Bali’s Best Hidden Gems: Secret Spots Most Tourists Don’t Know About
Bali is known for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes, but beyond the well-trodden tourist paths, there are hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re looking for secluded beaches, untouched waterfalls, lesser-known temples, or off-the-beaten-path cultural experiences, this guide will take you to Bali’s most secret and underrated spots.
If you’re the type of traveler who loves to avoid the crowds and explore places that feel truly special, these hidden gems will make your trip even more memorable.
1. Underrated and Hidden Beaches in Bali
Bali’s beaches are legendary, but while places like Kuta, Seminyak, and Uluwatu are always buzzing with tourists, there are still quiet, untouched beaches where you can relax in solitude.
🌊 Nyang Nyang Beach – Uluwatu’s Best-Kept Secret
📍 Location: Uluwatu
✔ Long, untouched coastline with golden sand and turquoise waters.
✔ Perfect for couples, sunset lovers, and those looking for a quiet escape.
✔ Requires a short trek down a steep path, keeping the crowds away.
🏝️ Bias Tugel Beach – A Hidden Paradise Near Padang Bai
📍 Location: East Bali
✔ Crystal-clear water, white sand, and fewer tourists.
✔ Great for snorkeling and swimming in calm waters.
✔ Small local warungs (cafés) serve fresh seafood and coconut drinks.
💡 Insider Tip:
Unlike Bali’s more popular beaches, these hidden spots remain quiet throughout the year, even during peak season. Bring your own snacks, plenty of sunscreen, and cash, as there are fewer amenities available.
🏝️ Best Hotels Near Hidden Beaches (Nyang Nyang Beach, Bias Tugel Beach)
📍 Recommended Areas: Uluwatu (for Nyang Nyang) & Padang Bai (for Bias Tugel)
The Edge Bali – A luxurious cliffside resort in Uluwatu offering private infinity pools with breathtaking views. Luxury
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Alila Villas Uluwatu – A high-end, eco-friendly resort with secluded pool villas and clifftop dining experiences. High-end
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Blue Lagoon Avia Villas – A charming boutique resort near Bias Tugel Beach, perfect for quiet escapes and snorkeling lovers. Premium
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Gravity Boutique Hotel – A mid-range yet stylish bohemian-style retreat in Uluwatu, ideal for couples and solo travelers. Mid-range
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Made Roejas Homestay – A budget-friendly guesthouse with a homey feel, just minutes away from hidden beaches and local warungs. Budget
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2. Secret Waterfalls Away from the Crowds
Bali’s waterfalls are breathtaking, but famous spots like Tegenungan and Gitgit often get crowded. If you’re looking for a more peaceful and magical experience, these hidden waterfalls are worth the adventure.
💦 Tukad Cepung Waterfall – A Magical Cave Waterfall
📍 Location: Bangli
✔ Hidden inside a cave, where sunlight beams through the rocks.
✔ Short jungle trek required, but the view is worth it.
✔ Best visited in the morning when the light is perfect for photos.
🌿 Banyu Wana Amertha – Bali’s Multi-Tiered Hidden Gem
📍 Location: North Bali
✔ Features four stunning waterfalls in one location.
✔ Lush green jungle surroundings make it feel like a fairy-tale.
✔ Hardly any tourists, even during high season.
💡 Insider Tip:
Some waterfalls require hiking and river crossings, so wear comfortable shoes and bring waterproof bags for your belongings. Visiting early in the morning ensures a peaceful experience without crowds.
💦 Best Hotels Near Secret Waterfalls (Tukad Cepung, Banyu Wana Amertha)
📍 Recommended Areas: Bangli (for Tukad Cepung), Munduk (for Banyu Wana Amertha)
Hanging Gardens of Bali – A world-famous luxury resort featuring floating breakfasts, jungle infinity pools, and complete privacy. Luxury
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Munduk Moding Plantation – A stunning eco-luxury retreat with infinity pools overlooking lush valleys and misty forests. High-end
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Sang Giri Mountain Tent Resort – A unique luxury glamping resort, great for those wanting a nature-focused adventure. Premium
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Griya Bali Surga – A cozy and affordable guesthouse in Munduk, perfect for waterfall lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Mid-range
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Pondok Nyoman Guesthouse – A simple and budget-friendly stay near Munduk’s waterfalls, great for hikers and backpackers. Budget
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3. Hidden Temples and Sacred Sites
Bali is home to over 20,000 temples, but many of the most famous ones—like Tanah Lot and Uluwatu Temple—are filled with tourists. If you want a spiritual experience without the crowds, visit these lesser-known temples.
🏯 Pura Lempuyang – The “Gateway to Heaven” (Without the Crowds!)
📍 Location: East Bali
✔ One of Bali’s most sacred temples with panoramic views of Mount Agung.
✔ The famous “Gate of Heaven” photo spot, but the temple has many other hidden areas.
