Travel: 5 Unusual Attractions to visit in Bali

Bali Travel: 5 Unusual attractions in the Island of the Gods

MF editorial team

03 Oct 2014

updated the 4 May 2019 à 06:59

Thought Bali was all about beach and party? Think again. From hidden waterfalls to a giant Banyan tree – we show you some refreshing and unusual spots on the island…

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1. Nungnung Waterfall
Isn’t stumbling upon a cascading waterfall in the middle of the jungle the epitome of Shangri-la? Nungnung Waterfall is just this, a hidden oasis perched at an altitude of 900 meters above sea level. Boasting lush green scenery and cool mountain air air, this attraction is definitely a must for those seeking some time in the natural side of Bali.
Located just an hour and a half drive from the capital city of Denpasar, Nungnung Waterfall is accessible by a flight of steep stairs about 20 minutes from the main road. Remember to bring your bathing suit for a refreshing dip in the falls after your hike through the hills.
Where to find it: Nungnung Waterfall, Air Terjun Nungnung, Badung, Bali
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2. Giant Banyan tree in Gesing Village
Climb through the roots of Bali’s largest Banyan tree- a living, breathing gentle giant, thought to be more than 700 years old! Located in the northwest of Bali in the village of Gesing, this natural wonder stands 85 meters tall and 70 meters wide. Its root system actually towers above the ground in a maze of spirals, allowing visitors to walk underneath the tangled tree trunk.
Local folklore has it that the tree contains special powers, in part because of its mysterious and massive nature. Spirits both good and evil are thought to live within the tree, and upon visiting this giant you will see the Balinese paying their respects as well as asking for wishes to be granted.
Where to find it: Giant Banyan Tree, Gesing, Banjar, Buleleng, Bali (Look out for signs pointing to the ‘Giant Tree’)
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3. Bamboo Chocolate Factory
Behold the eco-friendly version of the beloved Willy Wonka Chocolate Factory! In this Balinese rendition, you can take day tours through the “world’s most sustainable chocolate factory” and watch the process of how the cocoa bean is transformed into our favorite candy bar.
The factory is set in an impressive bamboo structure just outside of Ubud, where Big Tree Farms works in collaboration with local artisans to create organic and nutritious chocolate products. In addition to the standard chocolate bar, they also sell cocoa nibs, raw cocoa powder and whole cocoa beans. A perfect stop en route to Ubud, come by with the whole fam and take a group cooking class or just sample the confections sweetened with coconut palm sugar.
Where to find it: Big Tree Farms Chocolate Bamboo Factory | Jalan Raya Sibang Kaja, Badung, Bali (about 20 minutes south of Ubud’s city centre)
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4. Tirta Empul Temple
Perhaps you’ve visited your fair share of temples in Bali and are thinking, what makes this one different? Well for starters, it is over 1000 years old! Built around 962 AD next to a large water spring, Tirta Empul is one of the oldest active temples in Bali. To this day, the springs are worshipped for their holy water and are frequently visited by Hindus for purification purposes. Visitors are welcome to bathe in the water along with the locals, just remember to visit the inside of the temple first as you will not be allowed in after you are wet.
Like any temple in Bali, proper dress is required to enter the grounds. There are sarongs and sashes provided at the ticket booth, where ladies will be reminded to put their hair up before walking in.
For anyone looking to learn and observe the cultural significance of religion in Bali, this is an experience not to be missed.
Where to find it: Tirta Empul Temple | Tampak Siring, Ubud, Bali(about 20 minutes north of Ubud’s city centre)
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5. Create your signature scent
After a day spent at L’atelier Parfums et Creations, you will most certainly leave Bali, the Island of the Gods, smelling like a goddess yourself. Located at the Ayana Resort and Spa, this Perfumery Studio allows you to create your own signature fragrance from the finest Indonesian essences. There are two options to choose between, a 90 minute workshop or a 3 hour workshop, each of which requires reservations ahead of time. Afterwards, you will receive a 30ml bottle of perfume that you have concotioned yourself.
Kids are welcome to participate too! In their own personalized 1 hour workshop, young ones can choose between fun and age-appropriate scents, such as bubble gum, vanilla, chocolate, jasmine and frangipani.
Discover the art behind an alluring scent and take a bottle of Bali’s aromas home with you!
Where to find it: L’atelier Parfums et Creations | Jl. Karang Mas Sejahtera, Jimbaran, Bali

After you’ve checked off all of the must-see beaches, surf spots and restaurants from your Bali Bucket List, you might be curious as to what else this exotic island has to offer. For that reason, we’ve scoured and searched for unusual places of interest for you to explore on your next trip to the Island of the Gods.

This article was written in collaboration with by villa-bali.com, your destination to booking the best hand-picked private villas in Bali.

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