– ESCAPE THE CROWDS –
AN INDEPENDENT TRAVEL GUIDE
Explore secret West Bali
Over the years we've been based in this secret part of Bali, we've found some beautiful places to explore. Scroll down for ideas for places to go, things to do if you're wanting to get off the beaten track and away from the crowds.
– Medewi –
Roadtrip
across West Bali on one of the most scenic drives on the island. Do this drive in the early mornings and you're likely to have a stunning view of Batukaru volcano.
– near Pemuteran –
Detour
slightly when you drive the route mentioned above, and visit Brahma Vihara Arama, a tranquil Buddhist temple on the north coast of Bali.
– Negara –
Take
the road less-travelled and explore the farmlands around Negara – the views are beautiful. Think vast tracts of paddies and distant hills covered in jungle.
– Medewi –
Drive
the scenic road that winds right through the middle of one of West Bali's sacred trees, then enjoy lunch or a Bali coffee with a breathtaking jungle view.
– Balian –
Explore
the exquisite rice terraces that stretch from Pantai Soka all the way back to the foot of Batukaru mountain. They're among the loveliest rice terraces in Bali.
– Pemuteran –
Taste
wine and take a walk through one of the many small vineyards where grapes are grown for Bali's Hatten Wine.
– near Balian –
Learn
about organic farming and gardening during a one-day workshop in the beautiful hills behind Balian.
– Negara –
Photograph
the colourful fishing fleet moored in a river mouth near Negara. These boats are exquisite – and unlike any others you'll see in Bali.
– Pemuteran –
Walk
up Bukit Kursi and look out across all of Pemuteran towards Java – a fun way to put the village into perspective and piece together the puzzle of its geography.
– Medewi –
Learn
to make coconut oil the traditional way. Classes are held on request at the home of Ratna and Sup, in a scenic and quiet part of Medewi.
– Negara –
Watch
the dramatic mekepung – buffalo chariot races – that take place on Sundays in the paddies near Negara.
– Pemuteran –
Shop
for some of the most delicious – and unusual – artisanal salt made on the island. There are various flavours – including tumeric, and smoked salt (our favourite)
– Balian –
Visit
the small Catholic Church in hillside Selabih. There's a pretty shrine to the Virgin Mary set in tended gardens, and the view from up here is stunning.
– Medewi –
Wander
along the road that winds through the pretty paddies of Pulukan. You might encounter duck herders and, early morning or late afternoon, you might see the volcanoes of Java in the distance.
– Menjangan –
Visit
the Bali Starling Breeding Centre in West Bali National Park, where you'll see the birds that were once among the rarest in the world.
– Medewi –
Look
out across the vast West Bali coastline from clifftop Rambut Siwi. This lovely temple is the much quieter "sister" temple of the famous Tanah Lot and Uluwatu.
– Negara –
Find
the astounding and quite unexpected Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic church in Palasari, a village in the hills near Negara.
– Medewi –
Learn
about the traditional rice farming practices of West Bali as you walk alongside some of the area's last pink buffaloes. Spend time in the paddies, and experience them as a farmer does.