From the black-sand beaches of Amed to the royal water palace at Tirta Gangga — the real Bali is waiting.
Bali is one of the most visited islands on earth — and yet most visitors see only a fraction of it. The southern beach clubs, rice terraces of Ubud, and the Monkey Forest are wonderful, but they're just the opening chapter. Here are seven sides of Bali that will reshape the way you think about the island.
1. Amed: The Black Sand Coast
In East Bali, Amed is a string of fishing villages with black volcanic sand beaches and some of the best shore diving in Asia. The famous USAT Liberty Shipwreck at nearby Tulamben sits just 20–30 metres from shore — accessible to snorkellers and beginner divers alike. The vibe is slow, the food is excellent, and the sunrises over Mount Agung are magnificent.
2. Tirta Gangga: The Royal Water Palace
Built by the last Raja of Karangasem in 1946, Tirta Gangga is a dreamlike complex of pools, fountains, and stepping stones surrounded by lush gardens. Spring water gushes through the mouths of mythological figures into crystal pools. Entry is just a few dollars and it's almost always peaceful.
3. Sidemen Valley: Rice Fields Without the Instagram Queue
While Tegalalang gets the crowds, the Sidemen Valley offers some of the most beautiful terraced rice field landscapes in Bali — with almost no other tourists. Walk the trails between villages, visit local weavers working on traditional geringsing cloth, and stay in a hillside bungalow with views of Mount Agung.
4. Munduk: The Highland Village
Perched at 1,000 metres in the hills of North Bali, Munduk is known for its clove and coffee plantations, hidden waterfalls, and cool mountain air. The twin lakes of Tamblingan and Buyan shimmer below the ridge, and the surrounding forest is alive with birds.
5. Penglipuran: Bali's Most Beautiful Traditional Village
Penglipuran has been named one of the world's cleanest villages — and one visit confirms it. The street is lined with identical bamboo-gated family compounds, each maintained according to centuries-old Balinese Hindu tradition.