Tourism in Bali is booming, and it can be hard to escape the crowds and find some solitude in this beautiful place. But these Bali hidden gems offer an escape off the beaten path that might give you a glimpse into what Bali was like before it became so popular.

The Best Bali Hidden Gems

These Bali destinations are filled with amazing attractions but still manage to fly under the radar for most travelers to Bali. Be sure to add these Bali hidden gems to your Bali itinerary:

• Munduk
• Sidemen
• Pemuteran
• Amed
• Padangbai
• Penglipuran
• Nusa Dua

Things to Do in Munduk

Escape to the mountain village of Munduk in North Bali and enjoy the tropical plant life, rice terraces without the crowds, and plenty of waterfalls.

Trek to the Munduk Waterfalls

Munduk is truly a paradise of waterfalls, and you can trek to several of them – Red Coral, Golden Valley, Labuhan Kebo, and Laangan Melanting – on a self-guided hike of a few hours. 

Note: Each waterfall has a small entrance fee.

Visit the Great Banyan Tree

About 5 minutes outside of Munduk is the village of Gesing where you will find a 700-year-old banyan tree stretching 85 meters to the sky – and 70 meters in diameter.

Stop at Ulun Danu Bratan

While it’s not actually in Munduk, the water temple of Ulun Danu Bratan is definitely worth a stop if it’s on your way to Munduk. The temple is only about half an hour from Munduk, and it is a stunning sight sitting on Lake Beratan.

Wander the Munduk Rice Terraces

Though the Munduk Rice Terraces are not as well-known as the famous Tegallalang rice terraces, they are also far less crowded. Visiting these terraces is the perfect way to experience an iconic Bali landscape without tons of tourists.

Things to Do in Sidemen

Explore the quiet tranquility of east Bali in Sidemen. This rural area offers a slower pace among the rice fields, and the views of Mount Agung will take your breath away.

Splash in Gembleng Waterfall

Gembleng Waterfall stands out among the many amazing waterfalls in Bali thanks to the naturally formed infinity pool at the top. It’s a steep but short climb up rock steps to the pool and its incredible views.

See the Light at Tukad Cepung Waterfall

It’s a bit outside of town, but the Tukad Cepung Waterfall is a must-see when you’re in Sidemen. This waterfall is deep within a cave and if you go at the right time in the morning, the light filtering through from above will illuminate the waterfall in a truly spectacular way.

Sit on the Banks of the Telaga Waja River

This river that runs through Sidemen can have some serious rapids, but it’s lovely to sit on the banks with the water rushing by. And when the flow is low, you can even take a quick dip.

Things to Do in Pemuteran

You’ll find Pemuteran on the northwest coast of Bali, and it’s high on the list of Bali hidden gems for snorkeling and diving, among other attractions.

Go Snorkeling at the Biorock Reef

The Biorock Project in Pemuteran was started in 2000 to rebuild the extremely damaged coral reefs. The results have been wonderful, and you can see the regrowth up close by snorkeling here.

Dive to the Underwater Temple Garden

Taman Pura, the Underwater Temple Garden, is located in Pemuteran Bay, and it’s a fantastic place to dive. Statues have been placed under the water here to mimic ruins and  encourage sea life growth, and diving here is a lot of fun.

Take a Boat Ride to Menjangan Island

Off the coast of Pemuteran is the island of Menjangan, and you can take a boat ride out there to explore. Part of West Bali National Park is situated on the island, as is the grand Pura Gili Kencana temple. Many diving and snorkeling excursions are also available on Menjangan Island.

Hang Out on the Black Sand Beach

The beaches of Pemuteran don’t see anywhere near the throngs of people on some of the other beaches in Bali, so you can find your own seaside paradise here on the sand. Speaking of sand, Pemuteran has a range from light colored to dark black sand that’s super soft.

Things to Do in Amed

Amed is a collection of fishing villages lining the coast in northeast Bali, so it’s a perfect place for beaches and diving away from the crowds.

