The Famous Bali Swing: Everything You Need to Know

You have seen the photo. A person in a flowing dress, arms spread wide, swinging above a sea of jungle canopy with palm trees and mist in the background. It is one of the most recognizable images in modern travel, and it was almost certainly taken at a Bali swing park somewhere near Ubud.

The Bali Swing has become one of the island’s signature experiences — a rite of passage for visitors and a content goldmine for anyone with an Instagram account. But beyond the social media appeal, it is genuinely fun. There is something primal about swinging out over a jungle valley that no amount of likes can replicate.

Here is everything you need to know before you go.

What Actually Happens at a Bali Swing Park

A typical swing park is built on the edge of a river valley or rice terrace, taking advantage of Bali’s dramatic natural topography. The swings are attached to tall wooden or steel structures at the cliff edge, so when you swing forward, you arc out over the valley below.

The Experience

You arrive, check in, and are fitted with a safety harness. A staff member clips you onto the swing seat — a flat wooden platform or chair suspended by thick ropes or chains. They pull the swing back, you grip the ropes, and they release you.

The first swing forward is the moment everyone remembers. You go from standing on solid ground to flying over a 50-100 meter drop in about two seconds. If you chose a high swing, the initial rush is intense. After a few swings, the arc steadies and you settle into the rhythm — that is when you relax, take in the view, and the staff take photos.

Most parks offer swings at multiple heights:

Low swings (5-10 meters): Gentle, kid-friendly, more controlled
Medium swings (15-25 meters): The sweet spot for most visitors
High swings (30-78 meters): The full experience — serious height, serious views, serious adrenaline

You typically get 5-10 minutes per swing, which is plenty of time for the experience and photos.

Beyond the Swings

Most parks are full-featured attractions with additional activities:

Nest photo spots: The iconic bird-nest-shaped structures where you sit or stand for photos with the valley behind you. These are everywhere and come in various styles — heart-shaped, flower-shaped, and classic nest.
Infinity pools: Some parks have pools that appear to merge with the jungle below. Great for photos and cooling off.
Cafes and restaurants: With valley views, naturally.
Zip lines and flying foxes: For additional adrenaline.
Rice terrace walks: Paths through surrounding terraces.

Best Swing Parks in Bali

Bali Swing (the Original)

Location: Bongkasa, near Ubud Price: $35 per person (all swings and photo spots included) Hours: 8 AM to 5 PM

The original and still the most famous. This is the park that started the phenomenon. It has the widest variety of swings (including the highest ones at 78 meters above the valley floor), the most photo spots, and the most polished experience. It is also the most crowded, especially between 10 AM and 2 PM.

Pros: Highest swings, most variety, well-maintained, good staff photographers Cons: Crowded, higher price, can feel like a factory during peak hours

Zen Hideaway

Location: Bongkasa, near Ubud Price: $20-30 per person Hours: 8 AM to 5 PM

A slightly more peaceful alternative to the original Bali Swing. Zen Hideaway focuses on aesthetics — the photo spots are well-designed, the swings have beautiful valley views, and the atmosphere is more relaxed. The crowd levels are lower than at the original, making it a better experience for people who want to take their time.

Pros: Less crowded, beautiful design, good photo variety, more relaxed pace Cons: Swings are not quite as high as the original

Alas Harum Swing

Location: Tegallalang, near the famous rice terraces Price: $15-25 per person Hours: 8 AM to 6 PM

The best value option and conveniently located right next to the Tegallalang Rice Terraces, so you can combine both in one visit. Alas Harum has multiple swings at different heights, nest photo spots, a glass-floor walkway, and a coffee tasting area. The rice terrace backdrop is different from the jungle valley views at other parks — and arguably more uniquely Balinese.

Pros: Great value, rice terrace backdrop, can combine with Tegallalang visit, less crowded Cons: Slightly smaller scale than the original

Uma Pakel Swing

Location: Near Tegallalang, Ubud Price: $15-20 per person Hours: 8 AM to 5 PM

A smaller, more intimate swing park with a loyal following among travelers who want the experience without the production. Uma Pakel has fewer swings but a personal, friendly atmosphere. The staff take their time with each visitor, and the views over the surrounding rice terraces are beautiful.

Pros: Intimate, friendly staff, affordable, no rush Cons: Fewer swings and photo spots

D’Tukad River Club

Location: Near Blangsinga waterfall, south of Ubud Price: $25-35 per person Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM

A newer entrant that combines swings with a river-gorge setting, waterfall access, and a club-like atmosphere. The swings here hang over the river gorge rather than a wide valley, creating a different visual perspective. There is also a pool, a cafe, and access to a nearby waterfall.

Pros: Unique river gorge setting, pool included, waterfall access Cons: Further from Ubud center, smaller swing variety

How to Get the Best Photos

Let us be honest — most people visit the Bali Swing primarily for the photos. Here is how to make them great.

