You’ve seen the photos: the infinity pools, the crowded rice terraces, the endless line for a picture at the “Gateway to Heaven.” But what if I told you there’s a different Bali? A quieter, more authentic island waiting for those willing to go a little deeper?
As someone who has spent time exploring Bali’s lesser-known corners, I can tell you that the island’s true magic lies just off the well-trodden path. It’s in the misty highlands, the remote fishing villages, and the hidden waterfalls that only a few people ever find. This isn’t a guide to Bali’s most popular attractions; it’s a narrative for the curious, a first-person journey into the heart of the island’s hidden gems.
Read also: 7 Must-Visit Spiritual Destination in Bali
1. Sidemen Valley: The Green Heart of Bali
The drive into Sidemen Valley felt like a journey back in time. The air grew cooler, the roads narrowed, and the landscape transformed into a patchwork of emerald green rice fields. Unlike the bustling energy of Ubud, Sidemen whispers a different story. I stayed in a small guesthouse run by a local family, waking up to the sound of roosters and the sight of Mount Agung, Bali’s most sacred volcano, shrouded in a soft morning mist.
My favorite memory from Sidemen wasn’t a landmark, but a simple walk. I spent an afternoon wandering through the rice paddies, the only sound the rustle of the wind through the tall stalks. A farmer smiled and waved, his face weathered by the sun, a genuine welcome that felt far more meaningful than any tourist attraction. For a taste of the “old Bali,” Sidemen is an absolute must.
2. Tukad Cepung Waterfall: The Waterfall in a Cave
I’d seen countless photos of Bali’s waterfalls, but none of them prepared me for the ethereal beauty of Tukad Cepung. Tucked away in a cave, this waterfall is a true spectacle. The journey to get there is an adventure in itself, involving a short hike and a wade through a shallow riverbed.
But the moment I stepped into the cavern, I understood the hype. A powerful stream of water cascaded from a circular opening in the cave ceiling, illuminated by a single shaft of sunlight. The air was cool and misty, the sound of the falling water echoing off the rock walls. It felt like standing inside a hidden sanctuary, a sacred place of nature’s design.
3. Munduk: Where the Clouds Meet the Coffee
If you want to escape the heat and the crowds, head to Munduk in North Bali. This mountain village is a world away from the island’s famous beaches. The air is crisp, the landscape is a stunning mix of coffee plantations, clove farms, and cascading waterfalls. I rented a small scooter and spent a day getting lost on the winding roads, stopping to sip on local coffee and admire the panoramic views of the twin lakes, Buyan and Tamblingan.
The highlight of my time in Munduk was hiking to Banyumala Twin Waterfalls. Unlike the more popular waterfalls, the path to Banyumala is less developed, a jungle trek that rewards you with an almost-private oasis. The twin streams of water fell into a beautiful, natural swimming pool, and for a moment, it felt like I was the only person in the world.
Read more: Discover the Beautiful Hidden Side of Bali in Munduk
4. The Lesser-Known Beaches of the South
While most travelers flock to Kuta and Seminyak, the southern peninsula of Uluwatu holds some of Bali’s most beautiful and secluded beaches.
- Nyang Nyang Beach: This beach is a reward for the adventurous. It requires a steep, 20-minute hike down a cliffside, but the effort is more than worth it. As I descended, the view of a long, pristine stretch of white sand and brilliant turquoise water opened up before me. There were only a handful of people on the entire beach, making it feel like my own private paradise. The remains of a shipwreck on the sand add a hauntingly beautiful touch.
- Gunung Payung Beach: Located near Nusa Dua, this is another hidden gem that requires a short descent. The beach is a peaceful, well-kept secret with calm waters perfect for swimming. I spent hours here, shielded from the sun by cliffside caves, the only sounds the gentle lapping of the waves and the distant laughter of a few local kids playing in the sand.
5. Amed: A Dive into Serenity
On the far northeastern coast of Bali lies Amed, a sleepy fishing village known for its black sand beaches and incredible underwater world. While most people go to Tulamben for the famous USAT Liberty shipwreck, Amed offers its own unique magic.
I rented a mask and snorkel and swam out into Jemeluk Bay. Just a few meters from shore, I was surrounded by a vibrant coral garden teeming with colorful fish. But the real surprise was the “underwater temple”—a series of submerged statues and monuments that have become an artificial reef. It was a surreal experience, floating over a sunken world where ancient spirituality meets the new life of the ocean.
6. Nusa Penida: The Island’s Rugged Counterpart
While technically a separate island, the journey to Nusa Penida feels like an extension of Bali’s adventurous spirit, only amplified. A short, fast boat ride from Sanur delivers you to a landscape that is both breathtaking and raw. Unlike Bali, Penida’s roads are notoriously rugged, its cliffs more dramatic, and its beaches more secluded.
I remember renting a small scooter and navigating the treacherous, pothole-ridden roads to reach Kelingking Beach. The journey was a thrill in itself, a white-knuckle ride past fields of tall grass and local villages. When I finally reached the lookout point, I was met with a scene that felt like it belonged in a movie. The famous T-Rex-shaped cliff jutted out into the brilliant turquoise water, a sight so stunning it made the difficult drive entirely worth it.
But the true hidden gem of Nusa Penida for me wasn’t Kelingking; it was Angel’s Billabong and Broken Beach. Located a short scooter ride away, these natural wonders felt like a secret portal to another world. Angel’s Billabong is a natural infinity pool carved into the rock, with crystal-clear water where you can take a dip at low tide. Just a few steps away, Broken Beach is a stunning cove with a natural archway carved by the waves. The sound of the ocean crashing against the cliffs was a powerful, rhythmic beat, a reminder of nature’s raw power.
Read more: Exploring Nusa Penida to the Fullest: A Comprehensive 3-Day Itinerary
7. The Villages of the North: Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfall
Just a short drive from Munduk, I stumbled upon a truly magical series of waterfalls that are a testament to Bali’s hidden beauty. The Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfalls are a collection of cascades, each with its own unique character, nestled in a lush, green jungle. Unlike the more popular falls, this site is a series of short, easy hikes, allowing you to discover one stunning waterfall after another without a huge physical effort.
My favorite was the main cascade, a powerful, misty fall that felt incredibly refreshing after the humid trek. But what made it special was the quiet. There were no tour buses, no selfie-stick-wielding crowds—just the sound of water and the feeling of complete solitude. It felt like I had discovered my own private piece of paradise, a place where I could connect with nature without any distractions.
The True Spirit of Bali: It’s About the Hunt
Bali’s hidden gems aren’t just a list of places to visit; they are a mindset. The magic of the island reveals itself to those who seek it, to those who are willing to navigate a bumpy road or hike down a steep path in search of something special. It’s in the quiet moments—the warm greeting from a local, the unexpected beauty of a hidden waterfall, the feeling of the sea breeze on a secluded beach.
So my final piece of advice for the curious traveler is this: don’t just follow the guidebook. Follow your intuition. Go beyond the postcard and let the island guide you. You might find a place that nobody else knows about, and in that moment, Bali’s best-kept secret will be yours alone.
