Bali Hidden Gems – 15 Secret Spots In Bali That Are Off The Beaten Track

Bali is a picturesque Southeast Asian island that is extremely popular among travellers. And why wouldn’t it be? Breathtaking natural landscape, rich Hindu culture, incredible architecture, lovely art galleries and museums, thrilling adventure sports – Bali has it all! And to top it, it is an extremely pocket-friendly destination which makes it easily accessible. But what this accessibility does, is that it results in overtourism. You see tourists in every nook and cranny and therefore, crave to see Bali off the beaten track. You want to experience an undiscovered Bali ie. secret spots in Bali that are away from tourists. In this blog, you’ll find the ultimate Bali hidden gems that you need to include in your Bali itinerary to explore a non-touristy Bali.

Bali Hidden Gems – Secret Spots And Experiences In Bali That Are Off The Beaten Track

Bali off the beaten path? Is that really possible considering there are more digital nomads and influencers in Bali than there are temples? And mind you, there are thousands of temples on the island.

Well, finding offbeat places in Bali is indeed possible. So here’s a list of the hidden gems in Bali that are still safe from the curse of excessive tourists.

Pacung Sangeh Village

The Balinese Village Experience takes you into the interiors of one of the most beautiful Bali hidden gems – the quaint village of Pacung Sangeh. Here you will see how the true villagers of Bali live and what their day to day lives look like.

First, you are invited into a traditional family compound to enjoy a Balinese morning tea with the family.

Then you are served fresh coconuts, Bali kopi, and a range of seasonal fruits. Next, you go on a tour of the compound and learn to make Hindu offerings called Cengang Sari.

Lunch is in a local warung in the middle of a rice field, with lots of dishes to choose from. Post the lunch, you visit a sacred Holy Water site, which is a stunning waterfall with a hidden canyon.

Here you will partake in a traditional Hindu purification ritual, which starts down in the canyon, making your way up to the top of the waterfall.

You will use the offerings you have made earlier and receive a blessing. This is a ritual that Hindus do every six months to clear away any negative energy from their lives. It is a personalized and genuine cultural experience.

The village experience shows you an undiscovered Bali that’s off the beaten track. It costs 950,000 IDR per adult and 500,000 IDR per child (4-12) and includes everything – your transport, accommodation, guide, morning tea, and lunch.

As a tip, try booking this experience early as there is a maximum of 8 guests per day only. Bring a towel and an extra pair of clothes as you’ll get wet during the purification ceremony.

Contributed by Karlie Cummins from Bali Buddies

Nyang Nyang Beach

Any traveller coming to Bali will likely be overwhelmed by all the spots that are on the tourist trail.

There are so many stunning beaches all over the island, but if you’re looking for somewhere beautiful and a little more secluded, then Nyang Nyang Beach in Uluwatu is for you. 

Uluwatu is a popular tourist spot on the southwestern tip of Bali. From Karma Backpacker House, a popular hostel here, you can rent a scooter and take the 10-minute drive to Nyang Nyang. The roads are wide, good quality and relatively quiet so it’s a pretty easy drive.

When you arrive at the parking lot you can leave your scooters there for free, before making the 15-minute walk down the rocky footpath to the beach – ensure you have a good pair of shoes on for this! 

In comparison to the vast, busy surf beaches around Uluwatu, Nyang Nyang is a secluded beach that’s much quieter. It’s one of the hidden places in Bali that’s away from the tourist hordes.

This pristine 1.5 km beach looks almost untouched. The relaxed atmosphere here makes it the ideal spot for sunbathing and swimming – although, beware the water can get pretty choppy!

Along Nyang Nyang beach are some abandoned and graffitied boat vessels. Local artists visit regularly to constantly alter the artwork on them, but these vessels always make for an excellent photo opportunity.

Make sure you prepare yourself for the walk back up to the cliffs from the beach. It is slightly more challenging than the way down – but don’t forget to check out the stunning views across the beach from the cliffs.

Contributed by Emma from The World by Emstagram

Gunung Kawi Temple

There are numerous temple sites situated all over this lush tropical vacation island. These religious monuments not only make for great tourist attractions, but also offer a glimpse into Balinese culture like none of the other sites on the island do.

