How To Get Off The Beaten Path on Bali
Beautiful Bali is a perpetual tourist hot spot and it's easy to see why. From its rainbow sunsets and white-sand beaches to its thick jungles, towering mountains, and laid-back towns, there’s more than enough to keep you occupied all vacation long. But it can be overwhelming deciding exactly what to do and while the island's most famous spots are impressive, you'll often find yourself queuing or struggling for space.
Instead, head off the beaten track to discover Bali's most underrated equivalents and enjoy beach days, island explorations, rice terrace views, and everything in between—without the crowds!—on the so-called Island of The Gods.
Chase waterfalls in Munduk
Don’t stick to the rivers and the lakes that you're used to.
You'll find breathtaking waterfalls dotted throughout Bali but Munduk's are some of the least visited due to their remote location. Golden Valley Waterfall, Red Coral Waterfall, and the Banyumala Twin Falls are some of the most beautiful in the area but book any kind of waterfall trek and you'll almost certainly be impressed. Nearby, check out Wanagiri Hidden Hills and the Twin Lakes if you've got time to spare.
Visit Nusa Dua or Candidasa
An uncrowded beach day, (almost) guaranteed.
Canggu, Seminyak, and Uluwatu are all home to some of Bali's best beaches. But drive a little further afield and you'll find the same golden sand with far fewer interruptions. Candidasa, on Bali's east coast, offers a wonderful beachside escape for a few days. Or, if you're time limited, head down to Nusa Dua, the island's resort hotspot with miles of white sand, dotted with premium restaurants, and easygoing beach bars.
Check out Jatiluwih
A solid alternative to the Tegalalang rice fields.
Ubud's Tegalalang rice fields are beautiful, but Jatiluwih—nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage site—is an even larger and far more peaceful, picturesque example of the island's beautiful greenery. Located right in the middle of the island near Mount Batukaru, the second tallest volcano in Bali, these rice fields are far more remote than their tourist-friendly neighbors and come complete with a cooler climate, vast expanses of rolling hills, and barely any tourists.
Head to Green Kubu
Who needs the Gates of Heaven?
Visit during peak time and you'll queue for hours to snap a photo at Pura Luhur Lempuyang, aka Bali's "Gates of Heaven." Instead, take a trip to neighboring Nusa Penida island where you'll find Green Kubu, a restaurant, bar, and infinity pool perched on the edge of the island. The best part? The huge white gates with a backdrop of the ocean, perfect for unobstructed photos.
Make for Medewi
Skip Uluwatu’s crowded surf spots.
Surfers head straight to Uluwatu for its famed waves and incredible surf breaks. As you might expect, it gets pretty crowded in the water during busy hours and, if you're not a competent surfer, can get a little dangerous, too. Instead, head to Bali's west coast to find Medewi, a quiet spot with Southern California vibes, complete with surf breaks for every kind of level and peaceful waters for all to enjoy.
Tour the traditional town of Sidemen
This is really off the typical tourist trail.
Sidemen is the true definition of a hidden gem. Tucked away in east Bali, it offers the tranquility of Ubud in a far more rustic setting. Here, trek through the rice fields, go rafting or tubing down the gushing rivers, check into a luxury hotel, or explore the surrounding mountains. Sidemen is one of the best places to experience the authentic Balinese countryside with breathtaking views in almost every direction.
Snorkel or scuba dive in Menjangan Island
Bali’s one of the best places to learn.
Bali—and wider Indonesia—is famed for its crystal-clear waters, rainbow coral reefs, and spectacular marine life. Many people head to Amed in east Bali to see the underwater world, meaning that Menjangan Island, in the northwest, remains relatively untouched in comparison. As well as a beautiful drive through the countryside en route, you'll be treated to a secluded, mostly uninhabited paradise with abundant marine life and deer running through the forest. It's also one of the best places to book a scuba diving or snorkeling trip.
Related:9 of the Best Places Around the World to Learn How to Scuba Dive
Enjoy the black-sand beaches of Lovina
There’s a lot to love about Lovina.
Canggu's black-sand beaches are a Bali bucket list essential. But drive through the mountains up to the north coast and you'll discover Lovina. Here, as well as those famous black-sand beaches, you'll find sunrise boat trips during which you can swim with dolphins, restaurants serving up freshly grilled fish, and arty, cultural markets selling unique goods. There are also a few more famous waterfalls close by, such as Alingaling, Gitgit, and Singsing.
See more of Kintamani
Don’t just climb Mt. Batur.
Kintamani, an hour north of Ubud, is one of Bali's most scenic points. This relatively quiet part of the island sits high up above the clouds and many tourists head here to climb nearby Mt. Batur. But it's well worth spending at least a day exploring the area, too. Boat around Kintamani lake, sip on Balinese kopi (coffee) in one of the above-the-clouds restaurants—Akasa is a favorite—or drive through the tiny villages, admiring temples as you go.
Explore the Nusa Islands
What’ve you got to lose?
Bali's Nusa Islands are an easy and affordable 1-hour boat away from the mainland and there's plenty to see and do, from scuba diving and cliff walks to enjoying the white sand of Diamond beach and the spectacular Giri Putri Caves. Drive across the yellow bridge from Lembongan to Ceningan and spend some time touring the rural Nusa Penida by bike or car.
Find more things to do in Bali
Keep reading
