Question:
What’s the best area to visit in Bali?
Answer:
We’ve discussed the main touristy areas in Bali that are heavily touched by tourism activities. If you haven’t read about them you can find them in The Best Area To Visit in Bali (Part 1) and The Best Area To Visit in Bali (Part 2).
Now let’s explore the other side of Bali!
Tabanan, Tanah Lot, Bedugul and Jatiluwih
You probably find it weird that we add 4 areas in a line. Well, it’s because of one specific reason. Tanah Lot, Bedugul, and Jatiluwih are located in Tabanan Regency. Tabanan might be just like any other city part in Bali. But this area has several destinations that are worth your time visiting!
Tanah Lot is a sacred temple perched on a rock in the ocean. This place has been known as the top destination in Bali for so many years. It’s usually packed during sunrise and sunset time because you’d get a chance to capture the magical moment with the temple and the sun as your background. When you’re in Tanah Lot, you might want to check the holy snake, a guard for this sacred temple. The snake usually rested in the cave near the temple. You can easily spot this location.
36 kilometers or a 1-hour drive from Tanah Lot, you will arrive in Jatiluwih. This area is known for the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces, also known as Subak, Bali’s Cultural Landscape which was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012. Your eyes will be spoiled by the stretch of ricefield view spans more than 50 thousand hectares.
In the northern area, about 50 minutes driving from Jatiluwih, you’ll find Bedugul. This area has a chill climate, packed with various destinations including the Handara Gate, an instagenic location for your social media! You can also find Pura Ulun Danu Beratan, Buyan Lake, Tamblingan Lake, and Bali Botanic Garden.
These areas are the best spots if you want to get in touch with local wisdom, culture, and nature. So, don’t expect to find wild nightlife, because people in these areas usually go to Canggu to find it.
Lovina and Singaraja
Now we explore the northern part of Bali, Lovina, and Singaraja. These two areas are located in the Buleleng Regency, the largest regency in Bali.
Lovina is known for its dolphin-watching activities. You’ll get a chance to see the group of dolphins in their natural habitat. To get this experience you must rent a traditional boat on Lovina beach. The price to rent the boat is around IDR 100 K – IDR 200K per person and you need to share the boat with other people. You need to wake up super early in the morning, around 5 AM to get the majestic view of dolphins at sunrise.
Singaraja has underrated places you want to check. We recommend you visit Wanagiri Hill where you can see the whole city from above. There are instagramable spots in this area that are worth for you to post. Singaraja also has untouched waterfalls, like Aling-Aling Waterfalls, Gitgit Waterfalls, and Kroya Waterfalls. You’ve probably seen the beauty of these waterfalls in social media, but it’s your time to create your own content!
If those destinations are not enough for you, you might want to check the Pemuteran area, 56km from Singaraja. This place is known for its beautiful underwater. An advanced diving license is mandatory in this area.
Just like Tabanan, this area is suitable for you who are looking for an adventure. Don’t expect to find a nightlife scene here.
Sidemen
Sidemen is located in Karangasem Regency. This place is known for its stunning natural beauty, and relaxing and welcoming atmosphere. Sidemen is also the home to various gorgeous bamboo hotels, such as Veluvana Hotel, Bird Hills, Camaya Bamboo House, and Hideout Bali (in Selat, 15 minutes from Sidmen). That’s why travelers and digital nomads who are looking for instagramable places never skip this area.
Unlike other areas in Bali, Sidemen is relatively untouched by tourism activities. It’s suitable for travelers who are seeking a slow-paced atmosphere with plenty of relaxing activities. You can find gorgeous rice terrace landscapes completed with Mount Agung as the background here. Tracking the jungle and visiting Gembleng Waterfalls are things that most travelers activities in the area.
Sidemen is definitely a laid-back experience you don’t want to skip!