Gunung Kawi temple, a unique archaeological site, carved into rocks and set within a valley, is one of the Bali hidden gems that should not be missed. 

Located in Tampaksiring, it is believed to have been built way back in the 11th century. The temple serves the purpose as a house of worship, a memorial to members of the Balinese Royalty of the time, as well as a social place for the locals to gather and meet.

You can reach the temple by motorbike, minibus, or a taxi from Ubud (or from anywhere on the island).

Once at the entrance, it is quite the walk to reach the main temple site located in the valley below and despite being physically demanding, it should not deter you in any way.

No visit to Bali is complete without a visit to Gunung Kawi temple. The temple is an off the beaten track Bali destination that’s well worth your time and effort. The entrance fee for the temple is 15,000 IDR. 

Contributed by Raihaan Is’rafael from A Rai Of Light

Hidden Canyon

Hidden Canyon is one of the best Bali hidden gems if you’re looking for adventure. Located in Sukawati, about 15 km (9.3 miles) south of Ubud, Hidden Canyon takes visitors on a journey to walk through three canyons in the middle of the jungle. 

While visitors cannot rappel down the canyons, they walk through the rushing waters that range from ankle to waist-high.

This activity is suitable for all ages, but keep in mind that you need the physical strength to walk at a moderate pace for 2 hours.

To get to the canyons, visitors pay an admission fee which includes a local guide, water, and access to showers. For two people, the cost is 300,000 IDR.

The guides are an integral part of the experience since they take visitors to the starting point of the canyon, help visitors navigate through the rushing water, and take photos of the experience.

Guides have safety in their minds so they’ll help the visitors cross boulders and water as needed. 

Since this place is one of the secret spots in Bali, you can peacefully soak in the beauty of the area. Plus, visitors can have the canyons to themselves at any time of the day. There are spots along the canyon with calmer waters so it’s a perfect place to relax.

Visitors can go barefoot but there is a high chance of stubbing toes or cutting the bottom of the feet from the sharp rocks. Therefore, it’s recommended to wear appropriate water shoes and swimsuits.

Contributed by Jackie Szeto & Justin Huynh from Life Of Doing

Balangan Beach

Looking for a stunning off the beaten track Bali beach that’s superb for surfing, lined with wonderful warungs, and is away from the tourist trail? Well, head on down to Balangan beach!

It’s located in the south of Bali, near Uluwatu – 25 minutes or so from Denpasar Airport.

You can get to the beach in a Grab (though you can’t get one out again as they aren’t allowed to operate in the area). You can also hire a scooter (get ready for dirt paths and pot-holes galore) or take a taxi.

You’ll love the natural beauty on offer (think half a kilometre of white sand, lined with limestone cliffs), the chilled-out local vibes, a refreshing absence of rowdy beach clubs, and the lush left-handed surf break that draws people to it from all over the world.

To be honest, Balangan beach is surfer heaven.

Aside from the general charm on offer, the surfing here is definitely a primary draw of this particular stretch of sand. As soon as the tide’s up, you’ll see locals and tourists grab a board and head on down to the water.

The waves can be big and fast, and they break onto a shallow reef, which means surfing here isn’t always for the faint-hearted. Nevertheless, there’s still plenty of opportunity for beginners and a bunch of places to get lessons.

Don’t fancy surfing? No problem! Pitch your canopy tent in the sand, slap on some sunscreen, and watch the world go by in this beautiful part of the world.

With good food, cheap beer, and friendly faces at every turn, the Balangan beach is a hidden gem in Bali that has to be included in your Bali itinerary.

Contributed by Danny Newman from What’s Danny Doing?

Peguyangan Waterfall

Peguyangan Waterfall is a unique natural site nestled within the seaside cliffs of Nusa Penida, the largest of the three Nusa Islands off the southeast coast of Bali.

It remains a hidden gem in Bali for it’s hard-to-reach location: Visitors must first travel to Nusa Penida by boat, then rent a motorbike and drive across extremely rough terrain to reach it.

