Many people who visit Bali usually get stuck in a routine. From a trip to the Uluwatu Temple to a day at the tourist hotspot of Ubud, they visit the same places, do the same things, and blend in with the rest of the crowd. What if you want to stand out from the rest and explore places that are not frequently visited by tourists?
Fortunately, there are plenty of lesser known tourist sites in Bali that are not crowded with throngs of visitors. Given here is a list of seven unknown tourist attractions in the city that you can visit to have a unique yet thoroughly enjoyable experience.
1. The Secret Gardens in Sambangan
Not many locals, leave alone tourists, know about this splendidly beautiful abode of nature in the Sambangan village. The secret gardens are basically a chain of waterfalls and pools located in the Balinese rainforest. You have to trek into the jungle to be able to find the place, but it is worth it. Just make sure you are guided by someone who knows the place well.
2. Suluban Cave
Everyone knows the magnificent Uluwatu Temple, but not many know the scenic cave located directly underneath it. The Suluban Cave is as mysterious as it is beautiful and is the perfect spot for you to explore on a quiet day. The cave also leads to the Suluban Beach, which is a popular surfing spot in the area.
3. Air Panas Hot Springs
The Air Panas hot springs in Banjar are located in the middle of the Balinese jungle. The volcanic, sulfuric water has a temperature of 37 degrees Celsius and is incredibly soothing and relaxing on the body. Depending on your preference, you can relax in any one of the three public hot springs or the private one. The place is located close to Lovina Beach and you should visit it early in the morning to escape the crowd.
4. Coral Reefs at Lovina Beach
Lovina Beach is not just for swimming and snorkeling enthusiasts. Ask your guide to take you to a coral reef off the coast and feed the fishes by hand. It is an incredibly relaxing experience and makes you feel very close to Mother Earth.
5. Mount Batur
Few activities can be as thrilling as climbing an active volcano. Mount Batur is 1,717 meters above sea level and is one of the highest points in all of Bali. The trek to the top is not as difficult as many people think and only takes about two hours. You have to start early in the morning so that you can reach the top just in time to watch the magnificent sunrise. The highest point also offers a breathtaking view of the entire area. Do not forget to try the special volcanic steamed egg, which is the favorite of trekkers in the region. Once you are done with the trekking session, you can take a dip in the volcanic hot water spring located on the banks of Lake Batur.
6. Slanted Hillside at Bukit Asah Bugbug
The gorgeous slanted hillside overlooks the Indian Ocean and the view simply takes your breath away! You can find an unexplored spot and sit in solitude, take your friends along for a picnic, or take your partner along for a romantic getaway. Do not forget to take your camera for it is one of the most scenic natural spots you will ever see in your life.
7. Rice Fields of Negara City
If you are exhausted with all the adrenaline-pumping activities like surfing, snorkeling, and trekking, you can take a day off and visit Negara City. The city has plenty of lush green rice fields which spread out in every direction. You can walk through the rice fields and observe the local farmers plowing with water buffaloes and planting rice shoots. It is an incredibly calming, soothing experience and the perfect antidote for the hustle and bustle of tourist hotspots in the region.
Apart from visiting these relatively unexplored spots, do not forget to try the delicious Indonesian cuisine, which is served at the local restaurants all over the city. From the mouthwatering crispy duck to suckling pig, and pork intestine soup, there are a number of dishes that you must try when you are in Bali!