Had enough of crazy traffic? Can’t face another sunset queue at La Brisa? Beyond the smoothie bowls and beach clubs lies an island where traditional ceremonies still outnumber selfie sticks, and the only sound you’ll hear at dawn is gamelan music drifting through rice fields.
Bali is one of the top destinations in the world, attracting millions of visitors each year. And who can blame them? It’s not known as the Island of the Gods for no reason.
While a Bali itinerary usually includes destinations like Ubud and Canggu for all they offer, these places can also get quite crowded, especially during peak seasons.
So, if you’re craving a more authentic experience and a tranquil atmosphere away from the crowds, I’ve got you covered with the best Bali hidden gems to explore!
Although the government introduced the Bali tourist tax in 2024, it hasn’t done much to curb the numbers. But let’s hope this tax is put to good use to help preserve the island’s wonders. In the meantime, you can seek a peaceful escape in one of Bali’s best-kept secrets.
In this guide, I’ll share with you the best Bali hidden gems to explore, perfect for those looking to go off the beaten track and enjoy a hidden paradise within the paradise.
Bali still has so much more to offer beyond the usual Canggu things to do. Ready to escape the crowds? Let’s dive into the best of Bali’s hidden gems!
Sidemen Valley: Bali’s Ubud of the Past
Picture Ubud thirty years ago, before Eat Pray Love turned it into the popular spiritual destination it is today. That’s Sidemen.
Tucked into East Bali’s folds, this picturesque village is what everyone imagines Bali to be: lush rice terraces, Mount Agung playing peek-a-boo through the clouds, and locals who still look surprised to see tourists. Here, you can join morning walks through lush rice fields without dodging a single social media influencer.
Traditional weaving villages dot the landscape, where you can watch intricate songket fabric being made the old-school way. Forget factory tours—this is someone’s actual front porch.
The handful of small guesthouses and villas here all seem to have scored the best views in Bali, and somehow, they’re still charging prices that will barely bother your travel budget. With breathtaking views all around, it’s the ideal spot for a short hike and a peaceful escape into nature.
Nusa Penida’s Secret North
While Nusa Penida has become a popular destination for its iconic spots like Crystal Bay and Kelingking Beach, not all of the island is overrun by crowds. Venture a little off the beaten path, and you’ll discover why Nusa Penida remains one of the best Bali hidden gems.
The northern coast, often overlooked, is a treasure trove of natural wonders—think hidden waterfalls, cliff-top Hindu temples, and breathtaking beaches with snorkeling spots where it’s just you and the manta rays.
If you’re willing to explore beyond the Instagram hotspots, you’ll find a quieter, untouched side of Nusa Penida that feels like an adventure to discover.
Base yourself in one of the tiny fishing villages, like Sampalan Village, where guesthouses are run by families who’ll probably invite you to the next temple ceremony. Another gem is Ped Village, a quiet coastal village where the Pura Penataran Ped Temple sits along the main road.
This sacred site, built from limestone, is a window into Bali’s deep cultural heritage, so you can experience Hindu traditions up close. It’s the kind of place where the island’s soul feels alive, far from the usual tourist trails.
Some of the roads in this part of Nusa Penida are challenging, and access is limited. Every wrong turn leads to another view that’ll make you feel like you’ve discovered something special (and you have).
Hidden along these roads are several hidden and unnamed beaches with crystal-clear waters, white sand, and vibrant coral reefs.
Or you can find Seganing Waterfall, you’ll have to work to get there but ones you do, you’ll be rewarded with a picturesque seaside waterfall and natural pools.
TIP: Take a quick trip to Nusa Lembongan—it’s only around 20-minute boat ride, and you can easily ask a local fisherman to take you there.
Sekumpul Waterfall
Sekumpul Waterfall is one of Bali’s hidden treasures, often considered the island’s most beautiful and impressive waterfall!
Tucked away in the heart of North Bali, it’s a collection of several waterfalls cascading down green cliffs, surrounded by lush jungles.
Located around 2.5 hours’ drive from the main tourist hubs like Canggu, Seminyak, Kuta, and Ubud. It’s off the beaten track and quite hard to get to.
