Wanagiri Hidden Hills : Instagrammable Bird’s Nest and Love Swing With The View of Lake Buyan

So, you have seen the famous Bali Swing photos and videos on Facebook and Instagram and you have got this place pinned for your next visit. Just as you got very excited about the idea of hanging midair with your pretty maxi dress and boasting about on your Facebook and Instagram, you found out that it actually costs you US$35. Instant dejection? Fret not, as there are plenty of cheaper imitations popping up all over Bali, and Wanagiri Hidden Hills is one of them.

About Bali Swing 

In case you didn’t know, this famous swing built in the garden of an Air BnB host took Instagram by storm. This “playground” houses 12 single swings with height of varying from 10m to 78m above ground, old school tandem swing, 6 nests, butterfly garden, helicopter, heart-shaped rock in the jungle and huge stone over the edge above a valley, all with an amazing view of Ubud jungle and waterfalls. Due to its immense popularity, thanks to social media, the owner now charges US$35 for entrance, lunch buffet and access to the all of the swings, nests and attractions. 

Taking inspiration from the original Bali Swing in Ubud, the savvy locals in Wanagiri decided to build similar swings and platforms around Wanagiri lookout, which serves as both the vantage points over Lake Tambingan and Lake Buyan (also known as Twin Lake of Wanagiri), and Instagram-worthy photo booths. The proximity from Pura Ulun Danu Beratan and the waterfalls certainly help boost the popularity of this place, which was only opened somewhere mid 2017.

With just a fraction of the price of the famous Bali Swing in Ubud, Wanagiri Hidden Hills is every budget traveller’s dream. We paid only RP 40,000 (about US$3) for four lookouts – bird nest, swing, bamboo platform and tree platform. That’s like more than 10 times cheaper?

Besides, there is no US$10 additional charge on photography service unlike Bali Swing. Their staffs help you with the photos for free and as they know the angle best, your photos will likely to turn out great. You simply pay an entrance fee and spend as long as you like within the grounds taking photos.

We started our day with a visit to Pura Ulun Danu Beratan, then hiked the four waterfalls of Banyu Wana Amertha before coming here. As you head drive uphill from Pura Ulun Danu Beratan, you’ll see competition lined up along the left side of the road, with some smaller operators on the right. We went for the biggest one (and perhaps the most visited one) following installations:

Bamboo Platform Lookout – A Spectacular View of Wanagiri Twin Lake 

Shape like the nose of a boat, this bamboo platform extends out from the edge of the hill, giving you a panoramic view of Lake Buyan and Lake Tambingan, also known as the Twin Lake of Wanagiri.  It’s the first one that I step on, and though the sky was a little cloudy that day, I was still able to see the spectacular view of the lakes.

Wooden Tree Platform – An Alternative To Yogyakarta’s Kalibiru

This resembles the one at Kalibiru National Park (Yogyakarta) which is also another famous tourist attraction, thanks to social media. I didn’t visit this place when I travelled to Yogyakarta in 2015. Back then, Yogykarta isn’t as mainstream. Now I heard, that Kaliburi is one of the must-go places in Yogyakarta and is very crowded on weekend. Thankfully, Wanagiri is still less known among foreign tourists and I was saved from having to queue for this.

Swing –  For That Romantic Couple Shot

To get on to this swing, just climb up the steel ladder and once you are safely seated, the staff will remove the ladder, and a photo of you seemingly hanging mid-air will be taken. However, you can’t swing wildly on this one, as you do with the Bali Swing. This swing can fit up to two adults, and the staffs will even try to make you take some cheesy couple photo. Terry and I were a bit reluctant and shy about it though. *embarrassed*

Nest – My favourite

Similar with the swing, you climb up with the help of a steel ladder which is then removed. I like this the most as it felt like I’m hanging from the tree. Perfect way to end my quest here in Wanagiri Hidden Hills.

The Bali Swing Alternative

I didn’t see this while I was there, but a little read up after my trip, I found that they do have something similar to the famous Bali Swing. It may be something offered by a different operator though. As I didn’t try this, I can’t comment on the safety and the price, but make sure to check if they come with any harness before you decided to get on it. Price wise, I’m pretty sure it way cheaper than Bali Swing. 

If you are feeling hungry, there some road side warungs nearby, where you can sit down and enjoy some snacks with the spectacular view of the lakes. 

Cost

RP 40,000 per person. Parking is RP 2,000 if you drive and park there on your own. As we had a private driver, parking fee is included in the driver fee. 

How to get there

Wanagiri Hidden Hills is about 2-hour drive from Ubud. The trip here can be combined together with Handara Golf & Resort, Pura Ulun Danu Beratan, and some of the waterfalls around the area. If you are interested in dolphin watching, you can head further north to Lovina first thing in the morning, then cover the rest after your dolphin watching.

While renting a scooter is a wonderful way to see the Ubud, if say, you are staying in Ubud, it’s a lot easier to explore other areas of Bali (like Bedugul for example) with a private driver. Price varies between RP500,000 to 600,000 per day, including petrol and parking fees.

Best Time to Visit

Anytime of the day is a good time to visit Wanagiri Hidden Hill as along as it is not cloudy nor raining. On a sunny day, clear sky and bright lighting creates amazing photos, and you don’t need to worry about the heat as the weather here is in Wanagiri so cool and pleasant. I felt a little cold in fact as I was wearing this very breezy dress.

Epilogue

If your intention to visit Bali Swing is all for boasting a couple of instagrammable shots, but got totally turned off with its expensive price, Wanagiri Hidden Hills is the perfect alternative to fulfil your photo desire. Not only that it’s priced affordably, it is also located strategically where you could combine your visit with several other attractions. And minus all the queue. That’s what I called….

Hitting three birds with a stone