25 Hidden cold places in Bali where you can escape the tropical heat in the highlands

Versi Bahasa Indonesia: https://indonesia.tripcanvas.co/id/bali/tempat-wisata-dingin/

Written by Nadia Crowe
Co Written by Leo Daphne, Setaysha, Tey Kher Ying, Junanto Xu, Abigail Chang, Fiona Davies

When you hear about Bali, what immediately comes to mind? Sun, sand, sun, sea, sun, surf, sun… you get the point, basically a lot of sun and heat. A lot of us get a little sick of the constant assault of warmth, and thankfully Bali understands.

Nestled a little further up north than most travellers would go, lies a very different side of the Island of the Gods – somewhere a little quieter and a little colder. That’s right, odd as it sounds, certain parts of Bali are cold!

The perfect blend of tropical surroundings and cool temperatures means you won’t be restricted by sweat and a severe need for constant hydration whilst exploring. It means you’ll be able to relax in the sun without feeling like you’re attracting flies due to your stickiness. More than that, it means you’ll get to see a more unique side of Bali, one that most travellers might not have heard of!

Read more:

75 Extraordinary things to do in Bali – Places to visit, eat and everything

13 Hidden cold places in Indonesia where you can escape the tropical heat

1. Immerse yourself in magic healing waters – Toya Devasya Hot Springs

On one of my many trips to Bali, I found myself in the car, on the way to something very different according to my Dad. We drove through winding roads, up hills and back down again, and over some incredibly bumpy dirt tracks. Finally we arrived, and I could see where we were at last!

Hidden far away in the mountains of Kintamani, where Mount Batur reigns as king, lies an incredibly unique hotel. Thanks to the bubbling, boiling lava underneath, Toya Devasya is home to hot springs! How welcome they are in contrast to the cold air surrounding it – you’ll almost never want to get out!

The rooms are incredibly comfortable, and some even come with their own private swimming pools. Just imagine yourself lounging in the warm waters whilst staring out at the lake and the majestic volcano that surrounds it.

2. Find a little Japan in Bali – Taman Jinja

A little slice of Japan has appeared in Bali!

Traditional Torii gates line up the side of this park and leaves you feeling like you’ve been transported straight into the heart of Kyoto. That is, until you catch a glimpse of Mount Agung in the background (reminding you that you’re actually in Bali)!

The stark red gates perfectly contrast the mellow green hues of the surrounding trees, and the occasional layer of fog in the early hours of the morning adds a touch of magic.

Photography buffs will absolutely love the leading lines, sharp angles and majestic landscape. This place is still relatively new and unknown to the masses, so head here before it becomes the next mainstream photo spot!

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3. For nature lovers without roughing it out! – Damarwidi Glamping

Some people love camping; others try to love it but fail. Glamping is the perfect alternative for those who want to immerse themselves in nature, but can’t deal with the small tents, hard floors, and lack of amenities (aka me).

Damarwidi Glamping provides the opportunity to become one with the wild, without sacrificing your comfort. In fact, you’ll probably be more comfortable here than in a fancy hotel! With plush bedsheets, an airy (tall!) tent and views to rival even the most expensive hotels, this glamping experience will take your trip to Munduk to new heights.

A quintessential camping experience is one with a campfire, so don’t you worry about missing out on that because they provide it too! Did I mention there’s WiFi here too?

4. Find Your Inner Zen Master – Ekommunity Bali

Being mostly Hindu, many Balinese actively practise yoga and meditation, and while it’s incredible that people come from far away to join in, finding the right yoga institution to spend your money on can be difficult.

Ekommunity Bali combines glamping and yoga to create the perfect place to calm your mind, get closer to Mother Nature, and focus on your body. In the middle of a coffee and clove plantation, you can expect nothing but the best coffee! Fresh food is also prepared on their farm so additives and unnecessary packaging are eliminated.

Their buildings are made with bamboo and the simplest of materials, so you can be even closer to the nature that surrounds you. The sounds of the river will lull you to sleep at night, while you’ll wake up to the most spectacular sunrise view each morning.

