There’s a Bali that everyone knows, one with amazing beaches, fabulous parties, beautiful places and crowds, lots of crowds.
There’s also another Bali where you can stroll through a fishing village, wander through rice terraces, swim at amazing dive sites and never run into another tourist at all.
The trick is to learn where the hidden gems are and spend some of your holidays in places like the East Coast, Nusa Lembongan, Pasir Putih, and Tamblingan Lake so that you can enjoy the paradise island that is the real Bali.
Where To Get Off The Beaten Track In Bali: 16 Places In Bali That Are A Long Way From The Beaten Track
There are plenty of places here on the island that no walking tour will ever visit and these sixteen places are ideas to get you started with getting off the beaten path here in Bali.
Each of these places has enough facilities and support for a tourist to have a good time, but with very exceptions, crowds are quite rare in these locations.
That means you can discover places like Banyumala Twin Falls, Besakih Temple, Sekumpul Waterfall, a submerged ship, Munduk Waterfall, Crystal Bay, etc. and enjoy each perfect destination in peace and quiet.
It’s like having Bali in your own backyard when you get out into the wider island.
Munduk
Munduk sits in the highlands of North Bali and there are plenty of things to do in the area, but almost never any crowds.
If you want to learn to drive a scooter in Bali (not something we recommend) the roads here are much less busy and stressful than elsewhere.
It’s home to many of the best waterfalls on the island and Banyumala Twin Falls, Sekumpul Waterfall and Munduk Waterfall are all in the area.
One nice thing about Munduk is that it’s quite a bit above sea level and the temperatures are much cooler than in the beach towns.
You’ll also be glad to know that it’s only about 80 kilometres from Ngurah Rai International Airport and thus, you won’t be on the road forever if you decide to visit.
Bedugul
Bedugul is home to the amazing Besakih Temple, the “mother temple” of Bali and the island’s most important religious site.
It also provides access to the famous Handara Golf Resort (with the gates that have become one of the island’s most Instagrammable moments), the Bali Botanic Gardens and more.
Bali’s only UNESCO World Heritage site is the Subak System and Bedugul is home to the finest part of that system The Jatiluwih Rice Terraces.
We’d recommend stopping in at the Candikuning market where you can try “Snow Fruit”, it’s the only place on Earth where you can.
Just watch out for monkeys, they can be a touch unpredictable and they’re everywhere in this area.
Candidasa
Candidasa is a charming beach town that is very popular with retirees to Bali but doesn’t seem to have become part of the Bali tourist circuit, yet.
You can enjoy panoramic views of the ocean and it’s one of the finest spots on the island for a boat ride or to go snorkelling.
It’s not short of things to enjoy either with Goa Lawah Temple, Lempuyang Temple, Gili Tepekong, Gili Mimpang, and much more within a short distance of the town.
Perhaps, the biggest draw in town is the “lotus lagoon” which is an amazing sight when the lotuses are in bloom.
Amed
Amed is part of the beautiful East Coast of the island and it’s one of our favourite spots away from the crowds. It’s a charming fishing village right next to the ocean.
The beaches in the area are all black sand and they’re very attractive and pleasant to spend time on.
Bukit Cinta is the best place on the island to get a photograph of Mt Agung (Mount Agung is the biggest mountain and active volcano here).
And if you love diving the best dive sites on the mainland are all around Amed and its neighbouring town, Tulamben.
Balian
Balian is a surfer’s paradise. A small village a long way from the main surfer’s destinations of Uluwatu, Canggu, Seminyak, etc.
It’s not famous for the barrels that the rest of Bali’s top surfing destinations are known for but rather for being an absolute swell magnet.
If you want to guarantee that you can surf, even if the rest of the island is flat, Balian is the place to do it.
The community is very welcoming, but you are expected to know your surf etiquette if you want to join in on the fun.
Medewi
Medwei is another hidden gem for surfers (though non-surfers will fall in love with this sleepy town too) and it’s home to Bali’s longest lefthanded surf break!
The pebble beach isn’t great for sitting on but it’s lovely for a long walk where you can watch the boats head out to sea each day in search of fresh fish.
Sunset here is spectacular and you can grab a couple of cold beers and chill on the beach and enjoy the light show all to yourself.
We’d also recommend tracking down Air Terjun Juwuk Manis (Juwuk Manis Waterfall) which is a great paired waterfall that’s never busy.
Pemuteran
You’re getting close to West Bali National Park by the time you reach Pemuteran, but don’t rush through the town as it’s worth a stop in its own right.
