Bali is a stunning island with many amazing natural spots and temples. However, some of them get way more visitors than others, as fewer people venture off the beaten path to discover these hidden gems in Bali.
As they are less affected by tourism, visiting these rather unknown places allows you to experience the real Bali and to escape the crowds for a while.
While some of these spots are the ideal places to learn more about the island’s culture, others shine with their natural beauty. So be sure to add at least some of them to your Bali itinerary.
I promise that doing so will enhance your trip and that you will have a more rounded image of all that the ‘Island of the Gods’ has to offer.
Visiting the Hidden Gems in Bali
While there are many amazing things to do in Canggu and in Ubud, no Bali itinerary should be without some hidden gems.
I, for one, ended up renting a scooter for a few days during my first Bali trip, and just took some scenic routes on the way to more popular attractions in the north and east of the island.
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I ended up stumbling upon some amazing locations, some of which ended up on this list, and can only encourage you to do to same.
It is an amazing way to explore the island and with the help of this list full of Bali’s hidden gems, you are bound to have a great time.
Bali is a rather safe island, and a fantastic destination for female solo travelers. Therefore, you do not have to worry as long as you use common sense.
However, previous scooter experience is advised if you want to discover more hidden gems in Bali on your own. After all, the traffic can be crazy and road conditions very.
If you have never driven a scooter, I can only advise you to hire a private driver instead.
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Natural Hidden Gems in Bali
Banyu Wana Amertha
Banyu Wana Amertha waterfall and the three other waterfalls in close proximity, are real hidden gems in Bali. They are not to be missed when you are chasing waterfalls in Bali’s northern area. Located near Bedugal in the Suskasada regency, they are quite close to other much more popular cascades in the area.
It is the perfect place to visit if you want to escape the crowds for a few hours to marvel at the natural beauty of the valley in which these waterfalls are nestled. You can even go for a swim at the pool of the Spray Waterfall of Banyu Wana Amertha.
While all four waterfalls are a great sight and an epic photo motive, it is Banyu Wana Amertha waterfall itself that is the most picturesque. Surrounded by lush green, the water flows down mossy rocks before reaching the shallow pool at the foot of the falls. It looks like a scene from a fairytale.
If you arrive in the morning, you might just have the location for yourself for a while. Be sure to bring some food, so you can have a scenic picnic while sitting on the wooden area right next to some of the waterfalls.
This hidden gem in Bali is best reaches by renting a scooter or hiring a private driver for a day. It takes around 2 hours to get there from Canggu and 1.5 hours from Ubud. You have to walk a bit from the entry booth to the waterfalls themselves.
The Giriwood Hotel & Villa is very close to the waterfalls and a great place to stay. The Amartya Puri Green Cottages and the Garunda Villa are further great options. If you want to splurge a bit and dream of infinity pools, you will love Munduk Moding Plantation Nature Resort & Spa.
Sibetan Rice Terraces
There are many rice terraces in Bali, and the Sibetan Rice Terraces are amongst the least touristic ones. Located in the Karangasem regency in the east of the island, they are an ideal stop along the way to Tirta Gangga and Pura Penataran Agung Lempuyang.
These rice terraces are close to Mount Agung, so they have a stunning backdrop. Take your time to enjoy the view.
Be sure to also visit the village of Sibetan itself. 13 different kinds of snake fruits are grown in the area surrounding the village, and villagers use them to make the sweet salak wine (snake fruit wine).
There are no traditional touristic facilities in the village, so it grants visitors that stop there a perfect glimpse of what Bali was like before it become a tourist and digital nomad hotspot.
There are many salak palms around Sibetan, so staying at Pondok Salacca, which is surrounded by salak palms is a great experience.
Pasut Beach
Bali has many great beaches, but Pasut Beach is among the prettiest and best. And the fact that it is off the beaten path and not overrun by tourists makes it even better.
This black sand beach is one of Bali’s hidden gems and will surprise you with it’s natural beauty. There is a palm tree grove to the left and a beautiful hanging palm tree to the right. Climb it like a monkey to take some amazing photo.
