Off The Beaten Track Bali: 10 Bali Hidden Gems

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Nestled in the lush foothills of Mount Agung, the village retains a quieter atmosphere where you can enjoy nature and enjoy a slower pace of life.

Walk through the rice fields, taking in the lush Bali greenery and fresh air and experience authentic Balinese culture. 

Explore the Sideman Valley on foot or by bike, winding through its iconic rice paddies, stopping to watch local farmers at work or to soak in the views of the mist-covered mountains. 

If you’re seeking a bit more adventure, guided treks up Mount Agung or Mount Batur are a must, with panoramic views at sunrise. You can also go white-water rafting on the Telaga Waja River.

You can try some cultural experiences in Sidemen, too. Visit traditional weaving workshops to observe artisans crafting intricate textiles using age-old techniques, or try an Indonesian Cooking class.

Sidemen is also home to a couple of luxury resorts where you can still enjoy all the hallmarks of a dream Bali itinerary – romantic dinners, floating breakfasts and private pools!

Sidemen is perfect for couples looking to experience an off the beaten track side of Bali.

Distance from airport: 58kms / 36 miles

How long to stay: 3 nights or more

Couples often come here on day trips as the surrounding areas are full of misty landscapes including lakes, waterfalls, coffee plantations and famous spots like Ulun Danu Beratan Temple and insta-worthy Bali spots like Wanagiri Hidden Hills and Bali Handira Gate.

Get a truly off the beaten track Bali vibe and stay for a couple of days so you can explore early and miss the day trippers staying in the south that come to these hotspots.

The Twin Lakes and the array of stunning waterfalls make it a worthy addition.

The cascading waters, nestled in lush jungles of Munduk Waterfall, Melanting Waterfall, Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfall, Tukad Cepung Waterfall, and Banyumala Twin Waterfalls are all within easy reach.

Hiking is a must-do in Munduk. Trails wind through coffee plantations, spice farms, and terraced hillsides, with panoramic views over Lake Tamblingan and Lake Buyan, two crater lakes nestled among the mountains.

Enjoy a serene canoe ride across the lakes. Visit local coffee and clove plantations to learn about traditional farming practices and sample locally grown Balinese coffee. 

You can hire scooters or book a driver to take you around.

The cooler climate makes Munduk a pleasant retreat from the humidity. You won’t find ultra luxury spots around here but boutique eco-lodges for cosy stay in the countryside.

Distance from airport: 84kms / 52 miles

How long to stay: 4 nights

But not too far away you’ll find some Bali hidden gems along the coast for uncrowded vibes, unique experiences, a glimpse into local culture and great snorkelling and surfing.

This region is known for its laid-back charm and local vibe. The serene beaches, cultural experiences, and luxurious stays and it’s not too far from the busier southern towns.

Candidasa is a quiet seaside village where you can unwind by the water, though its beaches are more rocky than sandy.

However, just a few minutes drive Pasir Putih (White Sand Beach) is a hidden gem, with soft yellow sand (it’s 100% not white despite the name!), clear turquoise water, and a tranquil local vibe for a relaxing beach day.

It’s also an ideal spot for snorkelling, with vibrant coral reefs just off the coast.

For adventure seekers, the area is a gateway to the underwater wonders of Bali’s eastern dive sites. Dive trips to the nearby Blue Lagoon and the Japanese Shipwreck in Amed are only around an hour away.

Plus, you’re just a 30-minute or so drive away from Taman Ujung Water Palace in one direction and Sideman in the other, some of the best off the beaten track Bali hidden gems!

Distance from airport: 65km / 40 miles

How long to stay: 3 nights or more

Amed is lined with traditional fishing boats and framed by the dramatic backdrop of Mount Agung. The beaches are made of volcanic black sand, the real allure lies beneath the water.

The coral reefs just offshore are teeming with marine life, making Amed a top destination for snorkelling and diving on the island.

The Japanese Shipwreck and USS Liberty Shipwreck, located near Tulamben (a short drive away), are some of Bali’s most famous dive sites and an underwater haven for colourful fish, sea turtles, and vibrant coral.

Consider taking a boat trip at sunrise and explore the coastline by traditional jukung boats. The calm waters and the sight of the sun rising over the horizon with panoramic views of the surrounding bays and mountains is a picture.

Amed is also known for its traditional salt farming, where you can witness locals producing salt by hand — a unique glimpse into ancient Balinese culture.

The great thing about Amed is that its very convenient for a sunrise hike in Mt Agung and is only an hour from other Bali hidden gems like Sideman.

With its black sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, Amed is one of our favourite Bali hidden gems.

Distance from airport: 98km / 61 miles

How long to stay: 3 nights or more

At dawn, traditional boats head out into the calm waters, where you’re likely to spot playful dolphins swimming together.

Beyond the sea, Lovina is close to some of the top Bali hidden gems and off the beaten track Bali adventures. 

