Bali is definitely overflowing with surprises and hidden gems just waiting to be discovered if you’re looking to get away from the masses at places like crowded Kuta and sunset destination Tanah Lot. If you love a good adventure and are willing to get off the beaten track (well, as much as you can get off the beaten track in Bali, especially the south), check out these amazing spots.
1. 85-meter-high banyan tree
Banyan trees are a type of tree characterized by their impressive aerial roots that can grow very large and strong—and their roots just tangle beautifully. Banyan trees are considered sacred by the Balinese, who believe spirits and demons inhabit the trees and one must be very careful when exploring one.
In the village of Gesing in North Bali, a giant banyan, believed to be 700 years old, towers 85 metres tall and has a diameter of 70 meters. This impressive tree can be found near two temples called Pura Subak and Pura Pecalang. Due to its enormous size, people can easily walk through the tree by following the maze-like root system.
Legend has it that during the Dutch occupancy in the 1940s, the local resistance used the tree to hide from the Dutch troops. “Magically,” the enemies could not find the locals because the spirit of the tree made them invisible to others. Another legend is that the spirit of the tree grants wishes if you pray to them.
2. Big Tree Farms Bamboo Chocolate Factory
Big Tree Farms Bamboo Chocolate Factory is located in Sibang Kaja village. The farm and factory and is known for its eco-friendly practices, fun educational tours for the whole family, and of course, the host of chocolate products! The farm is quite an attraction itself because of its bamboo buildings. In fact, these bamboo structures are apparently the largest of their kind in the world!
Visitors can book a tour of the bamboo factory to see the fantastic architecture of the building and to learn how organic chocolate is produced. When you go on a tour, you can also sample the products, including cold pressed cacao so this makes an excellent choice to check out with the kids. There is also an onsite cafe so you can chill out, enjoy a warm cup of cocoa, while taking in the fabulous view. To book a reservation, we recommend calling for a schedule ahead of time, although walk-ins are accepted.
3. Pura Dalem Jagaraga
Pura Dalem Jagaraga is a beautiful, ancient temple located in Jagaraga village in Singaraja, North Bali. What’s unique about this temple is the curious stone carvings scattered all over the temple complex. The stone ornaments and reliefs were inspired by Dutch colonialism, local mythology, and the resistance.
A personal tour of the temple complex is available for booking if you want to learn more about the strange carvings. The most unique reliefs depict a person drinking beer, an aircraft crashing into the sea, and a vintage car driven by an armed driver. These stone ornaments are unique and can only be found in this temple!
4. Goa Maya Cave
The mysterious Goa Maya is a sacred cave located in Bayad Village in Tegalalang, Gianyar. Legend has it that the evil king Maya Denawa was murdered inside the mystic cave in the 11th century. It was said that villagers prayed to the Hindu deities Siva and Indra to help them kill the king. When Maya Denawa died, his blood flowed into the Petanu River making it unsafe for drinking or irrigation. Others say the cave is a meditation spot dedicated to the Hindu god Bhatara Siwa when he defeated the demon Raja Mayadenawa.
The cave is considered quite dangerous for exploration past the first shrines because of the very complex irrigation tunnels and slippery slopes, but the surrounding views and mystical feeling of the cave make it worth the visit!
5. Gunung Kawi
Built in the 11th century, Gunung Kawi is one of the oldest temples in Bali. The temple complex serves as the final resting place of the royal family. Gunung Kawi also features 10 shrines cut on the face of the rock to look like statues. According to folklore, these eight-meter-high monuments called candi were carved by Kebo Iwa with his bare hands.
The statues consist of King Udayana, his queen Mahendradatta, their three sons, the four concubines of one son, and a royal minister. Be ready to stretch your legs as it takes 270 steps to reach the sacred and artistic temple located at the bottom of a valley.
6. Suluban Beach Cave
Suluban Beach is a popular surf spot located in Uluwatu, Southern Badung. Apart from being a popular surf spot, the beach is known for its natural wonders, one of which is a mystical cave.
The cave serves as a point of entry to the beach. The word “Suluban” literally means, “walking or passing through something.” In this case, you have to pass through a coral reef cave to reach the gorgeous hidden beach!
7. Nung Nung Waterfall
There are many beautiful waterfalls in Bali, but Nung Nung is one of our favorites. Close to Sangeh Monkey Forest, it is worth a visit for the lush scenery alone. In the height of the rainy season the cascading water crashes into the pool 50 meters below with a booming sound and creates a refreshing spray.
Do be warned, there are around 500 stone steps to get to the waterfalls. This keeps it quiet but makes but also means it’s pretty much off limits with smaller kids.
8. Bunut Bolong
Bolong means hole, and you can immediately see why this attraction has the name Bunut Bolong when you see it! This gorgeous banyan tree is way out in West Bali so it’s a long trip just to drive through a banyan tree, but if you’re going to the West Bali National Park it’s worth a photo stop.
9. Atlas Pearl Farm
In Penyabangan Village, close to the seaside town of Pemuteran, pearl farming is big business and locals have become specialists in creating beautiful pearls. You can visit the village and see the farmers in action in their boats as well as learn about the process of creating pearls.
Learn how farmers seed pearls, harvest them, and how the pearls are valued and sold. They’ll also teach you how to tell real pearls from fakes!
10. Yeh Pulu
Discovered in the 1920s Yeh Pulu is the site of a holy spring and a 25-meter-long relief in stone dating from the 14th century. About 300 meters off the road in the village of Bedulu, this site has remained relatively quiet and doesn’t have as much tourist traffic as nearby Goa Gajah despite its beauty.
This article was originally published by Bali Kids Guide, a total guide for Bali with kids, holiday tips, reviews, currency & visa info, and more.
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