While Nusa Penida is mostly known for its T-Rex shaped rock at Kelingking Beach, the island holds numerous incredible locations like the Peguyangan Waterfall – many of which are skipped by the day tours that bring hundreds of tourists to the island.

The Peguyangan Waterfall is actually not a traditional waterfall at all. This gem sits at the bottom of a towering cliff on the southeast coast of the island, right on the edge of the ocean.

A motorbike is needed to reach the entrance, where a steep hike awaits. A long, winding blue staircase then leads the way down.

The trek down can be a bit strenuous, but the stunning views of the surrounding cliffs and turquoise waters beneath them make up for the hard work.

At the bottom, you’ll find a sacred pilgrimage site featuring a temple, a few religious shrines, and three water spouts.

It’s common to stumble upon locals participating in a water ritual at the site, which has a front-row seat to witness the massive waves crashing against the edge of the island.

Contributed by Carla Vianna from Travel By Carla Vianna

Dining By The Riverside At Swept Away Restaurant

Bali is a fascinating island, full of history and beautiful scenery, but sometimes it can be difficult to find a romantic place where you don’t feel like just another tourist.

Swept Away is one of the Bali hidden gems that offers this possibility: a restaurant with carefully presented food, which tastes wonderful, and a romantic set up to take your breath away.

The Swept Away restaurant is located in the Samaya hotel, a little outside Ubud, about ten minutes by taxi. On a less humid day, you can take a walk among the rice fields and get there in roughly an hour.

Upon arrival, the staff will make you feel special by accompanying you from the reception to the restaurant in a small golf cart.

However, the real surprise comes when you arrive at the restaurant: where the scenery is truly magical.

The restaurant has a carefully positioned terrace directly on the Ayung River, where the sound of the water pleasantly draws you into the charm of this enchanting place.

As if all this were not enough, the restaurant organizes a very romantic candle lit dinner, where some tables are isolated from the rest and surrounded by petals and 100 candles which, when the sun sets, create a delightful atmosphere.

All this is accompanied by a tasting menu between 4 and 7 courses. There is also a second version of the candle lit dinner, where the setup is a little less grand, but the final effect is still spectacular.

Contributed by Clotilde from A Princess Travelling With Twins

Karma Beach

Located in the Ungasan area in the South of Bali, Karma Beach is the private beach of Karma Kandara – a luxury villa resort. Given that this resort is not located adjacent to any tourist spot in Bali, very few tourists visiting Bali know about it.

The very few who hear about this beach do not visit it believing it to be only accessible to the guests of Karma Kandara. 

However, the beach is open to outsiders as well, subject to the purchase of a day pass. In fact, a visit to this beach can be make for great one-day outing with your partner or family.

The best way to reach this hidden gem in Bali is by hiring a private vehicle. It is about 1 hour away from Kuta, forty minutes away from Jimbaran and about twenty minutes away from the Uluwatu Temple. 

The coastline of this attraction, located on the southern end of Bali, opens up to the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean. The white sand brushing the blue waters makes for an enthralling sight. 

You can access it by going to the restaurant area of Karma Kandara and then taking a delightful, highly-scenic ride down a cable car. 

Once at the beach, you can relax in a cabana or pamper yourself at the luxurious Karma Spa. Alternatively, you can also head out for a snorkelling session or go sea-kayaking while your kids have fun at the Kid’s Club of Karma. 

Around twilight, the changing colours of the sky will leave you awe-struck. In fact, even after sunset, you could hang back here to enjoy a DJ night or a movie night organised by the Karma Beach Club.

Contributed by Vrushali from Mumbaikar Mom

Jatiluwih Rice Terraces

Spanning over 600 hectares, the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces is a breathtaking landscape of rice terraces unfolding from the foot of a mountain to the edge of the ocean.

The rice paddies which produce three types of rice (white, brown, and black), are maintained by a cooperative water management system called “subak” that dates back to the 9th century. Due to this system, the Balinese have become the most prolific rice growers in the archipelago. 

To enjoy this UNESCO World Heritage site, plan to spend a couple of hours or so to hike some trails and see different viewpoints.

