Petulu Heron Colony Bali
Witness hundreds of herons return to their natural nesting grounds at sunset in this unique village spectacle near Ubud.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Herons return to roost
Petulu Heron Colony Bali
Best Time
Herons return to roost
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Witness hundreds of herons return to their natural nesting grounds at sunset in this unique village spectacle near Ubud.
"It's a natural heron nest on the side of the road, prepare for 'poo booms'!"
☔ Bring an Umbrella!
Essential for protection against 'poo booms' from the herons above. Seriously, don't skip this!
🛵 Scooter Recommended
Best way to navigate the village roads and spot the herons. Ride slowly and carefully.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.2 · 345 reviews
Type
Tourist Attraction
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sunset Heron Spectacle
Along the village roads
Witness hundreds of herons returning to their nests as the sun sets. A truly wild and natural avian display.
Natural Nesting Grounds
Village trees
Observe the herons in their natural habitat, perched on trees lining the roads. A unique glimpse into their daily lives.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
What to Expect
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
☔ Bring an Umbrella!
Essential for protection against 'poo booms' from the herons above. Seriously, don't skip this!
🛵 Scooter Recommended
Best way to navigate the village roads and spot the herons. Ride slowly and carefully.
🌅 Aim for Sunset
The most active time to see hundreds of herons returning to their nests.
🚶♂️ Explore the Village
Wander beyond the main viewing spots for a more authentic experience and potentially different views.
Tips
from all over the internet
☔ Bring an Umbrella!
Essential for protection against 'poo booms' from the herons above. Seriously, don't skip this!
🛵 Scooter Recommended
Best way to navigate the village roads and spot the herons. Ride slowly and carefully.
🌅 Aim for Sunset
The most active time to see hundreds of herons returning to their nests.
🚶♂️ Explore the Village
Wander beyond the main viewing spots for a more authentic experience and potentially different views.
🤢 Be Prepared for Nature
It's a natural colony, so expect some mess and potentially distressed birds.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are divided on the Petulu Heron Colony. Many are awestruck by the sheer number of herons returning at sunset, calling it a unique natural spectacle. However, others find the experience messy and underwhelming, citing droppings, litter, and the birds being too high to see clearly. It's a raw, natural encounter that requires managing expectations.
"Visited late September. Total bust. Arrived at 5pm and stayed for an hour. Saw 1 heron. Nice view from the gps coordinates of this spot (photo). This spot has a roof. There was no charge to access this viewing platform.
Further down the road is the town center where there is a viewing platform with no roof and there was a ticket counter that was closed."
R
"It wasn't that great though... My friends and I were more afraid to get poops boom at any time. Couldn't really see the herons much because they were too high up. This place more like a natural heron nest on the side of the road.
Recommend to bring umbrella or raincoat... for the poo poo booms!
Notes for the animal lover folks: prepare to see dead and dying birds on the ground."
Sammy Tran
"Beautiful and peaceful place to be. You can watch so many herons sitting on trees and in their natural behaviour. The roads are easy from ubud however fairly challenging if you are coming from the opposite direction e.g. pura mengening temple, however if you are up for adventure you will get some great views of the river, rice terraces etc."
Kshitij Khare
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Petulu Heron Colony is a short drive from Ubud, typically around 20-30 minutes by scooter or car. Many visitors rent a scooter for flexibility. The roads can be a bit challenging, especially if coming from the opposite direction of Ubud, but offer scenic views.
While there might not be extensive signage, following GPS coordinates for 'Petulu Heron Colony' or 'Petulu village' will guide you. Locals are generally helpful if you ask for directions.
A scooter is highly recommended for navigating the narrow village roads and stopping to observe the herons. If you're not comfortable on a scooter, a taxi or Gojek/Grab can also get you there.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, there is no official entrance fee for the main viewing areas along the road. Some sources mention a closed ticket counter at a specific platform, suggesting it might be a donation-based system or for a specific viewing structure.
The colony is a natural phenomenon and doesn't have set opening hours. The best time to visit is during the late afternoon and sunset when the herons are most active.
No, booking in advance is not necessary as it's a natural attraction. You can visit spontaneously, but timing your visit for sunset is key.
📸 📸 Photography
The roadsides themselves offer the primary viewing and photography opportunities. Look for clearings in the trees that offer a good vantage point. Be mindful of the herons' droppings when setting up your shot.
Given the lighting conditions during sunset, a faster shutter speed will help freeze the birds' motion. Consider using a telephoto lens to get closer shots of the herons in the trees.
Some reviews mention a viewing platform with a roof, though its accessibility can vary. Exploring different sections of the road might yield better photographic angles.
🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience
You'll see hundreds of herons nesting and roosting in the trees lining the village roads, especially during sunset. It's a natural spectacle, so expect a rustic environment.
While the herons are wild animals, they are generally not aggressive. The main safety concern is being aware of your surroundings and the herons' droppings.
Light, comfortable clothing is recommended. Crucially, wear a hat and bring an umbrella or raincoat to protect yourself from the herons' droppings.
Facilities are very limited as it's a natural village setting. It's best to use restrooms before you arrive and bring any snacks or water you might need.
Unfortunately, some visitors have reported seeing dead or dying birds on the ground, which is a sad reality of natural colonies.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit