Over the last few decades, Bali has risen to prominence as one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.
Every year more than 4 million visitors arrive on Balinese shores, each looking to fulfill their own version of the tropical dream, whether it’s surfing, lounging by the pool or drinking cheap cocktails in Kuta.
But with so many people coming to this small island is it possible to explore Bali off the beaten track and discover the hidden gems of Bali? The answer, fortunately, is yes.
Here we share seven locations in Bali where you can escape the tourists, explore a different side of this beautiful island and get off the beaten track in Bali.
Where to Explore Bali Off The Beaten Track
Most of Bali’s tourism is still concentrated in the south of the island, around Kuta, Seminyak and neighbouring towns and villages.
Which means that much of the Indonesian island, whilst not exactly undiscovered territory, is still a great place to find adventure away from the tourist crowds.
So if you want to plan a Bali off the beaten track itinerary and enjoy some non touristy places in Bali, be sure to add some of these hidden spots in Bali to your itinerary.
Munduk
This small highland village in the north of Bali is overlooked by most tourists – to their loss!
The town is only an hour’s drive outside Singaraja, Bali’s second city. It is a simple and basic village, with just a few guesthouses and shops lining the main strip.
Things to do in Munduk
The reason Munduk is one of our North Bali hidden gems is that the town is a great base from which to explore many spectacular waterfalls, bike paths and hiking trails in the area.
Explore nature as you wind your way through rice fields, forests and traditional villages.
While you are there a visit to Munduk Falls and Banyumala Twin Falls is a must.
For a unique experience, explore the wilderness by off road vehicle and paddle across the nearby Tamblingan Lake.
Click here to check the price for this fun and unique Munduk tour.
A unique fact about Munduk is that one side of the street is perfectly aligned for sunset and the other for sunrise.
No matter where you stay you will have world class views over the surrounding countryside for a bargain price!
Where to stay in Munduk
From small resorts to cosy homestays there are plenty of accommodation choices in Munduk. For a relaxing stay, we like Bali Rahayu Homestay.
With lush mountain views, onsite restaurant and swimming pool it is a great place to base yourself to enjoy the area.
Click here to check the prices and availability.
Candidasa and Amed
Candidasa is located on Bali’s east coast and is made up of several small villages.
The area is a good alternative for families looking to stay in a quieter location that still has supporting tourist infrastructure. There are several nice hotels, restaurants and shops in town.
Things to do in Candidasa
Candidasa is only a short drive from the stunning white sand beach of Pasir Putih and the water temple at Tirta Gangga.
If you stay in Candidasa it is worth taking a trip up into the hills to Tenganan, an ancient village belonging to the Bali Mula.
The Bali Mula are the indigenous Balinese and live in a few isolated villages in the mountains. They have managed to preserve their distinct culture and you can observe their traditional construction and craft methods at Tenganan.
Amed is further along the east coast from Candidasa, in the shadow of the mighty Mount Agung.
Things to do in Amed
Amed is another quiet fishing village with a reputation for incredible diving and snorkelling.
Where else can you explore the wreck of a submerged ship then surface to views of an active volcano!
Joining a snorkelling tour is a great way to see the best snorkelling locations in Amed. Click here to check the price for a guided snorkelling trip in Amed.
Where to Stay in Candidasa
From private villas to resorts and homestays, there is plenty of accommodation to choose from in Candidasa.
For a luxury stay out of town take a look at the Candi Beach Resort and Spa.
With two outdoor pools, ocean views, restaurants and water sports, it is a great place to get away from it all in Bali.
Click here to check the prices and availability.
The Nusa Islands
The Nusa Islands are just a 30 minute boat ride from the Balinese mainland.
Life on the islands is said to be how it was on the mainland 30 years ago. There are three islands in the group, Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan.
Lembongan is the closest and most popular island. Ceningan is the smallest and possibly the most action packed and Nusa Penida is the largest and least developed.
Things to do on the Nusa Islands
Lembongan and Ceningan are linked by a yellow bridge and are small enough that you could visit the main sites in a day.
One of the most popular activities is snorkeling, which can be organised from the main tourist towns in Bali.
Click to find out more about snorkeling day trips from Bali.
Other activities include cliff jumping and surfing. There is even a zipline which will send you gliding across Ceningan’s sparkling Blue Lagoon.
Lembongan’s Devil’s Tear is also the perfect place to watch sunset.
Nusa Penida
Getting to Nusa Penida involves a boat ride. There are frequent boat departures from Lembongan or there are full day tours available from the mainland to West Nusa Penida. Click here for tour details.
The island is much bigger than its neighbours but infrastructure is basic.
Motorbikes are the most common transport method for getting around although there are a few rental cars to be found.
Be warned though that in some of the more remote places the ‘roads’ are little more than stone tracks.
The island has become a world famous dive and snorkelling location.
More than 20 dive sites have been located, including Manta Point and Crystal Bay. It is even possible to swim with manta rays!
Click here to see the price and reviews for this amazing experience.
It has also become something of an unofficial bird sanctuary. The interior is hilly and provides excellent opportunities to get off the beaten track with some mountain biking and trekking.
The natural landscape of all three islands is beautiful. Towering cliffs, white sand beaches (many of which you will have to yourself) and amazing views across to Bali.
Boats leave for the islands from several locations on the mainland plus from Lembongan. If you suffer from seasickness we recommend you take precautions as the seas can be a little rough on the trip.
