If you have spent any time looking up things to do in Bali, you have almost certainly come across that photo. Someone in a long dress, arms stretched wide, suspended in mid-air above a sea of jungle green. It looks almost too beautiful to be real. I had saved versions of that photo more times than I care to admit before I finally made it there myself.
I will be honest – I went in with mixed expectations. Places that look that good on social media have a way of disappointing you in person. But Swing Heaven Bali was one of those rare experiences that actually matched what I had imagined. The jungle, the views, the way the whole place is laid out – it genuinely felt like stepping into one of those Pinterest boards you build when you are dreaming about a trip.
Here is everything you need to know before you go.
Where Is Swing Heaven Bali?
Swing Heaven is located in Bongkasa, Abiansemal – about 20 to 25 minutes from central Ubud depending on traffic. It sits right on the edge of the Ayung River valley, which is what gives it those sweeping jungle views you see in all the photos.
We visited after Tegenungan Waterfall, which made for a really natural flow to the day. Waterfall in the morning, swings in the afternoon. If you are planning a similar route, I would recommend doing it in that order – Tegenungan is busiest early, and Swing Heaven is at its most beautiful in the late afternoon light.
What Time Should You Arrive?
I arrived around 3 – 4 n the afternoon and honestly it was one of the best decisions I made. It was not the craziest – there were people around, but it never felt overwhelming or chaotic. The late afternoon light is also softer and more flattering for photos, which matters when that is a big part of why you are there.
If you arrive at peak midday hours, expect more people and harsher light. Early morning works too if you prefer a quieter start to the day.
What Is Actually There?
This is not just one swing on a platform. The whole property is spread across a hillside and there are multiple setups to explore – swings at different heights, a jungle bed, nests in different shapes, and various platforms with views over the river valley below. I went through all of them – every swing, every nest, the jungle bed, all of it – and spent around two to three hours there without ever feeling rushed.
What I appreciated most is how spread out everything is. You are not funnelled into one single viewpoint with everyone stacked behind you. There are multiple angles, multiple setups, and you can move around freely based on where the crowds are at any given moment.
My approach: whenever I saw a line forming at one spot, I simply moved to the next one. By the time I circled back, the queue had usually cleared. That strategy made the whole experience feel relaxed rather than stressful, and I got photos at every setup I wanted without waiting long at any of them.
Swing Heaven Bali Nest
The Photographers
One thing that genuinely surprised me was how helpful the staff were with photos. The photographers there know exactly how to position you to get the best shot – the right angle, the right pose, the right moment to capture you mid-swing. They are not just pressing a button. They are actively directing you, and the difference shows in the results.
I brought two of my own dresses and you can absolutely change outfits as many times as you want. There is no time limit on photos and nobody rushes you. I changed between setups and got a completely different look for each one, which I loved. It made the experience feel much more personal and intentional rather than a conveyor belt of identical shots.
Swing Heaven Bali
Should You Use Their Dress Rental or Bring Your Own?
Swing Heaven has a dress rental section with rows of long flowy dresses in every colour you can imagine. It is very much part of the Bali aesthetic and a lot of visitors go for it – and the dresses do photograph beautifully there.
I chose to bring my own outfits and I am really glad I did. It felt more like me, more personal, and slightly different from what you see in the majority of photos from that location. If you want your images to look a little unique rather than matching everyone else’s, bring something of your own.
That said – if you did not pack anything photogenic or you want to lean fully into the Bali aesthetic, the rental dresses are a perfectly good option and very affordable.
Bali Bamboo Heart Frame – Swing Heaven
Practical Tips Before You Go
Move around strategically – Do not plant yourself at one spot and wait. The property has multiple setups with almost identical views. If there is a queue, go somewhere else and come back. You will see everything and wait far less.
Bring your phone fully charged – The photographers will shoot on your own device which means no awkward photo package upsells. Come with storage space and battery.
Wear comfortable shoes – The ground is uneven in places and there are stairs. You do not want to be navigating jungle terrain in heels.
Allow at least two hours – Two to three hours is the sweet spot – enough time to explore everything properly, change outfits, and not feel rushed. If you try to do it in 45 minutes you will miss half of what makes it worth visiting.
Book in advance during peak season – July and August in particular can get busy. Booking ahead means you are not negotiating at the gate or arriving to find it at capacity.
How to Get to Swing Heaven Bali
By private driver – the most comfortable and flexible option. Your driver can combine Swing Heaven with other nearby stops like Tegenungan Waterfall or Ubud Monkey Forest into a full day. This is what I’d recommend.
By scooter – if you’re comfortable riding, it’s straightforward. GPS works well.
By organised tour – the easiest option if you don’t want to think about logistics. Most tours include hotel pickup and often combine two or three Ubud highlights into one day.
How to Book Swing Heaven Bali
You can book directly at the gate, but I’d recommend booking in advance – especially during peak season (July–August) when it gets genuinely busy.
Two reliable options:
GetYourGuide – Book Swing Heaven on GetYourGuide – flexible cancellation, instant confirmation, pickup options available from most Ubud hotels.
Viator – Book Swing Heaven on Viator – good for combined packages that include transport and other Ubud stops.
Both platforms offer free cancellation on most bookings, which gives you flexibility if your plans change.
Is Swing Heaven Bali Worth It?
Yes – and I say that as someone who went in sceptical.
It is touristy. There is no pretending otherwise. But it is one of those places where the reality matches the photographs, the setting is genuinely beautiful, and the experience is more thoughtful than you expect. The jungle views, the soft late afternoon light, the way the whole property is designed – it creates an atmosphere that goes beyond just ticking a box on a Bali itinerary.
The key is going in with the right approach. Move around, be patient, bring your own outfits if you can, and do not rush it. The best moments there are the ones in between the photos – when you are just sitting in a nest looking out over the river valley and thinking that yes, Bali really does look like this.
Bali Floral Swing – Swing Heaven
Combine It With These Nearby Stops
Tegenungan Waterfall – the perfect morning stop before heading to Swing Heaven
Tegalalang Rice Terraces – 30 minutes away, iconic Bali scenery
Ubud Monkey Forest – 25 minutes, great for families
Central Ubud – worth an evening stroll after your swing session
Have you been to Swing Heaven Bali?
I would love to hear what you thought – drop it in the comments below. And if this helped you plan your trip, save it and send it to whoever you are going to Bali with.
