You’re not imagining things: Everyone seems to have been to Bali!
Bali is an overwhelmingly popular tourist hotspot.
During the first half of 2024, it welcomed almost 3 million foreign visitors, and 45.4% of all visitors to Indonesia visit the island to enjoy its rich culture and spectacular beaches.
The result? Huge overcrowding which means this island paradise can often feel frustrating and difficult to navigate.
But that doesn’t mean that you should avoid Bali altogether. It’s still one of the most beautiful islands in the world! It just means you need to think outside the box.
Why not visit North Bali instead?
Escape The Huge Tourist Crowds
The majority of tourists who visit Bali remain in the south of the island. This is where spots like Kuta Beach, the most popular beach in Bali, can be found.
Most tourists to Bali choose to stay in Canggu or Seminyak on the southwest coast of the island, and when you hear people complaining about overtourism in Bali (and believe me they do!) these are the locations they’re talking about.
However, the Indonesian tourist board is seeking to change that by promoting the north of the island instead.
By exploring North Bali instead, you’ll find attractions without the crowds, and the other problems that come from crowded tourist spots.
And they’re just as beautiful too!
North Bali is home to gorgeous waterfalls, mountain hikes, and its own beautiful beaches.
Animal Encounters
Northwestern Bali is the best part of the island to visit if you want to encounter dolphins as part of your trip.
Take a two-hour drive from Denpasar and you’ll find Lovina Beach, which is an unusual black sand beach.
As well as being a great spot for swimming and snorkeling, there are several boat companies that organize dolphin tours here.
Because the waters are much calmer here than to the south of the island, several dolphin pods regularly call this beach home.
Dolphin Lovina Tour will take you out on a sunrise dolphin spotting tour on a huge boat equipped with hammocks.
Prices start from $20 per person on a private boat or $15 per person on a shared boat. The more people you travel with, the cheaper your ticket will be!
If you hike to Mount Batur, you will also spot animals like long-tailed macaques and birds such as starlings, sunbirds, and kingfishers in their natural environment.
This hike is a relatively uncomplicated one (as long as you don’t try it in rainy season!) and only covers a distance of around 5-7 km.
Expect it to take around 2 hours each way to complete.
Fascinating Cultural Attractions
If you’re interested in exploring Indonesian culture and temples, then the attractions of Northern Bali are considered iconic.
The most noteworthy of these is the Ulun Danu Bratan Temple, which is the most well-known temple in Bali and is located in the north of the island.
This is a huge Hindu temple complex.
Because of the popularity of the Ulun Danu Bratan temple, I’m not promising it won’t be crowded, but it’s still well worth visiting: head out early to beat the crowds.
The lake is located 1,200 meters above sea level which means as well as epic views you’ll also get a welcoming breeze.
The Handara Gate is also an attraction located in the north of the island.
Built in ornate Balinese style this elaborate split gate is adorned with beautiful traditional carvings.
The queue to take photos here is with the wait.
Outstanding Natural Beauty
Perhaps the standout reason to visit northern Bali instead of staying in the south of the island is the outstanding natural beauty the region boasts.
Think beaches, rainforest, and waterfalls. The Sing Sing Angin Waterfall located in Manikyang Village at the center of Tabanan is one of the region’s most charming and is a popular spot with locals.
If you’re looking for somewhere even more secluded, try the Blahmantung Waterfall in Pujungan Village.
It stands 25 meters tall and flows down a cliff covered in beautiful greenery. Enjoy the views of the fall, then swim in the cool pool of water below.
One of the main reasons travelers visit Bali is because of the beaches. The south of the island undeniably boasts an incredible beach scene, but you’ll find stunning beaches without the crowds in the north, too.
For a quiet and laid-back beach scene, try Amed Beach, which boasts undisturbed coral reefs perfect for snorkeling as well as soft sands. It is flanked by lush greenery, creating a truly secluded and undisturbed feel.
The peaceful coastal village of Pemuteran in northwestern Bali is equally beautiful.
This is another stunning black sand beach that’s fringed by the Bali Barat National Park but attracts a tiny fraction of the crowds that South Bali’s beaches do.
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