10 Stunning Natural Wonders in Bali for Nature Lovers

We all know Bali’s great for beach days and Bintangs. But if you look a little further, you’ll find another side of the island as one shaped by volcanoes, rivers, cliffs, and forest. A place where nature still takes the lead.

This list isn’t just about scenic spots, but real natural wonders. Some were formed by lava and rain, while others are home to rare wildlife, ancient ecosystems, or quiet landscapes shaped over thousands of years. These places show a side of Bali that feels a little wilder (in both senses of that word) and a lot more alive.

Also read: 10 Family-Friendly Things to Do in Bali: Easy Picks for All Ages

1. Mount Batur and its caldera lake

Mount Batur is one of the most striking natural formations in Bali. This active volcano rises from the centre of a vast caldera, the result of a massive eruption thousands of years ago. The caldera is so wide that it holds an entire lake within it (Lake Batur) and several villages along its rim.

What makes this landscape special is how clearly you can see the shape of Bali’s volcanic past. The dark lava fields, the steam rising from the rocks, and the way the crater walls curve around the lake all tell the story of how the island was formed. Hiking to the summit at sunrise lets you take it in from above, with the light slowly revealing the contours of the land.

TripZilla Tip: Most guided hikes start before dawn. It gets chilly up there, so bring a windbreaker or light jacket.

2. Sekumpul Waterfall

Tucked into the northern highlands, Sekumpul is often called the most beautiful waterfall in Bali. This title came not just for its height or setting, but because it’s actually a cluster of waterfalls tumbling down steep jungle cliffs. During the rainy season, you can see up to seven streams flowing at once.

It takes effort to get here. You’ll need to hike down a long set of stairs and cross a shallow river, but the reward is a raw, powerful landscape carved out by water over centuries. The air is cool and misty, and the sound of falling water echoes through the trees.

TripZilla Tip: Wear proper footwear and bring a change of clothes. The trail is slippery and you’ll likely get wet.

3. Hidden Canyon Beji Guwang

This narrow, winding canyon near Sukawati feels like something out of another world. Over time, water carved twisting paths through the rock, leaving behind smooth stone walls that curve like abstract sculptures. Some visitors even say they see faces and shapes in the rock formations.

Exploring the canyon involves wading through water, climbing over boulders, and holding onto the sides of the cliff, but it’s one of the most unique landscapes in Bali. Quiet, enclosed, and shaded by trees, the canyon has long been considered sacred by locals.

TripZilla Tip: Entry includes a guide, which is required for safety. Come early in the day to avoid the heat.

Also read: 8 Best Snacks to Buy in Bali: Crispy Treats and Local Delight.s

4. Twin Lakes: Tamblingan and Buyan

These two crater lakes sit side by side in the central highlands, separated by a stretch of dense forest. Formed from volcanic activity long ago, they’ve become peaceful pockets of water surrounded by mist, monkeys, and mountain air.

The lakes are part of a protected ecosystem. You might see locals paddling across in traditional dugout canoes, or small temples hidden along the banks. Hike up to Asah Gobleg village for a wide view of both lakes surrounded by forested ridges.

TripZilla Tip: Bring a jacket, especially for the mornings (they get surprisingly cold!). Some tour operators offer gentle treks or canoe rides.

5. Tukad Cepung Waterfall

Tukad Cepung isn’t just a waterfall. It’s a whole experience in light, sound, and stone. The water flows down through a narrow canyon, and if you arrive at the right time, sunlight streams through the opening above and lights up the mist like a spotlight.

The rocks are worn smooth by years of flowing water, and the cave-like setting makes the space feel almost enclosed. It’s not the biggest or loudest waterfall in Bali, but the setting gives it a quiet, almost sacred feel. Just make sure not to swallow any water or risk getting a Bali Belly. 

TripZilla Tip: Aim to arrive mid-morning when the sun is at the right angle. Be extra cautious after rain because flash flooding can happen here.

6. Angel’s Billabong and Broken Beach

These two coastal formations sit side by side on Nusa Penida. Angel’s Billabong is a natural tide pool with crystal-clear water and layered rock beds that form a sort of infinity edge. Just a few minutes’ walk away, Broken Beach is a collapsed sea cave that left behind a circular cove with a stone arch still standing over the water.

Together, they show how water, time, and limestone shape the land in unexpected ways. From above, the whole area looks like a puzzle piece taken out of the coast.

TripZilla Tip: Watch your footing near the edges and never swim during high tide. Rogue waves have swept visitors out before.

7. Menjangan Island and West Bali National Park

West Bali National Park is one of the island’s last remaining wild zones. It covers forests, savannahs, mangroves, and coral reefs, and is home to rare animals like the endangered Bali starling. Just off the coast is Menjangan Island, surrounded by clear waters and vibrant coral walls.

What makes this place a natural wonder is the diversity. In one trip, you can hike through dry forest, snorkel over living reefs, and spot native deer roaming the island. It’s not just beautiful, it’s ecologically important.

TripZilla Tip: Stay overnight nearby if you can. Tours to the island are easier to arrange in the morning.

8. Desa Pinggan Viewpoint

Desa Pinggan sits on the outer rim of Mount Batur’s caldera, offering a quieter, less-touristy view of the volcano and surrounding valley. If you arrive before sunrise, the village is often covered in a blanket of morning mist, with just the peaks rising above it.

This natural lookout gives a different perspective of the volcanic landscape that feels slower and more reflective.

TripZilla Tip: You don’t have to hike. Just hire a driver and arrive before sunrise for the full effect.

9. Blemantung Waterfall

With a drop of around 100 metres, Blemantung is one of the tallest waterfalls in Bali. It’s hidden near a coffee-growing village in Pupuan, far from the usual tourist paths, which gives it a quiet, untouched feel.

The waterfall pours straight down from a high cliff into a clear pool below, surrounded by forest. It’s a great example of how Bali’s mountainous interior still holds large, powerful water systems that continue to shape the land.

TripZilla Tip: Combine this stop with a drive through Pupuan’s rice terraces. Bring insect repellent.

10. Jatiluwih Rice Terraces

Jatiluwih is part of a UNESCO-recognised cultural landscape that reflects Bali’s centuries-old subak irrigation system. These sprawling terraces follow the shape of the land almost perfectly, and the way water moves through them shows a deep understanding of how to live with nature rather than against it.

While rice paddies might not seem like a natural wonder at first, Jatiluwih earns its place here through its harmony with the land. It’s a reminder that nature and culture can shape each other over time.

TripZilla Tip: Come early for cooler weather and fewer crowds. You can walk or cycle through the trails.

Also read: The Top 10 Best Places to Visit in Indonesia Other Than Bali

Final thoughts

Bali’s natural wonders remind us that there’s more to the island than what’s easy to see. These places don’t shout for attention. I mean, they’ve been here long before the crowds, shaped by time, water, and earth. These are the kind of places that can shift the way you see Bali, and maybe even the way you travel.

Don’t try to tick them off a list; that takes away the immersion and your ability to really soak in the atmosphere of the places you visit. After all, it also gives you another reason to come back!