There are two daily yoga sessions each day, so make sure to check their website for the schedule and get ready to completely let go!

5. Flowers and windmills – The Blooms Garden Bali

The biggest issue I have with living in Southeast Asia is the fact that I can’t walk around outside for long without generating a smell.

It means that I can’t really appreciate beautiful gardens, but that’s not the case when it comes to The Blooms Garden, as it’s up in the mountains of Bedugul where the winds provide constant relief from the sun, and the air is crisp!

Every nature lover would find Blooms Garden absolutely enchanting! Equipped with mini colourful windmills and carefully curated flower patterns, you’ll have endless fun with both friends and family as you try and guess what shape they are in!

You trip to the gardens won’t be complete without getting a photo under the heart-shaped flower arch, so grab a loved one and smile!

6. Step into a green oasis – Bali Botanic Garden

I’ve always been a fan of surrounding myself with nature – it makes you feel better, helps you breathe better, and is all-round prettier to look at than bricks and buildings. Bali Botanic Garden is one of these places; it lets you step out of the real world and into a green oasis!

As Indonesia’s largest botanic garden, housing multiple enchanting species of plants, this is the perfect place to escape to when you feel all hot and bothered. Don’t forget to wander into the greenhouse where you’ll find an incredible array of different cacti and your next Instagram opportunity!

Pair this with a trip to Bali Treetops Adventure Park (also located in the same area) and you’ll have your entire day sorted – from a thrilling morning to a liberating lunch and a peaceful afternoon, all tied together with the perfect temperature!

7. Go on a flying fox, Instagrammable Ferris wheel and more – The Sila’s Agrotourism

If you’re looking for a place to go which has everything adventurous and fun, this is the perfect suggestion for you. Did I mention it’s home to a colourful Ferris wheel?!

Camping, flying fox, ATV adventures, paintball, fishing, fruit picking… There’s so many things you and your friends and family can do at The Sila’s Agrotourism. So let loose your inner child as you run around and get your blood pumping with all these different activities!

If one day is not enough for you, set up your tent and stay the night! With low temperatures, you’ll enjoy a comfortable night’s sleep with natural air conditioning, and you’ll be ready for another day of fun-filled adrenaline-inducing activities!

If you’re a photography buff, try waking up for sunrise to get that beautiful soft light across the Ferris wheel (don’t hate me for suggesting it!).

8. Immerse yourself in a sea of golden petals – Desa Temukus

You might not be able to see the ocean near Desa Temukus, but the sea of golden petals will captivate you with its alluring beauty.

Marigold, or locally known as ‘gemitir’, has been adorning Desa Temukus for years. As this village is nestled in East Bali and not far from one of the holiest (and unfortunately one of the most touristy) temples in Bali – Besakih Temple – many of these flowers are planted by the locals and used in daily Balinese offerings.

Want to witness this golden flowerbed at its best? Drop by for a visit before their harvest season. (Do check with your local friends before visiting, as the date of the local religious festivals will change every year due to the Balinese saka calendar system.)

Remember to seek permission before entering!

And that’s not all to this floral paradise. Within a few kilometres, you’ll discover yet another magical sight – another garden full of snowy petals, ready to pamper your eyes with its scenic views. These are Kasna flowers, or otherwise called the Edelweiss of Bali.

9. Soar through the trees – Bali Treetop Adventure Park

Have you ever wondered how it felt like to be a monkey? To be able to leap from branch to branch and swing across the forest canopy? Now’s your chance!

Treetops Bali adventure features a number of high rope circuits, which is suitable for all levels, from beginners to the pros! It’s the perfect activity to do with your little ones, as they can take it easy whilst feeling on top of the world. Or challenge a group of your friends to the hardest level – whoever quits has to pay for it all!

As you make your way through a world entirely different from your own, don’t forget to stop and take in the fresh air before you jump off the ledge and soar through the trees.