The hike down to Sekumpul is steep and challenging, but the natural beauty and incredible views make it totally worth the effort. For nature lovers, this spot is a must-visit!
Munduk: Where the Clouds Rest
Munduk has to be, in my opinion, one of the best Bali hidden gems. This mountain village didn’t get the memo about Bali being a beach destination, and thank goodness for that.
Wrapped in clove plantations and coffee farms, Munduk sits pretty in north Bali’s highlands. Where the air is crisp enough to make you forget about those sweaty temple visits down south.
A nice, cooler climate and a morning fog that puts on a better show than any beach club DJ, rolling through valleys and wrapping around Dutch colonial buildings.
Put on your hiking boots and trek through the iconic Munduk Rice Terraces, or take a walk along the Munduk Ridge Walk to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding lush hills, valleys, and lakes.
Hidden waterfalls? Check! Ancient temples minus the tour buses? Absolutely! Hiking trails where the only other footprints belong to local farmers? You bet.
The best part? The few accommodation options here all seem to have mastered the art of infinity pools facing nothing but jungle and mountains. Prepare for an incredible view!
Waterfalls in Munduk area include: Banyumala twin waterfalls, Munduk Waterfall, and Melanting Waterfall.
West Bali National Park: The Wild West
Everyone’s so busy posting photos from the Gili Islands that they’ve completely forgotten about West Bali’s secret corner. This is one of the lesser-known spots in Bali, or at least less visited.
Home to diverse ecosystems, including mangroves, savannahs and also rare wildlife. West Bali National Park is home to some of the island’s last wild beaches, where the only footprints in the sand might be from a passing deer.
Stay in Pemuteran, where local initiatives have created one of the world’s largest artificial reef projects.
The handful of eco-lodges here blend seamlessly with the environment, offering simple and nature-focused stays.
Or head to Menjangan Island for even more stunning beaches. Morning activities include spotting rare Bali Starlings, snorkeling with reef sharks, and counting how many different shades of blue you can see.
Amed’s Hidden Coves
Amed’s string of fishing villages keeps it real with rainbow-colored jukung boats and some of the best dawn views of Mount Agung you’ll ever see.
Each little bay feels like its own secret world, with black sand beaches backed by volcano views and water so clear you can count fish from the shore.
The snorkeling here makes those crowded Nusa Lembongan spots look less amazing. Some of the best snorkeling and diving in Bali happens right here!
Japanese shipwrecks? Right off the beach. Traditional salt farming? Still happening every morning. Beachfront warungs serving fresh-caught fish? Obviously. And somehow, there’s still no need to reserve a sunbed.
Air Terjun Sambangan: The Secret Garden of Waterfalls
North Bali’s got this little secret: a network of seven waterfalls that most tourists have never heard of. The locals call it the Secret Garden, and reaching it involves a trek through jungle, coffee plantations, and tiny villages where kids still wave at strangers.
This isn’t your standard waterfall experience—no entrance fee, no selfie spots, just pure Bali nature doing its thing.
Bring a local guide (seriously, you’ll get lost otherwise) and prepare for some Indiana Jones moments as you scramble down jungle paths and wade through rivers.
Bali Hidden Gems: The Road Less Traveled Tips
Getting to some of these spots takes a bit more effort than hailing a Grab to Potato Head, but that’s kind of the point. Rent a scooter if you’re brave (and experienced), or hire a local driver for a more comfort and security ride.
Pack accordingly, so bring decent walking shoes, a rain jacket (mountain weather keeps it interesting), and enough cash to last a few days—ATMs can be rare in remote areas of Bali.
Most importantly, bring the right attitude. Things move slower here, plans change based on ceremonies, and that’s exactly how it should be. This is the Bali you came looking for, where every wrong turn leads to secret spots, a unique experience, and a true taste of authentic Bali.
Remember: these places stay special because people respect them. Join a ceremony if invited, learn a few words of Balinese, and maybe don’t geotag that perfect sunset spot. Let’s keep some Bali hidden gems just between us, yeah?
Having spent over 6 years in Bali, I’ve created a collection of Indonesia Travel Guides to help make your trip as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Before you go, be sure to check out some of my other guides for more tips and insights: Is Bali Safe for Travelers?, Complete Bali Packing List, and much more!
