Bali 6 Days|Secret Trails, Unlocking Hidden Paradises
🌴This itinerary takes you away from the crowds to see a different side of Bali.
While everyone else is crowding the famous swings and queuing for photos at Jimbaran Beach, you’re standing on the deserted cliff road of Pandawa, with sea breeze passing through limestone walls, a 300-meter straight stone road beneath your feet, and towering rock walls on both sides like natural stone gates. You swim alone in the emerald pool of Banyumala Twin Waterfalls, no queues, no noise. You wade under the hidden cliffs of Nusa Dua Beach, where the only sound on the entire beach is the echo of the waves.
6 days, flying from Shanghai via Singapore directly to Bali. No popular swings, no crowded sunset restaurants, only local and seasoned traveler secret routes.
Stay in 4-star hotels throughout without moving around + all special meals included, around 5k RMB per person. Perfect for those who don’t want to follow the crowd and want to share unique scenery on social media.👇
🗓️How to spend 6 days?
Day 1|Shanghai✈️Singapore✈️Bali, falling into the night at 8° south latitude
Depart from Shanghai, transfer in Singapore, and fly to Bali. Upon arrival at Ngurah Rai International Airport, a private guide will pick you up and take you to your hotel. Rest well that night to recharge for the secret exploration ahead.
🏨Accommodation: Pradha Holiday Hotel / Best Western Kamala Jimbaran, etc. (4-star, stay in one place).
⚠️Entry reminder: Bali offers 30-day visa-free entry for Chinese passport holders. Fill out the electronic customs declaration form (eCD) online before departure and save a screenshot. The airport ATM is the most convenient way to withdraw Indonesian Rupiah (exchange rate about 1:2300).
Day 2|Cliff Road + Hidden Beach + Koi Water Palace, three secret spots in one day
In the morning, head to the Pandawa Beach Cliff Road—navigate to “Pandawa Beach Road Viewpoint,” free of charge. This is a nearly 300-meter-long straight road flanked by towering limestone cliffs, with almost no tourists. Standing in the middle of the road for photos, the stone walls on both sides stretch to the sky like stone gates, every shot looks like a magazine cover.
🍽️Lunch: light meal on the way (self-paid); Dinner: Chinese cuisine.
⚠️Dress tip: Wear bright colors on the cliff road for better photos; wear comfortable shoes for the beach as there is a short hike.
Day 3|Penida Island East Route, seas more stunning than Angel’s Billabong
Today skip the crowded Angel’s Billabong on the west side and head straight to Penida Island’s east route—about 45 minutes by boat, rough roads, strongly recommend a private car.
First stop: Diamond Beach — descend bamboo stairs to the pure white sand beach, flanked by steep limestone cliffs, the sea sparkling like scattered diamonds in the sunlight. The most beautiful spot to update your photos.
Second stop: Atuh Beach — fewer tourists than Diamond Beach, surrounded by cliffs forming a unique bay, like a forgotten paradise.
Third stop: Morateng Treehouse (optional) — a primitive treehouse built on the cliff edge overlooking the Indian Ocean.
If you want to cover the highlights of both east and west routes in one day, you can choose a mixed day tour to visit Angel’s Billabong and Diamond Beach together.
🍽️Lunch: simple meal on the island (self-paid, recommended to bring snacks and water).
⚠️Penida Island roads are very rough, be sure to bring motion sickness medicine. Wear non-slip sandals and apply high SPF sunscreen frequently.
Day 4|Bedugul Highlands Day Trip, Bali’s most enchanting place
Today leave the coast and head to the northern highlands of Bali. Bedugul is a volcanic highland lake area at about 1200 meters elevation, 5-8°C cooler than the coast, often shrouded in mist.
In the morning, visit Ulun Danu Beratan Temple — a water temple built on Lake Beratan, one of Bali’s most iconic temples. It’s most atmospheric on rainy or foggy days, as the temple seems to float in the clouds.
Then head to the Twin Lakes (Lake Buyan & Lake Tamblingan) viewpoint. Quieter than the water temple, you can overlook both volcanic lakes. Nearby is the Wanagiri Swing — fewer people, no queues, and a great spot for flying drones. If you want to experience the famous swing without the crowds, this is the best choice.
Next, visit Bali Botanical Garden (Kebun Raya Bali) — Indonesia’s largest botanical garden, covering about 157 hectares. Cool breeze and open lawns make it perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Stop by the Strawberry Station — enjoy strawberry ice cream or fresh strawberries in the mountains for a short break.
