Do you want it? Bali’s got it! For relaxation, simply stay put at your choice of private villas in Bali, which will most likely boast an exotic spa, a stunning beach, an exotic spa and tons of dining options. If you like an adventure, you should traverse this magical island in search of ancient temples, and hidden shrines – the Tirta Empul Temple is one of the best places to visit in Bali and most favourite by travellers. If you’re an animal lover, best to include is the Elephant Safari Park, it hosts the rescued Sumatran elephants who knows how to paint and give rides to tourists and visitors. And for families, Waterbom offers crazy rides.
Bali is an island that you should put on top of your bucket list. On our trip through Bali, we tried to avoid mass tourism and go off the beaten path. Here’s our list of the Off the beaten places you must visit in Bali, Indonesia.
- Sekumpul Waterfall
Sekumpul Waterfall is one of Bali’s most scenic natural attractions. This waterfall is included in a group of six to seven narrow cascades forming the centrepiece of a green bamboo forested valleys. It’s actually easy going to this fall. Through the namesake village of Sekumpul, you’ll be able to reach the falls by nature trekking. Sekumpul Waterfall is located in North Bali in the upland region of the Buleleng regency. You can reach the village within an hour drive from southeast of Lovina Beach.
By far this is most impressive waterfall we have seen in Bali. Too far from all other tourist attractions, this waterfall is a real gem! There are few tourists coming here because of its location and the 40-minute hike down to it. On the foot of the fall, you’ll be rewarded with a fresh cold shower, and the sun is there a beautiful rainbow. This should be on top of your list.
- Tegallalang Rice Terraces
Situated in Tegallalang Village North of Ubud Bali, this Rice Terraces is famous for its beautiful scenes of rice paddies including the Subak, a traditional Balinese irrigation system. It forms the three most splendid terraced landscapes in the shared region of Ubud, the other two villages are the Pejeng and Campuhan.
This might be one of the most popular tourist attraction but still one of our top things to do in Bali. The best time to visit is during sunrise or sunset.
- 85-Meter-High Bayan Tree
Located in the village of Gesing in North Bali, this giant Bayan tree, believed to be 700 years old. It is 85 meters tall and has a diameter of 70 meters. Banyan trees are considered sacred by the Balinese and believe that trees inhabit spirits and demons and people should be very careful when exploring the trees. This can be found in the area of the two famous temples called Pura Pecalang and Pura Subak. Because of its huge size, you can easily walk through the tree by following the maze-like root system.
- Pura Dalem Jagaraga
Located in Jagaraga village in Singaraja of North Bali, Pura Dalem Jagaraga is an ancient temple where the curious stones carvings were scattered all over the temple complex. The reliefs and stone ornaments were inspired by Dutch colonialism, the resistance, and local mythology.
Some of the unique reliefs depict a person drinking a beer, a vintage car driven by an armed driver, and an aircraft crashing into the sea. These unique stone carvings are unique and can only be found in this temple.
- Goa Maya Cave
Another off the beaten place to visit in Bali is the Goa Maya Cave. This sacred cave is located in Bayad Village in Tegalalang, Gianyar. This mysterious cave was believed that the evil king Maya Denawa was murdered inside the cave in the 11th century. Legend has it that the villagers prayed to the Hindu deities Siva and Indra to help them kill the king. When the evil king died, the blood flowed into the Petanu River that makes the water unsafe for irrigation and drinking.
Going here should make an extra care because the cave is considered to be dangerous for exploration. The irrigation tunnels and slippery slopes are very complex but once you’re there, the landscapes and mystical feeling of the cave make it worth the visit.
- Nung Nung Waterfall
Aside from the Sekumpul Waterfall and any other beautiful waterfalls, Nung Nung Waterfall is one of our favourites. Its location is near the Sangeh Monkey Forest. Nung Nung Waterfalls is definitely worth the visit because of its lush scenery. The cascading water crashes into the pool with a relaxing sound of the waterfall that creates a refreshing spray.
You must be careful on your way there, as you’re going to take 500 stone steps.
- Relief Yeh Pulu
Located in the rice field area of Bedulu Village, about 300 meters in the east of Batulumbang Village, Relief Yeh Pulu was found by Punggawa Ubud in 1925. Yeh Pulu came from the word Yeh and Pulu which mean water and container of rice. Yeh Pulu is the longest of old Bali relief which one of the Bali’s classic monument.
One of the important aspects of this art is the emerging of its new style. In an ancient time, the art of Bali was very superhuman in nature and very idealistic, but Yeh Pulu relief vigorous and realistic in style.
This post is submitted by Seema from PandaReviewz who runs a travel blog.
