lesser known bali spots to escape the crowds

ATUH BEACH

Atuh Beach is located on Nusa Penida – one of three satellite islands of Bali – so you’ll have to take a speed boat ride from Sanur harbour. Although Nusa Penida is by far the biggest compared to Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan, it’s also the most barren, and the sparsest in terms of population and development. 

BEJI GUWANG HIDDEN CANYON

Slightly out of Ubud, Sukawati is known for its traditional market, to which tourists have been flocking over the years. When I was still a student living in Jakarta, school field trips to Bali seemed to involve going souvenirshopping at this market. I can’t understand why the market is one of the “mandatory” destinations, considering most of the sellers can be really pushy and drive really hard bargains. Because of that, I had steered clear of Sukawati... Until I learned about Beji Guwang hidden canyon, that is.

GEMITIR GARDEN

Gemitir(also known as gumitiror mitir) is probably known everywhere else in the world as the Mexican marigold. In Bali this flower species is practically the unofficial regional flower of the island. See, gemitiris essential in Hindu culture and ceremonies, that’s why it’s only natural to see baskets and baskets of the yellow petals in traditional markets all around Bali. While it’s still awesome to see the stacks of picked gemitir, it’s so much better to see them in their natural habitat.

GUYANGAN NATURAL POOL

Here’s another gem from the dry Nusa Penida: a spot so unbelievably jaw-dropping, I kind of hesitated to share this here. As someone who hasn’t mastered Penida yet, I have to let you know that unlike the other places on the list, this one isn’t on Google Maps, therefore I advise you get a guide to get here.