PERCHED on the altitude of 1,250-1,450 meters above sea level, the Eka Karya Botanical Garden at Candikuning, Bedugul, Tabanan, comes with more than 2,000 species of plant denoting the native to the regions of East Indonesia like Bali, Nusa Tenggara, Sulawesi, Maluku and Papua.
It is an attractive and cool place to relax with family or friends. This botanical garden combines the function of botanical research, plant conservation, education and recreation. While having a closer look at various plants, you can also enjoy the coolness of mountain atmosphere among the extensive beautiful and amazing garden.
Since the weather is difficult to predict in the area, visitors are expected to prepare an overcoat, umbrella or raincoat. So, the convenience of your sightseeing will not be disturbed by the adverse weather condition.
This botanical garden offers a colorful and orchid garden spread across 5,000 square meters. The collection has 293 species obtaining from hybrid and wild species living in the forests of the Eastern Indonesia. Most orchids bloom in March. Nevertheless, there are always some species blooming beyond March.
The 158-hectare botanical garden is also beautified with fern species (80) dominated by chyatea so this collection is named Cyathea Garden. Besides, it also collects other plants such as begonia (200 species) arranged in thematic and natural style and cactus (68 species).
Considering Bali is also known as tourist attraction inspired by Hinduism and local tradition, the botanical garden is also equipped with ritual plants commonly used to support the implementation of various rituals in Bali. For instance, there are banyan tree, champak, ylang-ylang and others. Meanwhile, its traditional healing practices known as usadha are supported by the preservation of a variety of herbal plants.
Apart from exploring the uniqueness of numerous plant collections and its beauty, visitors also frequently takes advantage of the botanical garden area as venue of recreational activities such as outing for company staff, school children and others.