The nearby Banjar Hot Springs are ideal for a soak in the natural, warm sulfuric pools. Just a short drive away, you’ll find Brahmavihara-Arama, Bali’s largest Buddhist monastery.

You’re just an hour or less away from some of Bali’s highlights! Gitgit and Sekumpul waterfalls have picturesque hikes through the jungle to reach these stunning cascades.

Explore the northern countryside, filled with rice terraces and clove plantations. This area is perfect for a more off the beaten track Bali experience.

Distance from airport: 94km / 58 miles

How long to stay: 3 nights or more

This is a true Bali hidden gem – perfect for tranquillity, pristine nature, and world-class diving.

Nestled between the calm waters of Bali’s northern coast and the lush West Bali National Park, Pemuteran is home to one of the largest coral restoration projects in the world, the BioRock project, making it a fantastic destination for snorkelling and diving. 

You’re not too far from West Bali National Park and you can even take a (long) day trip to Bali’s neighbouring island of Java where you’ll pass through plantations and rainforest to Mount Ijen and its green crater.

This is truly off the beaten track Bali!

Distance from airport: 139km / 86 miles

How long to stay: 3 nights or more

Spanning over 190 square kilometres, the park is a haven of biodiversity, from dense tropical forests to coastal mangroves and coral-rich waters. 

One of the park’s highlights is Menjangan Island, a small, uninhabited island just offshore, known for its world-class diving and snorkelling.

The island’s underwater ecosystem has some of the clearest waters and healthiest coral reefs in Bali where you can encounter colourful fish, turtles, reef sharks, and stunning coral walls that plunge into the deep blue.

On land, West Bali National Park is ideal for adventure seekers with hiking and wildlife spotting that couldn’t be further from popular destinations like Ubud.

You’ll find endangered Bali Starling, as well as monkeys, wild boar, and deer. Guided treks or bird-watching tours can take you deep into the park, where you’ll be surrounded by Bali’s untouched landscapes.

Distance from airport: 152km / 94 miles

How long to stay: 3 nights or more

This unspoiled part of Bali is known for its long stretches of deserted dark sand beaches, lush coconut groves, surfing waves and a slower pace of life.

Unlike the bustling tourist areas, Pekutatan feels untouched – ideal for peaceful walks, beach picnics, or surfing the less crowded waves. The nearby Medewi Beach is a favourite for surfers, with long, rolling waves that cater to all levels.

Explore the surrounding rural villages, where local traditions and customs remain strong.

This is not about luxury and private pools, this is one of those Bali hidden gems to get away from it all.

Distance from airport: 80km / 50 miles

How long to stay: 3 nights or more

Connected by the iconic Yellow Bridge, these islands are known for their crystal-clear waters, rugged cliffs, and laid-back vibe.

Nusa Lembongan is the larger of the two and gets day trippers seeking the scenic beaches and dramatic landscapes.

Dream Beach and Jungut Batu Beach are two of the most picturesque spots, where you can unwind on soft white sand or snorkel in the clear turquoise waters. 

Don’t miss Devil’s Tear, a coastal rock formation with stunning views of crashing waves and epic sunsets.

There’s also diving and snorkelling trips to spots like Mangrove Point and Crystal Bay, where you can swim with manta rays and explore the coral reefs.

You’ll also find beach clubs and cute boutique hotel spots.

Nusa Ceningan, a short scooter ride over the Yellow Bridge, is smaller and quieter. Blue Lagoon is one of its highlights, with stunning turquoise waters and cliff-jumping. Secret Beach is another serene spot to add to your itinerary.

Distance from airport: 15km to Port + 35 minute boat ride

How long to stay: 3 nights or more

But it receives around a third of the visitors of Bali (approx 2 million per year vs Bali’s 6 million).

If you’re planning your what to do on your dream Bali honeymoon itinerary, then Lombok and the Gili Islands might be in your radar.

Lombok has many of the same highlights as Bali – waterfalls, mountains and beaches.

A Gili Islands honeymoon is usually included on a Bali itinerary wish list!

Gili Air, Gili Meno, and Gili Trawangan are known for their tropical white sand beaches, incredible snorkelling opportunities, cute boutique hotels and a tranquil, relaxing vibe.

Gili T is perfect for couples who want some nightlife but Gili Meno is the quieter of the three, so perfect if you want to get off the beaten path in Bali!

But have you heard of the Secret Gilis? These islands off the coast of Lombok are perfect for couples seeking an off the beaten track Bali experience.

‘Gili’ means ‘island’ in the local Sasak language and you’ll find uninhabited islets and off the radar islands dotted along the coast of Lombok.

Gili Nanggu, Gili Sudak, Gili Layar, Gili Tangkong, Gili Petelu and Gili Kedis to name a few – white sand, perfect snorkelling, surf breaks and more await.

You can take a day trip but if you have the time, you can stay on Gili Gede – no cars and less people!

Distance from airport: 13km to port + 2 hour boat ride

How long to stay: 3 nights

Map of Bali