Where to go Trekking and Trekking in Bali (Hiking)?
Before your trip to Bali, make sure to research where to go hiking and trekking in Bali? There are several great trekking options in Bali, ranging from short walks through rice paddies to challenging hikes up steep mountains.
Our scouting trips to Bali have allowed us to discover how the island lends itself to the game of hiking in the great outdoors. From the Agung volcano to Mount Batur via the rice fields of Sidemen, set off for a walk in a breathtaking natural setting. At Villa Carissa, we share with you our top and the most beautiful hikes to do during your trip to Bali.
Remember to bring appropriate hiking gear, plenty of water, and sun protection when hiking in Bali. It’s also a good idea to hire a local guide for safety and to learn more about the local culture and environment.
Top Hiking and Trekking Trails in Bali: Where to Go and What to Expect
Bali is a beautiful island with a diverse landscape that makes it a great destination for hiking and trekking enthusiasts. From lush jungles and rice paddies to rugged coastlines and volcanoes, Bali has it all. Here are some of the top and most beautiful hikes to explore:
1. Campuhan Hill Ridge Walk, Ubud
Campuhan Ridge Walk: Located in Ubud, the Campuhan Ridge Walk is a popular and easy hiking trail that offers beautiful views of the surrounding rice fields and hills. The trail is about 2 kilometers long and takes about 1-2 hours to complete.
Check out this 3.9-km round-trip route near Gianyar’s Kabupaten, Bali. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1h 4min to cover it.
Meeting of the rivers at Campuhan. Mx. Granger, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
It’s a popular place for hiking, running and strolling, so you’re likely to come across a lot of people during your excursion. You can access it all year round and the experience is worth it in any season.
The Campuhan Ridge Walk is a picturesque hike through the rice paddies and green hills of Ubud. The trail is relatively easy and takes around two hours to complete. Along the way, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the lush vegetation.
Trekking on Campuhan Hill. Desianto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The trail is about 2 kilometers (1.24 miles) long and takes about 1-2 hours to complete.
2. Munduk Waterfalls trekking
The path starts exactly behind the hotel “Melanting Cottage”. It takes barely 15 minutes to reach the first waterfall, the Redcool waterfall. The trek takes about 2-3 hours and includes a visit to several waterfalls.
The path to get to the second looks like a walk in a botanical garden: flowers, cocoa trees, coffee trees, pineapples, banana trees, etc.
The Melanting Waterfall is at the bottom of the valley and the descent is via endless stairs after paying a small right of way (IDR 10,000 /person or €0.66). Don’t do the hike in the opposite direction because those stairs would really be a challenge going up.
The climb is done quietly and we arrive in the village at the level of a school. We also arrived at the time of the exit of the classes.
We tested a restaurant just next to the exit of the hiking trail, the Taman Ayu. It was okay.
For dessert, we returned to Eco café2 to eat their banana fritters. I took the opportunity to test the Luwak coffee again because there at least, I was sure that no civet was being mistreated.
The return to the hotel is on the road under construction and without sidewalks but in broad daylight, it is not too awkward.
Best Waterfalls in Bali | Discovering the Natural Beauty and Wonders
3. Explore the southern flanks of the Batukaru volcano (near Ubud)
This inactive volcano is found in the western part of Bali and offers an intermediate to difficult hike through the lush jungle. Hikers can also visit the nearby Pura Luhur Batu Karu Temple.
The area is known for its stunning natural beauty, traditional temples, and hiking trails that lead visitors through the lush jungle and up to the peak of Mount Batu Karu.
One of the most popular attractions in Batu Karu is the Batu Karu Temple, also known as Pura Luhur Batukaru. This ancient Hindu temple is located in the middle of the jungle, and visitors can explore its intricate architecture, statues, and shrines.
Take to the skies and face the second highest peak in Bali. Perched at exactly 2276 meters above sea level, this mountain is home to one of the most beautiful landscapes of rice fields on the island and offers small villages full of charm where you can discover the traditional way of life of the inhabitants.
Rice terraces of Mount Batukaru. This Subak landscape is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2012. Arabsalam, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Batu Karu is also an ideal location for hiking enthusiasts. The area has several hiking trails that lead visitors through the jungle to the peak of Mount Batu Karu. The trails offer stunning views of the surrounding rice terraces, forests, and valleys.
Go hiking on the southern flanks of the Batukaru volcano and combine cultural, natural and historical attractions. At the Pura Luhur Batukaru temple, you will discover many species of butterflies with brighter and deeper colors than each other.
Pura Luhur Batukaru. See page for author, GFDL, via Wikimedia Commons
4. Stroll along the banks of the volcanic lakes of Tamblingan and Buyan
The volcanic lakes of Tamblingan and Buyan are amazing twin lakes. Set off to explore their banks full of charm and meet inhabitants whose way of life has remained authentic despite the passage of time.
