Bali's tourism industry focuses on temples, beaches, and infinity pools – but the island's interior holds adventures that rival any in Southeast Asia. Volcanic ridges, ancient rainforests, and hidden canyons offer hiking experiences that few visitors ever discover. These five trails range from easy morning walks to challenging full-day adventures, each revealing aspects of Bali invisible from the resort zone.
1. Campuhan Ridge Walk, Ubud – The Perfect Introduction
This 2km trail might be Bali's worst-kept secret, yet most tourists still miss it. The ridge walk follows a narrow spine between two valleys, with coconut palms and elephant grass framing views of both Ubud's traditional villages and the surrounding jungle. The path is paved and flat, making it accessible to anyone, but the scenery rivals much more demanding hikes.
The experience transforms with timing. At 6am, you'll share the trail with local joggers and perhaps a few photographers, walking through cool mist as the sun paints the valleys gold. By 10am, the magic fades as tour groups arrive and the tropical heat builds. This is emphatically an early morning hike.
The trail begins near the historic Gunung Lebah Temple and ends at Bangkiang Sidem village, where a small cafe offers coconut water and the best breakfast banana pancakes in Ubud. You can walk back along the same ridge or arrange pickup via scooter or taxi.
Distance: 4km return, or 2km one-way with pickup.
Difficulty: Easy – paved path, minimal elevation change.
Start time: 5:30-6:00am for sunrise; avoid after 9am.
Tip: Continue past where most tourists turn back. The trail extends to a small village where you might be the only foreigner.
2. Sekumpul Waterfall Trek, Singaraja – The Ultimate Waterfall Chase
Many Bali travelers tick off Tegenungan or Gitgit waterfalls without realizing these are mere appetizers. Sekumpul, in Bali's less-visited north, is the main course – a curtain of seven waterfalls plunging through jungle into a boulder-strewn canyon. But reaching it requires commitment.
The trek descends over 300 metres through clove and coffee plantations, crosses rivers twice (knee-deep in dry season, potentially waist-deep after rain), and navigates rocky paths where a single slip means a muddy tumble. A local guide isn't strictly necessary but is highly recommended – they know the best routes, safest crossings, and can capture your photos while you focus on not falling.
Arriving at the falls, the effort makes sense. The spray creates permanent rainbows, the surrounding cliffs tower 80 metres overhead, and the sheer volume of water – especially in the wet season – creates a roar that drowns out everything. Swimming in the pool below isn't just possible; it's mandatory.
Distance: Approximately 4km return, with 300m elevation change.
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging – steep stairs, river crossings, slippery rocks.
Duration: 3-4 hours including swimming and photography time.
What to bring: Water shoes or hiking sandals with good grip, waterproof bag for electronics, swimwear, change of clothes.
Entrance fee: Around 20,000 IDR plus optional guide fee (negotiate respectfully).
3. Mount Batur Sunrise Trek – Dawn Above the Clouds
Yes, this hike is well-known. Yes, you'll share it with dozens of others. But standing on the rim of an active volcano as the sun rises over Mount Agung, with clouds filling the caldera below, transcends concerns about crowds. Some experiences earn their popularity.
The climb begins around 3:30am from either Toya Bungkah or Pura Jati, depending on your guide. The path ascends 700 metres over roughly two hours, steep enough to challenge casual hikers but achievable for anyone with reasonable fitness. Headlamps illuminate the rocky trail, and the pre-dawn cold (by Bali standards) keeps you moving.
Reaching the summit before sunrise reveals a landscape from another planet. Steam vents hiss from the volcanic rocks, the dark bulk of Mount Abang rises across the crater lake, and then – gradually, then suddenly – the sun crests Mount Agung, setting the clouds ablaze. Guides cook eggs in the volcanic steam while you absorb the spectacle.
Distance: 6km return with 700m elevation gain.
Difficulty: Moderate – steep but non-technical.
Guide requirement: Technically optional but strongly recommended for navigation and safety. Guides can be arranged through local associations (around 500,000-600,000 IDR per person including transport).
