Offbeat places to visit in Bali that don't feel real

7 Offbeat Places in Bali That Don't Feel Real

Bali is one of the top holiday destinations around the world. It’s a place where reality takes a backseat, and surreal wonders come to life. 

 

In this blog, you’ll discover the hidden attractions and the offbeat places in Bali that make it a dreamlike destination. Apart from crowded beaches and vibrant markets, Bali boasts some secret gems that defy reality and leave you questioning if such enchanting beauty truly exists. 

 

So tighten your seatbelts, because the adventure begins where the actual world disappears. Let's go together to explore Bali's mysterious side, where reality seems distant and each step brings you to places that hardly feel real!

CONTENTS:

Here’s a list of 7 offbeat places to visit in Bali.

 

1. The Gates of Heaven at Lempuyang Luhur

2. The Handara Gate

3. The Bamboo Forest

4. Sidemen Valley

5. The Secret Canyon at Tukad Cepung

6. The Ghost Island of Nusa Penida

7. The Underwater World at Tulamben

 

1. The Gates of Heaven at Lempuyang Luhur

 

If you are looking for offbeat places in Bali that are worth your Instagram reels, Lempuyang Luhur is your ideal destination. This hidden attraction has 1,700 stairs. But, don’t worry! With each step, you’ll come across a breathtaking view, making the hard work worthwhile. And once you climb all the steps, you’ll reach the iconic split gates framing the majestic Mount Agung, which is a revered volcano. 

 

Exploring the Gates of Heaven at Lempuyang Luhur is like entering a legendary artwork, with swirling clouds and the landscape opening beneath like an emerald masterpiece.

 

Location: Karangasem, East Bali
Highlights: Panoramic view of Mount Agung, mesmerizing reflections in the gate

 

ALSO READ: Activities to do in Seminyak Bali

 

2. The Handara Gate

 

The Handara Gate in Bali is more than just a famous landmark; it serves as the entrance to a golf course. Its tall structure and beautiful surroundings make it a popular place to visit in Bali where you can take stunning photos and feel the enchanting atmosphere of Bali. 

 

Watching from a distance, the Handara Gate seems like a gigantic hand rising from the ground. Walk through this fun sculpture and experience entering a mystical forest with ancient banyan trees, creating a fairytale-like backdrop as you explore the twisted roots.

 

Location: Pancasari, Bedugul, North of Bali
Highlights: Breathtaking backdrop of lush greenery and majestic mountains

 

3. The Bamboo Forest

 

The sacred forests are another reason why Bali is so famous. This Indonesian island boasts several bamboo forests that the natives revere. The largest one is located in Penglipuran Traditional Village. This Bamboo Forest is a tranquil sanctuary that offers fresh air and room for your imagination to run wild. 

 

Experience walking through a bamboo tunnel as sunlight creates lovely patterns. Not only will you be able to enjoy tranquillity, but you may also come across rare wild beings, including Pandas.

The forest is considered sacred to the Bali people. It's not only about preserving nature; the people of Penglipuran rely on bamboo for their everyday needs, making it an essential part of their lives.

 

Location: Penglipuran Village, Bangli Regency
Highlights: Tranquil atmosphere, local stalls selling bamboo crafts and souvenirs

 

4. Sidemen Valley

 

Sidemen Valley is one of the best offbeat places to visit in Bali if you want to take a closer look at local life. Step into this serene location, where the beauty of rolling hills and rice terraces creates a peaceful haven. This is one of the best places to visit in Bali that provides a retreat into traditional Balinese living, away from tourist crowds. 

 

Sidemen Valley is renowned for crafting Songket and Endek, popular Balinese fabrics woven with silver, golden threads, and cotton in a traditional cultural manner. Don't forget to grab some as souvenirs to cherish the local craftsmanship.

 

Location: East Bali - between Besakih Temple and the Klungkung route
Highlights: Tranquil rice paddies, Gembleng Waterfall, scenic walking trails

 

5. The Secret Canyon at Tukad Cepung

 

Tired of fancy infinity pools and crowded beaches in Bali? Discover the hidden marvel of Tukad Cepung. This offbeat place in Bali boasts a hidden waterfall within a cave, where sunlight cascades through an opening, creating a mesmerizing scene. What’s more? There’s a natural pool formed by waterfalls that’ll leave you spellbound.

 

The short trek through the canyon adds to the sense of adventure, making it a captivating natural wonder you’ll love to explore. Swim through a cave entrance, surrounded by emerald waters, and emerge into a sun-drenched paradise. Away from the crowd, this hidden gem in Bali gives you the vibes of a setting from an adventurous movie.

 

Location: Bangli Regency, 1 hour away from Ubud
Highlights: Tukad Cepung Waterfall, challenging hiking trail

 

6. The Ghost Island of Nusa Penida

 

Want to escape the crowd? Set your foot on Nusa Penida, an island southeast of Bali. Marvel at the breathtaking Kelingking Beach, famed for its T-Rex-shaped cliff, and experience the tranquillity of Angel's Billabong, a natural infinity pool. 

 

One of the most stunning offbeat places in Bali, Nusa Penida offers a perfect location to unleash your daring side. Dive into the crystal-clear depths or walk along the cliffside, and you'll feel like a modern-day explorer on a secluded island. While the island is not haunted, it is graced with majestic cliffs, turquoise oceans, and graceful manta rays, creating an intriguing atmosphere.

 

Location: Klungkung Regency
Highlights: Keingking Beach, Atuh Beach, Peguyangan Waterfall, Banah Cliff

 

ALSO READ: Free things to do in Bali

 

7. The Underwater World at Tulamben

 

Tulamben is a popular diving spot in Bali. Another beautiful place to visit in Bali, this quaint village rose to fame after the loss of the USAT Liberty, a US Army transport ship destroyed by a Japanese submarine during World War II. Now serving as an artificial reef, this ship offers divers a unique underwater museum where history and nature collide. 

 

If you’re interested in water sports, Tulamben is your ideal destination. You'll get to dive inside the sunken shipwreck teeming with colourful fish and coral reefs. Switch your selfie sticks for scuba gear and join this aquatic adventure.

 

Location: Kubu sub-district of the Karangasem Regency
Highlights: USAT Liberty Shipwreck, captivating coral gardens, Tulamben Agung Dive Resort

 

Take Away!

 

Skip the conventional Bali and enjoy the unexpected. These offbeat places to visit in Bali are more than simply sights; they are experiences that will make you question reality. Hop to these attractions and you’ll feel as if you've wandered into a hidden Bali, that’s magical and mysterious.

 

Now start exploring, get lost, and discover your own version of amazing Bali. Remember that the most spectacular locations are often discovered on the route less travelled. 

Do you want to discover these hidden jewels in Bali? Book your Bali tour package now!