Bali's beaches are beautiful, but the island's soul lives inland — in the volcanic highlands where farmers tend terraced rice paddies that have been cultivated for a thousand years, in the temples where daily ceremonies fill the air with incense and gamelan music, and in the communities where Balinese Hindu traditions shape every aspect of life. Venturing beyond the coast reveals a Bali of extraordinary depth.
The central highlands. The road from the coast to Kintamani passes through a landscape that changes dramatically with altitude. The village of Penelokan sits on the rim of an ancient caldera, looking down to Lake Batur and the still-active Mount Batur. The morning mist, the volcanic terrain, and the cool highland air create an atmosphere completely different from the tropical coast. Nearby, the village of Trunyan on the shore of Lake Batur has a unique burial tradition — bodies are placed under a sacred tree rather than cremated, and the tree's fragrance neutralises the scent of decomposition.
The water temples. Bali's subak irrigation system, a UNESCO World Heritage democratic water management tradition, is governed by a network of water temples that regulate the flow from mountains to rice fields. Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, seemingly floating on Lake Bratan, is the most photographed water temple. Tirta Empul near Tampaksiring has sacred springs where purification rituals take place daily — watching the Balinese faithful move through the fountains in prayer is deeply moving. Pura Taman Ayun in Mengwi is a royal water temple with beautiful moat gardens.
Sidemen Valley: the quieter Ubud. While Ubud has become busy with tourism, the Sidemen Valley in eastern Bali retains the peaceful, terraced landscape that Ubud once offered. The views of Mount Agung from the valley are spectacular, the walks through rice paddies and traditional villages are uncrowded, and the small guesthouses and boutique hotels here offer genuine tranquillity. The weaving tradition in Sidemen produces some of the finest ikat textiles in Bali.
The temple ceremonies. Balinese Hinduism involves daily offerings and regular ceremonies that visitors can often witness (and sometimes participate in, respectfully). The odalan (temple anniversary) celebrations, which occur every 210 days in the Balinese calendar, involve elaborate processions, gamelan orchestras, traditional dance, and communal feasting. The Galungan and Kuningan festivals (occurring approximately every six months) see the entire island decorated with penjor — tall bamboo poles adorned with offerings — lining every road.
The artisan villages. Bali's artisan traditions are concentrated in specific villages. Celuk specialises in gold and silver jewellery. Batubulan is known for stone carving and Barong dance performances. Mas is the centre of woodcarving. Batuan has a distinctive painting tradition. Tohpati produces batik textiles. Visiting these villages, watching artisans work in family compounds, and purchasing directly from creators offers a more meaningful souvenir experience than any tourist shop.
The east: Amed and Candidasa. Bali's eastern coast is quieter and more traditional than the south. Amed, a former fishing village, has become a diving and snorkelling destination with a Japanese shipwreck reef just offshore. The drive along the coast road, with Mount Agung looming above and traditional salt-farming terraces along the shore, is one of the most scenic in Bali. Candidasa has a relaxed atmosphere and serves as a base for visiting the ancient courts and temples of Karangasem, including the water palace of Tirta Gangga.
The north: Lovina and Munduk. The northern coast around Lovina offers dolphin-watching boat trips at dawn. The nearby Munduk area, a highland region of coffee plantations, clove forests, and waterfalls, is cool, green, and peaceful. The twin lakes of Buyan and Tamblingan, surrounded by dense forest, are among the most beautiful natural sites in Bali. The Gitgit Waterfall and Sekumpul Waterfall are both spectacular and accessible by short treks.
Bali's interior is where the island's ancient traditions continue to breathe. At Eutouria, we design Bali itineraries that balance the coast with the highlands, ensuring you experience both the tropical beauty and the spiritual depth that make this island unlike anywhere else. Tell us your interests, and we will plan a Bali that goes far beyond the beach.
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Eutouria Travel Team
Our team of experienced travel consultants shares insider knowledge from thousands of personalised European journeys. Every recommendation comes from first-hand experience.
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