What to wear: Layers – it's cold at the top before sunrise, then hot on the descent. Proper hiking shoes essential.
Alternative: For fewer crowds, consider climbing Mount Batur's neighboring peak, Mount Abang, which sees a fraction of the visitors.
4. Tukad Cepung Canyon Hike, Bangli – Walking Behind a Waterfall
Tukad Cepung isn't about dramatic vistas or athletic achievement – it's about experiencing something genuinely otherworldly. The waterfall doesn't fall in the traditional sense; it pours through a crack in the canyon ceiling, creating a curtain of light and water you can walk behind. When sunlight hits the mist, the entire canyon glows like something from a fantasy film.
Reaching this spectacle requires descending through a narrow gorge, wading through ankle-deep water, and scrambling over boulders. It's more adventure walk than serious hike, taking perhaps 30 minutes each way. But the destination transforms the journey.
Timing is everything at Tukad Cepung. The light show happens only when sun rays penetrate the canyon – roughly 9am to 11am, with peak magic around 10am. Arrive earlier, and the canyon remains dark; later, and the sun has moved on. The waterfall flows year-round but is most impressive during and immediately after the wet season (November-April).
Distance: Approximately 1km return with moderate scrambling.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate – requires wading and boulder-hopping, but no fitness demands.
Best time: 9am-11am for optimal light. Avoid afternoons entirely.
What to wear: Water shoes or sandals you're willing to submerge, quick-dry clothing, waterproof bag for camera/phone.
Entrance fee: 15,000 IDR; sarong usually required (rentals available).
5. West Bali National Park Trails – Bali's Wild Heart
While most tourists experience manicured rice terraces and maintained temple grounds, West Bali National Park preserves the island as it existed before development. These 19,000 hectares of monsoon forest, mangroves, and coastal savanna harbor Bali's remaining wild animals – including the critically endangered Bali starling, found nowhere else on Earth.
Several trails penetrate the park, ranging from easy coastal walks to challenging multi-day treks requiring camping permits. The most accessible option, the Prapat Agung trail, winds through forest to a hidden beach where sea turtles nest (seasonal). Longer trails reach high points overlooking the Java Strait and isolated beaches accessible only on foot.
Wildlife sightings require patience and luck – this isn't an African safari. But with binoculars and quiet movement, you might spot black monkeys, barking deer, wild boar, and dozens of bird species. The Bali starling, with its striking white plumage and blue eye ring, remains rare but possible with a guide who knows their territory.
Location: Northwestern Bali, around Gilimanuk. About 3-4 hours from Ubud or Seminyak.
Permits: Required for all trails; available at the park office in Cekik or through licensed guides.
Guide recommendation: Highly recommended for wildlife spotting and safety in the remote interior.
Best trails: Prapat Agung (easy, 2-3 hours), Tegal Bunder (moderate, full day), Jayaprana (easy, 1-2 hours with temple ruins).
Best time: Dry season (April-October) for better trail conditions and wildlife visibility.
Hiking in Bali: Practical Considerations
Bali's tropical climate demands respect. These tips apply to all the hikes above:
- Hydration: The humidity is deceiving. Carry at least 2 litres of water for longer hikes and start drinking before you feel thirsty.
- Sun protection: Even under forest canopy, the equatorial sun is intense. Sunscreen, hat, and light long sleeves recommended.
- Footwear: Proper hiking shoes make an enormous difference on Bali's often-slippery trails. Sandals are fine only for Campuhan Ridge and Tukad Cepung.
- Timing: Start early to avoid heat and crowds. By 10am, most trails become uncomfortably hot.
- Guides: Local guides provide employment to villages often bypassed by tourism. Their knowledge enhances every hike, and their fees support communities.
- Respect: Many trails pass through or near temples. Carry a sarong just in case, and follow any religious customs your guide explains.
These five hikes reveal a Bali beyond the Instagram posts – an island of genuine wilderness, physical challenge, and natural wonder. The trails are there, waiting for visitors willing to lace up proper shoes and start walking. The question is simply: which will you explore first?