Thomas Beach is my all-time favorite hidden gem in Bali. It is super remote, with sparkling turquoise water and the best beach in Bali - maybe in the world! Up until about a year ago, it was known as a local's 'secret' beach, and was a hidden secret in Uluwatu - but nowadays tourists and locals alike can manage to find their way there pretty easily (just google how to get to Thomas Beach Bali), and it even has a few restaurants and coconut stands lining the beach.

Another hidden spot I love in Bali is Sayan House restaurant in Uluwatu. It's a gorgeous restaurant tucked away in the jungle, with sweeping sunset views and some of the most delicious food on the island! It's always my go-to date night spot in Bali.

The village of Nyanyi is everything you’ll imagine rural Bali to be - quiet, slow and surrounded by nature. This calm and serene area is far from the chaotic traffic and tourist crowds of Seminyak and Kuta, but still just 50km from Denpasar Airport.

It’s an inland area filled with lush jungles and tiny villages. Although it’s a quiet area, there are many interesting sites to explore nearby, such as the seaside Tanah Lot temple, UNESCO Heritage Site of Jati Luwih rice terraces, and Mount Batukaru.

My favorite places to visit in Bali are definitely in the North far from the tourist trail. You will find multiple waterfalls around the lakes Danau Buyan and Danau Beratan that are not crowded at all. Get yourself a local driver to show you around, but it is best to rent a scooter and get lost in that area yourself. You will find many homestays, even tree houses in the middle of the ricefields far away from a decent phone signal, but that is perfect, because here you will find the real authentic Bali lifestyle. When you are lucky the locals will bring you along to one of their temple ceremonies and show you a slice of their culture.

One of the best secret gems in Bali is the village of Munduk, hidden away in the quieter north of the island away from the main tourist trail. It’s surrounded by many pretty waterfalls and unlike others on Bali, there’s a good chance you will get them all to yourself. With a cooler climate, some of the best coffee in Indonesia and spectacular views across the rice terraces and forested hills that surround the village, Munduk is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy some peace and tranquility.

One of my favourite hidden spots in Bali is Cepung Waterfall - about 1-hour drive northeast of Ubud. After a short walk down a narrow rocky path and steep steps, you are greeted by the familiar sound of rushing water. Following the shallow creek upstream leads to a secluded scenic waterfall that looks like something from a postcard. There usually aren’t too many visitors as it requires some effort to reach and it’s not on the typical tourist trail. But if you ask your driver about it, chances are he (or she) will know where it is.”

One of the best beaches and hidden gems in Bali is The Blue Lagoon located in Pandangbai. Not only is picture-postcard perfect, with white sands and azure blue seas, but it is also extremely shallow so great for young families who want to paddle and snorkel. Surrounded by black coral, you can even hire snorkelling equipment to go and explore underwater where there is an abundance of marine life. Just don't tell too many people!

We really enjoyed the sleepy town of Amed, in northern Bali. It's a diving town famous for its black beaches, sunken shipwrecks, and a fully operational underwater post office! The town is far enough off the beaten path to deter most visitors, so it's nice and quiet - and more inexpensive than more popular spots, like Ubud. In Amed, "nightlife" means sitting and watching the sun setting over Jemeluk Bay and Mount Agung with a cold drink at Sunset Point!

An off-the-beaten-track location I loved in Bali is Amed, a collection of tranquil villages along the east coast. Their striking black sand beaches have the dramatic backdrop of Mount Agung, Bali’s highest volcano. Snorkellers and scuba divers will love the area thanks to its coral and marine life, as well as the USS Liberty, an incredible shipwreck that even novice divers can explore.

Amed is more laid-back than Bali's main tourist spots and the locals are super friendly. In the evenings there are relaxed restaurants and reggae bars where you can enjoy live music. It’s also a good stopping off point to catch a fast boat to the popular Gili Islands. Amed is the kind of place where you come for a day and stay for a week, so it’s well worth the trip.

Most people have no idea that chocolate is grown in the Bali Jungle, but there's a place called Pod Chocolate, which is an artisanal chocolate factory in the middle of the Bali hinterland. You can take chocolate tours and learn all about the process of sustainable chocolate creation, from how the beans are grown, to how they're roasted, and then turned into a bar. Of course, you get to taste test their 20 different types of chocolate, but also get to experiment by making your own! The factory is on the grounds of the Bali Elephant Camp, so they usually make chocolate elephants.

