Bali, for many years, has been famed for its South region, where there’s pulsating energy, a fast rhythm of life, party scenes, bustling cafés, and nightlife that rarely sleeps. Areas like Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, and Ubud are well-known and featured in almost all Bali itineraries, offering ‘Instagram-popular’ experiences. However, as tourism continues to grow and travel styles shift, many tourists are now seen seeking peaceful experiences where they can enjoy nature, culture, and local life without constant noise and crowds. North Bali, in contrast to South Bali, offers visitors exactly the crowd-free, slow, and serene experiences. Away from the intense tourist rush and long queues, the northern region of Bali feels less commercial and more natural, allowing travelers to experience Bali at a slower pace.
Here’s your ready-to-save, all-encompassing North Bali travel guide for a memorable and meaningful journey.
Your Go-To North Bali Travel Guide
Chase extraordinary moments, not miles, with our well-crafted North Bali travel guide, featuring places you must visit for an unforgettable, soul-stirring journey.
Why North Bali Is Bali’s Best Kept Secret?
People think of Bali and plan their vacation right away, without much research or knowledge of what it offers. Many see Bali as a single destination, but from an expert’s perspective, there are two Balis. One where there’s infinite pulsating energy, sun-drenched beach clubs in Seminyak, the electric hum of Canggu cafés, and the yoga decks of Ubud glowing at sunrise. The other, less familiar, is less touched by tourists and offers peaceful escapes to nature aficionados.
North Bali, the quieter region, is the one with fewer crowds, greater peace, and surreal views. North Bali does not compete for attention; it does not sell itself loudly. It reveals itself slowly, like a story told by someone who trusts you to listen. It’s less photographed and less famous on social media, but lately, people are drawing more here. It’s that specific fraction of tourists who prefer quieter, more peaceful escapes to noisy crowds and long wait times.
Below, we are going to highlight some of the must-visit North Bali attractions, where you’ll get perfect offbeat experiences, in the lap of nature. You’ll feel the place, all by yourself, less hurried, without much noise and crowds.
Top Hidden Waterfalls to Visit in North Bali
The first on the list of must-visit North Bali attractions are the waterfalls, which are not just landmarks but encounters. There are no major signs or crowds to guide you to these waterfalls; rather, there’s a jungle adventure and the promise of quiet discovery awaiting you.
Below are the top must-visit waterfalls in Bali, each with its own unique mood and rhythm. Let’s begin!
1. Sekumpul Waterfall
It is one of the hidden places in Bali that does not reveal itself all at once. First, you will hear the distant thunder of cascading water in the middle of the forest. As you proceed, the sounds will intensify, the mist will turn cooler, and the excitement will build with each step forward. And suddenly, when you spot the valleys open, you’ll witness the twin curtains of water fall from impossible heights, silver against deep green.
Sekumpul Waterfall is best felt deeply, where the world pauses, and there are infinite quiet, unhurried moments. The scent of wet earth and leaves fills the air, and the only sounds are birds, flowing streams, and your own footsteps.
Tip: Visit the base of the waterfall for incredible views of the forest, cascading water, and the surrounding area.
2. Gitgit Waterfall
Another one of the stunning North Bali waterfalls is the Gitgit waterfall, which gives off nostalgic vibes. The journey to this scenic waterfall will begin with village gardens and tall trees, accompanied by the gentle echo of rushing water. As you step closer to the view, you will notice the air growing cooler and more refreshing, welcoming you to be part of nature’s most captivating marvels.
As you reach Gitgit, you will witness water pouring downwards in a steady, graceful stream, creating a cool breeze that drifts through the clearing. Sit peacefully on the rocks and admire the beauty of this waterfall, take pictures, and feel lived-in, gently cared for, and deeply connected to the local community.
3. Banyumala Twin Falls
This waterfall is another hidden place in Bali that showcases nature’s majesty at its best. Banyumala twin falls feel like a secret gently whispered between leaves, a path that runs through thick forests. As you reach the final point, you will notice two symmetrical streams beautifully falling into a quiet emerald pool, with a slow and soothing rhythm.