✔ Early morning visits avoid long lines for photos.
🛕 Pura Gunung Kawi – Bali’s Ancient Rock Temple
📍 Location: Tampaksiring (Near Ubud)
✔ 10th-century temple complex carved into giant cliffs.
✔ Peaceful atmosphere, surrounded by lush rice fields.
✔ Less touristy than other historical sites in Bali.
💡 Insider Tip:
Most temples require visitors to wear a sarong and sash, which you can rent at the entrance. Some temples also offer spiritual cleansing rituals, which can be a truly special experience.
🏯 Best Hotels Near Hidden Temples (Pura Lempuyang, Pura Gunung Kawi)
📍 Recommended Areas: East Bali (for Lempuyang), Tampaksiring (for Gunung Kawi)
Amankila – A high-end resort with breathtaking views of East Bali’s untouched coastline, offering private beach access and infinity pools. Luxury
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Villa Campuhan – A secluded retreat with stunning rice field views, great for couples and culture lovers. High-end
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Bali Eco Stay – A sustainable eco-lodge surrounded by rice paddies, ideal for those looking for peace and relaxation. Premium
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Ubud Valley Boutique Resort – A charming retreat with authentic Balinese architecture, close to ancient temples and spiritual sites. Mid-range
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Lempuyang Homestay – A budget-friendly option near the famous “Gates of Heaven”, perfect for early morning temple visits. Budget
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4. Off-the-Beaten-Path Villages & Local Experiences
For travelers who want to experience authentic Balinese culture, visiting small villages offers a glimpse into traditional daily life.
🌾 Sidemen Valley – Ubud’s Less-Touristy Twin
📍 Location: East Bali
✔ Stunning rice terraces, untouched landscapes, and peaceful retreats.
✔ Perfect for hiking, yoga retreats, and learning about Balinese farming traditions.
✔ Fewer tourists compared to Ubud, offering a more intimate cultural experience.
🛶 Pemuteran – A Hidden Coastal Village in North Bali
📍 Location: North Bali
✔ Best snorkeling and diving spots away from the crowds.
✔ Traditional fishing village with breathtaking mountain backdrops.
✔ Close to Menjangan Island, home to some of Indonesia’s best coral reefs.
💡 Insider Tip:
Bali’s rural areas offer some of the most authentic experiences, from Balinese cooking classes to traditional weaving workshops. If you want a slower, more immersive travel experience, these villages are the perfect escape.
🌾 Best Hotels Near Off-the-Beaten-Path Villages (Sidemen, Pemuteran)
📍 Recommended Areas: East Bali (for Sidemen), North Bali (for Pemuteran)
Wapa di Ume Sidemen – A romantic hideaway with private villas, rice terrace views, and luxury wellness retreats. Luxury
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Menjangan Dynasty Resort – A luxury glamping experience near West Bali National Park, perfect for diving and wildlife exploration. High-end
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Surya Shanti Villa – A beautiful eco-friendly boutique resort in Sidemen, offering traditional Balinese hospitality. Premium
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Pondok Sari Beach & Spa Resort – A mid-range beachfront escape in Pemuteran, ideal for diving enthusiasts and nature lovers. Mid-range
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Sweet Escape Bungalows – A budget-friendly, peaceful stay near Bali’s quietest beaches and cultural sites. Budget
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5. Unique Hidden Cafés & Restaurants
Bali is known for its Instagram-worthy cafés, but some of the best spots are still under the radar. These cafés and restaurants offer incredible food, unique atmospheres, and quiet locations.
☕ La Brisa – Canggu’s Best-Kept Secret Beach Club
📍 Location: Canggu
✔ Rustic beach shack aesthetic with oceanfront views.
✔ Tropical cocktails and delicious seafood platters.
✔ Best visited at sunset for a laid-back, romantic vibe.
🍜 Warung D’Sawah – Authentic Balinese Dining in the Rice Fields
📍 Location: Kerobokan
✔ Traditional Balinese dishes with farm-to-table freshness.
✔ Surrounded by rice fields, away from the busy streets.
✔ Affordable prices with an authentic local feel.
💡 Insider Tip:
Hidden cafés often don’t show up on major travel guides, so asking locals for recommendations can lead to amazing food experiences.
Final Thoughts: Exploring the Hidden Side of Bali
Bali is much more than just beaches, resorts, and nightlife. Beyond the well-known tourist spots, the island hides secret beaches, secluded waterfalls, sacred temples, and cultural villages that remain untouched by mass tourism.
For travelers who love discovering unique places and avoiding crowds, these hidden gems will transform your trip into something truly special. Whether you’re hiking through hidden rice fields, exploring ancient temples without the crowds, or snorkeling in remote waters, Bali’s secret side offers unforgettable adventures.
If you’re ready to go beyond the typical tourist experience, add these places to your Bali itinerary and enjoy a side of the island that most visitors never get to see! 🌿✨
