Off the beaten track: Best places to stay in Bali

By MiNDFOOD

The view from the pier at Ayana Resort
The view from the pier at Ayana Resort
With its vibrant culture, beautiful landscapes and (not to mention) convenient proximity to Australia, Bali is a must-see destination for Aussies. If you are looking to get off the beaten track, here's our list of top things to do and places to stay in Bali.

If you’re going to Bali and want to skip the popular drawcards of Kuta and Seminyak, we have teamed up with Expedia to show you just how you can see Bali without the crowds.

What to see in Bali

Head Beyond the Beach

High in the hills, away from the bustle of the beach and the busy streets, Ubud is known for its peace and serenity. About an hour’s drive from Denpasar Airport, the popular Balinese village offers a slower pace, perfect for those seeking a more tranquil Bali experience.

Check into your Bali hotel, our favourite is Alila Ubud, book into a yoga workshop and have your very own Eat Pray Love experience. Ubud is also perfect for a day trip. Visit the artist galleries, stroll through the seemingly endless rice paddy fields and take in the stunning scenery.

Trek to Tegenungan Waterfall

Treks into waterfalls are an incredible way to move your body without feeling like you’re physically exercising, and is a great way to experience the natural beauty of inland Bali. Tegenungan Waterfall, conveniently located between Ubud and Denpasar, is perfect for nature lovers who want to take in the cool water, mountain surroundings and tropical palm trees, away from the hustle and bustle of Bali.

Capture the Sunset at Uluwatu

It does not get more picture-postcard perfect than a sunset in Bali. There are a few places to catch this beautiful time of day, but one of the best spots to take a moment and breathe it in is over the cliffs of Uluwatu. Situated on Bali’s Bukit peninsula, the region also offers some of Bali’s most luxurious resorts, without the inherent crowds that you would more commonly see in Bali’s south east. Single Fin is a popular bar above Uluwatu Beach where both locals and tourists come to catch the golden moment.

Welcome the Sun at Mount Batur

While the sunset stops most travelers in their tracks, there’s plenty on offer for the early risers. For those keen to start the day feeling on top of the world, a hike at Mount Batur is a must. Mount Batur is actually a dormant volcano located in Bali’s North West, and you’ll be missing the crowds as only 200 hikers are allowed to head up the mountain each day. The view from the top is breathtaking but getting there isn’t for the faint hearted. To make the trek, you’ll need to travel to the base of the mountain between 1-2am before commencing the climb. However, the view is worth it and not one that should be missed.

Places to stay in Bali

Karma Kandara

This beautiful resort is set in the cliffs of Uluwatu and has endless uninterrupted views of the ocean. With its own private beach and full service spa, Karma Kamdara is the perfect destination for those looking to escape the every day. As well as an infinity pool that will leave you breathless, the resort’s Di Mare restaurant has developed an organic wellness menu for guests wanting to incorporate a clean diet into the their travels. Relax and unwind with a massage on the beach, or take part in an organised yoga or snorkeling class.

Temple Lodge

The Temple Lodge in Bingin is home to one of the most popular yoga studios in the Uluwatu region. The superfood juices at Temple Lodge Kitchen are absolutely delicious to rehydrate with after a day in the Bali sun, while watching some of Indonesia’s hottest surf breaks – Bingin, Impossibles and Dreamlands. The Kitchen also has a wonderfully nutritious menu, with a mix of organic, local flavours, as well as dishes inspired by Ayurveda.

Ayana Resort

The Beachside Pool at Ayana

Perched atop the cliffs above Jimbaran Bay, is one of  most iconic hotels – The Ayana Resort and Spa. Soak up the sun on the Resort’s private beach, have a hit of tennis, plunge into one of the hotel’s 12 outdoor swimming pools or spend the day relaxing at the full-service spa before enjoying a meal at one of the hotel’s 18 restaurants. Sundowners are a must – images of the five star hotel’s Rock Bar have been splashed around the world and its dramatic spot right on the rocks has earned its reputation as a hotspot for sunset drinks. Beyond the bar, there’s opulent villas, club rooms and suites that all get a slice of the stellar view.

Read more: The most luxurious places to stay in Bali

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