If Seminyak and Ubud have started to feel as familiar as your own backyard, here are seven of Bali’s best off-the-beaten-track locations to inspire you.

Give way to spontaneity, and discover some treasures along the road less travelled. 

Munduk

Nestled in the highlands of northern Bali, Munduk is jam-packed with things to do – without the crowds.

This mountain village is also much cooler, so it’s perfect if you want a change from the heat. 

Banyumala Twin Falls in Munduk, Bali. Photo: Getty

For folks keen on trying out a scooter, Munduk is ideal as there are fewer cars on the road compared to Bali’s larger villages.

Keep an eye out for monkeys as you zip along lush country roads.

This is also a great base from which to explore a handful of spectacular waterfalls. Don’t miss Munduk Falls, Banyumala Twin Falls and Sekumpul Waterfall. 

Distance from airport: 80km
Accommodation tip: Munduk Cabins

Candidasa

Just a two-hour drive from Kuta but worlds away from the crowds is charming Candidasa.

Hidden on the edge of a lagoon, it’s like a smaller version of Sanur, with great beachside accommodation, seafood restaurants and water activities. 

The Tirta Gangga Water Gardens in Candidasa. Photo: Getty

Spend your days on the white sand at Pasir Putih and visiting the temple at Tirta Gangga – a lavish water garden dotted with stepping stones and ornate statues.

Culture lovers should also visit the nearby Goa Lawah Temple, with its complex of shrines built around a cave full of bats. 

From Candidasa you can take a trip up into the hills to Tenganan, an ancient village belonging to the Bali Mula (mula meaning ‘initial’ or ‘original’ in Balinese). 

Distance from airport: 60km
Accommodation tip: Candi Beach Resort & Spa

Amed

This tiny fishing village on Bali’s east coast has a big reputation for world-class diving and snorkelling.

Where else can you explore the wreck of a submerged ship before surfacing to even more incredible views of a volcano? 

The fishing village of Amed in Bali’s east. Photo: Getty

The lack of crowds combined with unique black and white sand beaches, colourful reefs and turquoise water makes Amed one of the most laid-back and dreamy spots to visit in Bali.

Beach lovers will be spoilt for choice: Try Lipah (the most gorgeous), Ibus (the quietest) and Jemeluk (great snorkelling) or hire a guide for the day who can take you out in a traditional wooden canoe known as a jukung.

Nearby is Lempuyang temple, one of the oldest and most venerated in Bali.

A much more recent arrival, meanwhile, is Lahangan Sweet – a beauty spot that has capitalised on its dramatic outlook towards Mount Agung with a cluster of Instagram-ready timber viewpoints.

Distance from airport: 100km
Accommodation tip: Life in Amed

Nusa Lembongan

Step back into old-school Bali with a 40-minute boat ride from the mainland to one of the three Nusa Islands (along with Nusa Penida and Nusa Ceningan).

Think towering cliffs, white sand beaches – many of which you will have to yourself – and amazing views across to Bali. 

Jungut Batu beach on Nusa Lembongan. Photo: Getty

Spend your days exploring dive sites, relaxing on serene beaches and exploring the island’s rugged beauty.

Distance from airport: 14km to Benoa Harbour, 25km by ferry
Accommodation tip:  Castaway Boutique Resort

Pemuteran

On the north west coast of Bali, Pemuteran is a little fishing village with a big reputation for diving, snorkelling and chillaxing.

For culture lovers, there are plenty of temples in the area – don’t miss Belatung, Pura Kerta Kawat and Melanting temples, which are each nestled in lush green oases.

Nearby you’ll find Bali’s national park (Taman Nasional Bali) where you might spot the endangered Bali starling, one of the park’s major attractions.

Also keep an eye out for wild cattle, large flying foxes and the small, timid leopard cat. 

The water near Pemuteran village is renowned for its snorkelling. Photo: Getty

For some of the best calm-water snorkelling in Bali, hire a guide and boat to take you on the 30-minute ride to the nearby uninhabited island of Menjangan (Deer Island). 

Distance from airport: 140km
Accommodation tip: Sumberkima HIll

Kintamani

Perched atop a hill, 1000 metres above sea level, Kintamani is one of Bali’s hidden gems.

This little village is blessed with panoramic views of active volcano Mount Batur and plenty of fresh mountain air.

Rise at sunrise for a hike to the epic volcano, whose slopes are home to Besakih Temple, one of the largest and most significant temples in Bali. 

Lake Batur, Kintamani. Photo: Getty

It’s also worth making time to explore the old floating Pura Segara temple and admire the giant crater that formed Lake Batur, as well as enjoying a soak in the Toya Devasya hot springs.

Distance from airport: 75km
Accommodation tip: Tira Vilagna Suites & Spa

Sideman

One of Bali’s prettiest and most relaxing spots, Sideman (pronounced sid-uh-man) is often likened to Ubud from a few decades ago.

It’s far quieter than Ubud and is bursting with serene rice fields, where you can take a walking tour with a farmer to learn the process of rice agriculture. 

The atmospheric rice terraces of Sideman Valley. Photo: Getty

Jump on a bike and ride through the village, stopping by Kuning Tukad Yeh Unda bridge for a jaw-dropping panorama of the countryside, or take a seat on the Sideman Swing, which flies between coconut trees on the top of a hill with views of Mount Agung. 

Distance from airport: 55km
Accommodation tip: Samanvaya Luxury Resort and Spa