Bali is a beautiful tropical island with incredibly diverse scenery. From picture-perfect paddies to majestic mountains and from lush rainforest to quaint villages, the Island of the Gods is just waiting to wow you. One of the best ways to truly immerse yourself in the island’s beauty is to explore Bali on foot. So pack your walking shoes and don’t forget the sunscreen – here are the best walks and hiking trails in Bali!
Mountain hiking
Mount Batur
Located in Kintamani in northeast Bali, Mount Batur towers at 1,700 metres tall. The views from these heights are simply sensational – imagine witnessing a sunrise over Bali, with views gazing over Lake Batur and the neighbouring mountains. To view this spectacle, be prepared for a very early wake-up call as most tours start as early as 2am! The hike itself takes about two hours, but you also need to factor in the time it takes to reach Mount Batur. If you’re staying in Seminyak, the drive-over takes about 2.5 hours. While Mount Batur is not the most challenging hike, it’s no cakewalk either – despite what some blogs and travel guides might tell you! Remember to pace yourself, take a break when you need one and save some energy for the climb back down. While it is possible to hike Mount Batur on your own, we definitely recommend making the climb with a trusted guide.
Mount Agung
Mount Agung is the ultimate hike in Bali! At over 3,000 metres tall, this is the highest point on the island. Mount Agung holds a special significance in the Balinese culture and Besakih, the most important temple in Bali, is built on the slopes of this majestic mountain. Reaching the summit is a rigorous endeavour that’s not for the faint of heart. Tours usually start before midnight (again, you need to factor in the time it takes to reach the mountain from your accommodation) and the climb itself takes at least six hours. You’ll definitely need a guide to navigate this hike! Though it is a challenging climb, the views from the top more than make up for it. As the sun rises over the island, you’ll be treated to once-in-a-lifetime views gazing over Bali, the Indian Ocean and the neighbouring island of Lombok. Note that Mount Agung is an active volcano and access might be restricted so be sure to check current conditions when planning your climb.
Rice paddy walks
Champuhan Ridge Walk
Champuhan Ridge Walk will give you the perfect taste of Ubud. This beautiful paved pathway takes you past a Balinese temple and through scenic rice fields with views looking over the rainforest. All in all, it’s very Eat, Pray, Love! While this three-kilometre walk is not a challenging hike by any means, it is best to time your visit for sunrise or just before sunset as it can get very hot during the day. Though Champuhan has become quite popular with influencers chasing that perfect Instagram shot, getting here early enough will usually help you avoid the crowds.
Jatiluwih
The Jatiluwih rice terraces are one of the most beautiful areas in Bali. Due to their relatively remote distance from the main tourist areas (it’s about a two-hour drive from Seminyak), the paddies tend to be deliciously uncrowded. These cascading rice fields are a prime example of the Balinese subak irrigation system which has been included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Jatiluwih offers a stunning setting for leisurely walks with several kilometres of paved walking trails crisscrossing through the iconic paddies. If you’re dead set on seeing emerald green paddies, remember that the fields, cycle through seasons, changing from a pre-harvest green to a post-harvest brown.
Beachside strolls
Beach walk to Tanah Lot
Built on a dramatic rock formation rising from the sea, Tanah Lot is without a doubt one of the most beautiful temples in Bali. While most travellers head over to this cultural landmark in an air-conditioned car or a tour bus, you can also reach the temple by hiking over along the shoreline. The coastline will introduce you to a whole new side of Bali, with near deserted black sand beaches framed by sleepy villages and rolling green rice fields. Keep in mind that this route is very dependent on the tides and you might have to make part of the way by taxi.
Walking path from Kuta to Seminyak
Nothing beats a leisurely walk down the beach! We at Chandra Villas are so lucky to be just 500 metres from Seminyak Beach – the perfect spot for a morning surf or a round of drinks at sunset. The new walking path built along the beach makes walking from Seminyak all the way down to Kuta all the more enjoyable. Thanks to a constant breeze, you can head out any time of day – just remember to slap on the sun screen and keep hydrated! Luckily, there are plenty of beach bars along the way to help you quench your thirst.
Looking for more beachside strolls? Check out the walking paths in Sanur and Nusa Dua.
As you can see, there is so much to explore in Bali! If you can’t get enough of the island’s beauty, check out these magical waterfalls or plan a visit to these ancient temples – or perhaps you’d prefer hopping your way through the island’s most Instagrammable cafes instead?