There are also a handful of warungs on-site that offer traditional Balinese food while providing a magnificent view of this hidden gem in Bali. 

Generally, February to April is the best time to visit since the rice stalks are starting to grow and you will be treated to lush green carpets of rice terraces. If you would like to see farmers harvesting their crops, aim for June-July.

The area is open to visitors from 8:00 am – 6:00 pm with an entrance fee of 40,000 IDR. It is advisable to visit either early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the equatorial heat.

To get to Jatiluwih, you can either rent a scooter, hire a driver, or join a tour.

It will take approximately 2 hours to get there from Kuta, Seminyak, and Canggu, and 90 minutes from Ubud. Due to it’s limited accessibility, it remains one of the most secretive Bali hidden gems.

Contributed by Kristel and Gabriel Glasier from Chef Travel Guide

Snorkelling And Scuba Diving On Menjangan Island

Menjangan Island is an ideal off the beaten track Bali destination for people seeking adventure. Located in the northeast corner of Bali, Menjangan Island is a protected marine reserve in the West Bali National Park.

The island has beautiful snorkelling and scuba diving all around it’s gorgeous coral reef gardens.

The island is also home to a population of “barking deer” giving the island it’s nickname “Deer Island”. Getting to Menjangan Island is fairly simple and all you need to do is book a day tour from Pemuteran/ Labuhan Lalang.

To get to Pemuteran, you can book a bus from any tour company or hotel in Ubud. Day trips cost around $35-40 USD and include not only the 30-40 minute motorboat ride to the island, but also lunch and a guide to take you out snorkelling.

If you’re interested, you can get PADI certified in the area as well. And if you’re already certified, then you can go straight to diving!

If you are looking to experience some beautiful and vibrant marine life, then Menjangan Island is a hidden gem in Bali you definitely don’t want to miss!

Contributed by Jessica from Unearth The Voyage

Visiting a Local Balinese Healer

Visiting a local Balinese Healer or “Balian” is the most rejuvenating experience and one of the best Bali hidden gems if you are coming to Bali to relax.

A Balian’s work mixes both – energetic and spiritual healing. While it may not solve all your issues, it can definitely provide an insight on how to feel better in life.

The healing helps you in growing your understanding of the local culture and is a good way to get some zen in during your trip. Make sure you are picking the right person, as there can be some unfortunate tourist traps.

You will most likely need a translator, so it is better to go through a reputable tour. You can find a good one in this Airbnb experience in Taman Punggul.

This is a full day trip where you will go to a sacred waterfall to take part in a Balinese purification ritual before meeting with a healer.

The visit to the healer consists of you asking them a question or an insight into something you want to explore and them analyzing you and giving you advice.

This advice can range from drinking specific herbal teas, to doing yoga to enjoy it’s benefits or ways to manage your emotions better.

Whether this practice is aligned with your beliefs or not, come with an open mind as you are sure to gain something from this off the beaten track Bali experience.

Contributed by Lucile from Lucilehr.com

Exploring Hidden Local Warungs In Ubud

While Ubud has become very touristy these days, there are a few cafes hidden away from the high street that you’d almost need a local to find. It’s these secret spots in Bali that offer the most authentic food experiences.

These local restaurants, run by local families, colloquially known as warungs, are perfect for escaping the touristic cafes serving smoothie bowls and flat whites.

One such hidden gem in Bali is the Siboghana Warung, a modest restaurant in the south of Ubud set away from the main road in a local’s garden, complete with Hindu statues and a stream running through.

The food is extremely affordable with few dishes costing more than 30,000 IDR. Favourite dishes include nasi campur, a mix of small dishes like satay sticks, red rice, and coconut curry. Since the warung is vegan, everything on the menu is plant-based.

There are a few other lesser-known warungs in Ubud like the Warung Sopa, a friendly family-run restaurant serving curries on banana leaves and delicious iced chai.

You should also check out 9 Angels Warung, a modest restaurant slightly out of town where you can pay per scoop of curry and pay in an honesty box when you leave.

Finally, Sawobali Cake and Coffee Shop serve a nightly buffet and a range of delicious vegan cakes.

