We Aussies tend to think of Bali as a destination of excess – all beaches and boozing – or ultimate relaxation, being massaged into a permanent state of bliss in a secluded spa.
But for Europeans and Brits, especially, Bali is an exotic but accessible part of Indonesia. That’s certainly the thinking behind The Natural Adventure’s Hiking Hidden Bali tour.
This ten-day, privately guided tour will take you into the highlands and rainforest of our near neighbour, as well as several traditional villages.
This really is a journey through hidden Bali, where you walk alongside working rice paddies, fruit and spice plantations, through remote rainforest trails and find yourself at the most exquisite waterfalls.
You also get an experience to wild camp beside one of them, a highlight of the trip for many. It’s not camping throughout though, with other accommodation in a mix of small, locally-owned villas and eco resorts, all of which introduce you to Bali’s natural and cultural heritage.
You can find all the details of dates and prices (about $3,000) on the Natural Adventure website.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Bali
Arrive at your Balinese resort accommodation, acclimatise to this tranquil part of the island, and meet your guide. There is also a welcome dinner, with some wonderful Balinese cuisine on the menu of course.
- Accommodation: Umadhatu Resort or similar in Megati
- Meals: dinner
Day 2: Megati – Kemetug | 14km
After breakfast, you are transferred (40mins) to the starting point of a five hour guided trek from Megati village, following the course of a river basin to a dam. The walk continues past typical rice paddies and plantations and comes to a close in Kemetug.
- Walking for the day: 14km, ↑↓510m, 5h
- Accommodation: Mountain Eco Resort or similar in Kemetug
- Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 3: Kemetug – Belimbing | 15km
Leave Kemetug village for another five hour trek that takes you past plantations of cacao, coffee and fruits. Wind through rice paddies where farmers tend to their crops, with the day coming to a close in the village of Belimbing.
- Walking for the day: 15km, ↑↓400m, 5h
- Accommodation: Cempaka Belimbing Villa or similar in Belimbing
- Meals: breakfast and lunch
Day 4: Belimbing – Pupuan | 12km
Today’s trail takes you to Pupuan, following an array of rice terraces before culminating at the Kampung Kopi Camp. Here, you have the opportunity to connect with nature, immerse yourself in traditional village life, learn about traditional farming techniques and just chill out in a wild and wonderful location.
- Walking for the day: 12km, ↑↓600m, 5h
- Accommodation: Kampung Kopi Camp or similar in Pupuan
- Meals: breakfast and lunch
Day 5: Pupuan – Bengkel | 14km
Day 6: Bengkel – Tista | 14km
Day 7: Bengkel – Bedugul | 12km
Day 8: Bedugul – Banyumala Waterfall | 10km
Day 9: Banyumala Waterfall – Sambangan – Sanur | 9km
Day 10: Departure
What to expect
Accommodation
Accommodation on this tour includes a mix of mostly small, locally-owned hotels, B&Bs, forest cabins and traditional guesthouses. They have been carefully selected based on a variety of criteria including their location, warm hospitality, fine local food or commitment to responsible tourism. All rooms have en-suite or private bathrooms. Camping on day eight, is in two-person tents.
- Umadhatu Resort (Megati)
- Mountain Eco Resort (Kemetug)
- Cempaka Belimbing Villa (Belimbing)
- Kampung Kopi Camp (Pupuan)
- Atres Sari Resort (Bengkel)
- The Garuda Villa & Restaurant (Bedugul)
- Parigata Resorts and Spa (Sanur)
Meals
Breakfast is included on all days, eight lunches and seven dinners. When dinner is not included, it is available either at the accommodation or from restaurants in the local area.
Difficulty and terrain
This tour is rated moderate and is therefore suitable for active hikers with a good level of fitness. Previous hiking experience is not vital as long as you are confident in your physical condition.
Walking days are usually between five and six hours (read more about difficulty grades). This is a privately-guided tour, having a local English-speaking tour leader to guide you throughout the trip, manage the trip’s logistics, and provide you with all the information you might need.
When to go
This trip is available from mid-March until the beginning of November. Bali has two seasons: dry and wet. The best time to visit is during the dry season, which runs from April to October. During this time, humidity is lower and there is generally less chance of rain. The average temperature is 27C, with highs of 33C in summer months.
There is also an option to experience this adventure on a guided, small group tour. Minimum number of travellers is two, and maximum is 16. If there are more than nine people travelling, there will be two guides. Only date for this option is October 8, 2025
Getting there
Arrive in Megati:
From I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, you can take a taxi to Megati (40mins), by using the Grab app or book a private transfer with us.
Departure from Sanur:
From Sanur, you can take a local taxi to I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport (14mins), by using the app Grab or book a private transfer with us.
Inclusions
Included
- 9 nights accommodation
- 9 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 7 dinners
- Daily baggage transfers (one piece per person, max 20kg)
- Freshly purified drinking water, coffee, and tea throughout the trip
- English-speaking local guide
- All permits, tickets needed as per the itinerary, and fees
- 24/7 phone assistance by our local office/representative
Excluded
- International flights and land transfers
- Any lunches and dinners, drinks and snacks not mentioned as included
- Travel insurance (required – get a quote online)
- Additional travel-related changes in the programme due to bad weather
- Visa fees
- Personal expenses
- Any items not specifically mentioned as included in the programme
Options, extras and supplements
- If you’re travelling in a group, a supplement applies to group members who would like to have a room of their own
- We regret that this tour is not open to solo travellers
- Extra nights before and at the end of the tour can be booked on request
- Airport transfers
