Bali Bird Walk

Bali Bird Walk is a gentle guided ramble through the countryside around Ubud, focused on birds but covering butterflies, trees and medicinal plants too. It was founded by Victor Mason, author of books on Bali’s birds, and has for many years been run day to day by his colleague Wayan Sumadi, known to guests as Su. The walk has been running for around 25 years.

It is a refreshingly low-key outing: a few hours on foot through rice terraces, gardens and ravines, looking and listening. Even non-birders tend to come away with a new appreciation of how much life fills the landscape just outside Ubud’s busy centre.

What to expect

Walks follow paths through paddies and river valleys, with the guide pointing out and identifying species by sight and call. Around Ubud you may see kingfishers, herons, egrets, bee-eaters, sunbirds and more. The walk ends with a leisurely lunch in a garden setting.

Along the way, the guide shares knowledge of the plants and trees you pass, including those used in traditional medicine and temple offerings. The walk moves slowly and stops often, giving time to watch birds feeding or nesting and to take photos. Because it passes through working farmland, you also see daily rural life: farmers in the paddies, ducks being herded along the dykes and small shrines in the fields.

Packages & prices

The official site lists regular walk days but prices were not shown on the pages reviewed; contact the team for the current rate.

• Regular walks – Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
• Private walks – other days by prior arrangement.
• School groups – up to 20 children with advance notice.
• Custom itineraries – island-wide birding for dedicated enthusiasts.

Safety & requirements

The pace is easy and suitable for most ages, but paths can be muddy and uneven, especially in the wet season. Wear sturdy shoes, sun protection and insect repellent, and carry water. Tell the guide about mobility issues so the route can be adjusted.

Tips

• Bring your own binoculars if you have them.
• Neutral-coloured clothing helps you blend in with the landscape.
• Mornings are best for bird activity and cooler temperatures.
• A field guide to Bali’s birds makes a great souvenir.
• Book ahead; walks run on set days only.

Bali Bird Walk is one of the best ways to discover that Ubud’s countryside is more than a backdrop. Even visitors who have never picked up binoculars before often find themselves hooked by the end. It is a lovely alternative to crowded tourist sites and suits families with older children, couples and anyone who enjoys walking in nature. For keen birders, the custom island-wide trips can target specialities in the forests and wetlands beyond Ubud.

Wear a hat and bring a light rain jacket in the wet season.