Location: Jalan Kebun Raya, Batunya, Candikuning, Tabanan, Bali 82191, Indonesia
Open: Monday–Friday from 8 am to 4 pm, Saturday–Sunday from 8 am to 5 pm
Phone: +62 (0)368 2033211
Bali Botanic Garden
3. Mount Batur (Kintamani)
A dramatic volcano and lake to match
Good for: Photo, Adventure
The dramatic Mount Batur is an active volcano with many popular hiking trails leading to stunning views. The captivating Bali volcano looms above the 5-square-mile Danau Batur lake. Those with a penchant for adventure can take a winding road down to the shore of the lake, which takes you past Toya Bungkah, Ulun Danu Batur temple, and several hot springs.
The wider Kintamani area has 3 main villages: Penelokan, Batur, and Kintamani, as well as several ancient villages around Batur Lake called Bali Age Village. You can observe the sunrise from the ridges of this Bali volcano on early morning treks. Read more
Location: South Batur, Kintamani, Bangli, Bali, Indonesia
Mount Batur (Kintamani)
4. Mount Agung (Gunung Agung)
The highest place on the island
Good for: Photo, Adventure
Mount Agung (Gunung Agung) is the highest point and most revered mountain in Bali. Treks to its cone-shaped summit usually start well before dawn, with hikers armed with a strong flashlight, waterproof clothing, and snacks. The shortest and most popular route starts from Pasar Agung Temple, allowing you to reach the top of Mount Agung within 4 hours.
Be warned that it is actually an active volcano rather than a mountain, and therefore during times of volcanic activity you are not allowed to climb it. You can see the entire island from the top of Mount Agung. On a clear day, you might even be able to see Mount Rinjani, the tallest peak on the neighboring island of Lombok. Read more
Location: Jungutan, Bebandem, Karangasem, Bali 80853, Indonesia
Mount Agung (Gunung Agung)
5. Sangeh Monkey Forest
Primordial forest and monkey habitat
Good for: Adventure, History, Photo
Sangeh Monkey Forest is a nature reserve that protects the habitat of gray long-tailed macaques. It covers 60,000 square miles of fertile forestland with primordial, giant nutmeg trees that can grow up to 40 meters in height. Some of the trees here are over 3 centuries old.
Make sure you explore the ruins of Bukit Sari Temple which dates back to the 17th century. Note that Sangeh Monkey Forest is a sacred site, so check online for local customs to make sure you’re respectful. The forest is around 15 miles north of the island’s capital city of Denpasar. Read more
Location: Jalan Brahmana, Sangeh, Badung, Bali 80353, Indonesia
Open: Daily from 8 am to 5 pm
Sangeh Monkey Forest
6. Ubud Monkey Forest
Hindu temple complex and monkey refuge
Good for: History, Photo, Adventure
The Ubud Monkey Forest is a natural sanctuary that’s home to over 700 gray long-tailed macaques. Also known as the Sacred Monkey Forest of Padangtegal, you can explore via paved pathways through a leafy nutmeg forest. You can see playful primates in their natural habitat, swinging through canopies, and feeding on bananas.
There are several ancient Hindu temples under dense foliage, including the 14th-century Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal and Pura Prajapati, which are dedicated to village funerals. Banyan tree roots hanging over moss-covered guardian statues make for interesting photo opportunities. Read more
Location: Jalan Monkey Forest, Ubud, Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Open: Daily from 9 am to 5 pm
Phone: +62 857 3700 0080
Ubud Monkey Forest
7. Uluwatu Forest
Mischievous monkeys at this clifftop temple
Good for: History, Photo
Uluwatu Forest surrounds the cliff edges near the famous Uluwatu Temple. Thick hedges of green shrubs and frangipani trees cover most of the Bukit area. Hordes of gray long-tailed macaques often make their way to the shrine, where regular pilgrims often face all sorts of shenanigans.
It’s quite common to see monkeys snatching at fruit offerings at Uluwatu Temple. They usually come out of Uluwatu Forest in the afternoon and evening. It’s a good idea to visit the forest and temple grounds with a local guide who would know how to best handle the sometimes unpredictable monkeys. Read more
Location: Jalan Pura Uluwatu, Pecatu, Badung, Bali 80362, Indonesia
Uluwatu Forest
8. West Bali National Park
A multitude of beautiful, varied habitats
Good for: Photo, Adventure
West Bali National Park (Taman Nasional Bali Barat) is a forested region that makes up most of central-western Bali. It’s the original habitat of the rare Bali Starling (Leucopsar rothschildi), as well as 300 different species of animal and bird. West Bali National Park has open savannahs, dense rainforests, and mangrove swamps.
Divers often make their way to the waters surrounding Pulau Menjangan (Deer Island), a small island reserve just off the northern coast of Bali. Note that to enter the park’s protected zones, you’ll need to apply for a permit at the park’s information center. Read more
Location: Sumber Klampok, Gerokgak, Buleleng, Bali, Indonesia
Phone: +62 (0)365 61060
West Bali National Park
This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.