Hidden Gems in Bali: Explore the Island Like a Local

While many visitors to Bali head to Seminyak and Ubud, if you're looking to escape the crowds and get off the beaten path, it's entirely possible to do so. In fact, if you're up for a little bit of adventure, you're going to love seeking out the many hidden gems in Bali.

You don't need to disappear into the wilderness to dodge the crowds in Bali. Pick one region, start early, and plan for slower roads. Take inspiration from this guide and you're bound to have an incredible time exploring a more authentic side of the Island of the Gods.

• North Bali: swimming holes and waterfall days around Sambangan and Munduk
• East Bali: rice terraces, viewpoints, and village life in Sidemen
• Central Bali: sunrise at Jatiluwih’s UNESCO-listed landscape
• West Bali: wildlife, snorkelling, and guided treks in the national park
• South Bali and Nusa Penida: beach-hopping in Uluwatu, manta encounters offshore

You'll find some of the best hidden gems in Bali clustered around the northern part of the island. This includes the Blue Lagoon at Sambangan Secret Garden.

While you can hire a guide to take you to this secret swimming hole, you can easily reach it on your own by driving to Warung D’Jurang in the town of Ambengan and following the signs to the Blue Lagoon. After a short downhill walk, you'll be greeted by the impossibly blue and clear waters of Blue Lagoon perfectly framed by the plant- and vine-clad canyon walls.

Quick tip:

There is a small entry fee to access Sambangan's Blue Lagoon. Facilities are very limited, though you may find a basic toilet near the parking area or trailhead.1

• Travel time from Sanur:  around 2.5 hours
• Best for: Swimmers, couples
• Effort level: easy, short downhill walk from Warung D’Jurang

North Bali is home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls on the island. One of the best places to see multiple waterfalls in one day is in the Munduk area. While some of these cascades are popular, they are all well off South Bali's well-trodden tourist track.

Aling-Aling waterfall

Munduk's most famous waterfall is Aling-Aling. This is one for adventure junkies who will love jumping off the multiple cliff diving spots and sliding down the natural waterslides.

Gitgit Twin waterfall

Next up is the gorgeous Gitgit Twin Waterfall. Not only is this natural wonder picture-perfect, but you can take a dip in the blue waters to cool off.

Sekumpul waterfall

If you don't mind a slightly strenuous 45 minute hike, it's well worth trekking to Sekumpul Waterfall. This 80-metre-tall twin waterfall is the tallest in Bali.

Munduk waterfall trail

Another option is to tackle the Munduk Waterfall trail, which will lead you through the rainforest to Golden Valley, Munduk, and Melanting waterfalls.

Quick tip:

All waterfalls in the Munduk area require a small entry fee.

• Travel time from Sanur: around 2.5 hours
• Best for: Adventure seekers, hikers
• What to bring: Sturdy shoes, especially for the Sekumpul trek

Located in the very heart of the island, Jatiluwih Rice Terraces offer a less-touristy alternative to Ubud's famous Tegallalang Rice Terrace. Located 90 minutes from Ubud, the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces' massive size and rural location mean you'll have to contend with far fewer crowds. In fact, you may not even see many tourists during your visit.

What makes this one of the coolest hidden gems in Bali is that the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famed for their incredible Subak irrigation system. Spanning nearly 600 hectares, you'll have the chance to wander around the emerald green terraces either on foot or on a bike.

Quick tip:

Go at sunrise for the best light and cooler temperatures. The terraces span 600 hectares, so allow at least two to three hours to explore properly.

• Travel time from Sanur: around 1.5 hours
• Best for: Photographers, culture lovers
• Effort level: easy, flat trails, bike hire available

If you're searching for non-touristy places in Bali, do yourself a favour and drive up to the rural village of Sidemen in East Bali. This is where you'll find some of the most incredible natural attractions on the island, but without the crowds you'll experience in hubs like Ubud and Canggu.

What to do in Sidemen

• Meander around the verdant rice terraces and paddies
• Swim in the natural infinity pool at Gembleng Waterfall
• Take in panoramic views of Mount Agung (Bali's largest volcano) from Bukit Cinta Viewpoint or Lahangan Sweet Volcano Viewpoint
• Enjoy a peaceful riverside picnic next to the Telaga Waja River

Quick tip:

• Travel time from Sanur: around 1.5 hours
• Best for: Nature lovers, slow travellers
• Effort level: Easy to moderate. Viewpoints require short walks

West Bali National Park was tailor-made for anyone who's really looking to get off the beaten path in Bali. This remote national park is located at the northernmost tip of West Bali. The 190-square-kilometre park spans the entire Prapat Agung Peninsula and is home to some of the most incredible natural attractions in Bali.

