Top 10 Peaceful Places in Bali: Escape the Crowds and Find Your Zen
Introduction: Bali, Beyond the Crowds
Let’s be real for a moment. When most people think of Bali, the first thing that comes to mind is usually busy beaches, Instagrammable cafés, beach clubs with infinity pools, and traffic jams in Canggu. Don’t get me wrong—those things are fun. But sometimes, you don’t want crowds. Sometimes, all you need is peace.
Here’s the good news: Bali isn’t just about the hustle and bustle. Hidden all around the island are quiet, soul-soothing places where you can recharge, reconnect, and breathe. From tranquil rice terraces to secluded waterfalls, from peaceful temples to silent retreats, Bali is full of hidden gems that whisper, “slow down, relax, and just be.”
So if you’re the kind of traveler who loves nature, calm vibes, and slow living, this article is for you. Let’s explore the Top 10 Peaceful Places in Bali where you can escape the noise and find your inner calm.
- Sidemen Valley – The Ubud of 20 Years Ago
Sidemen is often called “the Ubud of old.” Imagine wide rice terraces, rolling hills, small villages, and almost no tourists. It’s the kind of place where you wake up to the sound of birds, not motorbikes.
Why it’s peaceful:
- Fewer crowds than Ubud.
- Stunning views of Mount Agung.
- Small boutique eco-resorts and yoga retreats instead of busy hotels.
Best things to do:
- Walk through rice terraces.
- Join a traditional weaving workshop.
- Sit by the river and meditate.
Vibes check: If Ubud feels too busy, Sidemen is your answer.
- Munduk – The Misty Mountain Retreat
High up in Bali’s northern mountains, Munduk feels like a different world. Cool air, misty mornings, and waterfalls hidden in the jungle. The best part? Hardly any crowds.
Why it’s peaceful:
- It’s cooler, quieter, and far from the south’s hustle.
- Villages surrounded by coffee and clove plantations.
- Perfect for hiking and just soaking in the scenery.
Best things to do:
- Chase waterfalls (Munduk, Banyumala, Sekumpul).
- Stay in a mountain lodge with panoramic views.
- Try locally grown coffee.
Vibes check: Nature-lovers’ heaven.
- Amed – Black Sands and Slow Living
Located on Bali’s east coast, Amed is a long string of fishing villages that feels frozen in time. It’s famous for diving and snorkeling, but what makes it peaceful is the slow lifestyle. No rush, no party scene—just quiet evenings by the sea.
Why it’s peaceful:
- Far from Bali’s nightlife.
- Black sand beaches with Mount Agung backdrop.
- Small cafés and homestays, not resorts.
Best things to do:
- Sunrise yoga by the beach.
- Snorkel at the Japanese shipwreck.
- Drive along the coast at sunset.
Vibes check: Perfect for couples and solo travelers seeking tranquility.
- Nusa Penida – The Untamed Island
Okay, Nusa Penida isn’t exactly “Bali,” but it’s close enough. While the west side gets crowded at Kelingking Beach, the east and north parts of the island are way more peaceful.
Why it’s peaceful:
- Remote landscapes that feel untouched.
- Small villages where time moves slowly.
- Quiet temples and coastal cliffs.
Best things to do:
- Visit Atuh Beach at sunrise.
- Explore the Teletubbies Hills.
- Meditate at Goa Giri Putri Temple.
Vibes check: Rugged, raw, and spiritual.
- Menjangan Island – Bali’s Hidden Paradise
Located in the West Bali National Park, Menjangan Island is probably one of the most peaceful spots you’ll ever find. It’s mostly known for snorkeling and diving, but because it’s a protected area, it’s super quiet and unspoiled.
Why it’s peaceful:
- No permanent population, just nature.
- White sand beaches with turquoise waters.
- Underwater world that feels like another planet.
Best things to do:
- Snorkel the coral gardens.
- Relax on the untouched beaches.
- Take a silent walk through the national park.
Vibes check: If you dream of deserted island vibes, this is it.
- Tirta Empul Temple – A Sacred Cleansing Ritual
Temples are usually busy, but if you come at the right time (early morning), Tirta Empul feels deeply spiritual and calm. It’s where locals go for melukat, a traditional water purification ritual.
Why it’s peaceful:
- Spiritual atmosphere.
- The sound of flowing holy water.
- Locals quietly praying.
Best things to do:
- Join the cleansing ritual.
- Sit quietly and observe.
- Connect with Balinese spiritual culture.
Vibes check: Perfect for anyone seeking inner peace.
- Nyang Nyang Beach – The Secret Coastline
If you’re looking for a beach with no crowds, Nyang Nyang in Uluwatu is your spot. It takes a bit of effort to get down the cliffs, but once you’re there, you might have the whole beach to yourself.
Why it’s peaceful:
- Remote and hard to reach.
- Wide sandy beach with almost no one around.
- Gentle ocean breeze, perfect for meditation.
Best things to do:
- Walk barefoot on the endless sand.
- Have a picnic.
- Watch the sunset in total peace.
Vibes check: Wild, raw, and blissfully quiet.
- Bali Silent Retreat – A True Zen Experience
If you’re serious about finding peace, head to the Bali Silent Retreat near Tabanan. It’s exactly what it sounds like—a retreat where you disconnect from your phone, stay quiet, and focus on mindfulness.
Why it’s peaceful:
- Complete silence.
- Surrounded by rice fields and jungle.
- Daily yoga and meditation practices.
Best things to do:
- Practice mindful eating.
- Meditate in the bamboo hall.
- Watch the stars at night.
Vibes check: Ideal for soul-searchers.
- Pemuteran – The Laid-Back Fishing Village
Pemuteran, on Bali’s northwestern coast, is one of the island’s most underrated gems. Life here moves at a slow pace, and tourism hasn’t overwhelmed the village.
Why it’s peaceful:
- Quiet beaches with gentle waves.
- Locals living in harmony with the sea.
- Close to Menjangan Island for snorkeling.
Best things to do:
- Swim in the calm ocean.
- Explore the coral restoration projects.
- Enjoy fresh seafood by the beach.
Vibes check: A place where simplicity equals peace.
- Jatiluwih Rice Terraces – UNESCO Calm
Jatiluwih is a UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its vast rice terraces. Unlike Tegalalang, which is often overcrowded, Jatiluwih feels untouched and peaceful.
Why it’s peaceful:
- Endless green terraces with fewer tourists.
- The sound of water running through irrigation channels.
- Farmers working quietly in the fields.
Best things to do:
- Cycle through the terraces.
- Walk along the subak irrigation system.
- Stop at a café with panoramic views.
Vibes check: Pure, timeless Bali.
Travel Tips for Finding Peace in Bali
- Avoid peak hours: Visit popular places early morning.
- Choose offbeat destinations: North and east Bali are generally quieter.
- Travel in the dry season: April–October has great weather, fewer floods.
- Stay in eco-lodges or homestays: Smaller accommodations mean fewer crowds.
- Disconnect: Sometimes peace comes when you simply put your phone down.
Conclusion: Bali’s Peaceful Soul
Bali may be famous for its nightlife, cafés, and beach parties, but beneath all that, the island still holds a soul of quiet beauty.
From the golden rice terraces of Jatiluwih to the remote beaches of Amed, from sacred temples to silent retreats, Bali is full of corners where you can escape the noise and just breathe.
So the next time you plan a trip, don’t just follow the crowd. Go find your own peaceful corner of Bali. Because sometimes, the best memories aren’t made in the busiest places, but in the quietest ones.
