Hidden hikes in Bali

Bali is a relatively small island, but its is also and incredibly beautiful and interesting island too. Adventurous visitors may choose to hike of the major volcanoes, such as Gunung Batur or Gunung Agung. They may even choose to hike one of the lesser visited mountains such as Gunung Catur or Gunung Lempuyang. If a mountain hike is not what you have in mind, there are many smaller hikes just waiting for you in Bali.

Balinese local Wayan Sueta has a website offering locals day tours, including:
* Payangan Countryside Trekking Tour (10km north of Ubud)
* Ayung River Valley Trekking Tour (12km north of Ubud)
* Bongkasa Village Trekking Tour (5km NW or Ubud)
* Agriculture Village Trekking Tour (10km NW of Ubud)
* Trekking, Volcano, Around Ubud Tour (15km north of Ubud)
* Puri Duangga Mountain Hike (7km east of Bangli)
* Luah village hike (9km east of Bangli)

The geography of Bali with its range of mountains going east to west, means that rivers will flow from those mountains to the sea, north to south. Consequently Bali has a great selection of ridgelines and valleys going north-south. The main roads and villages tend to occupy the ridgelines, meaning the valleys are often quiet and beautiful (if you don’t mind taking the time and putting in the effort to explore). For example up in Tampaksiring there is a river called Tukad Cankir, which forms the boundary between the district of Gianyar and Bangli. That river valley is forested, with flat rice fields stretching away to the east and west. Locals know points that are suitable for bathing and westerners are welcome to join. The river is only 0.5 meter deep so exploring the river with a pair of cheap shoes and your shorts could be a great adventure.

One of Wayan Sueta’s tours features the village of Luah, close to Sideman in East Bali. No doubt Wayan knows the area like the back of his hand and can provide all kinds of interesting information. For those who prefer to hike freestyle, without the aid of a guide, you can access the village of Luah easily yourself. Take the Kusamba coastal Bypass out to Klungkung, taking the road NE towards Sideman. Look for signs on your left for Homestay Pondok Wisata and Tirtasari - Sacred Mountain Sanctuary. Luah village is just 4kms west of the main road. There is actually a loop, heading south from the Homestay Pondok Wisata, leading around and through Luah village, finishing at the same point. This route is probably 25-30km, so either an all day hike or a leisurely drive and swim in the Tukad Telagawaia river. Staying at the homestay and getting to know local hikes from the locals is a great way to go also