Unlike the other louder waterfalls, Banyumala Twin Falls is cherished for its stillness, offering an escape from noisy city life. Birds call softly from above, and the forest floor is lined with fallen leaves and smooth stones. The path to reach here is not very demanding, and you will definitely love the adventure that makes the journey as rewarding as the destination.
4. Aling-Aling Waterfall
This waterfall is defined by its endless energy and rhythm. Aling-Aling waterfall is surrounded by dense jungle and tall trees, offering a great escape from the busy parts of Bali. The waterfall gently cascades into a turquoise-colored pool below, sending a fine mist into the air. Smooth rock channels guide the water into clear pools, where visitors can cool off and relax.
At Aling-Aling, you will find nature and adventure in perfect balance, inviting you to enjoy the moment to the fullest and connect with the lively spirit of North Bali.
Must-Visit Sacred Temples in North Bali
North Bali is not just about scenic waterfalls; its temples add to its charm. Below is a mixed list of the temples, from known to lesser-known ones, ideal for a spiritual escape in North Bali:
1. Ulun Danu Beratan Temple
This temple is among the must-visit North Bali attractions, where every second spent will be magical and peaceful. Located along the shores of Lake Beratan, this multi-tiered shrine is dedicated to Dewi Danu, the goddess of lakes and rivers. This temple has long been a place of gratitude and prayer for farmers who depend on the lake’s waters. The journey to this temple is beautiful, and the final view of the shrine emerging from the lake water (when the water level is high) is an entirely soul-stirring scene. You can simply sit by the lake, join the rituals, observe temple ceremonies on special days, or just seek blessings for peace, prosperity, and balance.
2. Pura Meduwe Karang
Another temple on our list of North Bali attractions is the sacred Pura Meduwe Karang. This is a deeply local and revered temple, located in the village of Kubutambahan. Dedicated to Batara Meduwe Karang, the guardian deity of land and fertility, the temple holds special significance for farming communities who come here to pray for protection and good harvests. Visiting this lesser-known place will give tourists a closer connection to Balinese spiritual life. Special architectural highlights of the temple include its strikingly detailed stone carving and floral and agricultural motifs that symbolize growth and abundance. Visitors can simply discover the temple’s courtyards, seek blessings, observe rituals, or do a simple prayer by placing flower offerings and reflecting in silence.
3. Pura Beji Sangsit
This is another one of the hidden places in Bali that is not visited by mass tourism and is known only to locals and culture-focused tourists. Pura Beji Sangsit is located in the village of Sangsit and is dedicated to Dewi Sri, the goddess of rice and fertility. The temple holds special significance for the local farming community and is closely tied to village traditions. One aspect that sets this sacred temple apart is its remarkable stone carvings. The walls and gates are decorated with detailed foliage patterns, flowing vines, and symbolic figures that reflect the northern Balinese style. Visitors can slowly explore the outer areas of temples, observe local worshippers, and walk on the ground.
4. Pura Dalem Segara Madhu (Pura Dalem Jagaraga)
This sacred temple is located in the village of Kubutambahan, dedicated to Batara Meduwe Karang, the guardian deity of land and fertility. The Pura Dalem Segara Madhu temple beautifully showcases the artistic style of North Bali, with numerous stone carvings and designs that represent growth, renewal, and harvest. The temple is deeply revered by the local farming communities, who come here to seek balance and protection. Visitors can explore the temple’s open-air courtyards, observe local prayers, and spend quiet moments. This is one of the must-visit hidden places in Bali, especially for travelers seeking cultural depth rather than grand landmarks.
5. Brahmavihara-Arama (Banjar Buddhist Monastery)
This is another one of the must-explore Bali offbeat places, where there’s a spiritual and natural essence. This temple is located in the hills near Lovina, surrounded by tropical gardens and open views of the northern coastline. The Brahmavihara-Arama is Bali’s largest monastery, beautifully blending Buddhist traditions with subtle Hindu influences. Visitors can quietly walk through the monasteries, observe the surroundings and the monks’ daily routines, sit & meditate for a few moments, or simply spend some time in quiet reflection. Respectful silence and modest clothing are encouraged to maintain a calm environment.
