Bali is an island full of beautiful beaches, stunning rice paddies, and mountains, and it’s also home to many hidden gems that most people don't know about.

If you're looking for some new places to explore on your trip to Bali, check out these 12 hidden gems:

1. Tangkub Waterfall

Hidden in the jungles of Ubud, Tangkub Waterfall, and the surrounding green canyons covered in vibrant green moss is an untouched paradise! 

We came across Tangkub Waterfall unintentionally while on the search for the Green Cliffs and Grotto of Unisan Bangle which is also a hidden gem, I am yet to discover!

It’s a fairly long walk (around 20-25 minutes) to get to the waterfall and it’s hard to find.

Enter "Tangkub Waterfall - Bukit Hijau" into Google Maps to get to the start of your trek to this waterfall. There is no parking lot, so you must park on the side of the road.

The trail will take you through rice fields and a local village in the middle of nowhere.

Take the small path opposite the barbershop, take the first left, follow the path, and then take the next right. Descend the stairs and take the path to the left. This path will lead you to the waterfall.

Entrance Fee: None

Photo by: alikainwanderlust

2. Hidden Canyon Beji Guwang

At the Hidden Canyon, you will be trekking through the river, sometimes at chest-high depths.

A local guide is included in your entrance fee. They tell you where it’s best to walk and what to hold onto throughout your journey through the canyons.

It takes about 2 hours to see all three canyons each one unique to the other.

Ask your guide to take you through the dark cave with the waterfall at the end. The cave was a little scary, with what appeared to be bats flying above us, but it was the highlight of our tour!

Entrance Fee: 200,000 IDR per person. The entrance fee includes a towel, locker, bottled water, and a local guide!

Photo by: alikainwanderlust

3. Pura Geger Beach

Pura Geger is a small secluded tropical beach located in Nusa Dua. Its white sand and crystal-clear calm waters make it an ideal beach for swimming, tanning, and relaxing.

Despite its small size, the beach has a lot to offer. You can walk around the ocean's rocky cliffs, which contain caves and small beach bays.

Keep in mind that there is a location on Google Maps called Geger Beach by the Mulia Resort, but the one I am referring to here is Pura Geger Beach, which is located next to Pura Geger Temple.

Entrance Fee: None

Photo by: alikainwanderlust

4. Candi Gunung Kawi

Located deep in the forest is a collection of ancient shrines surrounded by water fountains.

Aside from being an important sacred site for the locals, Candi Gunung Kawi is one of the most unique archaeological sites, with ten 7-meter funeral shrines carved into the cliff face. It's one of Bali's oldest ancient landmarks!

These funeral monuments are thought to be dedicated to the Udayana dynasty King Anak Wings and his favourite queens!

There are many stairs leading down to the shrines, but it is well worth it to experience the mystical atmosphere here!

To enter the sacred grounds, you must dress appropriately. Before descending the stairs through the river valley, a sarong is available for purchase at the ticket booth.

Entrance Fee: 50,000 IDR including sarong rental.

Photo by: alikainwanderlust

5. Gunung Kawi Sebatu Temple

Tirta Empul Temple is the temple tourists visit to participate in the holy purification ritual, but if you want a more secluded experience, I recommend Gunung Kawi Sebatu Temple.

Gunung Kawi Sebatu Temple is one of Bali's least visited temples, despite being one of the most extensive ancient temple complexes.

Locals visit these water temples to purify themselves through ritual bathing. They believe that the holy spring water has magical purifying powers. They queue to wash away sin and restore their mind, body, and soul by dipping their heads beneath the water spouts.

If you want to participate in the holy purification ritual, you must enter the pool wearing a sarong and a t-shirt. Remember to bring a change of clothes!

There's also a Koi Pond where you can feed the Koi, as well as intricately designed carvings, statues, and monuments throughout the temple grounds.

Entrance Fee: 15,000 IDR per person

Photo by: alikainwanderlust

6. Angseri Natural Hot Springs

Natural Hot Springs Angseri, also known as Air Panas Angseri was previously only used by locals, but it is now open to tourists. There are toilets, change rooms, and a food stall, but don't expect anything fancy.

There is one large public pool and nine private natural hot tubs, each of which can accommodate up to five people. If you want to rent a private natural pool, make a reservation ahead of time.

Soaking in the hot springs surrounded by lush gardens with a view of a small waterfall next to a pond is incredibly relaxing.

