The Hidden Side of Bali: Munduk, Sidemen, Amed, and Nusa Penida
People generally learn about Bali through Internet that show its trendy beach clubs in Canggu, surfing in Uluwatu, or the busy markets of Ubud. But there is a quieter, more ancient side to Bali that travelers who are willing to delve deeper may find.
Bali's hidden side is stunning in Munduk, Sidemen, Amed, and the remote corners of Nusa Penida. It encompasses mist-covered mountains and villages where traditions continue to influence daily life. This guide by Gantu is for you if you like travel experiences that are more than just checking things off a list.
What’s Unique You Will Get To Know:
The Misty Mountains of Munduk
Sidemen is the Bali of the Past
Amed offers Underwater Serenity
Nusa Penida’s Untouched Coast
1. The Misty Mountains of Munduk
Munduk is hidden in the central highlands, far from the coastal heat. It is a world of fog, ferns, and silence. Take your time and examine more closely. You'll find landscapes that feel more like a lost world than a tropical island.
i. Find Peace at the Twin Lake
Lake Buyan and Lake Tamblingan sit side-by-side in a massive caldera. The early mornings here are almost like meditation. Canoeing on the glassy water of Tamblingan, surrounded by dense rainforest and ancient shrines, shows you a quieter, wilder side of Bali.
ii. Trek to the Golden Valley Waterfalls
Jungle paths lead you to towering waterfalls like Melanting and Red Coral, where cool mist supplants the sound of traffic. The hike through clove and coffee plantations is a sensory experience unique to this region.
2. Sidemen is the Bali of the Past
Sidemen is often described as what Ubud was 20 years ago—peaceful, lush, and authentic.
i.Walk through Living Rice Terraces
Unlike the crowded Tegalalang, the rice terraces in Sidemen are working farms, not just photo ops. Mount Agung looms in the background, creating a dramatic backdrop for walks along the irrigation paths (subak). It's the kind of environment where time seems to stand still and realness is the main focus.
ii. Experience Traditional Weaving
Sidemen is famous for "Songket" and "Endek" weaving. Visiting a local workshop lets you see the intricate process of creating these ceremonial fabrics, connecting you deeply to Balinese artistry.
3. Amed offers Underwater Serenity
Located on the far eastern tip, Amed is a stretch of fishing villages lined with black volcanic sand.
i.Dive the USAT Liberty Shipwreck
Just a short drive away in Tulamben, this WWII shipwreck sits just meters from the shore. Snorkeling or diving here reveals a vibrant coral garden growing over history. It is an unusual experience that combines nature with a glimpse into the past.
ii. Watch the Sunset over Mount Agung
As the sun sets, the view of the majestic Mount Agung from Jemeluk Bay is breathtaking. Drinking a fresh coconut while watching traditional "jukung" boats return to shore is a reminder that Bali's beauty doesn't always shout; it frequently whispers.
4. Nusa Penida’s Untouched Coast
While many flock to Kelingking Beach, the eastern side of Nusa Penida remains wonderfully wild.
i.Relax at Atuh Beach
Atuh Beach is hidden behind jagged cliffs and offers white sands and turquoise waters that feel private. It is perfect for travelers who want to get away from the masses and experience something real.
ii. Visit the Thousand Islands Viewpoint
This spot offers a panoramic view of rock formations jutting out of the deep blue ocean, resembling a tropical Raja Ampat. The wind, the height, and the endless horizon make this a place to find perspective and awe.
Last Thoughts
Bali’s magic isn't just in its famous beach clubs. It's also in its foggy calderas, black sand beaches, and quiet village paths. These unusual activities turn a vacation into a story that people will want to hear. Whether it is the silence of a mountain temple or the rhythm of a weaver's loom, these moments invite you to slow down and truly see the island. It is in these hidden corners that you discover a Bali that feels less like a destination and more like a return to something essential.
We at Gantu think that travel should be personal, immersive, and important. Our trips to Bali are meant to go beyond the obvious and help you find places that will stay with you for a long time.Gantu can take you to places in Bali that you wouldn't imagine and that you'll never forget.