Appreciate An Amazing View of Mount Agung

For a different but equally stunning perspective of Mount Agung, head to Lahangan Sweet viewpoint, about half an hour drive from Amed Beach. Here you’ll find several spots to take incredible photos of Mount Agung, but the coolest is definitely the “treehouse” platform.

Snorkel at a Shipwreck

Go underwater in Amed to snorkel or dive at an interesting shipwreck off the shore. Access to the Japanese Shipwreck is free, and it’s just a few meters from the beach so it’s easy to explore and see fish and other sea life.

Savor the Sky at Sunset Point

If you go to Amed, you must watch a sunset from Jemeluk viewpoint, also known as “Sunset Point.” From here you can see a panorama of Jemeluk Bay with Mount Agung in the distance, and the sunset is simply unreal.

Indulge in a Seafood Dinner

Since Amed is made up of a string of fishing villages, you really shouldn’t skip the seafood at one of the warungs here. Try the pepes ikan, which is fresh fish steamed in a banana leaf with aromatics and chiles.

Things to Do in Padangbai

If you love laidback beaches, Padangbai should be at the top of your list of Bali hidden gems to visit. Though it’s a transit hub for ferries to Lombok and Nusa Penida, most people are just passing through.

Relax at Blue Lagoon Beach

The white sand of Blue Lagoon Beach beckons you to this hidden spot away from the crowds. You can lay on the soft sand or snorkel in the crystal clear water off the shore here.

Sunbathe in Seclusion at Bias Tugel

Bias Tugel is another hidden white sand beach situated in a beautiful bay. You’ll see some black volcanic rock here, too, and it’s a perfect place to go snorkeling in the tranquil water.

Visit Pura Silayukti

This temple is a major historical Hindu site, where it is believed Empu Kuturan (who brought the caste system to Bali) once lived. You’ll find two other temples on this site as well, and along with the cultural significance, the views are quite lovely.

Things to Do in Penglipuran

Penglipuran is a traditional village in Bangli Regency that embraces the Balinese philosophy of Tri Hita Karana, or a balance between God, humans, and the environment. Penglipuran has also received recognition as one of the three cleanest villages in the world.

Explore the Three Temples

You will find three temples in Penglipuran – Pura Penataran, Pura Dalem, and Pura Puseh. While visitors are not allowed inside the temples, you can appreciate the architecture and the rituals and ceremonies that take place there.

Visit the Local Community

Many of the local villagers of Penglipuran will welcome you into their compounds and show you around the traditional homes in the village. Some of the residents even run shops inside their homes.

Wander the Bamboo Forest

The bamboo forest just outside the village is a beautiful spot to seek solitude in Bali. You can wander through the forest on foot or by bicycle and stop whenever you choose for photos or to just appreciate this sacred space.

Things to Do in Nusa Dua

Nusa Dua feels like a luxurious escape in Bali, with many upscale resorts and peaceful beaches located just a short drive from the main airport.

Go Paddling at Pandawa Beach

Pandawa Beach is set along limestone cliffs with beautiful blue water that is perfect for paddleboarding. Although the beach is tucked away from the crowds, you’ll find plenty of shops to rent paddleboards to get out on the water.

See the Famous Waterblow 

Experience the unique natural phenomenon of the Nusa Dua “waterblow,” where a blowhole shoots water into the air when waves crash into the rocks on the coast. It’s a fun occurrence to witness, just be prepared to get wet with all the water splashing around.

Visit Puja Mandala

Puja Mandala brings together all five of the major religions in Indonesia into one complex to showcase how they can exist in harmony. Here you’ll find a Hindu temple, a Buddhist temple, a mosque, a Protestant church, and a Catholic church, and you can notice the differences while appreciating the unity.

While it can be difficult to narrow down your Indonesia itinerary, even if you have a while to spend here, these Bali hidden gems are worth seeking out to get off the beaten path!