Bali is well known for its surf breaks, beach clubs, and yoga retreats, but beyond the tourist hubs lies a wilder side waiting to be explored. The island’s interior and less-visited coasts hide experiences that combine nature, adventure, and local culture in ways that the average traveller never sees.
These adventures demand a little more time and effort, but in return they offer solitude, authenticity, and landscapes that feel untouched.
TREK THE SLOPES OF MOUNT BATUKARU
Most visitors who want to climb a volcano head for Mount Batur. It is beautiful, but it is also crowded, with long lines of torchlight making their way up in the early hours. Mount Batukaru, Bali’s second-highest peak, offers a completely different experience. Rising 2,276 metres, it is cloaked in thick rainforest, home to birds, monkeys, and the occasional civet cat.
The trail begins in the quiet village of Wongaya Gede, near the ancient Batukaru Temple. There is no bustle of tour buses here – just the sound of roosters and the soft rustle of leaves. As you climb, the forest closes in, the air grows cooler, and moss carpets the tree trunks. The summit is often shrouded in mist, lending it a mystical feel. On a clear day, the views stretch across Bali’s interior all the way to the sea. The trek is challenging, but the reward is the sense of being truly alone with the island.
CANYONING IN THE SAMBANGAN WATERFALLS
In North Bali, the village of Sambangan is known as the “Secret Garden” for good reason. It hides a series of waterfalls connected by jungle paths and clear pools. While many come to swim or take photos, the real thrill is canyoning – a mix of rappelling, sliding, and jumping into deep pools, guided by experienced instructors.
Starting from the higher falls, you descend through a series of natural chutes carved into the rock, abseil down rushing cascades, and leap into pools of clear mountain water. The air smells of wet stone and orchids, and your shouts echo through the ravine. It is adrenaline-pumping, but also deeply refreshing, especially on a hot day. The village guides, often born and raised here, add local stories about the area’s history and sacred spots.
CYCLE THE JATILUWIH RICE TERRACES
Jatiluwih is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its subak irrigation system and sweeping rice terraces. While bus tours stop for a quick photo, the best way to appreciate the landscape is on two wheels. A cycling route winds through the terraces, villages, and small temples, far from the main road.
The ride is not a race – it is about moving slowly enough to hear the water trickling through bamboo pipes, watch farmers planting seedlings in neat rows, and smell the smoke from wood fires as families prepare lunch. You might stop at a warung for sweet black rice pudding or a glass of fresh coconut water. With few other cyclists around, it feels like you have the whole valley to yourself.
KAYAK ALONG AMED’S COASTLINE
Amed, on Bali’s east coast, is known for diving and snorkelling, but its calm bays are perfect for kayaking. Setting out at sunrise, the sea is glassy and tinted gold, and fishing boats are returning from their night at sea. As you paddle, you pass quiet beaches, small jetties, and clusters of coral visible beneath the surface.
You can pull ashore at fishing villages to chat with locals repairing nets or buy fresh grilled fish from a beachside stall. From the water, the views back to Mount Agung are spectacular, especially in the soft light of morning. It is peaceful, with nothing but the sound of your paddle dipping into the sea.
HIKE TO THE TWIN LAKES OF BUYAN AND TAMBLINGAN
In central Bali, near the mountain town of Bedugul, lie two serene crater lakes surrounded by dense rainforest. A guided hike between Lake Buyan and Lake Tamblingan takes you along shaded trails where giant tree roots twist across the path and the air is heavy with the scent of damp earth.
Along the way, you may see ancient temples partly hidden in the forest, their moss-covered steps leading to shrines where locals still leave offerings. Near Lake Tamblingan, small traditional canoes are used to cross the water. This area feels worlds away from the coast, with cool temperatures and a sense of untouched nature.
CLIMB BUKIT ASAH FOR A SECLUDED SUNRISE
Bukit Asah is a grassy cliff near the village of Bugbug in East Bali, overlooking the turquoise curve of Virgin Beach. It is a lesser-known sunrise spot where you can watch the first light spill over the Lombok Strait without the crowds of Mount Batur.
Reaching the viewpoint takes a short but steep walk from the road, best started in the dark with a torch. As dawn approaches, the sea turns silver and the hills cast long shadows over the bay. Fishermen’s boats dot the horizon, and the only sounds are the wind and waves far below. Bring a thermos of coffee and stay long after the sun has risen – most mornings you will have it all to yourself.
SNORKEL WITH REEF SHARKS IN MENJANGAN
Menjangan Island, part of West Bali National Park, is famous for its coral walls and clear waters. While divers flock here, snorkellers can also experience something thrilling – swimming with harmless reef sharks in their natural habitat.
Trips usually depart from Pemuteran and include a guided snorkel at one of the reefs where the sharks are often seen. The water is warm and visibility can stretch 30 metres, making it easy to spot the sleek shapes gliding gracefully below. Between sightings, the coral gardens are teeming with colourful fish and sponges. It is wild but safe, and the memory will stay with you long after.
WHY THESE ADVENTURES ARE DIFFERENT
The beauty of these hidden adventures is not just the lack of crowds, but the way they connect you to the island in a more personal way. You are not just ticking off a list of sights – you are walking in farmers’ fields, paddling along quiet shores, and hearing stories from people whose families have lived here for generations.
Choosing these paths also spreads tourism income beyond the usual hotspots, supporting communities that have preserved their landscapes and traditions. It takes a bit more planning and sometimes a willingness to get muddy, wet, or tired, but that is exactly what makes them memorable. Wander Beyond Ordinary!