The offshore biorock project and its artificial coral reef are absolutely amazing for snorkelling and diving and you can even sponsor yourself some baby coral and immortalize yourself under the waves.
The town itself is really attractive and a proper old-school fishing village. If you want to experience traditional Balinese life, you will find it here among the warungs.
The black sand beach here may be the best example of its kind and it has several distinct colour shifts from end to end too.
Kintamani
If you’ve always wanted to hike Mount Batur and swim in Lake Batur then this is the place to be and, for now, Kintamani gets almost no visitors.
This highland area is, however, stunningly beautiful and home to many of the friendliest and nicest folk on the island.
Kehen Temple is worth stopping at too and you can get amazing photos of it for your Instagram feed.
If you fancy a different challenge you could also climb Mount Abang, the island’s third tallest mountain or go to Penulisan Temple (physically, the highest temple in Bali, but super easy to get to).
Sidemen
Sidemen is one of our favourite places on the island and it’s amazing to spend time there among the rice fields wandering the valley and the village.
It’s like Ubud was before Ubud became heavily commercialized in the wake of Eat, Pray, Love and there’s plenty to do in the area.
Try Gembleng Waterfall which is easy to get to and ideal for chilling while you get some great Instagram snaps.
Then visit Lahangan Sweet Volcano Viewpoint for some more amazing pictures that will blow your mind.
You should also try sleeping in the bamboo houses in this area which are an amazing way to improve your visit to the rice fields.
West Bali National Park (Taman Nasional Bali)
Bali only has one national park but West Bali National Park is very much worth including in your Bali itinerary and it still gets far fewer visitors than it deserves.
The big highlight here is Menjangan Island which has the biggest herd of wild deer in Bali and one of the best diving spots on the island.
However, the national park showcases pretty much every type of environment that can be found int he tropics and it’s great to hire a guide and get them to introduce you to the flora and fauna of the island.
There’s only one hotel within the boundaries of the park, so you will probably need a private car and driver to ensure that you can get in and out when you visit.
Nusa Islands
The Nusa Islands are a cluster of three small islands that are between Bali and Lombok. They are part of Bali as a province and Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan have been growing in popularity in recent years.
Nusa Lembongan
Nusa Lembongan is the second largest of the islands and it’s probably the best place to be if you want to escape the crowds as it’s not on the main ferry route from Bali to Lombok.
Check out Devil’s Tear which is an amazing natural blowhole. Visit the seaweed farms which are the biggest and most productive seaweed farms in Bali.
Then hit up Manta Point for some snorkelling with the largest rays on the planet (they’re not stingrays and they are super friendly to humans).
Spend some time on the beach at Mushroom Bay which is a wonderful place to enjoy a relaxed day drinking beers at beachside warungs.
Then, take a walk to Hidden Beach which is a little challenging to get to as the name suggests. It’s worth the effort though.
Nusa Penida
Nusa Ceningan is the smallest of the three islands and unlike Nusa Penida, it’s very easy to walk around this island without using any kind of transport.
The best news is that almost all the attractions on this island are very close together, so you won’t need to go far.
The Yellow Bridge, the Secret Beach and the zipline at Driftwood Bar are all must-dos.
Gili Islands
These three islands are actually in Lombok but are close enough to Bali that many people visit them from the island.
Gili Air
This used to be a more chilled-out spot but in recent years has caught the party vibe. It’s “off the beaten path” but quite hectic all the same.
Gili Trawangan
This is famous as a party island and is very popular with backpackers. Visit if you want long nights of drinking on the beach.
Gili Meno
The smallest and quietest of the three islands. If you want an intimate honeymoon vibe and nothing to do, it’s a great place to be.
Secret Gili Islands
There are also many other Gili Islands near Lombok known collectively as the “Secret Gilis” – if you want a dream desert island destination, where you can really escape the crowds, you will find that these islands are very appealing, indeed.
FAQs
Where In Bali Is Less Touristy?
If you want to explore Bali and find the hidden gems that are away from the beaten track, then you want to hit up the white sand beaches of the Nusa Islands or the black sand beaches of Bali’s East Coast or the rice terraces away from Ubud.
You will find everything from beautiful waterfalls to tropical jungle to barely touched dive sites once you start to explore this small island properly.
Why not enjoy a fishing village and the serene beaches nearby or find a temple in the heart of the rainforest? The list above gives you everything you know when you visit Bali to experience Balinese nature and much more off the beaten track.
Has Bali Become Too Touristy?
No, Bali has not become too touristy but there are parts of Bali that are very popular. Ubud, Canggu, Seminyak, Kuta, Legian, Sanur, Nusa Dua and Uluwatu are the big draws to the island.
