7 Best Hikes in Bali: Volcanoes, Waterfalls and Jungles

Anyone who has ever been to Bali knows that the best things to do here are outdoors. The weather is always warm and perfect (when not raining) for outdoor activities. The best attractions are outdoors: restaurants, beach clubs, beaches, temples, mountains, waterfalls and so on. This along with the fact that Bali has amazing mountainous nature to be explored, make the island the perfect place for great hikings. 

The hiking options are endless and probably you won’t have time to do all of them in one single trip. For this reason, we have come up with the best hiking options for you to choose from. These hikings can be done in a variety of natural settings such as in active volcanoes (during sunrise or sunset), waterfalls and tropical jungles. These are some great natural places to be admired while you keep busy with extreme outdoor activities during your vacation.

Just put your hiking shoes on, grab a couple of bottles of water (trust me, you’ll need them), your camera, and head on over to the next 7 best hikes in Bali.

  1. Mount Batur

Bali has several volcanoes as it is located in what is known as the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area with great volcanic and seismic activity. The 1717-meter Batur volcano in the Kintamani region is the highest on the island and although it remains active, its last eruption was in 1964.

You can do a two-hour hike to the top of the Batur volcano to reach the best place in Bali to see the sunrise. The excursion, which runs along well-marked trails, is relatively easy and is done with an experienced guide. You will get to the top in time to catch the sunrise. On a clear day, the views are spectacular, with the caldera of the volcano, the surrounding mountain range, and Lake Batur. This is a good option for those who like outdoor activities, adventures and amazing views!

  1. Sekumpul Waterfall

If chasing waterfalls is your cup of tea, then you can’t miss the Sekumpul waterfall, which is considered one of the best to visit on the island. Located north of Ubud, it is made up of 7 waterfalls. As with most of the waterfalls in North Bali, getting to Sekumpul will take some effort. It takes about an hour to walk the trails. 

Sekumpul is great for nature lovers who want to experience a wilder Bali away from the tourist hubs. It is a good idea to hire a local guide to visit this place.

  1. Campuhan Ridge

Campuhan Ridge Walk is a very easy trail of approximately 9 km that goes around Ubud, crossing rice fields and forests as far as the eye can see (those that are in your imagination since you started planning this trip to Bali).  You will enjoy all the beautiful green scenery. There are also small cafes along the way where you can refresh yourself with coconut water or a chilled juice. 

Campuhan Ridge is a very popular hiking spot in the region, where people go for a run or walk. Therefore, you are likely to run into other people while you are in the area. The route is open all year round and is perfect to visit at any time.

  1. Mount Lesung

This moderately paced hike is one of the most iconic rainforest hikes in Bali. The journey begins with a steady but relatively moderate hike to the top of the mountain from the western side of Lake Tamblingan. The hike is surrounded by beautiful and lush rainforest. 

After a five to six hour hike, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning view of the volcano’s crater, as well as the Munduk Valley and Lake Tamblingan below. Like most other walks in Bali, you’ll need to book a tour or hire a guide.

  1. West Bali National Park

West Bali National Park is located at the northwestern tip of the island. This is a place for intense nature and wildlife, with 160 different species of birds. The park offers a mix of terrain: rainforest, dry savannah, mangrove forests, acacia thickets, and a beach.

There’s an easy two-hour trail ideal for bird watchers and another trail highlighting the savannah scenery and is good for wildlife spotting. There’s another trail for those who want a longer and more challenging route, which will take more than eight hours. You will need to use a guide recommended by the National Park office and get a permit to walk inside the park, as many of the areas are protected and inaccessible. Independent hiking is not allowed.

  1. Twin Lakes

Start in the town of Munduk and walk through a tropical jungle to get a breathtaking view of the twin lakes of Tamblingan and Buyan, both widely recognized for their spectacular beauty. The hike also offers the chance to walk through a proper jungle, complete with all the lush vegetation, and lots of wildlife that one would expect to find here.

One of the highlights of this hike is the impeccably maintained temple hidden deep in the forest, a reminder of the sacred energy of Bali. Also, for a jungle experience like no other, hop into a Pedau (a traditional canoe) and paddle around Lake Tamblingan. This is one of the best Bali hikes you’ll ever experience!

  1. Sambangan

Sambangan, or Secret Garden, is as beautiful as it sounds. Hidden in the jungle of Sambangan at the northern tip of the island, this hike will take you three to four hours to reach Pucuk, Korya and Kembar waterfalls. 

Along the way, there are many opportunities to escape the heat by swimming in one of the many pools, and in some places, you can even find a natural slide to slide into the cool, refreshing waters below. Also, you will have incredible views of the lush vegetation, waterfalls and a picturesque blue lagoon that will make every step worthwhile.