5 Places in Bali to Soak Up The Silence

Over the years, the glossy strip of Kuta has become a hub for tourists looking to drink, shop, have a good time and make a bit of noise. With drinks available at a reasonable price, huge numbers of bars and new friends on tap, you can't blame people for flocking there for a taste of a good time, but where do you go to get away from it all? There's a completely different side to Bali to be uncovered and we're about to discover five of the best places to soak up the silence and enjoy the downtime.

Sunrise at Mount Batur

Take the road less traveled and trek to the peak of Mount Batur at sunrise for a once in a lifetime experience. A sacred mountain with a whole lot of presence on the island, the hike to its peak is just a mere two hours for the fit hiker and once at the summit, this is your moment to take a deep breath and absorb the rare sound of silence. The volcano itself is active, adding the thrill factor to an already exhilarating experience. The sweeping panoramic views of the island from the top will leave you in awe, as you can see as far as neighboring island, Lombok. Enjoy views of this magical island before the rest of the world wakes up.

Munduk, Bali. Photo credit: flickr.com/photos/celebrityabc/26877899155/

Cool down in Munduk

Munduk is one of the more far flung suggestions to feature on this list. This mountain retreat is the ideal place to escape the heat in the summer as due to an elevation of 800 meters above sea level, the climate differs massively from the southern part of the island- that said, bring a jacket. People come here not to dive, swim, surf or even temple gaze, but to simply just relax or trek among the green of the jungle. The views are good here. Pull up a chair, grab a Bintang and take in the far-reaching magnificence of the rice paddies, jungle and sloping hillside.

Calm Your Body and Mind in Bali's Hot Springs

For an experience that nourishes the soul in a tropical, jungle-clad paradise, visit the sacred hot springs of Banjar in northern Bali. The volcanic water remains at a smile-inducingly perfect 37 degrees and is said to offer relief to those who suffer from rheumatic diseases. There are three public pools and one private, all of which are wonderfully landscaped, ideal for a morning dip before things start to get a little more crowded. The hot springs are easily accessible from Lovina beach or nearby Banjar village.

Hot Springs, Banjar, Bali. Photo credit: flickr.com/photos/mariskar/4605152689/

Unwind in Amed

Amed is located on the far north east coast of the island, tucked far away from the bustle of the south coast. Traditional fishing villages and farming villages remain as they were years ago, proving to be generally quite resistant to tourism and commercialization. The coastline is beautifully rustic and needs to be explored. The beaches are dotted with fishing vessels and the sand is the infamous black volcanic sand so distinct of Bali. Have a massage on a deserted beach or dive the nearby wrecks; whatever you do, sit back, relax and take in this charm of this peaceful village as you watch the sunset behind the majesty of Mount Agung.

The Restaurant Interior at The Legian Bali. Photo credit: https://lhm-hotels.com/legian-bali/en/

Check in to a Luxury Hotel

Take refuge on the peaceful shores of Seminyak beach. This tranquil hideaway is in reach of all the amenities the Legian and Seminyak areas have to offer, except with none of the bother. The resorts here sit at the luxurious end of the scale, many of which are all-suite, overlooking the beachfront surrounded by lush tropical gardens, manicured down to the last blade of grass. The architecture in the area plays on the modern mixed with essences of traditional Balinese design and architecture, creating a number of chic havens from which to enjoy those epic sea views. Our favorite overnight stay in the area was at The Legian Bali. The service here was unparalleled, with personal butlers and private pools adding to the privacy and overall shine of our experience. If you're looking to escape the bustle of Kuta but you don't want to go far, this is the tropical refuge for you. Enjoy the peace and quiet.

Main Pool at The Legian Bali. Photo credit: https://lhm-hotels.com/legian-bali/en/

The Restaurant at The Legian Bali. Photo credit: https://lhm-hotels.com/legian-bali/en/

Top Image: Mount Batur - Volcanic Mountains in Indonesia