Angseri Natural Hot Springs is close to Jatiluwih Rice Terraces so I recommend visiting both on the same day.

Entrance Fee: Public Pool 45,000 IDR, Private Pool 50,000 IDR for 1 hour

Photo by: alikainwanderlust

7. Lahangan Sweet

Lahangan Sweet is a viewpoint with spectacular views of Mount Agung! It’s becoming more popular as influencers are posting photos of it on social media. 

To get to the viewpoint, you must walk up a fairly steep hill. Once you see a small wooden sign for Lahangan Sweet, park alongside the road. The ticket purchase booth is about a 10-minute walk away. After 5 minutes of walking from the ticket booth, you will arrive at several viewpoints on the left! 

Visit during the dry season and on a clear day (either sunrise or sunset are the best times). Although the rainy season is when the valley is at its greenest, there is also a high risk of fog, clouds and rain which means you may not be able to see Mt Agung at all.

Entrance Fee: 20,000 IDR per person

Photo by: alikainwanderlust

8. Keramas Beach

Keramas Beach is a black sand beach and popular amongst surfers. This beach has breathtaking views, glittery volcanic black sand, and massive waves.

Depending on the tide, Keramas Beach is a great place to surf. Unless you catch the ocean at its calmest, it's not a swimming beach.

There are a few restaurants along the beach where you can take in the scenery and watch the surfers.

Just a short walk away you can dine in an airplane at Keramas Aero Park.

Entrance Fee: None

Photo by: alikainwanderlust

9. Karang Boma Cliff

Karang Boma Cliff is one of Uluwatu's best scenic viewpoints. To get to the viewpoint, walk through the fields for about 5 - 10 minutes from where you park.

When you arrive at the viewpoint, be extremely cautious when approaching the edge and taking photos because there is no railing.

The viewpoint provides an amazing view of the reef below as well as the surrounding dramatic cliffs.

Entrance Fee: 10,000 IDR per person

Photo by: alikainwanderlust

10. Jatiluwih Rice Terraces

The most popular rice terraces to visit in Bali are the Tegallalang Rice Terraces, but I prefer the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces! The Jatiluwih Rice Terraces are Bali's largest rice terraces, covering 600 hectares. It is not only larger than the Tegallalang Rice Terraces, but it is also less crowded with tourists.

Jatiluwih Rice Terraces is beautiful with its hilly rice paddies surrounded by lush greenery!

Aside from rice field trekking, you can also go on a cycling tour, visit Yeh Ho Waterfall, visit temples, and eat at restaurants with a panoramic view of the rice terraces!

The walking routes at Jatiluwih Rice Terraces range in length from 1 to 4 hours. The Rustic is a great place for lunch as it overlooks the rice terraces.

Entrance Fee: 40,000 IDR per person

Parking Fee: 5,000 IDR

Photo by: alikainwanderlust

11. Tegal Wangi Beach

Tegal Wangi Beach is a tropical beach on Bali's southwest coast that features natural rock pools and caves. It is close to Ayana Rock Bar, a well-known bar perched on top of a rock formation along the ocean.

If the parking lot is closed, you can get around by jumping the fence. The fence was further away, not the one near the temple. On top, there is a section without barbed wire that is safe to jump over. Follow the dirt path down the cliff for a few minutes until you reach the beach.

There are two caves to explore on the right side of the beach, towards Ayana. The first cave is small but the second cave is great for photos.

There are small natural tide pools near the shore. You can enjoy a naturally formed warm ocean jacuzzi at low tide.

Entrance Fee: None

Photo by:

12. Kajeng Rice Fields

The Kajeng Rice Fields trail is an easy, peaceful short walk. The best time to walk through these beautiful rice fields is near sunset. The entire loop takes about 45 minutes to complete without stopping.

Begin the walk on Jalan Kajeng, near the Ubud Water Palace. To get past the village, take a narrow path made of wooden planks. Turn left at the fork in the road to walk through the rice fields.

Sweet Orange Warung, a local restaurant along the way, is ideal for a mid-way stop before watching the sunset from the rice fields. The Indonesian food here is both cheap and delicious!

Entrance Fee: None

Photo by: alikainwanderlust

If you're looking for a place to get away from the crowds and find your own slice of paradise, I'm sure you'll enjoy discovering the above 12 hidden gems.

PS: Cover photo by danasaya_