Bali is a true paradise for wildlife and photography enthusiasts. Whether you’re a nature lover or a photographer on the hunt for stunning shots, this beautiful island has something for everyone. From tropical jungles and sacred temples to exotic creatures, Bali offers a plethora of breathtaking spots to explore.
In this post, I’ll take you on a journey through the 15 best wildlife and photography spots in Bali that will leave you in awe and inspire your next adventure. Get ready to capture unforgettable moments and experience Bali’s natural beauty!
Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
Address: Jl. Monkey Forest, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
| Type | Wildlife & Nature |
| Time to Spend | 1 to 2 hours |
Located in Ubud, this sanctuary is a haven for over 700 long-tailed macaques, making it a perfect spot for wildlife lovers and photographers. The lush greenery and ancient temple ruins add to the mystical atmosphere, while the monkeys’ playful antics provide plenty of photo opportunities.
The forest is a peaceful retreat, and visitors can spend a couple of hours wandering its pathways while observing and photographing these charming creatures in their natural habitat.
Bali Zoo
Address: Jl. Raya Singapadu, Singapadu, Kec. Sukawati, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80582, Indonesia
| Type | Wildlife & Family-Friendly |
| Time to Spend | 2 to 3 hours |
Bali, Indonesia Zoo is home to an array of exotic animals, making it a fantastic destination for those looking to get up close with wildlife. From orangutans to elephants, the zoo offers unique experiences like breakfast with orangutans or mud baths with elephants.
It’s a family-friendly spot, and the well-maintained environment ensures ample photo opportunities with the animals. Plan to spend around 2-3 hours to explore and photograph the various species in their beautifully designed enclosures.
Bali Safari and Marine Park
Address: Jl. Prof. Dr. Ida Bagus Mantra No.Km. 19,8, Serongga, Kec. Blahbatuh, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80551, Indonesia
| Type | Wildlife & Adventure |
| Time to Spend | 3 to 4 hours |
The Bali Safari and Marine Park is a great spot for wildlife and photography enthusiasts. You can embark on a safari journey where you’ll see tigers, lions, and elephants roaming freely in expansive habitats.
A must-try is the night safari, offering a unique way to observe nocturnal animals in action. With a variety of shows and attractions, you can easily spend 3-4 hours here, snapping pictures and enjoying the animal exhibits.
Ubud Monkey Forest
Address: Jl. Monkey Forest, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
| Type | Wildlife & Culture |
| Time to Spend | 1 to 2 hours |
Ubud’s Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is a peaceful and culturally rich spot where you can observe playful monkeys in a lush, tranquil environment. Surrounded by ancient stone temples and towering trees, this forest is an excellent location for wildlife photography.
The monkeys roam freely and interact with visitors, offering countless opportunities for candid shots. A visit to this sacred site typically takes about 1-2 hours, making it a perfect stop in your Ubud itinerary.
Bali Bird Park
Address: Jl. Serma Cok Ngurah Gambir Singapadu, Batubulan, Kec. Sukawati, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80582, Indonesia
| Type | Wildlife & Photography |
| Time to Spend | 2 to 3 hours |
If you’re a bird lover or an aspiring photographer, the Bali Bird Park in Gianyar is a must-visit. Home to over 1,000 birds from around the world, the park is designed with large aviaries where birds like the colorful Scarlet Macaw can be found.
The park also offers bird feeding sessions and interactive shows, providing great opportunities to capture stunning photos of these incredible creatures. Allow 2-3 hours to fully enjoy and photograph the birds.
Tegallalang Rice Terraces
Address: Jl. Raya Tegallalang, Tegallalang, Kec. Tegallalang, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80561, Indonesia
| Type | Landscape Photography & Nature |
| Time to Spend | 1 to 2 hours |
The Tegallalang Rice Terraces in Ubud are renowned for their striking beauty. The cascading, lush green fields are a photographer’s dream, offering a perfect balance of tranquility and natural wonder.
The vibrant green rice paddies, framed by towering palm trees, make for breathtaking landscape shots. The terraces are especially stunning at sunrise or sunset, so spend 1-2 hours exploring and capturing the beauty of Bali’s countryside. It’s a great spot to slow down and take in the peaceful atmosphere.
Sangeh Monkey Forest
Address: Jl. Brahmana, Sangeh, Kec. Abiansemal, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80353, Indonesia
| Type | Wildlife & Peaceful Retreat |
| Time to Spend | 1 to 2 hours |
Located off the beaten path, Sangeh Monkey Forest is a more serene alternative to Ubud’s more touristy monkey forest. The forest is home to a large population of macaques and features towering nutmeg trees that provide a cool, shaded atmosphere.
This quiet spot is perfect for capturing the monkeys interacting with their surroundings. With fewer crowds, it offers a more intimate and peaceful wild experience, making it ideal for photography. You can spend 1-2 hours here, depending on how much time you want to explore.
