What to skip in Bali and what to do instead

Countless Instagram posts, countless blog posts and guides – the hype around Bali simply won´t stop. But what is truly behind all the “Instagram Highlights”? Which places in Bali are actually worth the visit and which can you totally skip without missing out on anything?

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!

Definitely skip in Bali: Kuta and Seminyak

Both the areas of Kuta and Seminyak are not what you´d expect them to be. Kuta could be described as a little shabby and Seminyak is simply all about tourism. 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. Dumb 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.

But what to do instead?

Skip the Goa Gajah Temple

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? The answer is: no, it isn´t. The Elephant Cave does not offer much to see for travellers and tourists. Plus, the entry fees are quite high. If you want to experience the temples of Bali, skip on the Goa Gajah Temple.

But what to see instead?

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.

But which waterfalls should you explore instead?

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!

But what to do instead?

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.

But what to do instead?

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 10 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?