Kebun Raya Eka Karya: Candikuning, Bali

Without a doubt one of the most stunningly beautiful attractions Bali has to offer visitors, the Bali Botanical Gardens at Candikuning, will take your breath away.

When I visited there late last year, a light rain was falling. A heavy mist was rolling off the slopes of Gunung Pohon, or Tree Mountain, where the gardens are located giving it a surreal atmosphere.

After paying the Rp3,500 per person entry fee and Rp6,000 per vehicle, I drove up to the main office situated where the orchid section was and parked there.

Although only a square kilometre in area I estimated you would need three days to explore this Botanist's utopia.

Originally built in 1959 the Bali Botanical Gardens has over 800 different species of trees from around the world. Also, there are over 400 species of Orchids to be found and many in full bloom when I was there.

Walking through this fairytale square kilometre I even found a few Eucalypt trees from Australia and several Giant Tree Ferns form New Zealand. A majority of the trees and plants are labelled with their Latin name, under this in English and country of origin.

I most certainly could have spent more time there, but, the rolling mist defeated me.