Trekking in the lakes of Tamblingan and Buyan is a popular activity in Bali, especially for those who enjoy nature and outdoor adventures. These two lakes are located in the Bedugul region of Bali, surrounded by lush forests and beautiful scenery.
The trek around the lakes is a moderate level trek, and it takes around 2-3 hours to complete the full circuit. The trek starts from the parking area near the entrance of the Tamblingan Lake, and the trail is well-marked, so it’s easy to follow.
Throughout your hike to the volcanic lakes of Tamblingan and Buyan, you will have the opportunity to admire the scenes of daily life: fishing sessions on the small “pedahu” boats, the care of the monkeys who live not far from there, the sale of fish… A good way to combine immersion in nature and discovery of local life.
Tamblingan Lake is one of the lakes located in the highlands of Bali. This lake has a very beautiful sunrise. Kerildoank, Kerildoank, via Wikimedia Commons
During the trek, you will pass through forests of bamboo and other tropical vegetation, and you’ll have the opportunity to see various species of birds and wildlife. There are also several points along the trek where you can stop to take in the beautiful views of the lakes and the surrounding mountains.
One of the highlights of the trek is the Jangeran Waterfall, which is located near the Buyan Lake. The waterfall is around 25 meters high and is a beautiful spot to take a break and enjoy the scenery.
Overall, trekking in the lakes of Tamblingan and Buyan is a great way to experience the natural beauty of Bali, and it’s a perfect activity for those looking for a bit of adventure and exercise.
Lake Tamblingan. Buleleng Regency, Bali, Indonesia. LBM1948, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
5. Trekking on Mount Batur
Mount Batur: Located in the north-eastern part of Bali, Mount Batur is an active volcano that offers a challenging but rewarding trek. The trek starts early in the morning and takes about 2-3 hours to reach the summit. From the summit, you can enjoy stunning views of the sunrise over Lake Batur.
Mount Batur Sunrise Trek
Mount Batur is an active volcano and one of Bali’s most popular hiking destinations. The trek starts early in the morning, with a two-hour climb to the summit in time for sunrise. The trail can be challenging, but the reward is a stunning view of the sunrise over the mountains and Lake Batur.
Sun is already un and shining on Batur volcano, Bali, Indonesia. Syselpunk, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
A still active volcano considered sacred by Hindus, Mount Batur rises to more than 1700 meters above sea level in the heart of the Kintamani region. It all starts around 3-4am, well before sunrise. Accompanied by a guide, we take you to conquer the steep walls of Mount Batur on a sumptuous path with exceptional panoramas. The end of the hike on Mount Batur takes place at the very top of the summit where the view of the surrounding mountains, the valleys and Lake Batur is simply breathtaking… A crush that we could only share with you! Read also: Hiking Mount Batur in Bali | Hike to witness the sunrise from the top of the volcano!
Hiking Mount Batur in Bali | Hike to witness the sunrise from the top of the volcano!
6. Discover Bali’s highest point at the Agung Volcano
Mount Agung: Located in the eastern part of Bali, Mount Agung is the highest mountain in Bali with 3,031 m (9,944 ft) and offers a challenging trek for experienced hikers. The trek takes about 7-9 hours and requires a guide.
Gunung Agung Sunrise Descension. Taken during a descension of Mount Agung, the highest peak on Bali, you can see the highest peak of the island of Lembongan through the sunlight and clouds. Elizabeth.rice, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Far from being a walk in the park, climbing Mount Agung allows you to reach the roof of Bali and access magnificent panoramas. This is one of our favorite hikes, and we can assure you that your hard work will pay off when you get to the top. Mount Agung has two main hiking trails: one that starts from the village of Selat and the other from the temple of Besakih. We advise you to leave a few hours before dawn to be able to witness a wonderful sunrise on site. Read also: Mount Agung Adventure Travel in Bali
7. Lose yourself in the heart of the rice fields of Sidemen
The Sidemen rice fields are considered the most beautiful rice fields in the country, a fact that we affirm with enthusiasm after walking there for several hours. Follow the many paths that crisscross the plantations and take the opportunity to admire the scenes of work in the fields.
We often see views like this in areas with rice terraced landscapes such as in Sidemen, Bali. Adhesaiful, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
We loved hiking in the rice fields of Sidemen and getting lost in the heart of the Balinese countryside… A good opportunity to visit small isolated villages, meet the different communities of the region and immerse yourself in the lush vegetation of Bali.
Rice harvest in Sidemen, Karangasem, Bali. rahmat nugroho, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
8. Trek Amed Lempuyang – Bali
Departing from the small village of Amed, on the east coast of Bali, this trek will allow you to discover one of the least known regions of the island. You will also have the opportunity to visit the famous Lempuyang temple by accessing it by the circuitous paths, far from the crowds.
This trek, of sustained level, takes about 4 hours and requires good physical condition. You will cover a total of 11 kilometers with an elevation gain of 800 meters. A very early morning departure is recommended as it can be very hot and there is little shade on the course.
