Not nearly off of any path, let alone the beaten one Seminak is a lively and fun area to be in, however instead of staying in a boring big box hotel or crammed into a home stay with five other travellers, why not experience a true off the beaten path opportunity and stay at a private luxury villa. Check out some Seminyak villas. Private pool, movie room, gourmet kitchen, spa bathrooms and large king sized beds, these villas have all the comforts of home but with an upscale twist. Any this else you need can be arranged with the villa manager. From a hired car for the day to a private chef, you ask for it, they will provide it.
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Sidemen
A true gem hidden in the rolling hills of north Bali. Nature is all around you as far as you can see. Palm trees, thick jungle and rice terraces are your neighbours. Free from tourist groups and crowds. This spot on the east side of the island is the definition of off the beaten path. Paved roads turn to dirt and traffic disappears as you take the winding roads through the small villages, Mount Agung looming in the near distance. Don’t let the remote nature of this place fool you. There is plenty to do here!
Take a cooking class at a local family’s home and learn about, not only the food they prepare but how they prepare it and eat it. Experience some of the best white water rafting in the world! The natural beauty and safety of these rapids make them the easiest but also most enjoyable. Bali has no shortage of natural water features and that includes many beautiful waterfalls. Around Sidemen you can visit multiple waterfalls in a wine day trip. Sidemen is one of Bali’s best-kept secrets for a reason and hopefully it can stay a secret a little while longer.
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Munduk
It’s good not to have expectations when travelling, especially in Indonesia. What can be marketed as one thing can turn out to be another. But Munduk will not disappoint. The charming village has Handara Golf Gates and Ulun Danu Temple, both great spots for photos and just to stroll around and take in the view. Get lost around the rice fields, take a hike through the forests, talk with the local people and learn about their way of life. But most of all, enjoy unspoiled views around every turn. Here there is time to unplug and take in the tranquil atmosphere of the island before heading back to your villa.
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Brunch at the St Regis
Sometimes you just have to splurg on a great experience. Brunch at the St. Regis Resort in Nusa Dua is a once in a lifetime experience of true luxury and service. It’s not off the beaten path but it is an experience that not everyone does when they come to Bali. A four hour lavish experience of twenty course of pan Asian international inspired Balinese cuisine! Everything is as refined as expected from the service to the presentation of the meals. If you want a memorable experience in Bali, head to the St. Regis.
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Jatiluwih Rice Terraces
Forget about Ubud, Jatiluwih is the professional version of rice terraces and Bali wouldn’t be Bali without rice terraces. Jatiluwih rice fields are far more impressive than all the other rice fields in places like Ubud. And far less touristy too. Jatiluwih is a sprawling landscape and a huge network of fields. Follow one of the many small trails that lead off the main path and you will find yourself alone in the fields. It’s a truly peaceful experience.
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Balian Beach
First off, when one thinks of Bali an image of Ubud rice fields and Seminyak beaches come to mind. Beach clubs and tourists dressed in white cotton clothes. But Bali is a huge island with so many diverse areas. Every village is different. Each part of the island has its own vibe. So it really is a shame to stay only in one part.
If you want a chilled-out atmosphere that is a totally different vibe than the beaches in Uluwatu then Balian Beach is the place. Escape the hustle and bustle of the beaches in Canggu and head to this hidden gem further up the coast. A black sand beach, made from volcanic rock, is the perfect getaway if you’re looking to enjoy the summer sun while avoiding the crowds.
The surf is ideal here, but expect to be mostly alone. The surfers tend to hang around the more trendy and developed areas. Up here there’s not much going on in this sleepy seaside village. And it’s all just a short car ride away from your villa.