At all of these hidden Ubud warungs, the prices are low but the quality of the local food is incredibly high. So skip the mainstream western restaurants and explore these hidden gems in Bali, pronto.

Contributed by Rose Munday from Where Goes Rose?

Angseri Natural Hot Springs

The stunning Angseri Natural Hot Springs, known by the locals as Air Panas Angseri, is, without a doubt, one of the best hidden gems in Bali.

Situated deep in the jungles near the village of Angseri, the hidden enclosure consists of two large natural pools of sulphuric water pumped in from bamboo pipes out of the ground.

You’ll also find a waterfall next to the second pool, some cold water showers, and several small huts – each containing small hot pools, ideal for those who want privacy.

The water in the pools is very warm due to Bali’s volcanic landscape, which makes the pools perfect for winding down and relaxing after a long day.

What makes Angseri so unique? This is one of the few true Bali hidden gems that is still untouched by tourism on the island.

Apart from a few locals who bathe in the pools each morning, you’ll most likely not find a single other tourist at this secluded spot, especially in the late afternoons.

You can get to the hot springs by car. Air Panas Angseri is 1 hour 10 mins away from Ubud, and 30 mins away from Bedugul.

A local Bali driver is advisable, as he/she will know the route well. Admission is free, though there may be a small fee charged (approx. 50,000 IDR) if there are locals present at the venue.

Contributed by Billy Read from BRB Gone Somewhere Epic

Kintamani Valley

Bali is one of those locations where you can find beautiful views around almost every corner. And when it comes to the Kintamani Valley, the metaphor could not get more literal, as the north-south road of the island pivots to the hilltop view and reveals a breathtaking landscape.

The Kintamani valley is in the caldera of an ancient volcano, with another one, Mount Batur, located in the valley too, and still active.

Part of it is covered with the juicy greens of the trees, while the other part still has the scenic black bruises from the earlier eruptions. The latest one happened in the year 2000.

The Kintamani Valley can be a beautiful stop on the way to the northern part of the island, but it also offers lots of activities unique to Bali.

Ascending Mount Batur is definitely the most popular thing to do in the area. The best time to do it, so you get to witness a dreamy sunrise over the ocean, is around around 4 am. And the safest way to do it is with a guided tour.

The valley is also famous for it’s hot springs where it is oh-so-good to soak after hiking to the top of the mountain.

As for other recommended activities, the list includes highland cycling, tours to the Trunyan Village cemetery, and any of many organic farms located in the area.

You can get to this hidden gem in Bali by bike, car or with a guided tour.

Contributed by Inessa Rezanova and Natalie Rezanova from Through a Travel Lens

Exploring The Marine Life In Candidasa

Located in Eastern Bali, Candidasa, an off the beaten track Bali destination, is the gateway to the best diving in Bali. It is not as popular as major tourist hubs like Ubud, Kuta, and Canggu, which means you will have a more authentic experience during your visit.

The relatively undeveloped and undiscovered port of Padang Bai is where divers take off to experience diving in Bali.

Padang Bai provides easy access to some of Bali’s best dive sites. Around the island you will find marine life of every shape, size, and colour, for divers of different levels.

There are drift dives and wreck dives for more advanced divers and shallow reefs suitable for beginners.

One of the most famous dive sites is the Manta Point. It is a Manta Ray cleaning station where you can swim alongside these gentle giants. It is suitable for all levels of divers.

You can also find other large marine life like sharks and the littlest aquatic life in the waters of Bali.

If you plan on staying in Candidasa, then it’s advisable to book your accommodation in advance as options of places to stay are quite limited in this part of Bali.

There are quite a few popular diving spots around Bali but Candidasa is a Bali hidden gem that offers the ultimate diving experience.

Contributed by Oksana & Max from Drink Tea & Travel

Conclusion

Finding secret spots in Bali, as my list of Bali hidden gems suggests, is difficult but not impossible. If you make an effort to explore Bali off the beaten track, then you’ll notice that there are several non-touristy things to do in Bali.

The ultimate goal is to experience an undiscovered Bali that mesmerizes you, inspires you and quenches that thirst for wanderlust. And this list of the hidden gems in Bali does just that!

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