What to skip in Bali and what to do instead

Bali is a dream destination for many travellers, known for its lush jungles, stunning beaches, and vibrant culture. But let’s be honest—some spots are overhyped, overcrowded, or simply not worth your precious time. Whether it’s a tourist trap, an overrated attraction, or an experience that doesn’t live up to expectations, there are plenty of alternatives that offer a more authentic and enjoyable experience. In this guide, I’ll help you navigate what to skip in Bali and suggest better alternatives that will make your trip even more memorable. From avoiding packed beaches to discovering hidden waterfalls, get ready to experience Bali like a savvy traveler, not a tourist!

Please note: Some places might seem prettier on Social Median than they do in real life. And Bali is no exception. Due to the increasing popularity of the Indonesian island the crowds of tourists have transformed some of the once “beautiful and natural” places. What you can skip while exploring Bali and what you should rather do instead – this guide reveals it all!

Skip going to Kuta and Seminyak

Both the areas of Kuta and Seminyak are not what you expect them to be. Kuta could be described as a little shabby and Seminyak is simply all about tourism. Not that it is different in other areas of Bali, but still Seminyak has a very weird vibe. Both places are too crowded and instead from a local experience, you get the tourist crowd.

While Kuta is not as popular, Seminyak is often described as one of the best places to be in Bali. Dump that! Of course, Seminyak has its beautiful spots and cute cafés, but you can always visit for a day trip and walk through the streets. But spending your whole time in Bali in Seminyak is a waste of your time. I’d even say do not go there at all and if you are looking to stay in this part of the island, spend two nights in Canggu and you’ll get the same (slightly better) experience.

But what to do instead?

Instead go and explore the beautiful Uluwatu

Uluwatu is the complete opposite of Kuta and Seminyak. Uluwatu is exciting, it is beautiful and it is the best spot in Bali to enjoy the sun at the beach, witness the most beautiful sunsets and get yourself a beer at the beach bar. Surely, there are also quite some tourists in Uluwatu and this has definitely increased in the past years. But it still has this original character and feels more magical with its small beaches and impressive cliffs.

Uluwatu is known as a surfer’s hotspot and is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Bali. If you want to get the most of your time in Bali and see a totally different side of the island, spend some nights in Uluwatu.

And don’t you worry: You do not need to waive at the pretty shops, the beautiful boutiques and fancy restaurants – Uluwatu has it all!

Skip the Goa Gajah Temple near Ubud

One of the well-known temples in Bali is the Goa Gajah Temple, also known as the Elephant Cave. It is located close to Ubud and can be reached by motorbike or taxi. On the usual route around the area of Ubud, they always stop at the Goa Gajah Temple. And yet, it is as well on the list of places to skip in Bali.

Photos in front of the Elephant Cave can be found all over Instagram and the drivers tell you everything about the beautiful temple. For sure, the place is beautiful. Especially the little garden next to the temple is peaceful and nice to see. But is it really worth it? My answer is: Np, it isn’t. The Elephant Cave does not offer much to see for travellers and tourists. Plus, the entry fees are quite high. There are definitely better and cheaper alternatives.

Instead visit the Ulutwatu Temple

A temple totally worth your visit is the Uluwatu Temple. It is located directly at the Southern top of the bukit over the ocean. But not only the location is incredibly spectacular and beautiful. The temple invites you get to know the Balinese religion and spirituality.

Make sure to arrive shortly before sunset to not only see the famous Fire Dancer Show, but as well to witness the Balinese on their daily walk into the temple. You can enjoy the view over the ocean and book a ticket for the dancing show which takes place while the sun sets on the horizon. An absolute must-have experience!

Skip the Kanto Lampo and the Tegenungan Waterfall

Waterfalls are an incredible piece of art from mother nature. Luckily, Bali is full of quite a few of these spectacular places. There are special “waterfall routes” for tourists which take you to the hotspots around Ubud.

Again, you will see beautiful pictures of tourists in front of the waterfalls all looking peaceful and idyllic. But you know what these photos don’t capture? The line of people standing behind the photographer waiting to be next. While this may sound like a joke in the first place, it is actually true. At the Kanto Lampo Waterfall and the Tegenungan Waterfall you will find yourself in the middle of a tourist crowd. A line waiting in the water to take pictures.

