Petulu village is one of the most scenic areas in Bali, and is located in the central part of the island just north of the city of Ubud. The small village is unique for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is the fact that it is a bird sanctuary for Javan Pond Herons and Plumed Egrets.
Visitors come here every day to witness the amazing spectacle of up to 20,000 herons flocking to Petulu, always in the afternoon hours, making this the best time to be here. The birds always make a loud raucous noise as they decide amongst themselves which is the best place to perch, although make sure you’re not directly underneath while they make their decision, especially if you’re wearing new clothes.
Legend has it that there were no herons here until one fateful day in 1965, after a political revolution in the country saw the murder of thousands of innocents. The herons that arrived shortly after the massacre are supposed to be representative of the souls of those killed. While the legend may or may not be true (the believability of legends are always left up to those who hear them), the beauty of seeing the herons in the city is undeniable.
Need to Know
- What is it? Petulu is a village in Bali
- Opening hours: 08:00 to 17:00 daily
- Entrance fees: there are no fees, but donations are accepted
- Where: Petulu is a city in central Bali, just north of Ubud
- How to get there: the direct way from Ubud is north on Jalan Suweta through the small village of Junjungan via motorbike or taxi