If you visit these places, particularly during the dry season, you might be forgiven for thinking this island is overwhelmed with tourists.
But if you find the Bali off the beaten track then there’s many a hidden gem where you will have the place to yourself.
Try something like Skull Island an ancient village belonging to the Bali Aga with its unique funeral rites or Tenganan a village that belongs to the Bali Mula, another unique group here in Bali and you will soon find yourself enjoying a relaxing walk in serene rice fields that’s a long way from the crowds of the big beach towns.
What Is The Quiet Side Of Bali?
If you want peace and quiet there are lots of hidden gems on the island. Small villages like Sidemen are the ideal places to visit as their settings among the rice terraces are the ideal way to experience the traditional side of Balinese life.
It’s like visiting Ubud before Ubud became a huge tourist draw. If traditional villages aren’t your cup of tea, you’ll find that some of the best snorkelling locations are in quiet locations on the Nusa Islands.
Bali offers something for everyone, but you do have to look for at it at times.
Is Bali Cracking Down On Tourists?
No, Bali is not “cracking down on tourists”. Bali is cracking down on bad behaviour and this is sometimes related to tourism.
The local communities here in Bali are very welcoming to tourists but they expect to be treated with respect in return.
Sadly, some tourists have not kept up their end of the bargain. For example, sights of tourists arriving at sacred sites and posing naked have upset some locals and the government is trying to put an end to this kind of behaviour.
You have nothing to worry about when you visit this corner of Southeast Asia if you intend to behave sensibly.
Why Do Foreigners Love Bali?
Foreigners love Bali because it’s a beautiful island on the Indian Ocean with friendly and welcoming locals, reasonable prices and excellent accommodation, dining and entertainment options.
Bali is not the Bali of twenty years ago, but as you will see when you enjoy Bali off the beaten track, there’s still plenty of the old-school charm to this island and it’s full of hidden gems that see almost no crowds.
What Are The Negatives Of Tourism In Bali?
Tourism around the world has some negative impacts and these are mainly environmental. Pollution, congestion, deforestation, destruction of wildlife, littering, etc. are fairly common issues.
The good news is that we can all do our part to reduce these problems and it’s simple actions like not dropping garbage at the Bali Swing, not bleaching a coral reef by avoiding certain products before swimming and staying in bamboo houses that start to add up.
In Bali, perhaps, the biggest stresses are traffic and water scarcity. Groundwater supplies are severely depleted by use for the tourism industry.
Where To Avoid Staying In Bali?
There is nowhere to avoid staying in Bali. But if you want hidden gems rather than the usual famous sights, then you might opt to stay outside of the major beach towns and Ubud.
However, there’s no doubt that many people travel to Bali precisely because they love places like Canggu, Seminyak, Nusa Dua, Sanur, etc. and that’s just fine.
You can still get out and enjoy a hidden gem or two from these locations, you just need to drive a little for it.
What Do Balinese People Think Of Tourists?
Balinese people are extremely hospitable and kind. They welcome tourists to enjoy the white sand beaches, rice terraces and hidden gems of their home.
However, there’s no doubt that some Balinese are a bit put out that tourists don’t always treat them and their island with respect.
The best way to ensure you’re welcome to return to the spectacular waterfalls, panoramic views, towering cliffs, rice paddies, wreck dives, etc. is to be as kind to people here as they are to you.
Is Bail Worth The Hype?
Yes! Bali is worth the hype. We wouldn’t have built FINNS, the world’s best beach club, here in Bali if we didn’t think it was worth it.
The beautiful beaches, the beautiful sunset, the terraced rice fields, the awesome temples, the diverse marine life and so much more add up to an incredible place.
So many people return to Bali over and over again, because once you’ve been here once, a part of you never leaves.
Bali is a small slice of paradise in the Indian Ocean.
Final Thoughts On Bali Off The Beaten Track
From Mount Agung to traditional weaving villages on the North Coast, there’s so much of Bali off the beaten track that you could spend years exploring this island and not discover every hidden gem.
One of the best things about heading away from the busiest parts of the island is that private villas with a private infinity pool become much, much cheaper.
If you stay in Bali, Amed or Bedugul or the shores of Lake Batur are going to offer far greater value than staying in Ubud or Nua Dua.
So, why not hire a private driver and try an off-the-beaten-track experience in Bali next time you visit the island?
One of the most practical tips we have is that you don’t have to have an “all or nothing” experience, you can do some touristy stuff and then get off the beaten path on day tours, etc.
Read more:
48 Things To Do In North Bali: There’s Never Any Need To Be Bored In Northern Bali
