Ubud Swings | Top 6 Things to Know About the Bali Swings

The Bali swing has become a huge phenomenon thanks to Instagram. Ever since first seeing those “insta-famous” photos of travellers swinging over the rice fields and lush jungles of Bali, I’ve wanted to experience it for myself. The original and best are the Ubud swings, which are sure to awaken your inner child.

These days, an authentic Bali experience won’t be complete without visiting one of the epic Bali swings. The most popular is the Bali Swing, Bongkasa Pertiwi – known as Bali Swing Ubud to travellers.

The Bali swings are undoubtedly the most highly sought-after photo opportunity in Bali. But it’s so much more than just a good photo op – it can be an exhilarating and thrilling experience depending on how daring you are.

Here’s my guide and the top six things that you need to know about visiting the Ubud swings.

1. Ubud Swings: The Original Bali Swing

The Bali swing is the most well-known of all the swings in Bali – it’s found in Ubud. It’s actually several different swings (15 to be exact) of varying heights, and more are currently being built. The heights vary between 10 meters and 78 meters above the ground, and all are equipped with safety gear and braces.

If you’re anything like me you’re probably confused about the whole “Bali swing” ordeal. I used to think that there were maybe three or four swings scattered throughout Bali. My thinking was that they were just randomly placed and anyone could just go take a photo of them. I didn’t realize that there were so many different options and they formed part of different establishments.

So just to clarify, “Bali swing” stands for two things; it’s the generic name given to Bali’s giant swings, but it’s also the name of the original swing park found in Ubud. It’s generally accepted that the first Bali swing was built at Zen Hideaway Villa. However, that one is now only accessible to guests.

The Bali Swing Park has since been built – and this is where you will find the now “insta-famous” Ubud swings, overlooking a beautiful palm tree valley, with a river below. The views are truly breathtaking, giving a real Balinese jungle look and feel.

While there are literally hundreds of different swings scattered throughout Bali, the famous Ubud swings are actually located 20 minutes outside of Ubud. You will know that you are at the right place because it’s a huge operation that is being sold throughout Ubud and comes with the highest ticket price.

2. What To Expect From the Ubud Swings

All 15 of the Ubud swings found inside the facility are positioned to face a valley surrounded by tall palm trees and a river view below. The setting of the Bali swings is what makes this location so popular. It doesn’t matter which of the 15 swings you go on – you will still have an incredible view of the beautiful natural scenery.

But it’s not just about the swings. Here’s what else you can expect at the Bali swing:

• Three large bird nests – great photo op
• Jungle boat
• Three tandem swing rides
• Helicopter background
• The cliff-edge romantic bed
• Stone heart and four large rocks located on the edge of the valley with views of the canyon and river waterfall

The Bali bird nests are also a very popular photo-op. You’ve probably seen these photos scattered all over your Instagram feed.

If you are afraid of heights and not up for the swing rides, then the bird nest also offers incredible backdrops for photos. Of course, you can do both the swings and nests if you are brave enough and have enough time.

3. Best Time To Visit The Ubud Swings

The Bali Swing Ubud is the most popular in all of Bali and gets incredibly busy. It opens at 8 AM every morning and the last entry is at 5 PM each day. The best time to visit is definitely right when the doors open at 8 AM.

We arrived just before 8 AM and were the first ones in. It was great because we could get through all of the swings without having to queue.

The shuttle buses usually only start arriving at 9 AM, and you definitely want to make sure that you arrive before the crowds. It started to get quite busy after 9 AM and queues were starting to form. But by this time we were just about finished. So the earlier that you can get here the better.

What’s also great about visiting early morning is that it offers the best lighting with minimal shadows reflecting from the jungle.

4. The Ubud Swings Price

As I already mentioned, the Ubud swings come with the biggest ticket price. The Bali Swing price is $35 USD per person (500,000 IDR). It includes an unlimited number of swings and access to the cute and very Instagrammable nests.

While it is quite costly, it’s absolutely worth it for the experience. The Bali swing always appealed to me because of the beautiful photos, but it’s actually so much fun as well. It’s kind of like a playground for adults.

The highest swing is 78 meters off the ground and is intended to be an adrenaline-rushing experience. But it’s not as scary as I was expecting. Although they claim that it is 78 meters off the ground, it’s not really because the ground levels up all the way to the swing. But, you will be secured in a full-on harness for this one so it’s definitely not one for “pretty pictures.”

When you arrive at the Bali swing entrance you will need to purchase your ticket and register with the people at the front desk. If you don’t plan on actually swinging, the entrance fee is $10 USD (150,000 IDR). Peter didn’t swing – he was my loyal “Instagram-husband” instead.

The entrance fee actually includes a buffet lunch and some drinks, which is really cool.

5. Get Your photos at The “Main” Bali Swing First

After you enter the park, I would highly recommend making your way to the main swing first to avoid the long queues that develop later on in the morning. Once you get that one epic photo you are free to roam around and enjoy the rest of your time here, trying out all the other swings.

You will probably have to queue either way, but the queue will be a lot better early in the morning. They have a really cool system in place where you move from one swing to the next. The guides will direct you on where to go next. Scattered in between the swings are the Instagrammable nests.