The real highlight becomes visible when the sun starts to set – suddenly, the colors of the sky are reflected in the swash zone and createe a perfect mirror effect. So be sure to bring a camera to capture this incredible sight. Just do not forget to enjoy the moment because you are too busy taking photos.
As you sit at the beach, you can observe locals playing football or fishing. Many of them are happy to have a chat with you and can tell you a lot about what life in Bali is like and how the island has changed.
Pasut Beach is 22 km north of Canggu and it is best to rent a scooter to drive there. It takes 45 minutes and you will be driving down small paths between rice fields, so some previous scooter experience is highly recommended.
Sekumpul Waterfall
Planning to visit the island of the Gods, but want to get away from the crowds and experience some of the best hidden gems in Bali? If so then run, don’t walk, to Sekumpul Waterfall.
Yes, it’s a bit far away and is about a 2-hour and 15-minute drive from Ubud. However, the trip is worth it, as you can enjoy swimming all alone at the base of this majestic waterfall in the jungles of Northern Bali.
You have to buy an entrance ticket (IDR 20,000) and hire a guide (IDR 150,000) that will walk you down to the base of Sekumpul Waterfall and then to the Hidden Waterfall. Just be sure to save some time during your hike to take stunning shots of this 100-meter-tall waterfall before sampling homemade Pandanus pancakes and learning about the area from your guide.
Plan to spend between two and four hours here depending on how much you like to swim in cold water as part of your Bali solo travel itinerary.
If you plan to drive to this hidden gem in Bali yourself, do make sure you have extensive experience operating a scooter. The roads to the waterfall are extremely narrow and windy. Otherwise, you can easily book a tour to Sekumpul. Just have your guide pick you up as early as possible as it will increase your chances of having the place all to yourself.
If you’d like to enjoy a more authentic Balinese homestay, then you can easily find local accommodations amidst the quiet homes that surround this amazing waterfall. Ananda Homestay and Sugi Gede Homestay are particularly close to this waterfall.
Explored by Kelly of Girl with the Passport
Hidden Canyon
Hidden Canyon (also referred to as Beji Guwang) is a hidden gem when visiting Bali. Located in Sukawati near Ubud, it’s a fantastic place to spend a few hours walking through a beautiful canyon with flowing waters and surrounded by the jungle.
All visitors need to have a tour guide for safety and guidance through the canyon. The starting point to the canyon requires a short walk from the ticket office, and then the fun begins!
Visitors spend about 2 hours wandering through three canyons and walking on the canyon ledges and boulders. They also need to walk through various water levels from ankle to waist-high. The water levels are higher in the rainy season. Wearing water shoes will protect the feet from rocks.
There are plenty of stopping points along the way to take photos and rest as walking in the water is a moderate leg workout.
The best part about visiting Hidden Canyon is how quiet it is. Since it’s not heavily visited, visitors can have the canyons to themselves and enjoy the scenery.
The easiest way to get here is to hire a driver or drive a motorbike. This place is 15 kilometers away from central Ubud, so it’ll take about 40-45 minutes one way. Alternatively, you can also join a tour to the hidden canyon.
Ubud would be the best place to stay as there are plenty of accommodation options and close by. Staying at the Element by Westin is an option as the rooms are comfortable and have a lovely swimming pool. The hotel is about 1 kilometer from the main Ubud area, so the hotel provides a free shuttle service.
Recommended by Jackie Szeto & Justin Huynh of Life Of Doing
Bali’s Hidden Gems: Temples & more
Besakih Temple
Situated on the slopes of Mount Agung, Besakih Temple is the most important, the largest, and holiest temple of the Hindu religion in Bali, Indonesia. Walk up the seven terraces of Pura Besakih Temple in amazement as groups of worshippers carry out ceremonies at seemingly all times of the day.
The temple complex comprises 86 individual temples, the largest and most important being Pura Penataran Agung. The temples are lined on terraced land, each with its unique characteristics and functions.
The history of the Besakih Temple can be traced back to the 11th century AD when the first Javanese priest established a shrine on Mount Agung. Since then, various rulers and priests have expanded and renovated the temple.
Today, you would think that Besakih Temple would be a popular tourist destination, but perhaps because of its more remote location, is still largely a hidden gem in Bali.
