Way up in the central mountain reach gradually but surely up to the skies, lies a popular yet quiet mountain hideaway Bedugul. Tucked into the long crater and on the edge of a large serene volcanic lake, this cool, slow-paced village is a world away from the hustle and bustle and the heat and humidity.

A Giant stone-carved statue of “Kumbakarna” welcomes you to entrance of Eka Karya Botanical Gardens, Bedugul

At 1500 meters above sea level, bedugul contrast greatly with the lowland plains of Bali in terms of architecture, customs, dress, crops and general vegetation. And at hearth of this mountain hideaway is the beautiful Botanical Gardens, Bali’s of Eden.

A lovely landscaped corner in Eka Karya Botanical Gardens.

An idyllic location

Travelers will often pass through Bedugul on their way to the northern coast when they sometimes drive to the coastal beach towns of Singaraja and Lovina.

A quiet path that leads to the other side of Bedugul Hill within the Botanical Gardens.

Other travelers also choose to come to Bedugul as an alternative to the eastern mountain areas, such as Kintamani and Penelokan, which are heavily frequented by tourist. Either way, visitor are often surprised at what they find at this unusual location.

Coming from the south, you literally ascend to the peak of the crater before descending into the village valley, and as you descend into the valley the complete scenic panorama opens up before you. The lake is dotted with small hotels and lodges offering a meditative mountain experience. A beautiful old temple jus out into the water of the lake and becomes a significant feature of the lake’s serenity.

One of the old trees one can visiting the Botanical Gardens, Bedugul

Some visitor also choose a bit more adventure and go parasailing, water-skiing or jet skiing on the lake, golfing on the crisp vast golf greens in the area, or hiking further into the pine forests of the surrounding hills. It is essential to stop at the quaint markets at Bedugul, the Bukit Mungsu markets, which offer a tempting array of fresh fruits and vegetables, alongside cool climate roses and wild orchids, and selection of aromatic oils and wooden and bamboo knick knacks.
The Kebun Raya Eka Karya Bali Botanic Gardens is, however, one of the major points of interest in this high altitude retreat.

Many Plants, one garden

The tropical island’s own botanical heritage is captured in the Traditional Balinese House. Even the house itself has been built according to strict Balinese architectural guidelines and is oriented on the expected kaja-kelod (from mountains to sea).

A lovely chrysanthemum can be found on both sides of the path in the Botanical Gardens.

Inside is a veritable feast of local plant collections, including plants that provide popular cooking ingredients such as ginger and lime as well as some delicious fruit samples. Plants used for ceremonial purposes, such as the frangipani and andong flowers, are also included, as are historical instruments made from plants and used for cooking and ceremonies, as well as agricultural tools.

The Gardens is also known for its extensive orchid collection, and for the role it plays in researching and protecting Indonesia’s rare and exotic orchid species. Over 384 orchid species are represented here, many of which are the more rare wild orchids native to the country. These native orchids, such as the lady’s slipper, often have beautiful and elegant small flowers in contrast to the better-known larger hybrids.

Also represented in the Gardens are collections of fern, cacti, bamboo, and herbs. The ferns are indigenous to Indonesia, and 72 species can be found here. The local Indonesians have found a variety of uses for their ferns, including using ground ferns to make baskets and other handicrafts as well as for eating as a vegetable, and using tree ferns as a basis for orchid growing. The only problem is that many ferns are being excessively harvested, so the gardens play an important role in propagating and protecting these ferns.

There are 104 species of cacti that have been collected from all over the world and are kept in glasshouses that simulate the appropriate climactic conditions. Eighty species of bamboo are here as well of which many are indigenous to Indonesia.

Bammbo is also utilized in many ways – for regular implements, building, cooking, and making furniture. The herbarium stores a total collection of 1026 herb specimens, including dried and fresh herbs.

A place for all seasons

With undulating stretches of verdant land the Gardens is the ideal place for a calming “stroll through the park”, a curious nature walk, or even a casual picnic on the grass under the spread of the vast tree branches.

Sweet lily, embraced by cold dew.

Two trails have been set up for visitors to follow. The Yellow Trail, which is designed to represent the three-tiered Balinese cosmos, is a fascinating introduction to the concepts of the heaven, earth and underworld, and includes a trek down a rehabilitated tropical forest path. The walk follows a loop and includes a number of stops, and is an educational tour of the way plants are linked to religious rituals and daily routines.

The first stop along the way is collection of ceremonial plants, and the second includes a visit to an ancient Hindu stone temple. Next comes the Bali Aga collection, which displays traditional medicinal, ceremonial, food and tool uses for plants. The Red Lotus temple, finally, is where the traditional Balinese house is located along with a medicinal plant collection.

The Orange Trail is a short saunter through some lush regenerated tropical forest. Ferns and orchids can be seen here in a natural habitat, along with some different species of moss and lichen. A number of bird species also enjoy the thick foliage of the forest trees.

Set up as a center for environmental education in the region, the Botanic Gardens Association runs a number of environmental education programs for schools throughout the year. When visiting Bali, it is definitely worthwhile taking some time out to venture into the mountains at the heart of the island, and discover the beautiful Garden of Eden that has established there.