Bali & Indonesia
Beyond the Tourist Trails
There is more to Bali and Indonesia than picture perfect beaches, sunset cocktails and world class surf. While millions of travellers visit the typical tourist destinations showcasing some of Bali’s best spots, there are also undoubtedly other travellers looking for more of a rural and remote experience that brings connection and authenticity. Kima Surf Camps welcome both kinds of travellers.
Kima Surf Camp is your gateway to Indonesia's isolated and wild corners or Bali's hippest cafés and beach clubs. We help you explore the islands on your own terms. Here are our best tips on non-touristy things to do across Bali and Indonesia.
#1 North Bali’s Secret Waterfalls
Canggu, Seminyak and Uluwatu have a very vibrant and trendy social scene which is loads of fun for all kinds of travellers. Although it is at times worth it to escape the crowds and head for the hilly and untouched areas of North Bali. This area is home to secret waterfalls like Sekumpul and Banyumalas. These waterfalls are often between stunning forests, and only visited by locals. However because they are off the beaten path they can be more tricky to locate and hiring a local guide can be worthwhile, they can teach you about regional myths and balinese culture.
For those wanting to explore waterfalls closer to our Camps in Seminyak and Canggu, Kima Surf offers Cultural Trips to waterfalls in Ubud. Our Waterfall Tour takes you to three locations: Kanto Lampo Waterfall, then Tibumana Waterfall and last but not least Tukad Cepung Waterfall, all are truly remarkable.
#2 Explore Bali’s Neighbouring Islands
For a more peaceful island life you can take a 30 minute boat trip to Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan. These islands are less populated and here you can spend your time kayaking through mangrove woods, talking to local fishermen, crossing the famed Yellow Bridge to find peaceful cliffside cafes on Ceningan, surfing some reef breaks snorkelling and attempting to spot manta rays and watching beautiful sunsets on the island’s white sand beaches.
A Tip from Kima: For those who have never surfed before, come and try Kima’s 5 Day Learn To Surf Course in either our Canggu or Seminyak Camps where you can learn all the surfing basics like how to pop up, paddling techniques and how to turn. Once you feel confident and ready to surf different breaks, these islands offer a less crowded surf experience to help you improve.
#3 Surf in Sumbawa
For the surfers at Kima Surf Camps who are in the 4 star level and above according to our 6 star session planner, Sumbawa is the place to be. Come spend a week surfing the best surf spots in Bali like Uluwatu with our experienced surf guides giving you some improvements and tweaks and then you are ready to surf some of Indonesia's best and most challenging waves.
Sumbawa is a paradise for surfers seeking seclusion. World-class waves may be found at renowned breaks like Lakey Peak, Scar Reef, and Yo-Yo's—with uncrowded line ups.
For those wanting to surf Indonesia’s untouched islands with uncrowded waves, the Indo Surf Bible is your right hand man. The Indo Surf Bible is a comprehensive guide to surfing in Indonesia and it will help you find the top surf spots, beachside lodging options and must-see local stores.
#4 Replace Ubud for Sidemen
After your 5 day Learn To Surf Course is completed or you've done a week of 2 daily surf sessions and you are all surfed out. Trade the waves for the mountains and try to explore areas in East Bali such as villages like Sidemen, Tirtagangg and Budakeling which provide a calmer pace of life amidst Bali’s greenery.Take part in activities like trekking over rice terraces, touring historic water temples and witnessing the handiwork of traditional salt-making and weaving. These areas have peaceful mountain air, authentic local friendliness and lack of beach clubs and noisy scooters before for post surf recovery.
For those looking to explore the Northeast of Bali with the comfort of a guide, Kima Surf as you covered with our Northeast Bali Cultural Trip which will take you to Kerta Gosa, an old royal palace with distinctive structures and artwork and Besakih Temple, Bali's largest and oldest temple complex. To find out more about the past and visit the local museum.
#5 Bali West Coast National Park
Do you want to balance surfing with nature? This is the ideal pit stop after your epic Kima Surf Experience. West Bali's Barat National Park is a huge protected area with isolated beaches, mangrove forests and thick jungle trails. Rare animals like wild banteng cattle and the endangered Bali starling can be found there. Hiking through the park or snorkelling around Menjangan Island's unspoiled coral reefs are two options.
Make a quick stop on your way to West Bali's Barat National Park in the epic surf town Medewi, this is a small fishing village which is home to a point break that produces Bali’s longest left hand wave that provides rides up to 500m. Kima Surf has day trips to this surf spot, taking 3 star surfers to experience this beautiful wave.
Come to Kima Surf and enjoy Bali's trendy, energetic side and experience all the best of Canggu and Seminyak's hip cafés, beach clubs and surfing spots. After learning the art of surfing with a 5-day Learn To Surf Course or practicing your tricks and maneuvers with our knowledgeable surf guides along Bali’s West Coast Surf Spots, Nusa Dua Spots, Uluwatu and top notch Keramas, it's time to strike a balance between the trendy and bustling Bali and Indonesia's lesser-known treasures.
Are you prepared to jump right in? Come experience the perfect balance between the bustle and the non touristy routes of Bali and Indonesia with Kima Surf.
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