Looking for Bali places of interest in nature? Cliffs, caves, waterfalls? Here are 14 Bali natural wonders!
Sometimes ‘getting away from it all’ can go beyond escaping your day-to-day life and exploring new places. Sometimes it means finding those secluded and hidden treasures away from the maddening crowd.
Sure, the Taj Mahal is beautiful and wondrous, but when it is seen from behind a flock of tourists all eager to snap the same shot as you, the magic is somewhat lost. Having spent a great deal of time travelling and experiencing moments that have changed how I think, feel and act, I am a huge advocate of research – even though oftentimes we end up doing the exact opposite and we end up just winging it!
Planning the perfect trip isn’t about a moment by moment itinerary, but finding places that can instigate and encourage these moments. As I mentioned in my post about things to do in Bali and Seminyak last week, Bali is a truly multifaceted destination. There’s Kuta and Seminyak, aka party central. There are many yoga studios and vegan restaurants in Ubud. There’s Canggu, the newest digital nomad favourite. When you escape the happy honeymooners, bustling streets and luxury hotels in Bali, there are parts of the region that truly honour the name ‘The Island of the Gods’.
Bali is home to some incredible natural beauty and awe-inspiring geographical wonders that will not only leave you speechless, but in many cases leave you in a state of peace. The following are a handful of rarely visited hidden gems that will change you forever.
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14 Bali Places of Interest & Natural Wonders
The Sacred and Secret Canyon of Sukawati
Sukawati is a hidden and dangerous canyon located near Ubud in Sukawati that offers visitors an unimaginable experience in the Beji Guwang Hidden Canyon. Depending on the time of year, the water levels vary and the rock formations are not only beautiful, but can also resemble people crying as well as a selection of animals. However, a word of advice – take shoes that will grip to slippery rocks should you want to venture deeper into the cavern.
Peguyangan Waterfall, Nusa Penida
The Peguyangan Waterfalls is a truly hidden paradise that many locals can’t even find. It may not win any awards for size, but on the beauty and remoteness scale it ranks extremely highly. The waterfall is a series of short, cascading spring fountains that eventually make their way over a steep ravine and into the sea. To reach them requires visitors to descend some 460 steps down the wall of the ravine. The stunning sight of the water cascading is both exhilarating and relieving, but not suitable for those with a fear of heights. However, if you can brave the journey, you can reward yourself with a ‘natural spa’, complete with a massage from the sweeping waters as they flow over the shallow ledges and pools.
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The Cliffs of Melasti Beach
Melasti Beach is generally ignored by tourists as it is both shallow and stony with only pockets of sandy beach. However, to experience near-divine inspiration, sit upon the array of beautiful rock formations amongst the cliffs that surround the area. Melasti Beach feels raw and undiscovered with few amenities and even fewer crowds.
The Angel’s Billabong, Nusa Penida
For those who like to mix excitement with relaxation, the Angel’s Billabong is an alluring natural infinity pool in hues of blue and green. This secret retreat in Nusa Penida feels like a carpeted ocean pool thanks to its mix of plant life and crystalline waters. The pool is generally tranquil and a true natural wonder, however, the sea can be particularly feisty, and some visitors have even been swept into the ocean from the waves rushing in.
The Secret Gardens of Sambangan
For those willing to trek deep into the jungle, the Secret Gardens of Sambangan are a hidden paradise in the far north of Bali near the village of Sambangan. Only the locals and a handful of savvy travellers have experienced this truly magnificent journey. Journey through thick jungle and across precarious log bridges to reach the waterfall and natural pools of Sambangan which are a sight to behold.
There are seven waterfalls to explore and it takes around three hours of trekking to experience them all. The cool spring water is perfect for tired legs and for the more adventurous, there are natural waterslides and deep waters crying to be jumped into from the ledge. These falls are remote, unspoiled and among the most beautiful in Bali.
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Atuh Beach, Nusa Penida
For those who are eager to snap the ultimate beach photo, a trip to Atuh Beach is a must. Nusa Penida is home to a handful of Bali’s most beautiful, secluded beaches including Atuh Beach on the island’s east coast.
