Bali - the land of Gods as it is known to all. But it is also known as one of the most instgramworthy places ever visited. Contrary to how many pictures we see on social media, including me who is guilty of taking way too many pictures in Bali theres something more to it, like any other place. There are places beyond Instagram, places you should just breath into, sit, close your eyes and smile with gratitude for.
As you take a walk in the jungle of Ubud, exploring waterfalls, or sit by the a hidden beach in Uluwatu, you probably will just forget the world and immerse in the beauty of nature that Bali has to offer. In this article I will take you to places that are seldom seen on Instagram, aside from the Bali swing, Seminyak beach and the beach clubs in Canggu. Ready to take notes? Lets go!
10 Places in Bali That Are Good Kept Away From Instagram
1. The Sacred and Secret Canyon of Sukawati – Hidden Canyon Beji Guwang
If you are an adventurous soul seeking to spend time in nature this secret canyon will amuse you. Located near Pura Beji Guwang in Sukawati, 'Hidden Canyon Beji Guwang' sure to inspire anyone and everyone. The craziest thing about this canyon, is if you look hard enough – it is so uniquely shaped, one can even see a crying skull and other faces (lions?!) in the abstract landscape. Sit on the flat of the canyon rocks like I am happily in the above picture, and dangle your feet while admiring the view. You can go deeper into the canyon and pass several rivers with a sticky muddy floor. It's an experience in itself!
Entrance fee: From Rp. 200,000 per person (the more people, the cheaper it is) which includes a local guide, welcome drinks, a locker, face and bath towel, changing room, and wifi.
Address: Desa Guwang, Kecamatan Sukawati, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80582
2. The Green Cliffs and Little Grotto of Undisan Bangli
Tebing Hijau Undisan, also known as 'The Green Cliffs of Undisan' are basically moss-covered cliffs. You will pass through rice paddies, forests, ravines and waterfalls nearby, which is an experience in itself. But the secret is if you follow the water going under the green cliffs, you are bound to end up in a hidden secret grotto. Sacred to Bali, please be sure to respect the place when you visit.
Address: Desa Undisan Kelod, Kec. Tembuku, Kab. Bangli, Bali
3. A worshipping place to breathe in and dive in – Kanto Lampo Waterfall
Kanto Lampo Waterfall is a unique combination of four out of the five elements - fire, water, earth and air which makes this waterfall a unique location to breath in, breath out and meditate in peace. A gushing waterfall with giant rocks and fresh air, this place is the perfect harmony.
Entrance fee: Rp. 20,000
Opening hours: Mon – Sun, 8am – 5pm
Address: Beng, Gianyar Sub-District, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali
4. The High Cliff
Located in Bali's Southern Coast and lesser known to many tourists is photographers favourite Melasti. The gorgeous rock formations and high cliffs make a stunning almost painting like backdrop.
Getting there: Head to the south of Bali, near Uluwatu. From the carpark the cliff is easily accessible by foot.
5. Tegal Wangi Beach - A natural jacuzzi
Another lesser known beach is the Tegal Wangi Beach. A natural wonder, you will be surprised by a private soaking tub with ocean view! The shore has many holes on its surface which make this a natural 'jacuzzi' like spot.
Address: Jalan Pura Tegalwangi, Badung, Jimbaran
Getting There: Walk down the hill from Pura Tegalwangi
6. Mystery Boulder Beach – Yeh Leh
Located in Jembrana the Yeh Leh Beach is known to the local fisherman and almost to no tourists. With thousands of boulders on its shore, this is not a soft sand beach, but certainly a unique spot, either covered in algae or the waves. The sunset here is magical, which you can enjoy sitting on one of the smooth rocks.
Address: Gang Tasik, Desa Pengeragoan, Kecamatan Pekutatan, Gumbrih, Kec. Pekutatan, Kabupaten Jembrana, Bali, Indonesia
7. Desa Temukus - field of gold
Desa Temukus, also known as 'Temukus Village' is the place where a field of yellow-orange marigold flowers blossom! Marigold is an important flower to the Balinese culture used in religious rituals, also locally known as ‘Gemitir’. If you get a chance make a trip to this quiet village in East Bali, close to the holiest temple in Bali.
How to get there: Only 2 kms from Besakih temple head to the village known as Desa Temukus.
8. The Secret Gardens of Sambangan
The village of Sambangan is hidden away and only the locals and a handful of savvy tourists know about this place. The breathtaking splendour of the jungles with natural pools and cascading waterfalls are known as the 'Secret Gardens.' Take a long jungle trek, and explore the untouched beauty of Bali.
Entrance fee: Starts from Rp. 150,000, depending on the activities you wish to do.
Directions: The nearest resort area to Sambangan is Lovina on Bali’s north coast, and it’s recommended you stay here overnight if you want to make the trek to the gardens. Take a guide so you can go through the rainforest safely. Sambangan village is about a 20 minute drive from Lovina.
9. Jatiluwih Rice Terraces
One of Bali's famous things to do is the rice terraces in Ubud. But if you want to take a peaceful walk through the rice terraces and avoid the crowd, visit this 600 hectares of rice terraces, that boasts a sea of green in multiple layers! Visit early I the morning for utter peace and sit down to listen to crickets and birds with no interruption.
Entrance fee: From Rp.40,000
Address: Desa Jatiluwih, Kecamatan Penebel, Kabupaten Tabanan, Bali 82152 – Indonesia
Opening hours: Mon – Sun 8.30am – 6pm
10. Broken beach of Pasih Uug
A unique attraction located in Nusa Penida, 'Pasih Uug' is also known as the broken sea. At first sight this geological phenomenon is seen as a natural arch created by the rock cliffs. But the arch that appears from afar is used to be a cave! Since the floor of the cave collapsed the hole now allows water to flow through it, a beautiful place to take a dip in!
Address: Jalan Batu Nunggul, Nusa Penida (Coordinates here)
Getting there: Walk to Angel’s Billabong, and from there follow the signs that willl lead you to Broken Beach.
These above 10 lesser known places are only amongst many more! Probably the locals choose to keep them a secret, as so should some places be kept sacred. And now you know Bali has much more to offer besides the beach clubs, popular bars and other touristy locations. Which place stole your heart? Let us know in the comments below.
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