Bali is famous for its beaches, temples, rice terraces and volcanoes, but not many people know about the spooky abandoned theme park on the island's Eastern coast, not far from Sanur. The theme park is called "Taman Festival" and local people stay clear, believing it to be haunted by 'roaming spirits' who descend from all over the island. Today, the site is heaven for adventurous backpackers, Urban Explorers and Instagrammers who snap photos amidst the crumbling ruins and graffiti. It's an alternative tourist attraction that will provide you with some very different holiday photos.

When it comes to hidden gems in Bali, one place I loved recommending is staying (or visiting) at this charming boutique hotel called Mu Resort. Located on a tiny street just minutes away from Bingin Beach in Uluwatu, this place has a drop-dead gorgeous infinity pool (and jacuzzi) that's perfect for a sunset swim.

It also offers stunning coastline views, luxurious cozy accommodation, and peaceful vacation vibes. I stayed at MU resort during my very first trip to Bali, and I've been recommending people to stay there ever since! Uluwatu is my favorite region in Bali, and think it's a must-visit for all travelers making their way to the "Island of the Gods".

My favorite off the beaten path place in Bali is Bhuana Sari Waterfall - the second set of falls at Banyu Wana Amertha. Located 2.5 hours north of Denpasar, it is worth the extra 20 minute trek into the forest from the first waterfall to see the water bursting through the rock wall into a shallow pool and is easily one of the most captivating sights on the island.

After trying several spots to enjoy the sunset in Bali, we found our favorite. The 707 Beachberm in Batu Belig has a relaxed vibe, very different from other beach bars. The beers were always ice cold and reasonable priced. Arrive early to secure a good spot to appreciate the sunset!

We try to find the best places to eat on trips so I always do a lot of food research. But no matter how much research I do, it never measures up to local insight. Take Bali for example. I thought I had everything covered, but one of the best meals from our most recent trip came from this obscure place our driver recommended. He took us to this little known open-air restaurant called Kedai Kakul just a few minutes' drive from Tirta Empul Temple. "Kakul" in Balinese means freshwater snail. We had the sate kakul (snail satay) and soto ayam (chicken soup), both of which were absolutely delicious. We've had satay many times before but never with snail! It was fantastic and definitely something we'd look for on every return trip to Bali.

One of my favourite hidden spots in Bali is Tamblingan Lake in North Bali Munduk region. If you get to the temple on the lake before or around sunrise you will likely have to the spot to yourself besides a few avid photographers who arrive early to catch the mist over the lake as the sun comes up.

Whilst you are in this area you can spend a few nights allowing you time to explore the many beautiful waterfalls including Munduk Waterfall, Git Git waterfall and my personal favourite Banyumala waterfall.

Finally, make your way to Banjar Hot Springs to relax in the green pools surrounded by the sounds of the jungle!

The best thing about Bali is that no matter how many times you go, there is always something new and interesting to discover. But, one place we keep coming back to on every visit is Desa Seni, a village resort in Canggu. For people who want to try yoga or keep up with their practice, Desa Seni’s open air yoga shala is the perfect space for a memorable practice.

The select group of yoga teachers are carefully chosen for their skill and experience and the studio has a constant breeze which keeps it cool even on the hottest days. After class, you can have lunch at the resort’s restaurant, where most of the ingredients come from the organic gardens dotted around the property, or stop in at the spa for a holistic treatment. We recently had a chance to stay in one of Desa Seni's antique wooden homes which are hidden among the lush gardens — a unique, eco-friendly hideaway from the busy streets of Bali!

I’ve travelled around the globe for the past 4 years and I consider Banyumala waterfall my favourite waterfall of all time. While it has recently been gaining traction and becoming more known, it’s still enough off the beaten path that you could have the waterfall all to yourself or share it with just a few others like I did. Located not far from Munduk, in Bali’s northern mountainous region that’s too often overlooked, Banyumala waterfall is located down a bumpy road that you must take caution when driving. A small parking lot is available and when you descend down the rocks and stairs carved out from the earth you’ll be rewarded with a towering waterfall, a large pool to swim in and a backdrop for pictures that is breathtaking.

I have warm memories of my stay in Sidemen in the east of Bali. This small valley is like Ubud was 20 years ago – surrounded by rice paddies, quiet and with little things to do other than relaxing. You will still find the traditional Bali here that has not been overrun by tourists yet. If you come to party, this is not your place. If you want to totally relax and enjoy the good life, then Sidemen is definitely a great place to go!

Finding an authentic place away from the crowds in many parts of Bali can sometimes feel impossible, but the one we seem to keep coming back to is Sidemen. This small village in the East of Bali is set among beautiful rice terraces and looks out towards the mighty Mt Agung. You can visit authentic Balinese villages, eat local organic food and explore the lush green area without the crowds or tourist buses. It’s also fairly close to Tukad Cepung, one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Bali, set in a cave. If you want to get active you can hike to the Bukit Temple for some amazing views or amongst the rice terraces themselves. That’s if you can peel yourself away from the tranquility of Sidemen.