🍽️Lunch: Bedugul area restaurant (self-paid, recommended Indonesian fried rice + fresh juice).
⚠️Bedugul is cooler than the coast, remember to bring a light jacket.
Day 5|Free day, catch up on missed secret spots
Free day to sleep in. Here are some lesser-known options:
Banyumala Twin Waterfalls: hidden in the misty northern highlands, twin waterfalls pour into an emerald pool. Almost no queues, perfect for swimming. Gitgit Waterfall is overcrowded; this is the secret version.
Penglipuran Village: Bali’s cleanest village, with traditional houses, bamboo paths, and a peaceful atmosphere. Explore local crafts and experience authentic Balinese life.
Uluwatu Lover’s Cliff: If you haven’t had enough cliff sea views, this is a classic. In the evening, watch the traditional Kecak fire dance (about 60 minutes), with a hundred voices echoing on the cliff edge, creating a unique atmosphere.
Spa relaxation: Bali’s spas are world-famous. Recommended ZEN Spa or Bhava Spa, 2-hour essential oil massage + flower bath, about 200-300 RMB per person, the best reward after 5 days of travel.
Day 6|Bali✈️Singapore✈️Shanghai
After breakfast, free time until the scheduled pick-up for the airport transfer. Transfer via Singapore back to Shanghai.
💡Tax refund reminder: Shopping over 500,000 IDR in Bali is eligible for tax refund. Get the refund before checking in luggage and arrive at the airport 3 hours early.
📸Secret Spot Quick Guide
Highlights & Practical Info
🛣️Pandawa Cliff Road: limestone road with no crowds, free navigation “Pandawa Beach Road Viewpoint”
🏝️Nusa Dua Beach: hidden beach under cliffs, requires a short hike
🏯Koi Water Palace: royal site + tens of thousands of koi fish, ticket about 15 RMB, fish food 2 RMB
💎Diamond Beach: bamboo stairs + white sand + cliffs, Penida Island east route, private car recommended
🏞️Bedugul Twin Lakes: mountain lake area, misty and 5-8°C cooler than coast, bring jacket
🌊Banyumala Twin Waterfalls: twin waterfalls, no queues, northern highlands, swim allowed
🍜Must-try foods
Dirty Duck: Ubud specialty, crispy outside and tender inside
Roast Suckling Pig Rice: Balinese island dish, crispy pork + spiced rice
Indonesian Fried Rice: available everywhere on the street
Jimbaran BBQ Seafood: grilled fish + crab (can add on last day)
Fresh Coconut/Avocado Juice: widely available on the street
🧳Travel Checklist
📱SIM card + adapter: buy Indonesian data SIM card in advance (7 days about 50 RMB). Bali uses European standard round pin sockets (Type C/F), bring an adapter.
🪪Documents: passport (valid for more than 6 months), visa-free entry. Fill out electronic customs declaration form (eCD) online before departure and save a screenshot.
💊Essentials: SPF50+ sunscreen, motion sickness medicine (for Penida Island and Bedugul mountain roads), stomach medicine, mosquito repellent.
👗Clothing: short sleeves and shorts, swimsuit (for waterfall and water palace photos), light jacket (for Bedugul highlands), non-slip sandals (for Penida Island hiking), sun protection clothing.
💵Cash: ATM withdrawal at airport is best (exchange rate about 1:2300). Small stalls and tickets only accept cash, withdraw RP 500,000-1,000,000 (about 217-435 RMB).
💡Bali Cultural Tips
Time difference: no time difference with China.
Transport: Grab/Gojek is most convenient. Private car recommended for Penida Island and Bedugul.
Tips: Usually give 10,000-20,000 IDR (about 4-9 RMB) for luggage handling, spa, and drivers.
Temple etiquette: no bare shoulders or knees in temples, free sarong rental at entrance. Women on their period cannot enter temples.
Don’t touch heads: Hindus believe the head is the soul’s seat, don’t touch locals’ heads.
Currency exchange: use official stores or withdraw from ATM directly.
Secret spots note: Pandawa Cliff Road, Nusa Dua Beach, Banyumala Waterfalls and other less-visited spots have poor public transport, private car recommended throughout.
💬Final words
Visa-free! Just bring your passport and go, stay in 4-star hotels without moving around + all special meals included, take the road less traveled and unlock a unique Bali experience 🥳
👇Click the card below to lock in this secret itinerary