Surrounded by lush greenery and ample space, a trip to Treetops isn’t complete without a picnic on the grass just outside. Trust me on this one, it’s the perfect climate for a leisurely lie-down on a blanket after an exhausting morning of exercise!

10. Witness the magical sunrise over the water temple – Pura Ulun Danu Beratan

Imagine this: You’re up at god knows what time, it’s dark and cold, you’re hungry, and you really just want to go back to bed, snuggle under the blanket and head to sleep.

Slowly you start to see some light, the sun is coming up, and you’re finally able to trace the outline of some sort of structure. All of a sudden the light hits the lake, the sky turns a soft pinkish purple, and the reflections illuminate what you can now see as a temple. You forget how cold, tired, and hungry you are, because in that moment, it’s all worth it.

Pura Ulun Danu Beratan is a water temple located on Lake Bratan and used for many cultural ceremonies, so as a result, it makes you feel humbled in its presence. Watching the sun rise up behind this magnificent masterpiece is one of the best things you can do in Bedugul (just don’t forget to bring a jacket!).

11. Marvel at a sea of green – Jatiluwih Rice Terraces

We’re all familiar with the rice terraces of Ubud, those classic photos you see on Instagram with the sun peeking out slightly above the clouds, pouring a most spectacular glow on the green fields.

What if we told you there was a bigger, better, and less crowded version? One which houses 600 hectares of rice terraces, and boasts a sea of green with endless layers!

The best part? You can explore as you like, find hidden photo spots, and sit down to listen to crickets and birds in the early hours of the morning – all to yourself!

12. Wood-fired pizza and Balinese buffet – Gong Jatiluwih Restaurant and Lounge

Dining should be a relaxing affair, and that’s exactly what you’ll get at Gong Jatiluwih Restaurant and Lounge.

Overlooking lush, sweeping rice terraces, this laidback lunchtime reprieve is full of delicious options. Stop by for a delicious customer favourite – wood-fired pizza! Thin, crispy, and oh-so-satisfying, this menu option is a popular choice among both foreign and domestic visitors, with international tourists coming back for more!

If pizza doesn’t tickle your fancy (or your tastebuds!), you still have multiple options if you choose the Balinese lunch buffet, which costs only Rp. 100,000 per person and is full of traditional Balinese favourites and regional dishes.

You can enjoy both Western and Balinese cuisine here, which makes it a great stopover for both adults and kids!

13. Cool off under a roaring waterfall – Sekumpul Waterfall

There’s a common saying, the harder you work, the better the payoff. That certainly is the case when it comes to Sekumpul waterfall!

Thanks to how difficult it is to get there, it tends to be much quieter than all the other waterfalls in Bali. If you go early enough, you may even get this beauty all to yourself!

It takes roughly three hours of moderate trekking before you find yourself face-to-face with one of the most magnificent waterfalls in Bali. Standing at around 100 metres high, this waterfall absolutely roars, and it’s incredibly grounding to stand under its gushing water.

You’ll want to take a thousand photographs to capture this spectacular moment, but don’t forget to stop and take in the way the light streams in and creates a rainbow with the mist!

TripCanvas’ Tip: At the entrance, there will be a group of people beside the booth asking you to take their tour for 200,000 Rupiah (USD 14), and they will claim that it’s compulsory. Do NOT fall for this scam. The route leading into the Sekumpul waterfall is quite well maintained and you can walk by yourself. Although there are 2-3 junctions, but you can ask the locals for direction. Trust us, you won’t get lost in there.

14. Giant Swing over treetops and the water – Wanagiri Hidden Hill

If the huge scenic swing at Zen Hideaway is not thrilling enough for you, you can challenge yourself at this huge one that brings you right over the treetops and Lake Buyan, one of the twin lakes in Bedugul.

This whimsical swing hangs from a huge, sturdy tree, but swing out at your own risk! If you are light enough, two of you can go on it! In case you are wondering how on earth to get up the swing, there’s actually a ledge where you can climb onto.

If you are feeling less adventurous, simply chill and Instagram at this bamboo lookout spot right beside it!

