Get Off the Tourist Trail: 4 Incredible Place You Need to Visit in Bali

When most people think of visiting Bali, the first places that spring to mind are probably Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu and Ubud. While these spots are worth a visit, Bali has so many more beautiful places to be discovered if you venture a little off the well-trodden tourist trail. If you’re hoping to see something a bit different during your stay in Bali, add these four destinations to your itinerary.

Amed Village oftentimes gets referred to as the “Amalfi Coast” of Bali Island.

1. Amed

Up on the north-east coast of Bali lies Amed, a string of laid-back fishing villages that offer a completely different atmosphere to the usual tourist areas. The black sand and pebble beaches offer some of the best snorkeling and diving on the island. Sunrises here are stunning and the views of the verdant green mountains, Mount Agung, and the sparkling ocean are something to behold. Couple this with the fresh local seafood such as Mahi-Mahi, Barracuda and Tuna and you may have just found your perfect holiday away from the crowds.

Just a note - we recommend having your own means of transport to properly explore Amed.

2. Sidemen

For those hoping to see a glimpse of traditional Balinese life, the valley of Sidemen in East Bali is the place to be. Awash with green rice terraces, running rivers, palm and banana trees and breathtaking views of Mount Agung, the village is famous for its tranquility and charm. Wandering through the rice fields, bathing in the river and chatting with skilled local craftsmen is an ideal way to soak up the relaxing atmosphere of this hidden gem. 

Sidemen is one of Bali's secret spots, where you'll find breathtaking scenery and traditional way of life.

3. Nusa Lembongan

Nusa Lembongan is a small island overflowing with natural beauty, from its white sandy beaches, clear turquoise water and towering cliffs. There’s so much to do here, although you may just feel like laying down and doing nothing. If you don’t have your own transport, we recommend staying near Jungutbatu or Mushroom Bay, as there are plenty of great restaurants within walking distance. If you fancy doing more than just lazing around on the beach, pay a visit to the Blue Lagoon, surf the famous breaks, go cliff jumping at Devil’s Tear or canoe in the sea mangroves - although watch out for the strong currents.

The waters surrounding Nusa Lembongan are crystal clear with incredible visibility found in only few places around the world.

4. Kintamani

Once you’re sunburned or bored of beach life, it might be worth heading up to the mountains of Northeast Bali to explore Kintamani. Home to the active Mount Batur volcano and a serene crater lake, Kintamani is a somewhat mysterious town where the climate is cooler. One of the must-do activities is waking up early at around 3-4am and hiking to the top of Mount Batur to see the sunrise for views you’ll never forget, and if you get a good guide, breakfast cooked from the heat of the volcano. If that’s not your scene, head to the hot springs or simply walk around and enjoy the slow pace of village life. 

Mount Batur Sunrise trekking will take you to the best mountain view in Bali.

Final Thoughts

In truth, most of these destinations are much easier to explore if you have your own transport, as public transportation and ride-sharing app options are somewhat limited - keeping them beautiful and much less touristy than the usual spots. However, you can still enjoy most of them on foot if you choose your accommodation wisely. 

Of course, before you can start exploring these incredible destinations, make sure you have the right visa. For more information, feel free to explore our detailed visa guides on this website or contact our expert team at Bali Solve, so we can help you start your off-the-beaten path Bali adventure.

Written by Team Bali Solve