Wanagiri Hidden Hills – Bali’s famous swing & Instagram spot!

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Wanagiri Hidden Hills - how to get there and must know tips for the famous Bali swing!

Wanagiri Hidden Hills is an insta-famous spot in Bali known for breathtaking shots over Lake Buyan. Chances are you’ve seen this spot on Instagram, so if you’re looking for how to get your own shot you’ve come to the right place!

Although it’s very commercialized, visiting here is still one of the top things to do in Munduk. Here’s everything you need to know before you go!

Wanagiri Hidden Hills Location

Wanagiri Hidden Hills are located in north-central Bali within the Wanagiri/Munduk region. It’s right on the main road, Jl Raya Wanagiri, and overlooks the beautiful Lake Buyan. While it’s a full hour and a half from Ubud, it’s a short 15 minute drive from Munduk center.

Overview of Wanagiri Hidden Hills

AddressJalan Munduk – Wanagiri, Wanagiri, Sukasada, Pancasari,
Kec. Sukasada, Kabupaten Buleleng, Bali
Entrance
fee
100K IDR ($7 USD)
Hours6:30 am – 7 pm

What to expect at Wanagiri Hidden Hills

Entrance to Wanagiri Hidden Hills in Munduk, Bali
Entrance to the complex

Wanagiri Hidden Hills is an outdoor complex along the coast above Lake Buyan that has many different apparatuses to take photos in. As soon as you arrive you can purchase your ticket and enter into what we like to call the “Instagram factory.”

Sitting in a red dress on the famous Bali swing at Wanagiri Hidden Hills
The famous Bali swing

Inside there are about 10 different apparatuses you can take photos on, including the famous Bali swing. Do note, though, that this is not a Bali swing where you can actually swing!

Sitting in the Instagram famous birds nest at Wanagiri Hidden Hills in Bali
Hanging birds nest

The different photo spots consist of hanging birds nests, a few different swings, Bamboo hearts and circles, etc. All of them have a beautiful view and optical illusion like you are floating over the lake.

Sitting in the heart apparatus at Wanagiri Hidden Hills in Bali
Heart apparatus

How to get the shot

Man helping a woman get into the swing apparatus at Wanagiri Hidden Hills
Helping a woman get into the swing

At each apparatus there is a worker who will help you get up and move the ladder afterwards. He will also help hold the swing while you change poses, etc.

Worker at Wanagiri Hidden Hills helping take the photo and use a reflector for the best light
Using a reflector and taking the shot

Once you are situated they all have reflectors that they will use to help you get optimal lighting at each spot. If you want a shot with your partner or if you come solo, they are happy to take it for you. While always use a tripod for our shots together, for the swing we needed their help to get the right angle.

>> Read: Our Travel Photography Gear!

Dresses to rent for photos
Dresses to rent for photos

In addition to helping you get the perfect shot, they also have a place to rent dresses to wear for the photos. Seriously, these people are brilliant business minds! 🙂

Lines forming for photos at each apparatus
Lines forming at each apparatus

While the setup makes every shot look tranquil and like you’re the only person there, that couldn’t be further from the truth. The reality is that you will wait in line, likely at each apparatus, and have a few minutes to get your shot. With a little patience, though, you will get the beautiful photo you came for!

>> Want to learn how to take AMAZING photos wherever you go? Check out our online photography course!

Wanagiri Hidden Hill Review

Sitting on the famous Bali swing at Wanagiri Hidden Hills

So, is it worth it? Yes and no because it depends on what your expectations are. If you’re expecting a tranquil experience where you can leisurely chill on a swing overlooking the lake, you’re certainly in for an unpleasant surprise. However, if you go in knowing you just want to get the insta-worthy shots you’ll get exactly what you came for.

For Scott, this was his version of hell since everyone is just waiting in line for the same shot. He has a point, because it allows for very little creativity and there’s not a great experience or story associated with the photo. I, on the other hand, have an inner basic B and really wanted to get the shots. While I probably wouldn’t do it again, I’m happy with how the photos turned out!

>> For beautiful photos in a more natural place, check out Diamond Beach on Nusa Penida!

How to get to Wanagiri Hidden Hill

Scooters lined up in Bali to rent

You can get to Wanagiri Hidden Hill via renting a scooter or hiring a driver. While it’s easiest to get here from Munduk, it is still possible to do in a day trip from Ubud, Seminyak or Canggu.

>>Tip: check out all the best things to do in Munduk while you’re here!

From Munduk

From Munduk you can get to Wanagiri Hidden Hill in about 15 minutes. It’s a very easy and beautiful drive to do on a scooter, so we recommend renting one for the day and driving yourself. Otherwise you can hire a driver to take you around for the day.

From Ubud

While it depends on the crazy Bali traffic, the drive from Ubud should only take 1.5-2 hours. Because of the route and how lengthy the drive is, we recommend hiring a driver if you’re coming from Ubud. Also note that you should only take a scooter this far if you feel very comfortable and have your international drivers license.

Wanagiri Hidden Hill Entrance Fee

2019 entrance ticket with 100K IDR entrance fee to Wanagiri Hiddden Hills in Bali
2019 entrance ticket

The 2019 entrance fee is 100,000 IDR ($7 USD) per person to enter and is cash-only. This certainly felt high, seeing as it was double the price of the famous Ulun Danu Bratan Temple down the road. But hey, it’s the price you pay for Instagram!

Wanagiri Hidden Hill Opening Hours

The complex is open daily from 6:30 am to 7 pm and is busiest between 10 am and 4 pm. Because of that, we’d recommend going before 10 am or after 4 pm to avoid the crowds and long lines at each spot.

What to pack

Here is a list of a few things you can’t forget to bring with you!

  • Camera – check out the photography gear we travel with!
  • Cash because the entrance is cash only
  • Spanx or some sort of shorts if you wear a dress because you will flash the world getting into these apparatuses 😉
  • Water
  • Sunscreen

Where to park

Parking is provided right in front of the complex for scooters so it’s very easy to find a spot. If you come with a driver he can find a spot along the road there, as well.

Places near Wanagiri Hidden Hill

There are certainly many other Insta-worthy places around Munduk so be sure to check them out while you’re up north! A few of the most pictureque are:

Hotel near Wanagiri Hidden Hill

Fire red sunset at Munduk Moding Plantation
Sunset at Munduk Moding Plantation

Munduk Moding Plantation is less than 10 minutes away and is the best hotel near Wanagiri Hidden Hill. The plantation is made up of stunning villas and is a self-sustaining organic coffee plantation. It’s also the most insta-worthy hotel because of the two amazing infinity pools that overlook the sunset.

See our video of the beautiful property below!

Enjoy getting the perfect insta-shots in Bali!

Kylie & Scott

(If you liked this article or have any questions, please comment below! And make sure to follow along on Instagram @LoveHardTravelOften)

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Wanagiri Hidden Hills - how to get there and must know tips for the famous Bali swing!
Wanagiri Hidden Hills - everything you need to know before visiting Bali's famous Instagram spot!

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