3 Hidden Gems to Add to Your Multi-Centre Bali Holidays

Dreaming of a Bali escape but don’t want to stay in just one place? Multi-centre Bali holidays allow you to weave together golden beaches, jungle adventures, and serene village retreats into a single unforgettable trip.

Instead of choosing between Ubud’s rice terraces, Lovina’s dolphin cruises, or Candidasa’s coastal calm, you can experience them all in one itinerary. This guide reveals how to combine Bali’s most captivating regions—south, central, east, and north—into a balanced journey. Whether you’re a first-timer, a family, or a couple, discover how to plan a holiday that feels richer, deeper, and far more rewarding.

Quick Snapshot of Bali’s Hidden Gems: Locations and Highlights

Across Bali, certain destinations embody serenity, cultural resonance, and natural wonder. Each offers distinctive experiences—whether coastal calm, maritime discovery, or mountain reflection—that reveal dimensions of the island often overlooked. The following glimpses illustrate both their locations and the qualities that make them unforgettable.

• Lovina — North Bali

Perched on the island’s northern coast, Lovina preserves a contemplative rhythm. Predawn journeys in traditional outriggers reveal dolphins moving with orchestral precision beneath glowing horizons. 

Volcanic black sands extend a shoreline both elemental and tranquil. Nearby cascades such as Bayumala and Gitgit echo through lush valleys, intensifying serenity. Every encounter conveys authenticity, inviting travelers into a space untouched by commodification.

Lovina in North Bali is charming with its calm seas and dolphins.

• Candidasa — East Bali

Along Bali’s southeast, Candidasa radiates subtle charm and calm reprieve. The main street invites unhurried evenings where conversation lingers in modest cafés. 

This seaside haven also serves as a maritime threshold: Padangbai ferries travelers toward Lombok while Amed tempts divers with panoramic underwater realms. Ornate palaces such as Tirta Gangga and Taman Ujung enrich the cultural landscape, while ancient Tenganan resists homogenization with remarkable continuity.

Candidasa in East Bali offers quiet beaches and culture.

• Sidemen — Foothills of Mount Agung

In the fertile east, Sidemen unfolds beneath the sacred profile of Mount Agung. Valleys draped in emerald terraces create mesmerizing geometry, punctuated by crystalline waterfalls like Gembleng. Trekking ignites meditative reflection, blending adventure with inner stillness. 

Traditional villages sustain resilient customs, offering glimpses of Balinese life unaltered by mechanization. From Bukit Cinta to Pura Lempuyang, the vistas inspire reverence, while silence expands into deeply restorative calm.

Sidemen sits in Bali’s foothills with rice fields and views.

Best Experiences in Each Gem for Multi-Centre Bali Holidays 

From sunrise rituals to tranquil villages, each destination offers its own rhythm and flavor. To help you plan your journey, here are the best experiences in each gem for multi-centre Bali holidays.

Lovina (North Bali)

Awakening before dawn rewards travelers with Lovina’s most celebrated ritual: dolphin spotting. Boarding a traditional outrigger, guests glide across still waters as pods appear suddenly, leaping with fluid grace beside the boat. 

Responsible operators ensure respectful distance, a crucial choice for anyone who values ethical encounters. Beyond marine life, the day can unfold with guided visits to Bayumala, Gitgit, or the intimate Singsing Waterfall, each accessible with local drivers. 

Afternoons invite snorkelers and divers to sheltered reefs, where conditions remain gentle and safe for beginners. Black-sand beaches provide quiet moments, yet the true joy lies in actively engaging with the sea and the surrounding countryside.

Lovina promises dolphin watching and peaceful beaches.

Candidasa (East Bali)

Exploring Candidasa offers both marine discovery and cultural immersion. Travelers often hire boats for snorkel trips toward Padangbai’s coral gardens or drift further to Amed’s celebrated dive sites. Waterfront villas even allow entry straight into turquoise water, eliminating unnecessary transit. 

On land, the itinerary might include Pura Goa Lawah, alive with thousands of bats, or the elegant Taman Ujung water palace with its expansive fountains. A short journey also reaches Tirta Gangga’s sacred pools. Evenings end more modestly—sharing grilled fish in a family-run warung, listening to jazz or reggae in a casual bar, or raising a cold Bintang as laughter flows.

Candidasa blends local culture with seaside serenity.

