Bali is often seen as a postcard-perfect paradise and rightly so. But beyond the Instagram-famous waterfalls and packed beach clubs lies a quieter, wilder, more sacred side of the island. Think misty temples in the hills, secret beaches down dirt paths and tiny villages where time seems to stand still.
If you’re craving non touristy places in Bali, this guide uncovers the hidden gems that still feel untouched by the modern world and perfect for travelers who want more soul and less crowd.
1. Sidemen Valley
Tucked away in East Bali, Sidemen Valley is a lush, terraced wonderland that whispers peace. Rice paddies stretch to the horizon, broken only by coconut palms and tiny temples. Life here moves slowly, with farmers working the land and children waving as you pass. It’s the place to hike, meditate, or just be, without a yoga studio or smoothie bowl in sight.
🧡 Don’t miss: A sunrise trek through the rice fields with Mount Agung peeking out through the morning mist.
2. Sambangan Secret Garden
Deep in North Bali near Singaraja lies Sambangan, a village blessed with some of the island’s most stunning and least visited waterfalls. The Secret Garden trek leads you to seven different falls, from gentle cascades to epic jump-worthy drops. Surrounded by dense jungle and the sound of birds, it’s an adventure most tourists never hear about.
🧡 Don’t miss: Aling-Aling Waterfall, where you can cliff-jump or slide down smooth rock into turquoise pools.
3. Nyang Nyang Beach
Hidden behind cliffs in Uluwatu, Nyang Nyang Beach requires a steep descent, but rewards with raw beauty and blissful emptiness. White sand stretches for nearly 2 kilometers and you’ll likely have it all to yourself. Shipwreck remnants lie half-buried in the sand and jungle vines spill onto the shore like a scene from Lost.
🧡 Don’t miss: Bringing a picnic and staying until sunset. It’s silent, surreal and wildly cinematic.
4. Pinggan Village
In the highlands of Kintamani, Pinggan is a tiny village perched above a dramatic caldera. From its ridge, you’ll watch clouds roll over Mount Batur, with soft pink light bathing the valley below. No crowds, no noise, just volcanic silence and a view so pure it feels like a dream.
🧡 Don’t miss: Hiring a local guide to explore the black lava fields around Mount Batur after sunrise.
5. Pura Luhur Lempuyang (Beyond the Gate of Heaven)
Many visitors flock to the famous “Gate of Heaven”, but few continue up the mountain. Climb the 1,700 steps through dense jungle to discover the upper temples of Lempuyang far quieter and more spiritual. Each level gets more peaceful, the views more jaw-dropping and the connection to the island’s sacred energy deeper.
🧡 Don’t miss: The final temple at the summit, where the wind carries only the sounds of nature and prayer.
6. Amed & Lipah Beach
On Bali’s east coast lies Amed, a string of fishing villages where black sand meets coral reefs and daily life hasn’t changed in decades. Forget beach clubs and resorts. Here, it’s about snorkeling in clear water, watching fishermen pull in nets and sipping fresh coconut while time melts away.
🧡 Don’t miss: Snorkeling at Lipah Beach, where shipwrecks and vibrant marine life lie just meters from shore.
7. Tirta Gangga Hidden Pools
While the Tirta Gangga Water Palace can get touristy, few know about the secret bathing pools nearby, where locals perform water blessings and children splash under holy spouts. The energy is softer, more personal and steeped in Balinese spiritual tradition. It’s not on most maps, but locals will guide you with a smile.
🧡 Don’t miss: Joining a water purification ceremony, it’s humbling, healing and unforgettable.
8. Les Waterfall (Yeh Mempeh)
North Bali holds many secrets and Yeh Mempeh, or Les Waterfall, is one of its most impressive. A towering 40-meter cascade tucked into the jungle, it’s peaceful, powerful and never packed. The path through the village is beautiful on its own, lined with cacao trees, banana groves and singing birds.
🧡 Don’t miss: Taking a refreshing swim in the base pool, surrounded by nothing but birdsong and breeze.
Travel Tips for Exploring Bali’s Hidden Side
- Hire a local guide: Not only for safety, but for stories and deeper cultural connection.
- Go early in the day: Morning light is softer, crowds are nonexistent and nature feels more alive.
- Pack sturdy shoes: Many secret spots involve muddy trails, rocky steps, or off-road paths.
- Respect local customs: Always wear a sarong at temples and ask before entering private land.
- Bring cash & snacks: Most hidden places don’t have shops or restaurants nearby.
Final Thoughts
The Bali that takes your breath away isn’t always found in brochures. It’s in the whispers of the wind through a bamboo forest, in the smile of a villager offering directions, in the sacred silence of a mountainside temple. These hidden places in Bali are for travelers, not tourists but for those who seek experience over exposure.
So ditch the crowds, skip the filters and let the island reveal its quiet magic, one untouched trail at a time.
