Where To Stay In Bali To Avoid The Crowds
Where To Stay In Bali To Avoid The Crowds.
There are two kinds of trips people tend to take in Bali, Indonesia. The first being a party trip. Which usually involves dancing in a nightclub on the beach in Canggu with a lot of booze-fueled Australians. It is very reminiscent of American spring breakers in Cancun, Mexico.
The second type of trip is more about nature, new experiences and the beautiful Balinese cultural, which is truly one of kind.
Now there is nothing wrong with either trip. I have experienced both sides of Bali. (My last night there I was indeed clubbing with a bunch of Australians, ha!) But for those of you looking to escape the crowds and the tourists, there are some wonderfully remote places you can stay for a truly local experience.
I spent two weeks in Bali keeping off the beaten path and traveling in lesser known areas. I hardly encountered a single selfie stick, drone or camera-touting tourist.
So where did I stay when I wanted to experience Bali with locals or on my own? Well I’m glad you asked…. these were my hidden gems of Bali!
A Bamboo House With A Local Family
This homestay was one of my favorite Airbnb experiences of all time. Just 40 minutes outside of Ubud, you can escape the city’s hustle to a beautiful bamboo house with stunning forest views. Take in the fresh air and enjoy staying with the sweetest Airbnb hosts I’ve ever met.
Book this Bamboo Airbnb here
Get $55 off your first Airbnb stay!
The property is run by a mother, father and their son who are the kindest, friendliest people we encountered on the island. Every morning they were making us a full spread for breakfast and delicious Balinese coffee. When we arrived late the first night, they stayed up and cooked us a welcome meal.
The property is remote- giving you a true local experience. But nearby there is so much to do!
You can visit Tirta Empul (The Holy Water Temple), several waterfalls or markets. And the rice terraces at only a 30 minute motorbike ride away.
The property is known as “Warung Kadek”
“We have one bamboo house, simple and close to nature, with a queen size bed, mosquito net, closet, desk space, and balcony area where you can meditate. The bamboo house is a private room, with locks, and the guests to the restaurant will not have access to your room. There are two restrooms that are shared. One of the restrooms has a hot shower newly installed, and outside the two restrooms, there is a sink. We also have newly installed wifi. At night, it is very quiet and you will be able to hear geckos and other peaceful sounds from nature. It can get a little bit humid and cold at times, so please bring warm clothes. We also have a small organic farm onsite with various fruits, herbs, and wild Luwak coffee which we make here. We’re happy to give you a tour!”
Not only was it a remarkable place to stay, the family showed us around on motorbikes for an entire day!
The second day of our stay was incredibly special. We woke up early for a great breakfast with the family. After a delicious spread, we were off on a full day adventure!
My friend and I didn’t have a motorbike to get around the island or feel comfortable driving one on our own. So our host invited his friend over and the two of them took us everywhere.
We drove to waterfalls, temples, markets and villages. It was incredible! We never would have seen half the things we did if it weren’t for our own personal tour guides showing us around. We of course, gave them a very generous tip to thank them for the day and to pay for the cost of gas.
We formed such incredible bonds with the family at Warung Kadek that we wound up coming back for lunch later in the week while staying elsewhere because we missed them so much!
This “Bubble” On A Hidden Beach
You can’t get much more remote than a private, hidden beach. You will hardly see another living soul, much less crowds of tourists! When you book this Airbnb, you will receive instructions and directions to arrive at a meet-up point. From there, a local woman will guide you down a steep hill as you trek down to the beach. Leave the heavy suitcases behind if possible, you have a bit of a trek to and from the beach!
Once you arrive, you will have a private bubble to yourself that is hidden from the beach by the trees.
Book your Bubble Hotel experience here
Get $55 off your first Airbnb stay!
Full Amenities at the Property
Your bubble campsite includes a beautiful outdoor shower, a fire pit, a swing and (we were quite surprised to find) a fully flushing, working toilet. It’s more of a “glamping” experience than a camping one.
You also have the option to add on dinner, drinks, breakfast, a photoshoot, hookah or a lantern experience. Any additional add ons will be brought right to your bubble for you.
With how remote this place is I would recommend just one night. The bubble gets hot during the day but it’s lovely in the morning. It truly is an unforgettable night in Bali!
The bubble is designed to allow you to stargaze and appreciate the surroundings of your campsite, even from the comfort of your bed. We enjoyed the bubble but it was such a lovely summer’s night, we opted to stay outside under the grass hut by the fire for more airflow. Waking up to the sound of the ocean was truly magical.
We woke up surrounded by a herd of wild beach cows!
If you’re looking for remote, no crowds and a unique stay- this certainly beats a hotel. When we woke up in the morning, we realized a herd of wild cows had lazily wandered into our bubble campsite.
This Seaside Treehouse on Nusa Penida
Sadly we weren’t able to stay here last minute due to an earthquake in Bali altering our travel plans.
But if you head to the nearby island Nusa Penida, there are some seriously gorgeous Airbnb’s which make for the perfect escape from the crowds.
Book this Airbnb here.
Don’t forget to pack:
- This extra strong bug spray
- These biodegradable wipes
- This reef safe sunscreen
- This Lenspen to keep your camera lens clean
- A portable charger
More on Indonesia? Keep reading: STAR CLIPPERS SAILING: EXPLORING ISLANDS OF INDONESIA & INDONESIA’S PINK BEACH- EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW! & 10 THINGS I LEARNED HITCHHIKING IN BALI
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Where To Stay In Bali To Avoid The Crowds. Where To Stay In Bali To Avoid The Crowds.
