Share the article
Last updated
You’re not imagining things: it looks like everyone has been to Bali!
Bali is an overwhelmingly popular tourist hotspot.
The first half of 2024 almost saw a welcome increase 3 million foreign visitorsand 45.4% of all visitors to Indonesia visit the island to enjoy its rich culture and spectacular beaches.
The result? Massive overcrowding means this island paradise can often be frustrating and difficult to navigate.
But that doesn’t mean you should avoid Bali altogether. It is still one of the most beautiful islands in the world! It just means you have to think outside the box.
Why not visit North Bali?
Escape the huge tourist crowds
The majority of tourists who visit Bali stay in the south of the island. Here you can find places like Kuta Beach, Bali’s most popular beach.
Most tourists to Bali choose to stay in Canggu or Seminyak on the southwest coast of the island, and if you hear people complaining about Bali’s overtourism (and believe me, it is!) these are the locations they to talk about.
However, the Indonesian tourism board is trying to change that by promoting the north of the island instead.
By exploring North Bali instead, you’ll find attractions without the crowds and the other problems that come from crowded tourist spots.
And they are just as beautiful too!
North Bali is home to beautiful waterfalls, mountain walks and beautiful beaches.
Animal encounters
Northwest Bali is the best part of the island to visit if you want to encounter dolphins during your trip.
If you drive two hours from Denpasar you will find Lovina Beach, an unusual black sand beach.
Besides being a great place for swimming and snorkeling, there are several boat companies that organize dolphin tours here.
Because the waters here are much calmer than in the south of the island, several pods of dolphins regularly call this beach their home.
Dolphin Lovina Tour takes you on a sunrise dolphin tour on a huge boat equipped with hammocks.
Prices start from $20 per person on a private boat or $15 per person on a shared boat. The more people you bring, the cheaper your ticket will be!
If you hike to Mount Batur, you will also spot animals such as long-tailed macaques and birds such as starlings, honeybirds and kingfishers in their natural habitat.
This walk is relatively straight forward (as long as you don’t attempt it in the rainy season!) and only covers a distance of about 5-7km.
Expect this to take about 2 hours to complete.
Fascinating cultural attractions
If you’re interested in exploring Indonesian culture and temples, the sights of North Bali are considered iconic.
The most notable of these is the Ulun Danu Bratan Temple, the most famous temple in Bali and located in the north of the island.
This is a huge Hindu temple complex.
Due to the popularity of Ulun Danu Bratan Temple, I don’t promise it won’t be crowded, but it’s still worth visiting: get there early to beat the crowds.
The lake is 4,000 feet above sea level, which means that in addition to epic views, you also get a welcoming breeze.
The Handara Gate is also a landmark in the north of the island.
This elaborate split gate is built in an ornate Balinese style and is decorated with beautiful traditional carvings.
The queue to take photos here is long.
Exceptional natural beauty
Perhaps the most important reason to visit North Bali instead of staying in the south of the island is the exceptional natural beauty that the region has to offer.
Think of beaches, rainforest and waterfalls. The Sing Sing Angin Waterfall in Manikyang Village in central Tabanan is one of the most charming in the region and is a popular spot with locals.
If you’re looking for an even more remote spot, try Blahmantung Waterfall in Pujungan village.
It is 25 meters high and flows along a cliff covered in beautiful greenery. Enjoy the autumn view and then swim in the cool pool below.
One of the main reasons travelers visit Bali is for its beaches. The south of the island undeniably has an incredible beach scene, but in the north you will also find beautiful beaches without the crowds.
For a quiet and relaxing beach scene, try Amed Beach, which has undisturbed coral reefs perfect for snorkeling and soft sand. It is flanked by lush greenery, creating a truly secluded and undisturbed feeling.
The quiet coastal town of Pemuteran in northwestern Bali is just as beautiful.
This is another beautiful black sand beach that is bordered by the Bali Barat National Park, but attracts only a small portion of the crowds as the beaches of South Bali.
✈️Join our Travel Off Path community forum: Where travelers come together, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel companions!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to the latest Travel Off Path breaking travel news, delivered straight to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
