| 6 mins read
Indonesia’s beautiful island of Bali attracts many visitors from far and wide, drawn to the popular island for its terrific beaches, surfing hotspots, volcanic landscapes, unique sense of spirituality, and vibrant nightlife, there are still plenty of “hidden” gems that allow you to experience a side of Bali away from the tourist crowds and get a glimpse of the local life. Spending a few days, or longer with a Bali tour guide can really help you uncover the layers of Balinese culture, see places that you would probably otherwise have missed, and feel like you are living the Balinese way of life. Here are some brilliant attractions and activities that will let you enjoy Bali like a local:
Explore Ubud’s Surroundings
Whilst artsy Ubud is likely to be on your travel to-do list, do take some time to head out of town and visit the nearby rural areas; you’ll be pleasantly surprised at what a difference just a few kilometres can make! Rent a bicycle and ride past lush verdant rice paddies, stop for a bite to eat at small countryside warungs (tiny eateries), see how locals life as you bike through charming rural villages, and find tucked away art galleries showcasing the works of artists from the area and selling pieces at a fraction of the price of those in Ubud’s galleries. Take a stroll across the delightful Campuhan Bridge and revel in the natural setting.
Join a Beach Football Game in Kuta
Whilst Kuta is well and truly on the tourist track that doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy some heart-warming local encounters. Head down to the beach and you’ll see people having a friendly kick around on the sands, with sarongs for goalposts, and anyone is welcome to join in with the fun. You’ll find beach footie on Legion’s beaches too.
Appreciate Nature in Payangan
A stunning jungle area, Payangan is located in the north of Bali. A top spot to escape the tourist masses, you can enjoy a range of adventure activities in a less-crowded place. Head off the beaten track and marvel at the natural sights as you go rafting, river tubing, canyoning, hiking, buggying, or riding an ATV through the forests. Filled with native wildlife, you’ll also spot plentiful local fruits and coffee plantations.
Check Out Bali’s Quieter Beaches
Some of Bali’s best-kept secrets are the stretches of unspoilt and fairly remote beaches that locals would rather you didn’t find out about! Gunung Payung Beach offers terrific views and you can observe the seaweed farmers at work as well as people collecting sea urchins from the waters. In Nusa Dua, it’s just a short drive of around an hour from the bustling city of Denpasar. A rocky path that leads 500 metres to the beach keeps many visitors away from Bias Tugal Beach in Padang Bai. Gleaming white sands, calm waters, local vendors, and a sparkling blue lagoon await! Climb the many steps down to Green Bowl Beach and see the moss-covered boulders that create an other-worldly coastal landscape. Step into the bat-filled caves where hundreds of bats hang upside down as they sleep. The best time to visit this beach is at low tide, in the afternoon; the rocks are usually completely submerged in water in the mornings.
Explore the Highlands of Munduk
Munduk, in the north of Bali, is a great place for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts. Do take along a shirt or lightweight jacket, especially if visiting in the early morning or evening, as the higher elevations can lead to cooler temperatures than you are perhaps expecting. There are waterfalls, temples, nature trails, and more to enjoy. A Bali tour guide will take you to plenty of scenic spots.
Soak in Blissful Hot Springs
Bali is blessed with a number of relaxing natural hot springs, thanks to the geothermal activity under the earth’s surface. Bathe in delightfully warm water and feast your eyes on picturesque surroundings. Angseri Hot Springs is a recommended place, loved by locals but visited by very few tourists. Banjar Hot Springs are thought to have healing properties, and they are easy to access from Lovina.
Peruse the Offerings in Markets
Whether you visit a wet market or a dry market, seeing where the local people trade and shop is a great way to experience a little slice of local life.
Kumbasari Market in Denpaser is split over several levels; at the bottom you can browse a wide selection of cooking equipment and locally-produced bamboo items, whilst the next floor up has many aromatic spices, dried goods, and textiles. The upper floor is home to clothing and household goods. Alternatively, if time is short but you want to experience a local Denpasar market, you can head to the island’s oldest and biggest market – Badung Market. Selling fruits, vegetables, spices, dried goods, fish, meat, textiles, and more, many Balinese people head here from nearby areas for their everyday needs. The market is open around the clock. For something really unusual, don’t miss Parar Burunbg, also located in Denpasar. A cacophony of sounds fills the air in this pet and bird market. You can watch craftspeople at work at Denpasar’s Batubalan Market.
If you’re in eastern Bali, Galiran Market is a good place to visit. With lots of fresh produce it’s bright and colourful, though you will also find textiles, including the traditional batik, art, and handicrafts. Semarapura Market is another good market to experience in the east. Try and visit in the mornings when the market is at its busiest.
Pancasari Market in Bedugal Region is an exciting farmers’ market with an array of fresh produce, and you can see an assortment of fresh local catches at Kedonganan Fish Market near to Jimbaran.
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