A visit to Besakih is best started from Ubud and will have Besakih Temple as the main highlight on an East Bali itinerary. From Ubud, it still requires a 1.5-hour drive up windy, sometimes steep roads before arriving.
Tickets for foreigners cost 60,000 IDR, which includes a local guide who will share information on an approximately one-hour tour. Tips are expected at the end.
With plenty of accommodation options to choose from in Ubud, book a stay at Suarti Boutique Village or, for a budget option, Ubud Tropical.
Visited by Catherine Xu from Nomadicated
Banjar Hot Springs
If you’re looking for hidden gems in Bali then the northern part of the island is the place to be! Here, you can still find untouched lush jungle, traditional Balinese villages, and waterfalls you will have all to yourself. If you want to pamper yourself, paying a visit to the Banjar Hot springs is a great idea. Here you can enjoy three pools filled with sulfurous water set in a beautiful tropical garden.
The sulfurous water is said to be good to cure all sorts of ailments ranging from skin diseases like psoriasis and eczema to arthritis and even fibromyalgia. It has a nice temperature of 38 degrees Celsius and a subtle eggy smell. Aside from the hot springs, you can enjoy a meal at the onsite restaurant or book a massage for only $ 5/hour.
The Banjar hot springs are a wonderful alternative to the Tirta Empul holy spring near Ubud in Bali which is overrun by tourists every day of the year. At the Banjar hot springs, chances are you won’t meet any other tourists. It’s authentic Bali at its best.
In Lovina, you can rent a scooter or hire an Ojek to get to the Banjars hot springs. It takes about 15 minutes to get from Lovina to the hot springs. alternatively, you can take a bemo, which will drop you off at the main road in Banjar. From there, it’s half an hour’s walk.
If you want to visit the Banjar hot springs, the best place to stay is the seaside resort of Lovina. The Santhiku Hotel & Spa is a great place to stay.
This hidden gem in Bali was suggested by Annelies of Travelers and Dreamers
Unknown Swings in Bali
Bali Sunrise Swing
Nowadays, there are many swings in Bali that offer stunning views of rice fields, surrounding mountains, lakes, and other natural wonders. Bali Sunrise Swing is off the beaten path, on a small road in the mountains near Lake Batur.
It’s a hidden gem in Bali, as you have to know that you are looking for it to get there. After all, it’s not really on the way to some of the most famous things to do in Bali. However, it is more than worth a visit during a day trip from Ubud.
It is special because here you can get views of Lake Batur, Mt Batur, and the surrounding valley. Not only that, but you can also get views of the opposite direction of the Bali Sea and the mountainside leading to it.
At this location, it is possible to have a stunning photo session on swings on both sides of the mountain. There is also a viewing platform you can climb on to get a magical picture. The locals ask for an entrance fee, but they also help to swing you and take pictures of you.
To get the best light for the photos you should visit the Bali Sunrise Swing around sunrise or sunset. It’s always amazing to see the sun rise or set when you are on the top of a mountain!
The best way to get to this hidden gem is to rent a scooter. Use Google Maps to get there. Save this location to find it.
Recommended by Una from Wandernity
Getting to the Unknown Places in Bali
In most cases, it is best to either hire a private driver or to rent a scooter. Both allow you to venture off the beaten track, and it is up to you to choose whichever means of transportation is best for you. Consider booking your means of transportation in advance.
Planning a trip?
Check out these useful websites and resources I use to plan my own adventures.
Roundup: The Best Hidden Gems in Bali
Bali has a lot to offer, and at times, it can be hard to belive that these amazing spots are rather unknown to travelers. These places are more than worth a visit, so be sure to explore at least some of these hidden gems.
Please do so in a responsible way, so others can enjoy these locations as well. And consider not tagging the exact location when posting photos on social media. Doing so helps protect secret spots in Bali and elsewhere, and encourages fellow travelers to research amazing spots just like you did.
I like to think that it makes travel planning more fun, by turning it into somewhat of a location treasure hunt that starts with one photo.
More about Bali
If you are planning a trip to Bali, you might also be interested in these Indonesia travel guides:
Bali Travel Budget
Things to do in Ubud
Will you visit some of these hidden gems in Bali?
Let me know in the comments down below!
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