If you want to go to a place that not a lot of tourists know about, my suggestion are the Green Cliffs and Little Grotto of Undisan Bangli. It’s my favorite hidden gem in Bali and if you’re a nature lover, you’ll absolutely love this place. The giant, moss-covered cliffs stretch for miles, creating a beautiful, green canyon that leads towards a beautiful grotto hidden in the depths of Bali’s jungles. When it comes to secret swimming spots in Bali, most people head to Bali’s busy beaches not even knowing this place exists which makes it even more special if you ask me.

Often overlooked in favor of the more popular Tirta Gangga, Taman Ujung Water Palace in East Bali's Karangasem regency is a true gem. The lush garden complex boasts large ponds, incredible views, ornate statues, colorful flowers and majestic Mount Agung as a backdrop.

It isn't really hidden but we had it all to ourselves for a few hours one morning and absolutely loved it. All we could hear were birds chirping and water trickling from the beautiful fountains while the rising sun illuminated all the greenery. Such a magical setting!

During my solo trip to Bali, I enjoyed exploring Sindhu Beach in the magical Bali Island. I had one of the memorable experiences watching the best sunrise. A bike tour from Sanur took only 10 minutes to reach. The early morning was the best time for me to enjoy some of the relaxing and tranquil moments. Sindhu Beach is one of the must-visit for beach lovers around.

One of my favourite spots is the Kanto Lampo waterfall just 30 minutes outside of Ubud. The locals say the waterfall has only been flowing since 2015. This might be the reason for why, when I visited it was deserted and we had the incredible place to ourselves. Best time to go is early in the morning as it is getting more popular but still an amazing sight and experience. I would 100% suggest going here as opposed to the Tegenungan waterfall which is famous in Ubud.

My favorite hidden place in Bali is Parachute in Canggu. I saw Parachute by accident while riding motorbike around Canggu – the entrance is covered by bamboo gates and a bit hidden from view, but the large Parachute tent caught our eyes from far away. They serve really good food made from fresh ingredients and beautiful location overlooking the rice paddies. They are a farm-to-table restaurant, evident by the small garden in the back yard – ingredients produced from the backyard makes an appearance on their menu.

There are 2 locations that I fell in love with.

The new so called surfer's paradise at Canggu. Filled with alot nice cafe, vegan food and more local too, even there are a few handful of foreign operatios. Slow pace, chill and most of the beach bar there are pretty good.

Another area that is good for instagram or picture is Nusa Dua at downsouth of the island. A place that you wish to see beautiful scenery with sky blue sea water and nice smooth sandy beach. A perfect place to be and best to stay one night there. It is like a lost island paradise. Quiet and relaxing.

This place is so cool! It’s an amazing village set along the Ayung River, where you’ll find incredible structures made entirely of bamboo. Not only is cool in terms of being eco-friendly, but it also provides you with a chance to see something you have never seen before and makes for amazing photo opportunities too. They offer tours of the village on weekdays and you can stick around for a yummy lunch if you like.

Away from the beach crowds and tourist bus traffic jams, Jatiluwih Rice Terraces and the surrounding area give a glimpse into unspoilt Bali. The impossibly beautiful terraces stretch into the distance with mountains and hillsides framing the sea of green. The web of paved paths and simple trails that snake their way through the fields and give visitors an opportunity to experience this stunning UNESCO-recognised landscape for themselves.

Take time to meander the paths or wander into the fields themselves to spy the intricate series of waterways feeding the terraces and see the locals at work. Jatiluwih sees only a fraction of the tourists that many sights in Bali receive and is surprisingly serene. Afterwards, relax on the terrace of Billy’s Terrace Café with a cold drink and unrivalled views of the area. My favourite place in Bali by a long way!

Bali is home to some fantastic restaurants such as the insanely popular Mexicola (which definitely lives up to the hype in my opinion!) as well as my personal favourite, Tapas Tapas!

I also enjoyed staying in Singaraja, in the north of Bali, as it felt so off the beaten path and there very few tourists there!

North Bali is a stunning area that is still not overflooded with mass tourism. Munduk is a village where you can still experience the real Bali with amazing waterfalls, endless rice fields and jungles. 

Munduk and Golden Valley Waterfalls are interconnected through an easy trek in the jungle. You can start your adventure with either waterfall and walk through the beautiful forest to reach the other one. My favorite is the Munduk Waterfall that's surrounded by amazing greenery. The best part is that you can have the waterfall all to yourself with very few tourists around.