experienced picks, real tips, and where to stay & eat nearby
Hi, I’m Ann. I’ve hiked, paddled, and eaten my way around Bali beyond the usual hotspots. If you want lava views, jungle canyons, manta encounters, and quiet surf towns—this is your list.
1) Sidemen Valley rice-terrace treks (East Bali)
Sleepy villages, Agung views, and footpaths through working paddies—far calmer than Tegallalang. Hire a local guide for 1–4 hr loops. Bucketlist Bums | World Traveler Blog
Do: dawn walk + weaving workshops. Base: Sidemen.
2) Jatiluwih UNESCO rice terraces (Tabanan)
Walk way-marked trails through Bali’s living subak irrigation landscape (UNESCO). Go early or near sunset; rent e-bikes if you want range. UNESCO World Heritage Centre
3) North-Bali waterfall circuit: Munduk → Banyumala → (option) Sekumpul
Cooler highlands, ferny ravines, and big cascades; allow a full day with a driver. Trails can be steep after rain—grippy shoes help. Girl Gone Coconuts
4) Shore-entry wreck: USAT Liberty at Tulamben (Amed coast)
One of the world’s most accessible wreck dives (3–30 m), a few fin kicks from shore—great for divers and even snorkelers when calm. Go at first light to beat crowds. ZuBlu+2World Adventure Divers+2
5) West Bali National Park & Menjangan Island
Wall dives and 30–50 m visibility on good days; topside you may spot deer on white-sand coves. Go with conservation-minded operators. westbali
6) Pemuteran’s BIOROCK reefs (snorkel from the beach)
See one of Indonesia’s largest coral-restoration sites just offshore—perfect for an easy house-reef snorkel between dives. biorock-indonesia.com
7) Long, mellow lefts at Medewi (plus quiet Balian)
West-coast point breaks with fewer people and loooong rides; bring reef booties and check tides. Surf Indonesia
8) Mount Abang sunrise forest trek (Kintamani caldera)
Bali’s third-highest peak (~2,152 m) is a quieter alternative to Batur. Allow ~5–6 hrs round-trip; starts pre-dawn. FINNS Beach Club
9) Nusa Lembongan mangrove SUP/kayak
Trade surf for glassy channels in a protected mangrove—easy, peaceful, and great after a dive day. Viator
Where to Stay (hand-picked adventure bases)
Sidemen — valleys & Mount Agung views
Wapa di Ume Sidemen — Boutique hillside retreat with rice-terrace views, infinity pool, and a quiet spa vibe.
Book: Expedia | Hotels.com
Samanvaya — Romantic villas with soaking tubs, valley panoramas, and a wellness focus—perfect for couples.
Book: Expedia | Hotels.com
Veluvana — Iconic bamboo houses perched over jungle valleys; ultra-photogenic and serene.
Book: Official site | Expedia | Hotels.com
Munduk Highlands — waterfalls & coffee country
Munduk Moding Plantation — Famous infinity-pool vistas over coffee and clove hills; on-site roastery and nature trails.
Book: Official site | Expedia | Hotels.com
Sanak Retreat — Wooden bungalows set among rice fields; calm setting with spa and family-friendly options.
Book: Official site | Expedia | Hotels.com
Where to Eat (good near the action)
East Bali / Sidemen
- Bali Asli (Amlapura): wood-fired Balinese menus + cooking classes, Agung views. Reserve. baliasli.com.au+1
Amed/Tulamben
- Warung Sabar (Lipah): friendly, homestyle Balinese.
- Restaurant Bukit Segara: seafood with a view. Museum of Wander+1
Pemuteran
- Poleng Beachfront (Taman Sari): toes-in-sand dining; easy for veg-friendly tweaks. tamansaribali.com+1
Munduk / Highlands
- MiMPi at Munduk Moding Plantation: local produce with panorama; book at sunset.
- Warung Made’s Munduk: top-rated simple plates & cooking class. mundukmodingplantation.com+1
Field Notes & Safety You’ll Actually Use
- Manta Point (Nusa Penida): famous cleaning station but exposed; only go with experienced operators and follow code-of-conduct (no touching; keep distance). Conditions must be favorable. PADI+1
- Waterfalls: rocks get slick after rain—wear proper grip and expect stairs. Airial Travel
- Reefs: use reef-safe sunscreen and don’t stand on coral—Pemuteran & Menjangan are conservation zones. biorock-indonesia.com
48-Hour “Adventure Loop” (plug-and-play)
Day 1: Dawn at Sidemen → rice-terrace trek → drive to Amed for a snorkel at Jemeluk → sunset on the beach, grilled fish dinner.
Day 2: Early run up to Munduk for waterfalls → continue to Pemuteran for a BIOROCK snorkel or boat to Menjangan (if seas calm) → sleep ocean-side and exhale.
Plan your trip — quick booking (neutral copy)
- Flights: Search Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport — often called Denpasar; DPS on Expedia.
- Hotels: Compare Hotels.com or Expedia.
- Things to do: Book tours and tickets on Klook.
- Airport transfers: Grab (lounge pickup) or Bluebird taxis; budget options include Kura-Kura Bus and Trans Metro Dewata.
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