In a nutshell
- Bali is stunning, but it’s also one of the most popular destinations in the world. That means the highlights in Bali are often crowded.
- The good news: for every famous spot, there’s usually a hidden alternative waiting to be discovered. That’s perfect if you’re looking for Bali off the beaten track.
- For example, we went on a short waterfall tour and we had the trail completely to ourselves.
- Psst – in this article we’ll share 8 insider tips in Bali you won’t want to miss. Let’s keep them just between us, okay?
The Best Hidden Gems in Bali on a Map
On this map, you can see where our insider tips are hidden. No matter which region you stay in Bali, there’s always a hidden gem nearby if you want to explore Bali off the beaten track.
Since some of these spots can be tricky to find, we’ve added a Google Maps link to each one so you can get there easily.
Secret Waterfall Tour at Goa Rang Reng Waterfall
- Location: Google Maps
- Cost: 20,000 IDR, the secret tour is donation-based
Goa Rang Reng Waterfall isn’t as striking as some of the other waterfalls in Bali, which is why few tourists make their way here. But that’s exactly what makes it one of our favorite tips for Bali off the beaten track.
From here, you can join a guide on a riverbed hike through a canyon that leads to three more hidden waterfalls. The tour is limited to just 25 people a day, and when we went, we had the entire canyon to ourselves with our guide.
The waterfalls themselves aren’t the most dramatic, but the real magic is the feeling of being completely alone in nature. You’ll swim a few meters, and even have the chance to jump into the water from a rock – if you’re brave enough.
Arrive early in the morning to secure a spot. You can’t book this in advance – it’s meant to stay off the beaten path. Plus, the light is much better for photos in the morning.
Our extra tip: chat with the guides at the entrance to Goa Rang Reng. They’ll let you in on the secret tour. You can’t do it on your own, only with a guide.
Trip to Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan
- Location: Google Maps
- Cost: about 140,000 IDR for the ferry tickets to the islands
Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan are the smaller, less touristy sisters of Nusa Penida. They sit between Bali and Nusa Penida and can be reached in about 30 minutes by boat.
The two islands are connected by a yellow bridge, making it easy to explore them together in one trip.
Here you still find that laid-back island vibe that has become rare in Bali: few tourists, wide sandy beaches dotted with beach bars, and a handful of small but charming sights off the beaten path.
Both islands are ideal for a day trip from Bali or Nusa Penida. You can explore the highlights in just one day and then spend the afternoon unwinding on the beach.
Our special tip: Secret Point Beach on Nusa Ceningan. A tiny, peaceful spot that feels like an insider tip within an insider tip.
Sweet Orange Walk
- Location: Google Maps
- Cost: free
The Sweet Orange Walk is one of the best places to visit in Ubud and for us counts as one of the most beautiful rice fields in Bali.
What makes it so special? The rice fields lie right in the heart of Ubud. Imagine this: you leave the busy streets full of scooters and crowds, slip into a narrow little alley (Google Maps) and suddenly you’re surrounded by endless green rice paddies. It’s completely quiet, apart from the occasional farmer working in the fields.
A small walking path winds through the rice fields and takes around 30 minutes. A fun detail: the concrete slabs along the path are decorated with little handwritten messages.
Our extra tip: about halfway along, you’ll come across the Sweet Orange Warung, a charming local restaurant. Stop for a break. It’s full of quirky details, like coconut faces hanging from the ceiling.
Amed and the East of Bali
- Location: Google Maps
- Cost: free
If you want to experience Bali off the beaten track, Amed is the place to go. This small fishing village on the east coast still has that authentic Bali vibe that’s hard to find elsewhere. It’s peaceful, diverse and full of charm.
Here you’ll find black and golden sandy beaches, lush rice fields, green hills and a coastal road with breathtaking views. The underwater world is just as impressive. Amed is one of the best spots for snorkeling and diving in Bali.
Unlike the busy south of the island, there are no parties and no big crowds. Instead, Amed is all about relaxation and local life. For us, it’s definitely a hidden gem in Bali you shouldn’t miss.
Water Slide Lemukih
- Location: Google Maps
- Cost: 20,000 IDR
What could be more fun than a natural water slide through the jungle that few tourists know about? Exactly, that’s what we thought and had to try it straight away.
The slide is about 50 meters long and incredibly fun. You sit on an old scooter tire, get bathing shoes and a helmet, and off you go. You pick up speed quickly, which makes it even more exciting. At the bottom, you land in a small pool before climbing back to dry land.
When we visited, we didn’t see a single other tourist. We paid the owner the entrance fee and could slide as much as we wanted. The owner even took photos and videos for us.
The water slide is surrounded by idyllic rice terraces, which you can stroll through after your adventure.
Our extra tip: Getting there can be tricky. Some guides on the road try to push overpriced tours. Set your destination to Warung Kubu (Google Maps) and drive past them. Don’t stop when someone calls out. Soon, a Water Slide sign will tell you when to turn left. Then just follow the road straight to the slide.
Nunggalan Beach
- Location: Google Maps
- Cost: free of charge, 5,000 IDR parking fee
The beaches on the Bukit Peninsula, especially around Uluwatu, are always crowded. Yet, few travelers have discovered Nunggalan Beach at the very south of the peninsula.
Reaching the beach takes about half an hour walking down the steep coastline over rocky steps and through the forest. This seclusion is probably why it remains one of the best tips for Bali off the beaten track.
The beach is completely empty. You can relax on golden sand and even spot an old shipwreck. It’s perfect for swimming and surfing, very clean, and there’s even a small warung with drinks.
Car Temple in Nusa Penida
- Location: Google Maps
- Cost: on a donation basis
What makes Pura Paluang on Nusa Penida special are the two car statues, which is why it’s often called the Car Temple.
The statues were built long before there were any cars on the island, which makes them curiously mysterious. No one really knows why they were placed here.
We visited the temple without any other tourists, so it’s still a genuine insider tip for Bali.
That said, we wouldn’t plan a trip here just for the temple. The real advantage is that one of Nusa Penida’s biggest highlights – Kelingking Beach – is right next door. If you’re visiting the beach, the Car Temple is the perfect place to take a quiet break from the crowded viewpoint. It’s only a 5-minute walk away.
Our extra tip: on the walk from the viewpoint to the temple, there’s a second, almost deserted viewpoint. You can only see the T-Rex head from behind, but the view is still fantastic.
Eating a Sweet Martabak
- Location: at street stalls and in warungs
- Cost: around 30,000-70,000 IDR
Our last insider tip is for those with a real sweet tooth: a sweet martabak. It’s definitely unhealthy, super sweet, but absolutely delicious.
Imagine an extra thick pancake filled with chocolate sprinkles, condensed milk, cream, and peanuts, then folded up. A pure taste explosion and extremely affordable.
These were our tips for Bali off the beaten path
Do you have any travel tips for Bali? Hidden spots, off-the-beaten-path activities, or must-try food that no one should miss on a trip to Bali? Share them in the comments. We can’t wait to hear your recommendations!