What to Wear

Flowing dresses or skirts photograph best — the fabric catches the wind and creates movement in the shot. White, red, and bright yellow pop against the green jungle backdrop.
Solid colors work better than patterns on camera.
Avoid shorts and t-shirts if you want dramatic photos. They work fine for the experience but look flat in images.
Hair down if you want the wind-swept look (tie it up if you do not want hair in your face on every swing).
Bring multiple outfits if photos are a priority — most parks let you change between swings. Some even have changing rooms.

Timing

Arrive at opening (8 AM). You will have the swings virtually to yourself. By 10 AM, tour buses start arriving and wait times increase significantly.
Morning light (8-10 AM) creates a warm, golden tone with softer shadows.
Overcast days can actually produce better photos — no harsh shadows on your face and the green jungle looks more vibrant.
Avoid midday (11 AM to 2 PM) — the harsh overhead light creates unflattering shadows and the crowds are at their peak.

Photography Tips

Use the park’s photographer. They know the exact angles that work best for each swing and photo spot. The photos are included in most admission prices.
Burst mode on your phone captures the exact moment when your dress fans out or your hair catches the wind.
Portrait mode for nest photos — the blurred background makes you stand out from the jungle.
Video works well too. A slow-motion clip of you swinging out over the valley is genuinely impressive.
Hold your phone tight or leave it with a friend while swinging. Phones have been lost to the valley below.

Practical Information

How Long Does It Take?

Budget 2-3 hours for a full swing park visit. This gives you time to try multiple swings at different heights, visit the photo spots, have a drink at the cafe, and not feel rushed. If you arrive early when it is quiet, 1.5 hours can be enough.

Is It Scary?

The initial moment of release on the high swings is genuinely thrilling, especially if you have any nervousness about heights. The first swing forward, when you realize there is nothing below you but jungle, gets the heart rate up.

That said, you are securely harnessed at multiple points, the equipment is regularly inspected, and the staff are experienced. Most people who start nervous are laughing by the third swing. If you are truly afraid of heights, start with the lowest swing and work your way up. There is no shame in sticking with the medium height — the views are still incredible.

Is It Safe?

Yes, with standard precautions. The major swing parks use commercial-grade harnesses, steel cables, and multiple attachment points. Equipment is checked regularly. Accidents are extremely rare.

A few safety notes:

Follow the staff’s instructions about where to hold on and how to sit
Secure all belongings — phones, sunglasses, and hats can fly off during swinging
Avoid visiting during heavy rain — the platforms and stairs can be slippery

Are Children Welcome?

Yes. Most parks welcome children aged 4 and up on the lower swings, often sitting on a parent’s lap. The low swings are gentle enough for young kids to enjoy without any fear. Staff are generally great with children and adjust the experience accordingly.

Prices and Booking

Typical Pricing (2026)

Park	Entry Price	Includes
Bali Swing (Original)	$35	All swings, all photo spots, drinks
Zen Hideaway	$20-30	Swings, photo spots, drink
Alas Harum	$15-25	Swings, photo spots, coffee tasting
Uma Pakel	$15-20	Swings, photo spots
D’Tukad River Club	$25-35	Swings, pool, waterfall access

Booking through Gede typically gets you better rates than walk-up prices, plus hassle-free transport.

What is Included

Most entry fees include:

Unlimited swings at all heights
All photo spots (nests, platforms, etc.)
Staff photographer (photos delivered via WhatsApp or available for download)
A welcome drink
Use of changing rooms

What is Not Included

Professional DSLR photoshoot (available at some parks for $20-40 extra)
Food at the on-site cafe
Dress rental (available at some parks for $5-10)
Tips for staff (appreciated)

Combining the Bali Swing with Other Activities

The swing parks are all in the Ubud area, making it easy to combine with other activities for a full day:

Swing + Tegallalang Rice Terraces: A natural pairing, especially if you visit Alas Harum which is right next to the terraces.
Swing + Waterfall Tour: Tegenungan, Tibumana, and Kanto Lampo waterfalls are all within 30 minutes of the swing parks.
Swing + ATV Quad Biking: Get muddy on an ATV in the morning, clean up, then swing in the afternoon. Do the ATV first — you do not want to ruin your swing outfit.
Swing + Ubud Cultural Tour: Visit the Monkey Forest, Ubud Palace, and art market, then end the day at a swing park. The late afternoon light can be beautiful.
Swing + Cooking Class: Morning swing, afternoon cooking class. You will have built up an appetite.

The Honest Take

Is the Bali Swing worth it? Yes, as long as you go in with the right expectations. It is a curated, Instagram-friendly attraction — not a wild jungle adventure. The experience is fun, the views are real, and the photos will be some of the best from your trip.

The key is treating it as one piece of your Bali experience rather than a destination in itself. Spend your morning at a swing park, then head to a waterfall, a temple, or a rice terrace walk. That combination of the polished and the raw is what makes a Bali trip genuinely memorable.

Book Your Bali Swing Experience

Gede will get you the best price at the right park for your group, arrange transport, and time the visit so you avoid the worst crowds. He knows which parks are running the best at any given time and which photo spots are worth prioritizing.

Book your Bali Swing experience →