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Tired of all the popular attractions in Bali? Want to explore somewhere different?

Bali is full of surprises, even for frequent visitors – there’s always new places to explore and new adventures to seek.

So if you love off-the-beaten tracks, local secrets, or just want to do something new on the island, we’ve found some exciting hidden gems for you.

1) Make a wish in the woods: Giant Banyan Tree

Can you imagine walking through a gigantic tree, among its huge roots?

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Bali has many banyan trees – these sturdy trees not only add drama to the local landscape, but locals also believe that spirits inhabit them. 

If you’re feeling adventurous, you must visit the giant banyan tree in the village of Gesing, in northern Bali.

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This tree is believed to be 700 years old, and it’s humongous – 85 metres tall. 

Its giant root system resembles a maze that you can walk through and explore.

The tree also boasts of a legend deeply rooted in history – locals hid inside the tree from the Dutch during the occupation. 

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And as the story goes, the spirits living in the tree protected the locals by making them invisible to the Dutch.

Another reason to visit this giant banyan tree? 

They say your wishes will come true.

Address: Munduk, Banjar, Buleleng, Bali
How to get there: From Munduk proceed to the village of Gessing ( 5kms away). Look for and follow the sign post that will lead you to the giant Banyan tree.
Fee: Donation

2) Sugar, cacao and everything nice: Bamboo Chocolate Farms

Want to visit a chocolate-making factory built in a bamboo house? 

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Located just 25 minutes from Ubud, the Big Tree Farm manufactures organic products from chocolate to coconut sugar.

You can also sign up for a tour in their bamboo cathedral – the largest bamboo structure in the world.

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As an organic farm, using sustainable building materials is a must, and bamboo is the best choice. 

Not only does the bamboo cathedral has an outstanding architecture, it also houses the commercial kitchen, office, chocolate factory and many other facilities.

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At the chocolate factory, you can sample the cold-pressed cacao and learn about how organic chocolate are produced. 

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Image credit: life-in-travels.ru

With so much chocolatey goodness, beware of sugar overdose!

Address: Br. Piakan, Desa Sibangkaja, Kecamatan Abiansemal, Kabupaten Badung, Bali Indonesia
How to get there: From Ubud, travel 25 minutes south to the village of Sibangkaja where the Big Tree Farm is located.
Schedule: Mon-Fri (2pm and 3pm)
Contact+62-361-846-3327
Entrance fee: With reservation ( 40,000IDR/$3)
Drop-in ( 60,000 IDR/$5)
Private tour ( 120,000IDR/$10) – reservation required


3) Temple with strange ornaments: Dalem Jagaraga

Yes, this is a temple.

But you probably haven’t checked it out yet.

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You may have heard all about the famous temples in the island such as the Tanah Lot Temple, but Dalem Jagaraga is actually an often-unseen temple despite its interesting reliefs. 

Located in a village, this temple is adorned with ornaments and reliefs that are significant during the Dutch resistance, together with motifs of Balinese mythology.

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Curious? You can actually ask the local guides if you want to understand the meaning behind those queer temple ornaments – such as the reliefs of an aircraft crashing into the sea and a car with its driver.

Address: Jagaraga Village, Sawan, Buleleng, Bali
How to get there: Travel north to the city of Singaraja then take a short bus trip to the village of Jagaraga. The temple is just beside the village cemetery and along the major road of Sawan-Singaraja.
Fee: Donation

4. Visit the mysterious sacred hideout: Goa Maya Cave 

Near Petanu River, 15 kilometres north of Ubud, lies a mythical and restful place – the Goa Maya Cave.

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Literally translated to mean “sacred cave” or “hidden cave”, this beautiful hideout is located near the Bali Eco Vacation Resort, and was actually rediscovered by the present owner of the property.

When you enter, the cave is at the centre, surrounded by tunnels, which were originally irrigation canals. 

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Legend has it that it’s a meditation spot for the Hindu god Bhatara Siwa after his triumph over the evil spirit Raja Mayadenawa.

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During war-torn periods, the Dutch-resistance soldiers and the Japanese used it as a hideout, turning it into a feared place, though it’s now usually visited by tourists and pilgrims alike. 

Locals still give offerings here, and it’s also a venue for full-moon ceremonies.

Address: Bayad Village, Tegalalang Gianyar,Bali
How to get there: Travel to Ubud then proceed to the Bayad Village (15 minutes). Tour also offers free pick-up from various places within Bali.
Fees: Part of the Eco-tour of Bali Eco Adventure Tour who  owns the property where the cave is located. Adult ( $53); children ($28) – fee is quoted in US$ but should be paid in local currency.

5. Ancient secrets: Gunung Kawi

Travel back in time to Gunung Kawi, a lesser-known temple found in the northeast of Ubud.

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Gunung Kawi traces back to the 11th century, so this sacred place is one of the oldest in Bali. 

It’s also a complex with distinctive carved shrines called candi.

The candi, a total of 10 are funeral monuments for a local king, his queen, sons, and even concubines.

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Each of this candi is carved out from the rock in a niche – so it ends up as an unusual and artistic sight in Bali.

This temple complex is also located at the bottom of a valley. Isn’t it such a picturesque and dramatic picture?

But be warned – to reach the complex, you have to conquer 270 steps. 

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Anyone up for a morning exercise challenge?

Address: Tampaksiring, Ubud, Bali
Getting there: From the main street of Tampaksiring, follow the sign post that reads, “ Objek Wisata Gunung Kawi” that will take you to a parking area. Follow the stone pathway the leads to the temple complex.
Temple fee: adult(15,000IDR/$1.21) child (7500IDR/$.61)
Opening hours: 7am-5pm

6. Contribute back to society: Village of the Deaf

Have you ever heard of Bengkala, also known as the Village of the Deaf?

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If you travel there with an open mind, trust us, you’ll get a humbling experience. 

The deaf villagers (known as kolok) use a unique sign language, the Kata Kolok or “deaf talk” to communicate, and Bengkala’s Kata Kolok is distinct from Balinese language and any other sign languages in the world.

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Contrary to the name of the village, the place is not a village full of deaf people. In fact, there are only less than 50 deaf in a village of 2,000 people.

But what makes this trip insightful is how the whole village prioritises the sense of belonging of the deaf through language – an integral part in culture. The deaf villagers are given proper education, and are even empowered to join in dances with their unique dance form.

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If you take a trip to the village, which is currently funded by private charities, and donate or sponsor a deaf child, you will be giving them more opportunities to education too.

Address: Bengkala, Kubutambahan, Buleleng, Bali
How to get there: Travel to the northern region of Bali by bus to the city of Singaraja then proceed to the village of Jagaraga. From there you can walk all the way to Bengkala ( 10kms), you will find the welcome sign. For more convenience, hire a motorbike or a local with transport to bring you directly to Bengkala.
Fee: Donation

Photos via discover-bali-indonesia, wernerlau, martinwestlake.blogspot, purejoyacademy, balibesttours, indiescape.projectwebbly, Fungsiani via Flickr, balikartikatours, getawaybooksinternational, theglobalgamine.blogspot, tourdriver-bali, bestindonesiaislands, theglobalmail.org, signyear.wordpress

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!
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