To add a twist to your tour of Asia, make some time for hiking in Bali. This Indonesian island is loved among travelers for its picturesque rice fields, lush forests, and dreamy beaches. There are extraordinary monuments, temples, and waterfalls tucked away in small towns and villages here, many of which are best reached by hiking.
Bali’s hiking trails are beautiful, thanks to the island's climate and lush vegetation. Expect to hike through peaceful rice plantations and secluded rainforests, stopping at historic monuments and cultural highlights along your route. Aim for the coast and you’ll get the reward of the warm ocean at the end of a long hike.
If you’re planning a Bali hiking trip, head to one of these top destinations for a trekking adventure.
The Tegalalang rice terraces are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and rightly so. Come for a hike here and you’ll get brilliant views of their mesmerising lines that sweep across the hillsides. Walk beneath the coconut palms that line the area, and don’t forget your camera.
Sambangan in northern Bali is a short distance from Singaraja. It offers moderate forest hikes through plantations with palm sugar trees, cacao, and snake fruit, among other crops. You will come across several waterfalls along the way, with natural slides on the rocks and refreshing pools to cool off in.
Found in central Bali, there are several hiking trails around Munduk leading to a number of waterfalls. There’s one for every ability, and each finishes at a spectacular hidden waterfall. You might also see flourishing plantations, floating temples and enjoy brilliant views from look out points along the way.
Start your hike from the Sekumpul Village, close to Singaraja. This spectacular trail reveals ancient monuments, temples, and orchards before opening up to several cascading waterfalls. There's also a pretty village along the way where you might meet some friendly locals.
The lakes of Buyan and Tamblingan bear a similar appearance, hence the name Twin Lakes. They're located in Munduk, with hiking trails that pass around the lakes, and through the dense rainforest filled with exotic birds. As well as hiking, you can hire a canoe to visit the Dalem and Telaga Aye Temples.
For the best hiking conditions, plan your hiking trip for between May and September, which is the island's dry season. Also, keep in mind that it is mandatory to have a guide for the volcanic mountain trails.
