Many travelers escape to Bali for beach vacations, yoga retreats, and surf breaks. But the Indonesian island is also a spectacular place for hikers with stunning natural scenery. Hiking in Bali is incredible, with lush jungles, craggy volcanoes, and cascading waterfalls.
If you’re itching to explore Bali on foot, we’ve listed our favorite hikes for a thrilling trip. From sunrise volcano climbs to rice terrace treks, you’ll discover the awe-inspiring natural wonders Bali has to offer. Whether you prefer hiking amongst jungles or mountains, there’s a Bali hike for everyone.
We have 7 Bali hikes that take you to diverse scenery around every corner of the island. Lace-up your hiking boots and get ready to discover why Bali is a trekker’s paradise.
7 top trails for hiking in Bali
1. Mount Agung
Standing at over 3,000 meters, Mount Agung is the premier hiking destination in Bali for avid trekkers. It’s the highest point of the island and sacred to the Balinese people. The hike begins just beyond the breathtaking Besakih Temple, and the volcano dominates the surrounding landscape.
Most hikers embark on this Bali hike at night to witness an incredible sunrise from the summit. If that’s your plan, bring a headlamp to navigate the narrow paths in the pitch black. The first few hours are through dense jungle terrain and thick vegetation. But the climb is vicious, with a steep ascent that gains a lot of elevation.
- Starting Point: Near Besakih Temple in the village of Besakih
- Distance: 14.6 km (9.1 miles)
- Difficulty: Hard
- Route Type: Out & Back
- Duration: 10-12 hours to reach the summit and back down
Near the summit, it’s a rock scramble that is often extremely dangerous due to the sharp angle and loose gravel. And at this high elevation, colder temperatures and fierce wind present additional challenges. But the surreal beauty of the Mount Agung summit at sunrise is a magical experience worth the struggle. As the sun slowly rises above the horizon, you’ll see other peaks poking amongst the clouds beneath you.
If you don’t feel comfortable hiking to the summit alone, book this Mount Agung Sunrise Trekking Experience. The tour includes a trekking guide, hiking sticks, flashlight, breakfast, lunch, and pick up/drop-off from your accommodations.
2. Tegalalang rice field
If you’re exploring Ubud, the Tegallalang rice terraces make a beautiful day hiking in Bali. Hire a car or ride a scooter to the Tegallalang village to witness the most well-managed terraces near Ubud. Although the lush, hillside terraces are touristy, it’s a stunning spot for photos. The loop trail offers several fantastic viewpoints of palm trees and intricate rice paddies.
When you wander the traditional Balinese irrigation system, you’ll encounter villagers maintaining the paths. Bring some spare cash since locals will ask you to make a small donation to help with maintenance. As you navigate the stairways, bridges, and narrow paths, dense vegetation surrounds you. The trail gets muddy in some places, so we suggest wearing hiking boots to avoid falling.
- Starting Point: Rice terrace entrance and exit around 10 km north of Ubud
- Distance: 3.9 km (2.4 miles)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Route Type: Loop
- Duration: 1-2 hours
The trail passes several Bali swings that offer spectacular views overlooking the green rice fields. Avoid hiking around the rice terraces during midday due to the sweltering heat. If you need relief from the balmy weather, you’ll find small huts and cafés to buy refreshing drinks. After taking photos and sipping your beverage, follow the exit signs to return to the starting point.
3. Bukit Campuhan Ridge Walk
Just beyond the Gunung Lebah Temple, this easy Bali hike wanders through the peaceful forest greenery of Ubud. The Campuhan Ridge is where two rivers converge, and it’s a surreal location beloved by locals. The paved walkway courses through dense foliage, rolling hills, palm trees, and rice fields. Many local ceremonies take place where the rivers converge, and they’re an inspiring sight to witness.
- Starting Point: Beside Gunung Lebah Temple in Ubud
- Distance: 3.5 km (2.2 miles)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Route Type: Out & Back
- Duration: 1-2 hours
The trail is mostly flat but exposed to the beaming sun. Start the hike around sunrise to enjoy the lush scenery without drowning in sweat. Sunset is another good time but finish the trail before it gets dark outside. If you wander past the Karsa Kafe, there are cozy cafés and restaurants perched above rice paddies. A relaxing change of pace from the buzzing streets of Ubud Centre.