Travel prepared with our Bali packing list for beaches, temples, and adventure experiences.
Quiet Beaches for a Breathtaking Seascape
What’s the fun of Bali without beaches? Below are some of the quieter beaches where travelers can find raw beauty and crowd-free shorelines in North Bali:
1. Penimbangan Beach
This beach is among the hidden places in Bali, where there’s less crowds and abundant untouched natural beauty. This beach is perfect for a peaceful escape in North Bali, where the shoreline is wide and open. There’s a simple, authentic atmosphere at this black-sand beach, where visitors can spot fishermen nearby and only locals in the afternoon. Please note that there are no adventure activities or any kind of water sports here.
- Location: Near Singaraja, North Bali
- Crowd status: Low
2. Temukus Beach
This is another hidden gem in North Bali, which is a small fishing shoreline near Lovina. There’s not much of a crowd here, just traditional wooden boats resting along the sand. The atmosphere at this beach is intensely soothing, where you can just walk, walk barefoot, or observe the local life gently unfolding here.
- Location: Near Lovina, North Bali
- Crowd status: Low
3. Pura Jati Beach
This is another beach on our list of Bali’s offbeat places, which feels wonderfully untouched. The shoreline of this beach is quiet, with dark sand, smooth stones, and clear, shallow waters stretching toward distant hills. The uncrowded and peaceful atmosphere of this beach is worth admiring. Pura Jati Beach is excellent for tourists seeking a crowd-free beach experience, calm spaces, and long walks along the shore.
- Location: Near Pemuteran Beach
- Crowd status: Very low
4. Kerobokan Beach (North Bali)
Another must-visit Bali offbeat place is Kerobokan Beach, a serene stretch of black sand with open and peaceful surroundings. This beach is mostly visited by locals, and the scenery is simply stunning: muted colors, gentle waves rolling in, and very few people around. Tourists can enjoy beautiful sunset views, long walks, and moments of reflection.
- Location: Near Singaraja
- Crowd status: Very low
Best Time to Visit North Bali
Many people miss out on considering this information in the North Bali travel guide, which covers the best trip times. According to experts, the best time to visit the North region of Bali is during the dry season, which runs from April to October, with warm, clear skies. May, June, and September are the best months to travel to North Bali, as the weather is pleasant and the crowds are smaller.
All set to discover North Bali charms? We advise you not to wait any further and book your dream Bali Tour Package with us today. Be ready for a refreshing escape, where you can experience incredible, peaceful Balinese moments shaped by nature, tradition, and unhurried days.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Sekumpul Waterfall, Munduk village, and Pemuteran Beach are among the top attractions in North Bali, offering quieter experiences for visitors. These places see far fewer crowds than those in South Bali.
Sekumpul Waterfall, Tukad Cepung, Sidemen Valley, and Pemuteran are among the top hidden places in Bali that have not yet been touched by mass tourist crowds. There’s plenty of raw natural beauty and cultural depth at these spots, offering visitors meaningful Bali experiences.
Bali’s offbeat places are attracting more attention from tourists, especially those seeking meaningful, quieter experiences. This part of Bali is not heavily visited and offers slower, more peaceful experiences than other parts of Bali.
Lovina and Pemuteran Beaches are the most famous in North Bali and experience moderate to high crowds.
A 3 to 5-day itinerary is an ideal North Bali itinerary for first-timers as it allows ample time to explore the region without rushing. It covers major experiences, including visits to the waterfalls, mountain viewpoints, sacred temples, hot springs, and quiet beaches.
Sekumpul Waterfall and Banyumala Twin Falls are the two best Bali waterfalls for nature lovers. These waterfalls boast lush jungle views, refreshing pools, and dramatic landscapes, making them perfect for nature and photography lovers.
