The best places to visit in Bali are not always the ones on every Instagram feed. Beyond the crowds of Ubud, Canggu, and Kuta, you will find highland villages wrapped in cool mountain air, black-sand beaches with volcano views, islands where deer walk on the shore, and rice terraces you can have almost to yourself. Here are eight unique places to visit in Bali that many visitors miss.
1. Menjangan Island: Snorkeling and Diving
Menjangan Island lies within West Bali National Park, off the northwest coast. Its clear water and healthy coral walls make it one of Bali's best spots for snorkeling and diving, with turtles, reef fish, and occasional reef sharks. The island has small temples but no accommodation, and it is named after the wild deer (menjangan) that sometimes appear on the shore. Base yourself in Pemuteran and book a boat trip with a local dive center.
2. Munduk: Waterfalls and Highland Hikes
High in the north-central mountains, Munduk is cool, green, and peaceful. Walk the waterfall trail that links several cascades in the rainforest, stroll through rice terraces and clove plantations, and look out over the twin crater lakes of Buyan and Tamblingan. Trails are not always well marked, so download offline maps or hire a local guide.
3. Amed: Black-Sand Beaches and Volcano Views
Amed is a string of fishing villages on the northeast coast, with black-sand beaches and views of Mount Agung. It is one of Bali's best places for easy shore snorkeling and diving. Swim with turtles at Lipah Beach and explore the coral-covered Japanese shipwreck close to shore. Life here is slow, with simple warungs right on the beach.
4. Candidasa: Quiet Beaches and East Bali Sights
This laid-back town on the east coast has a lotus lagoon and easy access to two of the island's best sandy beaches, Virgin Beach (Pantai Pasir Putih) and Bias Tugel. It is also a convenient base for the Tirta Gangga water palace and Lempuyang Temple's "Gates of Heaven."
5. Nusa Lembongan: Relaxed Island Life
Quieter than neighboring Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan has calm beaches such as Mushroom Bay and Dream Beach, mangroves you can explore by kayak, and the Devil's Tear viewpoint, where waves crash against the rocks at sunset. Cross the Yellow Bridge to tiny Nusa Ceningan, and take a day trip to Penida's famous Kelingking Beach.
6. Bedugul: Lakes, Temples, and Gardens
In the highlands around Lake Beratan, Bedugul is home to the much-photographed water temple of Pura Ulun Danu Beratan, the large Bali Botanic Garden, and strawberry farms. It is also a good base for the waterfalls of north Bali, including Banyumala, Banyu Wana Amertha, and the spectacular Sekumpul.
7. Sidemen: Rice Terraces and Mount Agung
Sidemen is the Bali many people imagine: terraced rice fields, traditional villages, and Mount Agung on the horizon. Walk through the paddies with a local guide, go white-water rafting on the Telaga Waja River, and swim in the natural infinity pool at the Gembleng Waterfall.
8. Kintamani: Mount Batur Views
Kintamani sits on the rim of the Batur caldera, with sweeping views of the volcano and Lake Batur below. Hike Mount Batur at sunrise with a licensed local guide, choose the quieter Bukit Trunyan hike, or simply enjoy the view from a café terrace. Boat trips on the lake are another way to take in the scenery.
Tips for Exploring Beyond the Crowds
- Hire a driver: Many of these places are 2 to 3 hours from the south of the island, and a driver is often the easiest and safest option.
- Stay overnight: Spend a night or two in places such as Munduk, Sidemen, or Amed rather than rushing through on a day trip.
- Bring cash: Small villages often have few ATMs.
- Dress respectfully when visiting temples and villages.
- Stay connected: Signal can be weak in the mountains, so download offline maps. An egoViet Indonesia eSIM keeps you connected for navigation and bookings across the island.
Plan the rest of your trip with our Bali travel guide, the best time to visit Bali, and our tips for Bali on a budget.
FAQs: Unique Places to Visit in Bali
Where should I go in Bali to avoid the crowds?
Munduk, Sidemen, Amed, Menjangan Island, and Pemuteran are all far quieter than the south and Ubud.
What are the best places in Bali for couples?
Sidemen and Munduk for romantic mountain views, and Candidasa or Nusa Lembongan for quiet beaches.
Where are the best waterfalls in Bali?
Many of the best waterfalls are in the north, around Munduk and Bedugul, including Sekumpul and Banyu Wana Amertha.
Where is the best snorkeling in Bali?
Menjangan Island, Amed, and Nusa Lembongan and Penida offer some of the best snorkeling and diving.