6. Are the Ubud swings safe?

This is one of the most Googled questions about Ubud swings. I did a little research and found that in July 2018 an unfortunate French tourist died at the Bali swing Tegalalang location while pushing his son on the swing. He was dragged forward fatally falling into the valley after he failed to let go of the swing. This is obviously a very tragic and sad incident.

However, this does appear to be an isolated case. For the most part, it seems that the Ubud swings are more than sturdy and safe to use. A whole lot of mountaineering-type buckles and safety belts are used to strap you into the swings – so the right safety precautions are certainly in place.

But, it’s important to keep in mind that with the rapid growth in popularity of the Bali swings, came an increase in private operators who have constructed swings without any proper regard for safety. So, it’s probably best to stick to the well-known and “formal” establishments just to be safe.

Other Ubud Swings To Check Out

Since the social media explosion of the “Bali swing,” new swings have been popping up all across Bali. While the Ubud Swings (known as THE “Bali swing”) are the most popular, there are also tons of other options.

If you’re looking for a location that is a little more secluded, or simply not as busy as the Bali swing, here are a few of the other swings that can be found in Ubud.

Zen Hideaway

About 30 minutes outside of Ubud, you will find Zen Hideaway – a guesthouse that is also famous for its swing. This is the perfect spot for peace and serenity.

Offering spectacular views of a mini waterfall, rice fields, and Mount Agung, the swing is set between two palm trees. The cost is 250.000 IDR per person. Unfortunately, this one is said to only be open to guests nowadays.

Uma Pakel Swing

Located in the village of Tegalalang in Ubud, the Uma Pakel swing also offers incredible jungle views. The swing is adjacent to the Tegalalang Rice Terraces so you really can get some beautiful photos here.

The Pakel swing is open from 8 AM to 7 PM every day and the entrance fee is 150,000 IDR per person. After your swing ride, you can take a photo inside a hummingbird’s nest that’s perfect for your Instagram feed.

Tegalalang Rice Terrace Swing

Also located in the village of Tegalalang, north of Ubud, this rice terrace swing is also a tourist hotspot. Here you will find a picturesque landscape and beautiful views of the rice paddy terraces.

There are two swings here and the total cost per person is 150,000 IDR per person. Both swings offer incredible views, but the official Ubud swings are definitely better for that expansive valley view.

Terrace River Pool Swing

Located at Jalan Raya Ceking, Tegalalang in the north of Ubud Bali, the terrace river pool swing is also a major attraction. There are also up to 15 swings found here, including a cute couple swing that is 45 meters above the ground.

There is also a super extreme swing option which is 60 meters above the ground. You can also find bird nest photo opportunities here. The swing price ranges between 150,000 IDR and 300,000 IDR depending on what swing you want to go on.

Aloha Ubud Swing

Just 5 km from Arjuna Statue in Ubud, you will find Aloha Ubud swing – it’s close to Tegallalang Rice Terraces. There are five single swings here ranging from 10 to 60 meters above the ground. The views here are amazing with clear and fascinating sights of the rice fields.

A few human-sized bird nests here make for another great spot for cute photos! This Bali swing price is about $20 USD and is certainly one of the best spots for beautiful Bali swing photos.

D’tukad River Club & Swing

The swing found at the Tukad River Club is unique in that it has a waterfall view. Just about all the other Ubud swings offer views of valleys, rivers, forests, and rice fields. The river club is one of the few swinging places in Bali that also offers a restaurant, bar, and swimming pool – with a waterfall view.

You can find the Tukad River right next to the Blangsinga waterfall. Your photos from here will look very different from the “typical” Bali swing photos because of the waterfall view.

Wanagiri Hidden Hills

This one is not actually in Ubud, but it’s also one of the very popular Instagram swings. Just a short drive up from Bedugul, you will find Wanagiri Hidden Hills and one of the infamous Bali swings.

Wanagiri has become a major tourist attraction and a great place for travellers to capture those iconic Bali photos. Once you enter the park you can’t miss the bamboo-made platforms and photogenic swings. The entrance fee is 150,000 IDR and includes access to all swings, the many Instagrammable nests, and gorgeous viewpoints.

Where To Stay in Ubud

The accommodation options in Ubud are almost endless. From beautiful guesthouses, luxurious villas, affordable hotels, and cheap hostels, to jungle retreats, spa hotels, and stunning resorts, you are spoiled for choice. But one of the top Bali travel tips is to choose your base carefully.

We stayed in a cute little villa located very close to the heart of Ubud. We almost always use Booking.com and it was no different in Bali.

If you haven’t yet signed up on Booking you can follow my link here and get £33 off your first home booking. You will also get £12 to use towards an experience worth £40 or more.

Bali (Indonesia) Visa Requirements

If you’re planning a trip to Indonesia and need help with visa information, I would suggest checking out iVisa.com. The visa process can be very time-consuming, not to mention confusing, and iVisa strives to make the whole process simpler for travellers by taking care of all the nitty-gritty details.

Do a quick check to see what is required through this iVisa application link. You can proceed with an application if necessary.