Bali Reptile Park
Address: Batubulan, Sukawati, Gianyar Regency, Bali 80582, Indonesia
| Type | Wildlife & Adventure |
| Time to Spend | 1 to 2 hours |
The Bali Reptile Park in Gianyar is home to some of Southeast Asia’s most fascinating reptiles, including massive pythons, crocodiles, and colorful iguanas. For adrenaline junkies, this is a great place to observe these creatures up close and snap photos of these often-misunderstood animals.
The park’s well-maintained enclosures allow for safe interaction and photography. Plan on spending 1-2 hours here, especially if you’re keen on getting some unique shots of these cold-blooded creatures.
Lombok Wildlife Park
Address: Jalan Raya Tanjung Sire, Sigar Penjalin, Kec. Tj., Kabupaten Lombok Utara, Nusa Tenggara Bar. 83352, Indonesia
| Type | Wildlife & Conservation |
| Time to Spend | 3 to 4 hours |
While not technically in Bali, the Lombok Wildlife Park is a short boat ride away and well worth the visit. The park is focused on conservation and offers activities like feeding elephants and meeting endangered species.
The park also offers an interactive experience with orangutans and other animals, which makes for memorable moments and fantastic photo opportunities. If you’re spending the day in Lombok, 3-4 hours will allow you to fully experience and capture the wildlife there.
Mount Agung Sunrise Trekking
Address: Bali, Indonesia
| Type | Adventure & Landscape Photography |
| Time to Spend | 4 to 5 hours |
For those looking to combine adventure with breathtaking photography, the sunrise trek up Mount Agung is a must. After a challenging hike, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Bali, including the ocean and distant islands.
The early morning light creates stunning photo opportunities, especially as the sun rises over the island. Depending on the pace, the trek will take around 4-5 hours, making it an unforgettable experience for both nature lovers and photographers.
Penglipuran Bamboo Forest
Address: Jl. Penglipuran, Kubu, Kec. Bangli, Kabupaten Bangli, Bali 80661, Indonesia
| Type | Nature & Tranquility |
| Time to Spend | 1 to 2 hours |
The Penglipuran Bamboo Forest offers a peaceful and unique escape from the bustling tourist spots in Bali. The towering bamboo stalks create a serene environment perfect for nature photography.
The forest is quiet and less crowded, which allows for relaxed exploration and photography. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk through the bamboo-lined pathways, taking in the soothing atmosphere. Spending 1-2 hours here is ideal for capturing the tranquil beauty of the forest and its unique architecture.
The Turtle Project
Address: Bali, Indonesia
| Type | Wildlife & Conservation |
| Time to Spend | 1 to 2 hours |
The Turtle Project in Pemuteran is dedicated to the conservation of sea turtles. Visitors can learn about the protection efforts for these endangered creatures and even witness baby turtles being released into the sea.
For wildlife photographers, this offers the rare chance to photograph these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. A visit typically lasts 1-2 hours, during which you can take part in conservation activities and capture stunning moments as the turtles make their way to the ocean.
Friends of the National Parks Foundation Wildlife & Conservation Centre
Address: Bali, Indonesia
| Type | Wildlife & Eco-tourism |
| Time to Spend | 2 to 3 hours |
This center is an excellent destination for those interested in wildlife conservation. The Friends of the National Parks Foundation offers various tours where you can learn about Bali’s wildlife and participate in conservation efforts like bird monitoring.
It’s an educational experience that also provides great opportunities for capturing photos of wildlife in their natural environments. A visit here will take about 2-3 hours, depending on the activities you join and the amount of time spent observing the animals.
Bali Elephant Camp
Address: Carangsari, Petang, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia
| Type | Wildlife & Animal Interaction |
| Time to Spend | 2 to 3 hours |
The Bali Elephant Camp allows you to interact with these majestic animals in a natural setting. You can feed, bathe, and ride the elephants, all while learning about their behavior and conservation efforts.
It’s a wonderful opportunity to get close-up shots of these gentle giants in their beautiful surroundings. Spend 2-3 hours here for an unforgettable experience and some amazing photos of these magnificent creatures in action.
Nusa Penida
Address: Nusa Penida, Klungkung Regency, Bali, Indonesia
| Type | Nature & Wildlife Photography |
| Time to Spend | 1 to 2 days |
Nusa Penida, an island off Bali’s coast, offers some of the most spectacular views and wildlife photography opportunities. You can capture everything from the stunning cliffs of Keling King Beach to vibrant marine life while snorkeling in crystal-clear waters.
The island also has unique wildlife, including sea turtles and manta rays. Whether you’re capturing the island’s landscapes or underwater creatures, Nusa Penida deserves 1-2 days of exploration to get the most out of your photography experience.