If you drive on for around five minutes, you’ll come by this giant Instagrammable bird’s nest!

Now you know how it feels to be on the top of the world!

15. Wander into the clouds – Mount Batur

Is there anything more magical than being able to walk above the clouds? Pair that with the most magnificent view, and you’ll get the hike up Mount Batur.

Famous for its jaw-dropping view of Lake Batur, an early morning trek up this beast is definitely worth the effort. Once you finally ascend to the peak, you and your other companions can revel in your achievements over breakfast and a stunning view.

You’ll end this trek having made memories to last a lifetime, and friends to reminisce with in your old age. Not to mention a huge amount of calories burnt (meaning you can treat yourself to an indulgent Balinese meal or ice-cream when you get back down!). 😉

You’ll have to take a guided tour and go in the early hours of the morning to make it for sunrise, but we highly recommend not doing it by yourself as it could be dangerous.

16. Mount Batur’s Volcanic landscape viewed from Desa Pinggan

Mount Batur (1,717m) is the most visited volcano in Bali, but most visitors usually join the tourist hordes at Kintamani village for views of the majestic fire-breather.

For a view of Batur that’s arguably more spectacular, we suggest you head to the more isolated village of Pinggan. Here you can experience the fierce splendour of the active volcano in a more solitary, meditative setting.

Batur is at its most photogenic at sunrise and sunset, and even makes for impressive night photography – with the lights of Pinggan village spread out at the foot of the mountain, and a sky full of stars twinkling above the peak.

17. Hang out with the dead at Trunyan Village

Trunyan village is definitely not for the faint-hearted.

On the shores of Lake Batur in Kintamani area, the people of Trunyan (unlike the other Balinese communities) neither cremate nor bury their dead. Instead, their bodies are left to rot in bamboo cages under the watchful eye of a fragrant tree that (thankfully) masks the smell of decay.

Unfortunately, the main temple of death is off limits to visitors, though you can probably spot some bones to add to your (morbid) holiday snaps. But perhaps it’s not a good idea to eat before you get there.

18. Channel your inner Tarzan and Jane – Munduk Asri

Hiding away in the forest never looked or felt so relaxing! Munduk Asri is home to a number of small treehouses, and several sprawling tree roots. The best part? It’s still relatively a hidden gem, so if you’re lucky, you might get this place all to yourself!

Explore the little hideaways and truly channel your inner explorer. Or if you’re feeling like more of a chilled-out trip, relax in a hut. I definitely recommend saving some time for photos, as you’ll find so many different Instagrammable spots!

When you get tired, settle down in their cafe where you can sit and admire the lush greenery around you with cool temperatures to help you relax!

19. Explore two lesser-known waterfalls in the highlands – Munduk and Melanting Waterfalls

Yes, you’ve read this right – it’s a two-for-one deal on waterfalls in Munduk!

A short 300-metre walk from the main road will bring you to an incredible sight, with roaring water gushing down continuously that you’ll forget about all your worries in front of Munduk Waterfall. Spend some time relaxing on some rocks, or brave the ice-cold waters and take a quick shower (with swimmers on, please!).

Once you’ve had your fill of Munduk waterfall, start your trek north to yet another beautiful water feature – Melanting Waterfalls. Still a very well kept secret, most people have yet to venture to this beauty, and in all likelihood, you’ll be staring up at the mist in solitude. I highly suggest doing these two waterfalls without a tour, as you’ll be able to spend as much time as you want there, as early as you want, and without anyone else you don’t know.

Being so close to Munduk Moding Plantation Hotel, pairing this journey with a night’s stay in one of Bali’s most beautiful hotels (you will never regret the view!) will make your journey here even more memorable!

20. Touch the clouds – Munduk Moding Plantation Hotel

Have you always dreamed of reaching out to touch the sky?

It’s no longer impossible.

At the edge of the 18-metre-long infinity pool at the Munduk Moding Plantation, you can almost feel heaven at your fingertips. Spread out in front of you is a sea of cloud, that partially shields the surrounding coffee plantation from your sight.

