Ubud Botanic Garden

Bali's newest destination is five hectares of tranquil greenery, offering a welcome retreat from the heat and hustle. Landscaped along a natural river gorge, the Garden's paths and stairways lead the visitor on a journey of exploration through cool natural forests, groves and meadows. Three Orchid Houses feature a growing collection next to the Water Lily Pond, already a sanctuary for birds and other wildlife. A Meditation Court, watched over by an ancient banyan tree, provides a place of stillness guarded by carved stone Buddhas.

Other features include a garden of indigenous herbal plants, a Dragon Fruit garden, bamboo groves, pitcher plants, a Titan and Rafflesia, a young orchard of Indonesian fruits and a chocolate and coffee grove. Much more remains to be discovered as visitors wander the shady paths to encounter new surprises around every corner and over every hill. Children love the Maze, and parents can monitor their play from the formal Islamic Garden on the hill above the labyrinth.

Just 1.2 kilometres from Ubud's main road in Kutu Kelod, the Botanic Garden is an important asset for the local community and the tourist industry. Bali has never had such an easily accessible, well kept private park.

Traveling can be hard work. For travelers seeking a refuge from the shops, touts and hot sidewalks, the Garden is an oasis of calm. Tuck a book, a cold bottle of beer and a sandwich into the backpack for a reviving day off under the trees.

Families with young families are happy to find a place where the kids can play safe from traffic. It's so easy to pick up the makings of a picnic from Ubud's Café'8e Moka or DeliCat; strategically placed benches and bales in the Garden offer pleasant nooks for a shared meal al fresco.

Open since June, the Botanic Garden is already becoming an integral part of the community. The trails are popular with early morning joggers who relish a place to work out without dogs and traffic. Individuals carrying yoga mats disappear into leafy corners. Even before the soft opening, a wedding took place on the lawn beside the Great Fountain at the entrance. Local artists are taking advantage of the Garden to paint there; some of the resulting artwork can be seen in the entrance. Once the converted joglo in the chocolate grove opens as a coffee house, a group of young mothers is planning to make it the nucleus for a playgroup.

Garden owners Fauzah and Stefan intend that their creation will become a living educational tool for Bali. As resources become available, they want to offer classes in organic growing, composting, local medicinal plants and environmental awareness. A boule pit is under development, and a volunteer is sought to help create an Orchid Society with the Garden as its base.

Membership to the Botanic Garden Ubud is now available with options for individual, family or Founding Memberships and Corporate Sponsorships. Contact: info@botanicgardenbali.com