9. Sekumpul Waterfall, Lovina, North Bali
Located in Lovina, the northern part of Bali, the Sekumpul Waterfall is a beautiful and challenging trek that takes you through lush jungle and rice fields. The trek takes about 2-3 hours and includes a steep descent down to the waterfall.
Sekumpul Waterfall is considered one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Bali, and it is known for its towering height, lush green surroundings, and multiple streams of water that cascade down the rocks. The waterfall consists of seven different streams of water, and visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the waterfall from a nearby viewpoint before embarking on the trek down to the waterfall.
Sekumpul Waterfall is also known as Gerombong Waterfall. This waterfall has a height of about 100 m. The location is located in Sekumpul Village, Sawan District, Buleleng Regency, Bali Province. Putu Andika Panendra, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Trek down to Sekumpul waterfall
The trek down to the waterfall is quite challenging, but it is also a highlight of the experience. Visitors will walk through a dense forest, cross several streams, and climb down a steep stairway. The trek takes around 30-45 minutes and requires a good level of fitness, comfortable shoes, and appropriate attire. Along the way, visitors will be able to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the forest and listen to the sound of birds and insects.
Upon reaching the bottom of the trek, visitors will be greeted by the stunning view of Sekumpul Waterfall. The waterfall is surrounded by rocks and boulders, which create small pools of water where visitors can take a refreshing swim. The water is usually cool and fresh, making it a great place to escape from the heat of Bali’s tropical weather.
Sekumpul Waterfall is also a great place for photography enthusiasts. The natural beauty of the waterfall and its surroundings make for some stunning shots, especially during the day.
10. Pemuteran – West Bali Barat National Park (Taman Nasional Bali Barat)
Located in the North West of Bali, Pemuteran is a small peaceful fishing village where you can discover the authentic Bali. The atmosphere is calm and the setting magnificent, with seabed that will delight snorkelling and diving enthusiasts. Far from mass tourism, Pemuteran is nestled between black sand beaches and turquoise water and arid mountains stretching to the horizon.
Bali Barat National Park
Bali Barat National Park, a multi-faceted park that is home to several natural ecosystems and endangered animal species, is located in the western part of Bali. Bali Barat is walkable and home to mangroves, swamps, coral reefs and many plant and animal species.
Sea and landscape from West bali National Parks. From the west coast of West Bali National Park, you can see the view of the Bali Strait’s sea and the island of Java which shows the hills and Mount Ijen. Divergent43, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
In the park, the landscapes are varied: volcanic mountains with slopes covered with dense vegetation, such as the Gunung Kelatakan which rises to 698 m in height, savannahs, coastal mangroves and sandy beaches. And the numerous fauna: black monkeys, iguanas, wild boars, Java deer and green snakes are among them. The fine sandy beaches of Bali National Park, its islets and aquatic reserves are among the best diving sites in Indonesia. From the small port of Laguhan Lalang, you can embark for the island of Menjangan. If you like to bubble, this spot – the most famous of Bali – allows very beautiful scuba diving.
For experienced divers
For experienced divers, Anker, a ghostly wooden wreck, will be a holy grail to land. Unless you prefer to admire the tropical fish while snorkeling. During an underwater hike, you swim along soft corals without ever touching them to preserve them. And sometimes at the bend of a reef, we are lucky enough to see a whale shark or a majestic manta ray. Read also: Best Dive Spots in Bali: A Guide to the Best Underwater Wonders
No matter which trek you choose, be sure to wear appropriate footwear, bring plenty of water, and follow safety guidelines. Hiring a local guide is also recommended for a safe and enjoyable experience.
When hiking in Bali, it’s essential to come prepared with the right gear, such as sturdy hiking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Always check the weather forecast and trail conditions before setting out, and consider hiring a local guide for more challenging treks. With its beautiful scenery and diverse landscapes, Bali is a hiker’s paradise that’s waiting to be explored.
Photo credit (main picture): IB Wira Dyatmika wiradyatmika, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Things To Do in Bali and What to Visit, Where To Go While Vacationing in Bali? (Top Attractions)
Explore Tranquility at Villa Carissa, Ideally Nestled in the Heart of Seminyak, Bali
Are there any lesser-known hiking and trekking destinations in Bali that offer exceptional natural beauty and adventure?
While Bali is renowned for its stunning beaches and vibrant culture, it also boasts breathtaking landscapes and diverse terrain that make it a paradise for hikers and trekkers.
For those seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences, exploring the island’s lesser-known trails can lead to hidden gems and unforgettable adventures.
Some top picks for lesser-known hikes include Mount Batukaru, an ancient volcano shrouded in misty forests and sacred temples, and Mount Abang, offering panoramic views of Lake Batur and Mount Agung without the crowds. Additionally, the lush rice terraces of Sidemen Valley and the rugged coastline of West Bali National Park offer unique trekking experiences away from the tourist crowds.
These hidden hiking gems provide the perfect opportunity to immerse oneself in Bali’s natural beauty while embarking on an unforgettable outdoor adventure.