This marvellous white sand crescent beach has stunning vistas from the dramatic surf-worn cliffs of Juntil Cape on one side, and the dramatic craggy peaks of the rock island of Labuan Ampuak on the other. At low tide, the colourful coral is exposed creating an enchanted foreground of vibrant colour giving you the perfect opportunity to take a shot worthy of any gallery.
Mount Batur
Mount Batur is one of the world’s 10 most beautiful active volcanoes stands at 1,717m tall and sadly it is the most visited volcano in Bali. However, most tourists tend join the ambling hordes at Kintamani village to enjoy this grandiose mountain. Should you want to see this bubbling giant from a different perspective, it is recommended that you travel to the isolated village of Pinggan. Here, visitors can experience the fiery majesty of an active volcano from a more solitary and meditative location.
The village of Pinggan is about an hour (45km) from the artist’s village of Ubud. Tours generally do not go to Pinggan, so it’s best to journey there by your own steam.
The Green Cliffs of Undisan Bangli
Essentially, the Green Cliffs of Undisan are enormous moss-covered cliffs that make up the two sides of a ravine. The central body of water is also home to various small waterfalls. For the fearless, the secret garden can be explored further, as if you venture underwater where the green cliffs merge, you will also discover a secret grotto hidden inside.
This hidden gem is rarely visited so you can either adventure into the cave or simple enjoy some quiet meditation in this secluded hideaway.
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The Water Blow at Nusa Dua
The sound of waves meeting the shore is generally a relaxing affair, however if you venture to the hidden rock cliffs in Nusa Dua, you’ll witness the explosive beauty of the Water Blow. This natural phenomenon occurs when waves crash into a small gap within the rock cliff causing pressure to build and blowing up the water.
There is something cleansing about being soaked by such a beautiful force of nature, however, if you’d rather stay dry then keep well clear.
Banah Cliff, off the coast of Nusa Penida
The mighty Banah Cliffs wouldn’t look out of place in a pirate movie as they are filled with dramatic arches and deep caves worthy of Blackbeard himself. Many of the rocky outcrops are hundreds of metres tall and wrapped in a swathe of lush green vegetation.
The cliffs can be seen from the water, but for those seeking a challenge they can also be climbed should you have sufficient experience. The views from the top are both spectacular and frightening.
The Blue Lagoon of Nusa Ceningan
This picture-perfect lagoon already looks photoshopped with its azure blue waters and stunning, curved rocks. In the past, this was a popular spot for cliff-jumping as it offers a 12 metre drop into the warm waters below, however, due to health and safety this is now forbidden. The view alone is worth the trip, and if the sea is calm on your visit then it’s well worth a paddle or a dip.
The Slanted Hill of Bukit Asah Bugbug
Whilst a slanted hill might not sound like much, if you are looking for the perfect place to propose, or simply have a picnic, this grassy slant is a beauty spot like no other. Overlooking the Indian Ocean on three sides, visitors can see coral reefs and small islands, as well as an array of dolphins and whales.
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The Caves of Suluban Beach
Suluban Beach is well-known amongst the surfing community, as wave-chasing junkies frequent this secluded bay to catch the world-famous Uluwatu surf break.
However, it’s Suluban Cave that makes the list, as this mystical and mysterious cave looks like something straight out of a movie set. Located close to the picturesque Uluwatu Temple, you can enjoy three amazing places in one visit.
Blahmantung Waterfall
Despite its central location in the middle of the island, very few tackle the breath-taking journey to the base of this stunning waterfall. With a drop of over 100 metres, it’s widely considered to be the tallest waterfall in Bali. Once there, visitors can enjoy a refreshing dip in the pool below to enjoy the peace and tranquility of this hidden gem.
Blahmantung is located only a short walk away from the picturesque farming village of Pupuan, which is home to some of Bali’s most beautiful rice terraces.
There is still so much to discover in Bali if you know where to look, so if you find yourself in this seemingly well-trodden Indonesian island be sure to use this list to find something truly special.