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.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing snacks and drinks, as facilities are minimal. The experience is very natural and rustic, so manage expectations about cleanliness. It's a great opportunity to teach children about wildlife and respecting natural habitats, but be prepared for them to be a bit scared or overwhelmed by the noise and droppings. A short visit might be best for younger children.
🌿 Nature Enthusiasts & Bird Watchers
Be aware that this is an unmanaged natural colony. Some visitors have noted the presence of deceased birds, which is a somber aspect of such dense wildlife populations. Bring binoculars if you have them for a closer look at the birds in the trees. The experience is raw and authentic, providing a stark contrast to curated wildlife parks.
📸 Photographers
Be prepared for less-than-ideal conditions. The lighting can be tricky during sunset, and you'll need to be constantly aware of the herons' droppings, which can easily land on your gear. Some older photos might showcase cleaner environments, but current visitor experiences suggest a more rustic setting. Patience and a willingness to adapt to the environment are key for successful photography here.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Petulu Heron Phenomenon
Visitors often describe the experience as both fascinating and a bit raw. The sheer number of birds can be overwhelming, creating a constant symphony of squawks and rustling leaves. However, it's important to manage expectations: the viewing experience is from the roadside, and the birds are quite high up in the trees. Some visitors have noted that the area can be littered and that the smell can be strong due to the concentration of birds.
Despite these aspects, many find it a worthwhile visit for its natural authenticity. The petulu heron bird watch point is essentially the village itself. It's a chance to witness wildlife in its unadulterated habitat, offering a different perspective from more curated tourist attractions. Remember to be respectful of the local community and the birds' environment.
Navigating the Colony and Visitor Etiquette
Visitor etiquette is paramount here. Since this is a residential village, it's essential to be respectful of the local residents. Keep noise levels down and avoid trespassing on private property. The most critical piece of advice, repeated by many visitors, is to bring an umbrella or wear a raincoat. The herons' droppings can be quite substantial and frequent, leading to what some humorously call 'poo booms.'
While some reviews mention a viewing platform, it's often described as rustic or even a bit neglected, with trash and empty beer bottles. The real 'watch point' is the entire stretch of road where the trees are populated. Some visitors suggest that older photos online might not accurately reflect the current state of the area, with new buildings appearing. Despite these potential drawbacks, the sheer spectacle of hundreds of herons makes it a memorable experience for many.
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