Bali’s Most Underrated Destinations

Bali’s Hidden Corners: Discovering the Island’s Most Underrated Destinations

When most people think of Bali, their minds drift to the emerald rice terraces of Ubud, the sunset-splashed sands of Seminyak, or the surfer’s paradise of Canggu. But as someone who traded Amsterdam’s canals for Bali’s coconut palms (and swapped my stroopwafels for sweet pisang goreng!), I’ve learned that this island’s magic truly thrives away from the crowds.

Let’s wander beyond the Instagram queues and uncover Bali’s most underrated destinations—places where you’ll trade the hum of scooters for the chirping of cicadas, and where the only thing more colorful than the landscapes are the stories you’ll collect along the way.

1. Sidemen Valley: Bali’s Emerald Secret

Imagine: Rolling rice paddies, misty mornings, and the dramatic silhouette of Mount Agung in the distance. Sidemen (pronounced “see-de-men”) feels like the beating heart of rural Bali—a tapestry of tradition where farmers in conical hats still tend their fields as they have for centuries.

Why Go?
Forget the touristy swings and overrun coffee plantations. In Sidemen, you’ll find authentic weaving villages, hidden waterfalls like Gembleng and Tukad Cepung (my Dutch heart skipped a beat seeing those light rays!), and guesthouses with infinity pools perched above lush valleys.

Fenna’s Tip: Hire a local guide for a sunrise trekking tour. The panoramas are worthy of a Van Gogh painting, and you might even be invited into a family compound for a cup of strong Balinese kopi.

2. Amed: Black Sands & Underwater Wonders

Imagine: A sleepy string of fishing villages hugging Bali’s northeast coast, where the pebbly black beaches meet a turquoise sea teeming with life. Amed is a diver’s dream, but even as a non-diver, I fell for its laid-back vibe and spectacular sunrises (pro tip: bring your camera!).

Why Go?
Here, you can snorkel over vibrant coral just steps from your bamboo bungalow, kayak along dramatic coastline, or sip arak cocktails at a beachside warung as the fishermen bring in their catch.

Fenna’s Tip: Rent a scooter and head to Jemeluk Bay for snorkeling, then continue east to the Japanese Shipwreck—a rusted relic now alive with neon fish and soft corals. Don’t skip the sunset viewpoint for a golden hour that rivals anything in Santorini.

3. Munduk: Misty Mountains & Waterfall Trails

Imagine: The cool highlands of North Bali, where clouds drift lazily across dense jungle, and narrow paths lead you to hidden cascades. Munduk is the polar opposite of Bali’s sultry south—a place where you’ll need a sweater, and every breath feels like a deep inhale of fresh mountain air.

Why Go?
Munduk’s hiking trails connect a string of waterfalls—Melanting, Laangan, and Munduk itself—and the region’s clove and coffee plantations fill the air with scents you’ll want to bottle. I spent a blissful afternoon here learning to roast coffee beans with a local family (they laughed at my Dutch attempts to stir the beans just right!).

Fenna’s Tip: Stay at an eco-lodge with panoramic jungle views. Wake early for sunrise at Twin Lakes viewpoint, where the mist rolls over Lake Buyan and Lake Tamblingan—truly a fairytale scene.

4. Nusa Penida’s Wild West

Imagine: Most visitors flock to Nusa Penida’s iconic Kelingking Beach, but the island’s rugged west is a true wild frontier. Picture wind-carved cliffs, secret coves, and the hauntingly beautiful Broken Beach and Angel’s Billabong.

Why Go?
Rent a scooter (channel your inner Dutch cyclist—just swap the fiets for a motorbike!) and brave the bumpy roads to Gamat Bay, where you’ll find world-class snorkeling without the crowds. Don’t miss a stop at the natural infinity pool at Angel’s Billabong—just be mindful of the tides, as the waves can be powerful.

Fenna’s Tip: Pack a picnic and spend the day exploring at your own pace. The west’s jagged landscapes offer the kind of solitude and raw beauty that are increasingly rare in Bali.

5. Penglipuran Village: Bali’s Best-Kept Cultural Gem

Imagine: A perfectly preserved village where time seems to stand still, Penglipuran is famed for its bamboo architecture, flower-lined avenues, and enduring sense of community. While it’s gaining some popularity, it still feels worlds away from Bali’s more commercialized attractions.

Why Go?
Here, you’re invited to wander through traditional compounds, witness daily offerings, and learn about the Balinese philosophy of “Tri Hita Karana”—the harmonious relationship between people, nature, and the divine. As a Dutch traveler, I loved the village’s commitment to sustainability and the warmth with which visitors are welcomed.

Fenna’s Tip: Visit during Galungan festival if you can—the village is adorned with towering penjor (bamboo decorations), and the celebrations are a riot of color and sound.

Ready to Go Off the Beaten Path?

As the Dutch say, “Wie niet waagt, wie niet wint”—“nothing ventured, nothing gained.” Bali’s quieter corners offer more than just Instagrammable moments; they invite you to slow down, connect, and experience the island’s soul. Pack your sense of adventure (and maybe your rain jacket for those mountain mists!), and let Bali’s underrated gems surprise you.

See you off the beaten path—camera in hand, heart wide open!