Think Bali basics and you will probably picture surf towns and sunset bars - and also traffic-clogged roads. But beyond the beaches of Seminyak and the crowds of Canggu, there’s another side to the island. It’s one of calm. Where mountain air carries the scent of cloves, reef fish dart through coral gardens, and sunrise mist over rice terraces.

From serene coastal villages to waterfall-fed highlands, here are eight of the best under-the-radar Bali escapes — perfect for couples, solo wanderers and anyone craving space to think.

Amed is a stretch of fishing villages on Bali’s far eastern edge. If you're searching for off-the-beaten-track Bali spots with snorkelling, mountain views and a complete lack of the south’s chaos, here is where you should be. Black sand beaches line the coast, with traditional jukungs (fishing boats) dotting the ocean.

Snorkel straight off the shore at the Japanese Shipwreck in Banyuning or the Coral Wall in Jemeluk Bay. Alternatively, go north to Tulamben, where you can dive inside the coral-draped hull of the USAT Liberty wreck. (You might spot reef sharks and bumphead parrotfish weaving through the shadows.) Mount Agung rises steeply behind the coast, with golden hour light catching it just right.

Far from Bali’s resort trails and beach bars, the protected reserve of West Bali National Park covers jungle, mangroves, savannah and coral coast. You might even spot endangered Bali Starlings, Javan Rusa deer and the occasional long-tailed macaque troop swinging through the canopy.

Trekking trails weave through patches of banyan trees and birdsong, while kayaking through the mangroves gives a quieter view of the Balinese ecosystem. Offshore, Menjangan Island sits within the park’s boundaries.

Up in Bali’s misty north, the Bali mountain village of Munduk is where spice plantations, crater lakes and romantic sunrises come together. In terms of celsius, one of the cooler parts of Bali. The roads are quieter, and mornings are spent exploring the trails and waterfalls near town. You’ll pass cloves and coffee growing on the hillsides, their scents curling into your nostrils as you walk.

Try the famous Munduk Babi Guling pork, slow-roasted and crisp-skinned, at a local warung. An hour from Munduk, Banjar Hot Springs offer a sulphur soak overlooking gardens, and are the perfect post-hike reset.

On the west coast road between Denpasar and Gilimanuk, Soka Beach is a windswept, lesser-known stretch of black sand where myth and mountain meet the sea. The sea cliffs are said to be where Bhima, the warrior from the Hindu epic Mahabharata, cooked rice in a giant pot, which then turned to stone. Swallows dart in and out of coastal caves, and on clear days, Mount Batukaru rises inland like a painted backdrop.

The waves are too wild and unpredictable for swimming or surfing. If you’re addicted to daily beach swims, it might be more of a scenic stop than one to stay overnight.

Pemuteran is a reef conservation village and one of the best quiet beach towns in Bali, up on the island’s northwest coast. It’s all calm beaches, volcanic peaks, and a front-row seat to some of the best snorkelling in Bali. The coral gardens just offshore are part of a world-renowned reef restoration project, with artificial reef structures promoting coral growth and over 80 species of coral thriving beneath the surface.

Start your day with barefoot walks, end with grilled mahi-mahi or snapper at a warung by the sea … but try and fit in as much snorkelling or diving in between. Boat trips to Menjangan Island, which is famous for its drop-offs and vibrant marine life, are easy to arrange.

Best known for its natural rock slides and jungle jumps, Sambangan is where Bali’s wild side comes out to play. Up in the highlands near Singaraja, this lush village owes its greenery to cool air, rich volcanic soil and rainforest-fed rivers. It’s mostly known as the home to the Secret Garden — a string of waterfalls with deep pools, smooth volcanic chutes, and cliff jumps up to 15 metres high.

Kroya waterfall is the star of the show, its basalt rock worn slick by centuries of currents, but nearby Aling-Aling and Pucuk keep the thrills coming. Just check in advance whether you need a guide or entrance fee to make the most of your time here.

In the foothills of Mount Agung, Sidemen is reminiscent of Ubud before the tourists rolled on in. Think Bali rice terrace walks, jungle paths, and slow mornings with mountain mist on your doorstep. It’s one of the most quietly rewarding stops on any adventure to the lesser-known Bali destinations. The pace here is mellow, the vistas cinematic, and the connection to Balinese culture runs deep.

You can walk for ages without seeing another tourist, pausing at weaving workshops and savouring a chill lunch of sate lilit at warungs. Wake to the sound of gamelan in the distance and end the day in a hammock overlooking a valley painted in green.

High up in the island’s far northwest hills, Sumberkima is all about stillness, space, looking over the misty valleys below and towards the distant outline of Java’s Mount Ijen. More luxury than low-key, this secluded area is known for its architect-designed villas with infinity pools, open-air bathrooms, and breezy decks made for long breakfasts or yoga in the clouds. So expect to drop more than you would pay in nearby Pemuteran. But if you’re a couple or honeymooners searching for private villas in a quiet corner of Bali, this is it.

When you’re ready to explore, take a short drive to kayak or snorkel in Pemuteran, or dive around Menjangan Island. It’s also a fabulous spot to check out the Banyuwedang hot springs and hike to the hilltop temple of Pura Batu Kursi.

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