9 Underrated Things To Do In Bali That Most Tourists Miss

Let’s be honest that when most travelers think of Bali the images that pop into their heads are of famous Ubud Bali swing, infinity pools and busy cafes. But what if I tell you that there’s so much more to Bali than the Instagram famous spots and tourist attractions? And what if I tell you Bali is full of fabulous hidden gems that could rock your world? If you are someone who likes to walk beyond the beaten path then you have come to the right place. 

In this carefully curated guide, we are uncovering 9 underrated things to do in Bali that are often overlooked but are absolutely worth your time. Whether you are a first time visitor or a Bali loyalist, these underrated gems will show you a whole new side of the island. 

1. 5GX Reverse Bungy 

Strapped into a seat, countdown ticking and suddenly you are launched straight into the sky. The 5GX Bungy in Legian isn’t your usual Bali thrill. It’s fast, intense and over in seconds but the adrenaline rush lasts the whole day. It’s also referred to as slingshot. If you are up for something wild and chasing the “I can’t believe I just did that” moment then this is a must try for you. 

 Location: Jalan Legian, Bali

Opening Hours: 10:30 am - 2:30 am, daily

Per person Price: Ranges from IDR 250,000 - IDR 350,000 (equivalent to INR 1900 approx.)

2. Gunung Kawi Temple

Gunung Kawi is an ancient temple complex known for its massive stone shrines carved into a cliff. When you step into this temple it gives you a feeling of entering a forgotten world. To reach this temple, you will walk through beautiful rice fields and hundreds to stone steps but it is a journey worth taking because at the end you’ll be rewarded with sacred water features, breathtaking views with a historically rich experience of Bali’s spiritual side. 

Location: Tampaksiring, Bali

Opening Hours: 8:00 am - 6 pm, daily

Entrance Fee: Ranges from IDR 25,000 - IDR 50,000 (equivalent to INR 230 approx.)

3. Waterblow

At Waterblow in Nusa Dua, you will experience nature's one of the craziest mysteries. Here, the sea crashes into a rock cliff and shoots water straight into the air, like a natural explosion or a natural fountain. It’s loud, wild and honestly pretty cool to watch. And if you’re lucky you may get fully drenched by the force of the ocean, in the best way of course. Don’t overlook this majestic natural phenomenon just because it’s not a full day activity. This could be a wild and amazing quick stop for you if you want to experience something different, especially for nature lovers and photographers.

Location: Badung Regency, Nusa Dua, Bali

Opening Hours: 9 am - 6 pm, daily 

Entrance Fee: Ranges from IDR 25,000 for adults, IDR 15,000 for children over 5 years (equivalent to INR 140 approx.)

4. Tukad Cepung Waterfall 

Even though this location has started to gain popularity recently, it’s still quieter than Bali’s more famous waterfalls like Tegenungan. What sets this waterfall apart from others is that it is hidden inside a cave like canyon. And in the morning, when the sunlight is hitting just right, it creates a magical spotlight effect which truly feels otherwordly and makes it a perfect muse for photography. It’s peaceful, dramatic and one of those spots in Bali that almost feels like a secret. 

Location: Near Bangli, Kecamatan Tembuku, Bali

Opening Hours: 7:00 am - 6 pm, daily 

Entrance Fee: Ranges from IDR 15,000 - IDR 40,000 (equivalent to INR 215 approx.)

5. Kebun Raya Bedugul 

Kebun Raya Bedugul is also known as the Bali Botanical Garden, which is known for its beautiful mountains, tropical plants, a treetop adventure park, bamboo forests and orchid collections. This spot is perfect for a quiet walk or a quick picnic as it is not crowded heavily like other tourist attractions in Bali, which immediately sets it apart from Bali’s beach and temple scenes. If you want to get away from the beach buzz of Bali and dive into its deep forest life, then this is the place for you. 

Location: Bedugul, Central Bali

Opening Hours: Weekdays: 8 am - 4 pm,  Weekends: 8 am - 5 pm

Entrance Fee: Weekdays: IDR 20,000 approx. & Weekends: IDR 30,000 approx. (equivalent to INR 160 approx)

6. Kintamani Village & Temple

While Kintamani village is not a famous tourist attraction and is often treated as a photo stop by tourists, it has a lot more to offer than just a 15 minute volcano view. This village is filled with beautiful hot springs, delicious local cuisine and a stunning temple- Pura Ulun Danu Batur rich in history and goddess worship. Kintamani is the calm after the adrenaline and party storm as its village life provides a serene kind of peace and quiet, which is totally opposite from Bali’s southern towns. So if you are in search of a place to just relax and unwind in a spiritual setting and experience local Balinese traditions, then this is the perfect place for you to stay.

Location: Bangli Regency, Northeast Bali

Opening Hours: 8 am - 5 pm, daily

Entrance Fee: IDR 82,000 approx. (equivalent to INR 450 approx.)

7. Wake Boarding 

One of the biggest tourist attractions in Bali is definitely its watersports but most people usually just stick to banana boat rides or surfing. But wakeboarding is just as thrilling, its less crowded and offers a new way to enjoy the ocean without needing big waves. It is suitable for a beginner as well as an experienced rider. If you’ve never tried wakeboarding, Bali’s calm waters are a great place to start. It’s fast, fun and surprisingly easy to learn. And since it isn’t as popular as other watersports, you can easily beat the rush of large crowds. So if you’re looking for an adventurous watersport which feels different from Bali’s mainstream scene, then don’t miss out on this gem. 

Location: Jalan Segara Samuh, Benoi

Opening Hours: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm, daily 

Prices: Starts from IDR 300,000 approx. (equivalent to INR 1600 approx.)

8. Alas Kedaton Monkey Forest

If you want the monkey forest experience without the crowds, head to Alas Kedaton. Unlike Ubud’s monkey forest, Alas Kedaton sees far less viewers which makes it a calmer and more peaceful place. It’s home to long tailed macaques and large fruit bats. The monkeys here are known to be less aggressive and the overall vibe is more slower and sacred. There’s also a holy temple in the middle - Pura Dalem Kahyangan Kedaton which feels like a true hidden spot. So, if you want to delve into Bali’s local wildlife, this is the place for you. 

Location: Kukuh Village, Tabanan Regency

Opening Hours: 9 am - 5 pm, daily

Entrance Fee: Ranges from IDR 30,000 for adults, IDR 20,000 for children (equivalent to INR 160 approx.)

9. Banyumala Waterfall 

Banyumala Waterfall is a stunning twin cascade, situated deep in the hills of Bali. Here, twin streams of water merge into a clear pool surrounded by jungle. And yes, you can swim in it. To get there, you will hike down a forest trail and a few muddy steps but the effort is worth the gorgeous view. Although it’s one of the most photogenic waterfalls in Bali, Banyumala still remains less crowded than Tegunungan or Gitgit mainly because of its remote location. It’s a hidden gem for travelers willing to explore the north side of Bali. And the best part? There’s a good chance that you will have the place almost to yourself. So, if you’re looking for a low-key yet mesmerizing spot to spend your afternoon, then this is a perfect match for you. 

Location: Wanagiri, Sukasada, Bali

Opening Hours: 8 am - 6 pm, daily

Entrance Fee: Ranges from IDR 30,000 - IDR 50,000 per (equivalent to INR 270 approx.)

Final Thoughts…

At Travel Junky, we are all about crafting experiences that truly fit your aesthetic, needs and desires. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, history buff, nature lover or just looking for a little soul in your travel escapades, we have got your back! Reach out to us and we will help you build a Bali trip that feels just like you, from start to finish.