4. Mount Batur
Mount Batur is another thrilling hiking in Bali sunrise adventure but without the brutal challenge of Mount Agung. The Mount Batur climb isn’t as long, and the volcano stands at 1,717 m elevation. Located in the Kintamani highlands, Mount Batur offers different scenery compared to other Bali volcanoes. Instead of trekking through dense jungle, you’ll wander through black lava and rugged terrain.
While the trail starts amidst pine forests, you quickly ascend into the arid landscape along the mountainside. If you’re hiking for an epic sunrise, your adventure will take place in the eerie silence of the night. Bring your headlamp to ensure you can navigate the rocky path. As the sun begins to rise, the sounds of wildlife begin to fill the airwaves around you. Walking around the caldera brings heart-racing views of Lake Batur and neighboring peaks above the clouds.
- Starting Point: Toya Bungkah beside Lake Batur
- Distance: 6.8 km (4.2 miles)
- Difficulty: Hard
- Route Type: Out & Back
- Duration: 2-4 hours
In need of a group to hike to the Mount Batur summit? Join this Small Group or Private Sunrise Trekking Tour for an incredible experience. The trek starts at 3:30 am and includes breakfast, tea/coffee, trekking poles, and pick up/drop-off from your accommodations.
Also read: 7 of the most incredible Bali Adventures
5. Rice Terrace Munduk Loop
The Munduk Loop is the perfect Bali hike to chase waterfalls and cool off from the sweltering humidity. The path traverses through lush greenery and passes three cascading waterfalls. Located in Bali’s central northern highlands, the higher elevation offers additional relief from the heat. The waterfalls sit around 850 m elevation and tumble against craggy rocks into sparkling pools.
- Starting Point: Beside Warung Made’s Munduk in Munduk Village
- Distance: 5.9 km (3.7 miles)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Route Type: Loop
- Duration: 2-4 hours
It rains more in Munduk than other sections of Bali, so watch out for slippery areas on the trail. Bring your bathing suit if you have time for a relaxing swim beneath the plunging waterfalls. Surrounded by dense jungle, the scenery mimics a tropical-island fairytale in rural Bali.
6. Sambangan Secret Gardens
Up for more waterfalls? Ditch the tourist crowds and go hiking in the Sambangan Secret Gardens in Northern Bali. The hidden gem escorts you into lush vegetation, coffee plantations, and surreal waterfalls rarely visited by tourists. Wander through rice fields, meet interesting locals, and go for a refreshing swim in emerald pools. The Secret Garden hosts majestic wildlife, blue lagoons, rolling hills, rocky cliffs, and verdant forests in this untouched environment.
Many areas around the Secret Garden are inaccessible without a guide, so we recommend joining a tour. The Gitgit and Alingaling Waterfalls Small Group Tour help you explore two of Bali’s greatest waterfalls. With an English-speaking tour guide by your side, you can swim in turquoise waters and admire the magical setting. The tour also gives you the chance to explore the spiritual gardens and statues of the Pura Taman Ayun Temple.
7. West Bali National Park
Located on the northwestern tip of Bali, West Bali National Park is a treasure for untouched scenery and wildlife. The protected landscape showcases idyllic beaches, crystal-clear waters, lush rainforests, mangroves, dry savannas, and rugged volcanoes. In total, the park makes up 10% of Bali’s land area and is full of breathtaking natural wonders.
West Bali National Park is also home to beautiful endemic bird species and colorful coral reefs offshore its spotless beaches. The path to Prapat Agung Beach is one of the most beautiful coastal Bali hikes. After trekking through peaceful forests, you end at a white-sand beach against turquoise waters. And in the distance, volcanoes rise high above the clouds while you walk along the sandy shores.
- Starting Point: Near West Bali National Park Entrance
- Distance: 11.9 km (7.4 miles)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Route Type: Out & Back
- Duration: 4-6 hours
When you enter West Bali National Park, you’ll need a permit to access most zones. You’ll also need to arrange a tour guide with the park staff to hike the trails.
What to keep in mind when hiking in Bali?
It is hot and often humid, so bring plenty of sun protection when you’re hiking in Bali. Always have a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for your hiking expeditions. While lower elevations are much warmer, it can get seriously chilly up in the mountains. Bring warm layers and proper hiking boots if you intend to trek to the volcanoes. Many trails have rocky, uneven terrain, but easier trails are doable in flip flops. For more information, check out our Bali Packing List.
These were our picks for the best hikes in Bali. If you have questions or if you have a great tip, please leave a comment below.
For more information about Bali, please visit this Bali Travel Page. Or check our travel tips for more general travel information!