Click here to see the range of activities available on the Nusa Islands
Where to stay in the Nusa Islands
If you want to enjoy Bali away from tourists, the Nusa Islands are a good option. There are accommodation options on all three islands.
While Nusa Penida is the least developed if you want to escape the crowds, Nusa Lembongan is a good compromise between isolation and services.
For a unique accommodation option, take a look at the Sukanusa Luxury Huts. Just 5 minutes from the beach, the pool, breakfast and service are highly regarded by visitors.
Click here to check the price and availability.
Ubud
Often described as the cultural heart of Bali, Ubud is well and truly on the tourist trail in Bali and has become much busier in recent years.
Despite its popularity it still manages to maintain a laid back and spiritual atmosphere and it is still possible to explore Ubud off the beaten path.
There are plenty of interesting sites around the town including a beautiful royal palace, temples and art galleries.
The town is surrounded by dense forest and terraced rice fields and this is where you can experience Ubud off the beaten track.
Things to do in Ubud
The town also provides easy access to several action adventure activities including mountain climbing, cycling and whitewater rafting.
We recommend you take a walk along the Campuhan Ridge for gorgeous views across the valley.
Take a cooking class in a local village or get away from the crowds and cycle through the rice paddies.
Click here to discover memorable activities to do in Ubud
Where to stay in Ubud
The variety of accommodation in Ubud is huge, ranging from hostels and eco campsites to high end 5 star resorts and gorgeous private villas.
It is one of the most famous town in Bali’s central highlands and is one of the best places to stay in Bali.
For the ultimate private villa experience we like Villa Bodhi.
Set out of town amongst the jungle with beautifully decorated rooms, infinity pool and exceptional service, you will not be disappointed with a stay here.
Click here to check prices and availability.
Pemuteran
Another fishing village with a world class reputation for diving and snorkelling, Pemuteran is on the north coast of Bali.
Marine conservation has played an important role here and the village is home to the largest biorock project in the world.
This provides a rare opportunity for snorkelling on a coral reef right off the beach.
A little further out at a depth of 15 – 30m, a Hindu ‘temple’ has been constructed to provide a unique (if somewhat spooky) opportunity for scuba divers.
Boat trips to spot dolphins depart every morning just before dawn and Bali’s national park is within easy driving distance.
The beaches along the north coast are fine-grained black sand and Bali’s mountains provide a beautiful backdrop on this part of the island.
If you don’t have a car, the best way to explore this part of Bali off the beaten path is by private car charter.
It is surprisingly affordable and the day can be completely customized to your needs.
Click here to check the price for a private car charter.
Where to stay in Pemuteran
If you are travelling with a group, the beachfront Villa Semadhi is a great choice in Pemuteran.
With pool, private cook and family friendly accommodation it is the perfect destination for a relaxing stay.
Click here to check prices and availability.
West Bali National Park
Bali’s only national park (Taman Nasional Bali) is in the north west of the island.
The park covers an area of 190km which, when combined, with an additional 580km2 of protected land lying just to the east accounts for 10% of Bali’s total land area.
The park contains a wide variety of ecosystems, including beach, rainforest, mangroves, open savannah and montane forests and it is certainly one of the more non touristy things to do in Bali.
The area is home to 160 species of bird and several larger mammals including deer, wild boar and leopard cats.
Things to do in the National Park
There are several different trails through the park, ranging from fairly gentle 2 hours ‘strolls’, to much more intense day long hikes.
A must do for all visitors to the park is a journey out to Menjangan, a beautiful uninhabited island lying just off the coast.
Visitors are rewarded with a stunning Hindu temple to explore and some of the best diving / snorkelling in Bali.
A great way to experience this unique part of Bali is on a multi day tour.
Not only do you see some of the famous Bali destinations along the way to the National Park, you stay inside the National Park and have the opportunity to snorkel at the beautiful Menjangan Island. Click here for more tour details.
Accommodation within the park boundaries is limited to a couple of high end resorts.
However the park is close to the town of Gilimanuk and the popular resort area of Lovina, both of which have a choice of places to stay.
Try camping to explore Bali off the beaten track
If you really want to get away from it all and experience Balinese nature in all its glory, why not forego a hotel altogether and opt for a tent instead!
Camping in Bali offers a range of experiences from boutique ‘glamping’ to cheap and cheerful ‘bring your own tent’ campgrounds.
At the high end, some of the ‘glamping’ options feel more like 5 star resorts than escapes back to nature.
If you are looking for something a little more basic that still has a few creature comforts, you could try the Baliwoso Ecotourism Camp close to Kintamani.
Another option is Bali Camping by Jatiluwih (a potential world heritage site).
Both of these campgrounds are in beautiful locations, have close links to their neighboring villages and offer a range of adventure activities.
If you are just after a basic campsite, with perhaps a few amenities, then there are a few dotted all around the island.
The area around Mount Batur in particular has some great options such as Toya Bungkah. Some have panoramic views of the surrounding mountainous landscape and Lake Batur.
Click here to search for camping and glamping sites in Bali
Bali is a beautiful destination and offers a huge array of things to do for families and singles alike.
It is one of the most popular holiday destinations and a favorite place to travel in Asia for many people.
We highly recommend exploring Bali off the beaten path and exploring the lesser known villages for a rewarding Bali experience.
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We have just been in Candidasa for 5 nights. It was fabulous! We took a boat around to the white sand beach for lunch at a Warung, and got a great view of Mt Agung … and also went snorkelling out by the little rocky islands.
There are so many places to explore in Bali besides the more well known destinations. So glad you had a great time!