Idyllic? Close to nature? Peaceful? Not here. Skip on these waterfalls.

Instead explore the Leke Leke and the Sekumpul Waterfall

An even better and more beautiful waterfall to explore is the Leke Leke Waterfall. At the moment, the waterfall is still not getting all the hype, so this is your chance to go. The Leke Leke Waterfall is small but incredibly beautiful. You need to hike for about 10 minutes until you reach the fall. If you are lucky, you can enjoy this place all by yourself.

Another option is the Sekumpul Waterfall. Still, this waterfall is definitely more popular and part of the typical day tours around the area. But you simply cannot miss this place. Make sure to arrive early in the morning to avoid the crowds. The tours usually start at around nine or ten a.m., so it’s best to be there before. The earlier the better!!

Skip the Monkey Forest in Ubud

You can see the Monkey Forest in Ubud on any photograph outside the typical tourist office in Bali. It is portrayed as your best chance to experience being close to the monkey and seeing them in a natural habitat. But be aware – this is not what it looks like. Therefore, what to totally skip in Bali is indeed the Monkey Forest in Ubud.

The monkey in the Monkey Forest in Ubud can be quite aggressive. Make sure to keep your belongings safe, especially your phone or your sun glasses!

Plus, this is definitely not your only chance to spot monkey in Bali. You will find these tiny creatures at almost any temple on the island. Walking through a park with thousands of tourists and feeding the monkey is all but natural. Not worth the price nor your time!

Instead explore the North of Bali and go off the beaten path

You really want to get a natural experience and spot some wildlife? Monkeys do live in Bali and they can be seen outside the Monkey Forest as well. The best option to see a totally different side of Bali is to drive North.

The Northern part of the island is more remote and not as popular to tourists as the south. If you are a lover of nature, adventures and remote areas, this is the best place to be. Some hotels are located directly in the jungle and you can get an ultimate experience.

Skip the Tegalalang Rice Terraces

Rice terraces are a common sight in Bali. The beautiful bright green scenery is one of the many reasons why travellers love the island. One of the most popular (or even the most popular) rice terrace is the Tegalalang Rice Terrace outside of Ubud. And yes, this place is beautiful and it truly shows the magic of the rice cultivation in Bali.

Still, in the past years the place has changed a lot. Locals are trying to sell everything they can and from 8 am on, the place is super crowded. If you still do not want to skip on the Tegalalang Rice Terraces, arrive shortly before the sunrise to catch the morning light. But even during that time, the first photo shootings are taking place all around you.

To be honest: it is not worth your time and it’s not the only rice terrace in Bali to explore.

Instead drive around Ubud to find remote places

The area around Ubud and in the Eastern part of the island is fully covered by rice terraces. If you want to enjoy a place all by yourself, grab a motorbike and go exploring. Locals will show you rice terraces which are not covered by tourists and where you can capture the beauty in a unique way.

Another option are the Jatiluwih rice terraces located in the center of the island. This is a bit further to drive but totally worth it. Plus, you will get to enjoy the beautiful green paradise with less tourists and it will feel more like an original Bali experience.

Skip the guided day tours around Bali

Next on the list of what to skip in Bali are the day tours. When walking through Ubud, Canggu or Seminyak, you will get countless offer for a day tour. The drivers pick you up early in the morning and drive you around all of Bali for the day. You will get to see all the tourists highlight in ten hours and get the short version of the beauty of Bali.

These agencies actually convince many tourists to book with them and experience Bali in one day. But is this really the way to go?

Spoiler alert: No, it isn’t.

Bali is not meant to be explored by a day tour. It is not meant to be explored in just one day. And most importantly, during these tours you will most likely only visit the tourist hotspots and miss out on the true and remote treasures of the island. Skip the day tour and say “no” on the street.

But what’s the alternative instead?

Instead explore Bali on your own

It is totally possible to explore Bali on your own. If you are not comfortable driving a scooter, you can easily hire a scooter driver and let him take you wherever you want. Bali is meant to be explored at your own pace. Dare to go off the beaten track and avoid the tourist crowds.