Menjangan Island

One of the coolest things to do in West Bali National Park is to go diving or snorkelling around Menjangan Island. From turtles to reef sharks, the marine life here is spectacular. This island is also worth visiting to explore the mangroves and see the packs of resident deer.

Other activities in the park

• Bird-watching in the rainforest
• Jungle treks through the Prapat Agung Peninsula
• Spotting the nearly endangered Bali starlings in the wild or at the Bali Starling Breeding Centre

Quick tip:

The park is remote with limited infrastructure, so independent access is difficult. The easiest and safest option is to have a guide to show you around.

• Travel time from Sanur: around 3 hours
• Best for: Divers, wildlife enthusiasts
• Effort level: moderate, mainly due to distance and logistics

It's no secret that the beaches in South Bali can get packed with tourists. If you're looking for secluded beaches in Bali, you'll want to rent a scooter and go beach hopping around Uluwatu.

Nyang Nyang Beach (west entrance)

To truly escape the crowds, Nyang Nyang Beach is your best bet. The west entrance is accessible by motorbike via a newly paved road. On this part of the beach, you'll find basic amenities, including a few small warungs (restaurants) and loungers for rent.

Nyang Nyang Beach (east entrance)

The east side of Nyang Nyang Beach is far more remote. Because it's only accessible via a steep 500-step staircase, most visitors avoid it. The climb back up is quite gruelling but worth it if you want to have a beach (almost) all to yourself.

Nunggalan Beach

Nunggalan Beach is right next door to Nyang Nyang Beach and is another secluded spot. This place never gets crowded but don't be surprised if you see a few adventurous travellers taking photos at the Insta-famous "Broken Ship," a shipwreck that street artists have painted over.

Quick tip:

Rent a scooter in Uluwatu to hop between beaches. The roads are paved but steep in places.

• Travel time from Sanur: around 1 hour
• Best for: Beach lovers, solitude seekers
• Effort level: easy to hard, depending on your entrance and stairs

When it comes to diving sites, Nusa Penida is one of the most unique hidden gems in Bali. The waters surrounding this rugged island are home to enormous manta rays, which can be spotted all year long.

The best place to view these magnificent creatures is in the waters below Manta Point, a viewpoint on the mainland of Nusa Penida. It's possible to join diving and snorkelling tours that will take you to Manta Point.

Swimming with manta rays is never guaranteed, but the chances are good. Either way, the coral reefs in this area are home to spectacular sea life, from bamboo sharks to blue-spotted stingrays and even Mola mola.

Quick tip:

• Travel time from Sanur: around 1.5 hours (drive and boat)
• Best for: Divers, snorkellers
• Getting there: Boats depart from Sanur harbour. The crossing takes around 30 to 45 minutes.

The laid-back beach town of Sanur offers an excellent alternative to Kuta and Seminyak, without being too far removed from all the action. Mercure Resort Sanur is all about offering a local and authentic experience with a dash of luxury. You can expect Balinese-style rooms spread across expansive tropical gardens. Other perks at Mercure Resort Sanur include two pools, a private beach, and a spa. 

Located in South Bali, Sanur is a convenient home base for exploring some of the best hidden gems in Bali. From the secluded beaches of Uluwatu to the coral reefs of Nusa Penida, many of the less-visited spots on this list are just a short distance away from Sanur.

What is the best time of year to visit Bali's hidden gems?

The dry season from April to October is best for visiting Bali's hidden gems, especially the waterfalls and jungle treks. Trails to Sekumpul and Sambangan can get slippery in the wet season (November to March), and heavy rain may limit outdoor activities in Munduk and West Bali National Park.

How many days do you need to explore Bali's hidden gems?

Allow at least five to seven days if you want to cover North, East, and South Bali without rushing. Munduk and Sambangan need a full day each, Sidemen and Jatiluwih another, and Uluwatu and Nusa Penida at least one day apiece. Base yourself in Sanur to cut travel time between regions.

What are some lesser-known beaches in Bali?

Some lesser-known beaches in Bali are Uluwatu's Nyang Nyang and Green Bowl beaches in South Bali, Amed's black sand Jemeluk and Lipah beaches in North Bali, and Nusa Penida's wild and remote Atuh and Diamond beaches off the coast of South Bali.

Where can I go to avoid crowds in Bali?

If you're wondering where to go to avoid crowds in Bali, you could opt to visit beach towns in North Bali, including Amed and Lovina. If you want to be near all of the hidden gems in South Bali, the seaside town of Sanur is an excellent option.

What is the best way to get around Bali's hidden gems?

Renting a scooter is the most flexible and budget friendly option for short distances and South Bali beach hopping. For longer drives to Munduk, Sidemen, or West Bali National Park, hire a private driver for the day. Grab works in built-up areas but is unreliable in remote parts of North and East Bali.