![\"Uluwatu](\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/Southern-Bali-e1499374390211.jpg\")
Uluwatu Temple in southern Bali<\/p><\/div>\n
South Bali is the place for the freshest seafood and\u00a0the kindest locals (well, in my opinion). It\u2019s a haven for adventurers, nature-lovers, writers, artists, and whoever simply wants to relax and explore lesser-known attractions and places.<\/p>\n
So, take the off-beaten path to South Bali and explore some of the hidden gems that this place has to offer. Trust me, it\u2019s worth it.<\/p>\n
Bingin Beach<\/strong><\/h2>\nDespite being a (stunning and laid-back) rocky beach area, Bingin Beach is full of small hotels, a surf shop, and restaurants lining the shore \u2013\u00a0all of which have stunning ocean views. It\u2019s one of the most popular surf destinations in Bali.<\/p>\n
Most mornings, I grabbed a pitaya bowl (chilled fruit combined with granola and coconut chips) from Kelly\u2019s Warung, a patio restaurant on the beach, and gobbled it up while watching surfers hit the waves. In the evenings, the warungs (small family-owned businesses) on the beach set out tables on the shoreline, meaning I could blissfully eat freshly-cooked prawns and watch the sunset over the sea.<\/p>\n
![\"Bingin](\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/Bingin-1-e1499350068740.jpg\")
Bingin Beach<\/p><\/div>\n
Tip: If visiting Bingin Beach on a Thursday, head to Cashew Tree for their evening parties. During my visit, they had an African band who played reggae, provided food, and had a huge bar, all of which attracted tourists and locals for the most exhilarating dance party I\u2019ve ever had during my travels.<\/p>\n
CHECK OUT THE WONDERS OF BALI ON ONE OF INTREPID’S EPIC ADVENTURES THERE<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\nDreamland Beach<\/strong><\/h2>\nWhen the tide was low, I walked from Bingin Beach to Dreamland, and I\u2019m so glad I did. Bali\u2019s shoreline is generally filled with rocks, seashells, and coral-filled waters, but as I got closer to Dreamland Beach that all changed. The sand is soft and clean on the shore and in the water. Just be careful as Dreamland is known for having a strong undertow and large waves.<\/p>\n
My friend and I swam for hours here, and there were many a time when we were hit hard by one of the big waves that we couldn\u2019t jump over. But I didn\u2019t mind \u2013 the water was warm and the sand was smooth making for a perfect beach day.<\/p>\n
![\"Dreamland](\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/Dreamland-1-e1499350094413.jpg\")
Having fun with friends at Dreamland Beach<\/p><\/div>\n
Statues at Pandawa Beach<\/strong><\/h2>\nFor a long time, Pandawa Beach was a secret beach with very few visitors. That\u2019s beginning to change now,\u00a0but\u00a0it\u2019s not what I want to focus on here. Rather, travelers should go to the beach to see a beautiful selection of white stone statues that are on display here. There are several caves carved out of the limestone cliffs of Pandawa Beach and inside those caves are white statues inspired by Panca Pandawa, a Balinese Hindu story. These statues aren\u2019t ancient like some parts of Bali, but rather created through public donations \u2013 which kind of makes them even more cool.<\/p>\n
Despite all of the tourism and modernization that has hit Bali in the last 50 years, the region is still maintaining its arts and culture in the most off-beaten paths of their country.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Indonesia-banner.gif\")
<\/a>Garuda Wisnu Kencana Statue<\/strong><\/h2>\nIn the future, South Bali may be the home to one of the largest modern statues in the world. It\u2019s called the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Statue, and features Vishnu riding on the back of a garuda, a supernatural eagle-like being. Right now, only 25% of the statue is complete \u2013\u00a0the upper part of Vishnu, his hands, and the head of the garuda. It may not be complete but it\u2019s super impressive and makes you feel tiny in stature next to it.<\/p>\n
![\"Garuda](\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/south-bali-iStock-487317830.jpg\")
Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park<\/p><\/div>\n
So, head to the Garuda Wisnu Kancana Cultural Park to see this incomplete statue. When it\u2019s completed, it could stand as tall as the Statue of Liberty \u2013 and then it might be a little hard to get as up close and personal as you can now.<\/p>\n
SUBSCRIBE TO INTREPID’S NEWSLETTER FOR TRAVEL INSPO, COMPETITIONS, GIVEAWAYS & MORE<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\nWater Blow<\/strong><\/h2>\nIn Nusa Dua, on the east coast of South Bali, is the Water Blow, a natural occurring phenomenon. There\u2019s a crag below a cliff face that when hit by the waves of the Indian Ocean, creates surges of water that reach almost 100 feet high. Hence, the name “Water Blow.”<\/p>\n
Take the paved footpath that leads to a lookout point to watch this cool, free natural phenomenon. Just be careful with your electronics and clothes as there\u2019s a 100% chance you will get wet.<\/p>\n
