Bali Beyond Ubud: The Secrets of the Island That No One Has Yet Discovered

Bali has become a victim of its own success. The island of the gods, as it is known, is now one of the most photographed destinations in the world, and this comes at a price. Ubud is full of remote work cafes, the Instagram-worthy rice fields have queues of people waiting to be photographed, and the most famous temples are packed with crowds before noon.

But Bali is much bigger than what appears on social media. The island has entire regions that most tourists never get to see — villages without chain hotels, beaches without sun loungers, temples without entrance fees, and a Balinese culture that is still alive and authentic.

This article is for those who want more than the usual guide.

Amed — The East Coast the World Forgot

While Seminyak and Canggu fill up with bars and infinity pools, Amed sleeps peacefully on Bali’s east coast, virtually ignored by mass tourism.

It’s a collection of small fishing villages scattered along a volcanic black sand coastline, with Mount Agung in the background and the Bali Sea in the foreground. The water is incredibly clear — Amed is one of the best diving spots in all of Indonesia, with the USS Liberty shipwreck in Tulamben just 30 minutes away.

The pace of life is completely different from the rest of the island: the fishermen leave early with their nets. jukung (traditional colorful boats), the cafes close early and at night the sky is full of stars.

What not to miss: The shipwreck of the USS Liberty in Tulamben (diving or snorkeling), the sunset over Mount Agung from Jemeluk beach, and a Balinese cooking class in a local home.

Tip: Stay at least 3 nights. The first day is for resting from the pace of Bali — only then can you truly appreciate the tranquility of the place.

Sidemen — The Rice Fields That Ubud No Longer Has

If what you’re looking for in Bali is green landscapes, tranquility, and cultural authenticity—and Ubud no longer offers that—go to Sidemen.

This remote valley in the east of the island has everything Ubud promised before it became famous: immense rice terraces, dirt roads between villages, artisans working with traditional textiles. endek …and a permanent view over Agung that makes any morning seem spiritual.

There isn’t much to “do” in Sidemen — and that’s exactly what makes it special. It’s a place to walk, breathe, and understand what Bali is like when it’s not performing for tourists.

What not to miss: A morning trek to the rice terraces (go with a local guide), a visit to a textile workshop. endek …and breakfast overlooking the volcano in one of the few homestays in the area.

Tip: Sidemen is about 1 hour and 30 minutes from Ubud — you can include it as a day trip or stay one or two nights.

Nusa Penida — The rugged island that’s worth every kilometer.

Nusa Penida has already started appearing on travel itineraries — but most people only take a day trip to see Kelingking Beach and then return. Those who stay realize that the island has much more to offer.

Nusa Penida is a rugged island, with difficult roads, few sophisticated restaurants, and a raw beauty that contrasts completely with the polished Balinese atmosphere of Seminyak. The cliffs are dramatic, the beaches are secluded, and the water has a blue hue that seems unreal.

And the manta rays. Swimming with giant manta rays in Manta Bay is one of the most amazing experiences you can have in the ocean — and it’s still accessible to anyone with a snorkel.

What not to miss: Kelingking Beach seen from the viewpoint (the descent to the beach is optional and demanding), Crystal Bay for diving and snorkeling, and Broken Beach with its natural arch over the ocean.

Practical tip: Rent a scooter but be careful — the roads in Nusa Penida are some of the most challenging in Indonesia. Alternatively, hire a local driver for the day.

Munduk — The Mountain Bali That Nobody Visits

In northern Bali, far from the beaches and more visited temples, lies Munduk — a mountain village surrounded by pine forests, coffee plantations, and hidden waterfalls.

Munduk is cool (literally — temperatures can drop to 18ºC), calm, and surprisingly untouristy. It’s the kind of place where you wake up to fog, drink coffee picked 200 meters away, and spend the day hiking among waterfalls without encountering other tourists.

The region also boasts some of the best views of Lake Tamblingan and Lake Buyan — two volcanic crater lakes surrounded by dense forest that look like they’re painted on screen.

What not to miss: A hike to the Munduk waterfalls (there are several, less than 2km from the village), a visit to a coffee plantation with tasting, and the sunrise over Lake Tamblingan.

Best time: Avoid the rainy season (November to March). From April to October, conditions are perfect.

Lovina — Dolphins at Dawn in the Forgotten North

Lovina is the main town on Bali’s north coast—and one of the most overlooked by tourists who usually stay in the south of the island. It’s a simple town, without glamour, but with something that no other place in Bali offers: wild dolphins at dawn.

Every day, before sunrise, dozens of boats set sail towards the open sea where groups of common dolphins leap and play in the water. It’s not an organized show—they are wild animals in their habitat. And the experience of standing on the still ocean, early in the morning, while the sun rises over the mountains of Bali in the background, is unforgettable.

What not to miss: The sunrise boat trip to see the dolphins, the natural hot springs of Banjar, and the nearby Air Sanih Buddhist temple.

Tip: Go with reasonable expectations — dolphins are wild and sightings depend on the day. But the experience of watching the sunrise over the ocean is always worth the trip.

The Real Bali Awaits

Bali has layers. The first is what everyone sees — beautiful, accessible, but increasingly becoming more like itself. The others require time, curiosity, and a willingness to stray from the beaten path.

In Oliveira Travel We build your Bali to measure — flights with the best connections from Portugal and Germany, hotels and homestays selected in each region (from Amed to Munduk), transfers between islands and airports, car rental or private driver so you can explore without stress, and local experiences such as Balinese cooking classes, diving on the USS Liberty, boat trips with dolphins, and trekking to the rice terraces. We also combine Bali with… Lombok, Nusa Tenggara or Singapore on a multi-destination itinerary.

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Request your free, no-obligation quote at oliveira-travel.com

Have you ever been to Bali? Do you have a secret spot you’d love to share? Tell us in the comments.