Bali’s Most Underrated Tourist Destinations Are Home To Impressive Natural Wonders 

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Bali’s well-trodden tourist path of Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, Canggu, and Ubud offers tourists a glimpse at the island’s culture and natural wonders.

But step just a little off the path and tourists will discover a series of underrated gems, brimming with cultural heritage just waiting to be explored.

 For regular tourists to Bali seeking a destination that feels a little different, or even for first-time visitors who want to experience the off-path Bali from the moment they touch down in Denpasar, there is so much of the island that is waiting to be explored.

Tourists seeking to get off the path can consider a two-tier approach when designing their upcoming trip itinerary. There are emerging destinations like Sideman, Seseh, and Munduk, and then there are totally off-path destinations like Pemuteran, Jasri, and Pupuan. 

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Tourists seeking an alternative to Ubud would be wise to explore the Sidemen Valley. This part of Bali has been growing in popularity since the end of the pandemic, but remains relatively unknown to the general public. Sidemen can be found in Karangasem Regency and sit within the late afternoon shadow of Mount Agung. 

One of the most famous spots in Sidemen is Gembleng Waterfall. Attracting markedly fewer tourists than waterfalls like Kanto Lampo, Gembleng Waterfall remains a relatively secret spot. This stunning waterfall over a natural spring pool showcases breathtaking views of the Karangasem landscape as far as the eye can see.

Entry is by donation, and IDR 50,000 is considered a fair contribution. Tourists are encouraged to bring sturdy shoes, as the hike to the waterfall can be a bit slippery at times, although most of the walk through the jungle is on concrete steps. 

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Sidemen is home to dozens of little-known waterfalls, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and those seeking a quiet retreat. The Telaga Waja Waterfall and Batu Engel Waterfall are not to be missed.

Sidemen Valley has welcomed a whole host of eco-inspired new accommodations over the last 10 years, one of the most impressive of which is Veluvana Bali, Bamboo House. Wapa di Ume Sidemen offers exceptional 5-star stays and stunning jungle views to match. 

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For those looking for a totally off-path destination, Pemuteran may just be the spot. Perfect for tourists seeking a crowd-free Bali beach vacation, this is a rural coastal retreat just crying out to be explored.

Tourism has newly arrived in Pemuteran, and this traditional fishing community is embarking on a new chapter.

Working to strike a balance between preserving local culture and welcoming a small and sustainable amount of tourism into the area, Pemuteran has caught the attention of nature lovers and divers. 

Off the coast of Pemuteran, marine enthusiasts will find one of the most expansive coral reefs in the region. In fact, Pemuteran is already well-known to eco-warriors and conservationists, as it is the home of the pioneering BioRock Indonesian project in Bali.

BioRock Indonesia is working to restore coral reefs and, using innovative BioRock technology, is repopulating coral reefs that have been harmed by climate change and bleaching. 

Pemuteran is the next village along from Sumberkima, home to eco-villas like the Sumberkima Hill Retreat.

It’s also an excellent option for tourists who want to explore West Bali National Park, too. Accommodation in Pemuteran is often locally run, and stays like Mango Moon Guesthouse offer homestay-style welcomes for affordable rates.

Staying in locally run guesthouses in areas like Pemuteran not only directly supports the local community but also creates a truly authentic experience for tourists, who are more easily able to immerse themselves in the area through the eyes of local people.