This magic extends beyond its signature view. Designed by an award-winning Bali architect Popo Danes, the traditional Balinese interior has been dabbed with a blend of modernism in this secluded resort that only has nine villas and three suites.

From your room, you can open the glass panel doors to take in the breathtaking view of the coffee plantation nestled in the lush foliage of the jungle.

What better place to spend some quiet and romantic moments with your loved one?

21. On top of the world with a view of Mount Batur – Amora Bali Restaurant

A few hundred feet above, a magnificent view of Mount Batur later… Welcome to The Amora Bali.

This cloud-grazing restaurant takes your dining date to the next level (literally) by offering a million-dollar view. Highlights (beside the view) are local delicacies from the surrounding harvest, which are great in taste and reasonably priced too.

While your date is caught up with the views of Mount Batur and its lake, it’s time to get on your knees…   With a YES guaranteed, this can be the start of your new journey!

22. Pick strawberries by your home in the hills – Strawberry Hill Hotel

Strawberries are undoubtedly my favourite fruit – they’re sweet, succulent and incredibly refreshing. What better way to experience the explosive taste of strawberries than by picking your very own stash!

That’s what you can do at Strawberry Hill Hotel, where the weather is perfect for producing the most wonderfully tasty strawberries (the juice bursts into your mouth with every bite!).

When you’re not stocking up on berries, relax in one of the huts on the lake and marvel at the views of the volcano in front of you.

The humble place is equipped with a fireplace so you can spend the chilly nights cuddled up in front of a warm open fire – bring some marshmallows and chocolate! Roast them and snack alongside your fresh strawberries, and go to bed with a smile on your face and the lingering scent of cocoa and sugar in the air.

P.S. They have hot water here, so you don’t have to put up with cold showers!

23. Scenic crater lakes nestled in the forest depths: Twin lakes of Tamblingan and Buyan

With their serene, mystical beauty, these twin crater lakes sit side by side, split in the middle by a one kilometer stretch of forest.

The lakes are the life-source for the surrounding communities, and you may even see locals plying the waters in traditional dug-out canoes. To view both lakes together, the best vantage point is from the top of the hill at Asah Gobleg Village.

Trekking the forests around the lakes, you’ll discover some of the most pristine natural habitats in Bali – home to lively troops of monkeys, squirrels and countless birds.

24. Get in touch with your wild side – Sang Giri Mountain Tent Resort

Ever slept in a luxurious tent in a rainforest?

If you are keen to try something off-the-beaten-path, head to Sang Giri Mountain Tent Resort.

Nestled in the mountains of Jatiluwih in Tabanan, Sang Giri offers eight deluxe tents where you can watch the sunrise peeking over the jungle treetops from your very own private terrace. If you’re feeling restless and itching for some adventure, why not trek into the rainforest, bird-watch, mountain bike along the available trails or explore the nearby terraced paddy fields?

And the best way to unwind after all those activities? Jump into the hot spring bath or soak in the resort’s sauna. Sang Giri also offers a traditional-style open restaurant where you can watch chefs at work and your dishes being prepared. You can even customize the dishes to your own liking too!

25. Dine floating on a lake – Resto Apung, Kintamani

Resto Apung is located on the shore of Lake Batur but you can choose (who wouldn’t?) to eat on the gazebo, which is built on a platform that skims the lake’s surface, connected to the restaurant by a walkway.

The most striking aspect of dining at Resto Apung is of course the unusual location – cool fresh air, the peaceful silence that cloaks the lake, Mount Batur rising over the world and the changing light over the water.

And the food is nothing to scoff at. You can feast on Indonesian cuisine – the fried chicken and goreng pisang are divine, and fish is served up fresh from the lake itself.

We all have that one friend that hates the heat (or is that referring to yourself?). Tag them in the comments so you can start planning your dream (cooler) trip to Bali! 

PLEASE NOTE: All the above information is correct at the date of publication. If you come across any changes or updates, please let us know and we will update the information accordingly. Thank you! Tell us

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