READ MORE: THE HIGHLIGHTS OF INDONESIA, ACCORDING TO A LOCAL<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\nBalangan Beach<\/strong><\/h2>\nLike Bingin Beach, Balangan attracts a lot of surfers, but that\u2019s not entirely why I loved this beach. Once on the beach, I took some time to explore the reef and rocky shoreline during low tide. My favorite spot at Balangan Beach is a small private cove around the corner of a cliff on the south side of the beach. It\u2019s best reached during low tide and has a beachy area with some shade thanks to an overhanging cliffside.<\/p>\n
![\"Balangan](\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/Balangan-e1499367005480.jpg\")
Balangan Beach<\/p><\/div>\n
The water here is very shallow and extends far out, so I had loads of fun soaking in a few feet of water and relaxing. While I was there, I even witnessed a small wedding on the beach while I chilled in the warm waters of the cove.<\/p>\n
Bingin Beach<\/p><\/div>\n
Tip: If visiting Bingin Beach on a Thursday, head to Cashew Tree for their evening parties. During my visit, they had an African band who played reggae, provided food, and had a huge bar, all of which attracted tourists and locals for the most exhilarating dance party I\u2019ve ever had during my travels.<\/p>\n
CHECK OUT THE WONDERS OF BALI ON ONE OF INTREPID’S EPIC ADVENTURES THERE<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n When the tide was low, I walked from Bingin Beach to Dreamland, and I\u2019m so glad I did. Bali\u2019s shoreline is generally filled with rocks, seashells, and coral-filled waters, but as I got closer to Dreamland Beach that all changed. The sand is soft and clean on the shore and in the water. Just be careful as Dreamland is known for having a strong undertow and large waves.<\/p>\n My friend and I swam for hours here, and there were many a time when we were hit hard by one of the big waves that we couldn\u2019t jump over. But I didn\u2019t mind \u2013 the water was warm and the sand was smooth making for a perfect beach day.<\/p>\n Having fun with friends at Dreamland Beach<\/p><\/div>\n For a long time, Pandawa Beach was a secret beach with very few visitors. That\u2019s beginning to change now,\u00a0but\u00a0it\u2019s not what I want to focus on here. Rather, travelers should go to the beach to see a beautiful selection of white stone statues that are on display here. There are several caves carved out of the limestone cliffs of Pandawa Beach and inside those caves are white statues inspired by Panca Pandawa, a Balinese Hindu story. These statues aren\u2019t ancient like some parts of Bali, but rather created through public donations \u2013 which kind of makes them even more cool.<\/p>\n Despite all of the tourism and modernization that has hit Bali in the last 50 years, the region is still maintaining its arts and culture in the most off-beaten paths of their country.<\/p>\n In the future, South Bali may be the home to one of the largest modern statues in the world. It\u2019s called the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Statue, and features Vishnu riding on the back of a garuda, a supernatural eagle-like being. Right now, only 25% of the statue is complete \u2013\u00a0the upper part of Vishnu, his hands, and the head of the garuda. It may not be complete but it\u2019s super impressive and makes you feel tiny in stature next to it.<\/p>\n Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park<\/p><\/div>\n So, head to the Garuda Wisnu Kancana Cultural Park to see this incomplete statue. When it\u2019s completed, it could stand as tall as the Statue of Liberty \u2013 and then it might be a little hard to get as up close and personal as you can now.<\/p>\n SUBSCRIBE TO INTREPID’S NEWSLETTER FOR TRAVEL INSPO, COMPETITIONS, GIVEAWAYS & MORE<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n In Nusa Dua, on the east coast of South Bali, is the Water Blow, a natural occurring phenomenon. There\u2019s a crag below a cliff face that when hit by the waves of the Indian Ocean, creates surges of water that reach almost 100 feet high. Hence, the name “Water Blow.”<\/p>\n Take the paved footpath that leads to a lookout point to watch this cool, free natural phenomenon. Just be careful with your electronics and clothes as there\u2019s a 100% chance you will get wet.<\/p>\n READ MORE: THE HIGHLIGHTS OF INDONESIA, ACCORDING TO A LOCAL<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Like Bingin Beach, Balangan attracts a lot of surfers, but that\u2019s not entirely why I loved this beach. Once on the beach, I took some time to explore the reef and rocky shoreline during low tide. My favorite spot at Balangan Beach is a small private cove around the corner of a cliff on the south side of the beach. It\u2019s best reached during low tide and has a beachy area with some shade thanks to an overhanging cliffside.<\/p>\n Balangan Beach<\/p><\/div>\n The water here is very shallow and extends far out, so I had loads of fun soaking in a few feet of water and relaxing. While I was there, I even witnessed a small wedding on the beach while I chilled in the warm waters of the cove.<\/p>\nDreamland Beach<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Statues at Pandawa Beach<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/a>Garuda Wisnu Kencana Statue<\/strong><\/h2>\nWater Blow<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Balangan Beach<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"Kecak](\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/20170309_184944-e1499349710785.jpg\")