Sidemen (East/Central Foothills)

Sidemen invites a slower rhythm yet fills days with purposeful activity. Morning treks through emerald terraces become not only exercise but a cultural connection, often guided by locals who share stories of farming life. 

Some resorts offer complimentary rice-walks, while south of the village, visitors can enter dedicated trekking zones for a small fee. Creative travelers might join silver-making workshops, fashioning their own handcrafted keepsakes. 

A short ride reveals Gembleng Waterfall with its natural rock pools, or Bukit Cinta, where sunrise frames Mount Agung in an unforgettable silhouette. Returning to the village, yoga sessions, Balinese massage, and slow meals at boutique restaurants provide renewal after hours of discovery.

Sidemen’s peaceful streets reveal Bali’s charm away from the crowds.

Where to Stay During Your Multi-Centre Bali Holidays

Lovina

Lovina preserves the calm spirit of a fishing village, and its accommodation reflects that mood. Travelers can choose from luxury hillside retreats, family-friendly resorts on the beach, or simple guesthouses just a short walk from the shore.

• The Damai (Luxury): A hilltop sanctuary about 3 km from the beach with sweeping views of Bali’s north coast, jungle hills, and even volcanoes across the water. Ideal for guests seeking privacy, refined service, and a luxurious escape.
  
• New Sunari Lovina Resort (Family-Friendly Mid-Range): A comfortable resort featuring a large pool by the sea, a fitness center overlooking the water, and direct beach access. Spacious, well-kept rooms make it suitable for families.
  
• Lilin Lovina Beach (Boutique Mid-Range): A small yet stylish resort set right on the beach. Select rooms feature private plunge pools, and guests can join dolphin-watching tours departing directly from the property.
  
• Murni’s House (Budget): A cozy homestay only a few minutes’ walk from the sand. Simple rooms with basic amenities offer excellent value for budget travelers.
  

You can stay at The Damai in Lovina for tropical luxury.

Candidasa

Candidasa is the perfect spot for those seeking a quiet seaside village. The slower pace of development has preserved its “old Bali” character, with affordable resorts, guesthouses, and private villas spread along the coast.

• Candi Beach Resort & Spa / Sea Breeze Candidasa (Mid-Range): Beachfront resorts with thatched-roof bungalows, lush gardens, and swimming pools overlooking the sea. Popular with travelers who want comfort combined with access to snorkeling and boat trips.
  
• Amarta Beach Cottages / Villa Kelapa (Mid-Range): Relaxed stays with more space, great for couples or families looking for peaceful surroundings right by the water.
  
• Ramayana Candidasa / Dasa Wana Resort (Budget): Affordable guesthouses in the village center, within walking distance to shops, eateries, and the main road. Rooms are simple, clean, and backed by warm service.
  
• Villa Stella / Cempaka Villa (Private Villas): High-end beachfront villas located outside the center, offering more seclusion and dramatic sea views. Options range from two-bedroom retreats around USD $200 per night to six-bedroom estates close to USD $1,500 per night.

Travelers relax at Candi Beach Resort in Candidasa.

Sidemen

Sidemen appeals to travelers longing to slow down. Surrounded by rice terraces and mountain views, its boutique resorts, bamboo houses, and homestays create settings perfect for unwinding, connecting, and reflecting.

• Wapa di Ume Sidemen (Luxury): A five-star boutique resort perched on a hillside with 360° views of rice fields and Mount Agung. It offers elegant villas, luxury glamping tents with private plunge pools, and facilities suitable for both couples and families.
  
• Samanvaya Luxury Resort & Spa (Adult-Only Luxury): An eco-conscious retreat designed exclusively for adults. With its spa focus, rice-field surroundings, and serene atmosphere, it’s ideal for honeymoons or restorative escapes.
  
• Camaya Bali Bamboo House (Unique Stay): An iconic bamboo house with breathtaking views of Mount Agung. Perfect for couples or solo travelers seeking a once-in-a-lifetime experience close to nature.
  
• Amrita Cafe Guesthouse (Budget): A small guesthouse along the main road that doubles as a café. Affordable, convenient, and ideal for budget travelers wanting a simple stay in Sidemen.

Wapa di Ume Sidemen offers calm amid rice fields.

>> Explore more: The 12 Best Beach Resorts in Bali For A Fantastic Holiday In This Summer

How to Fit These Gems into Your Multi-Centre Itineraries

Bali multi-centre holidays are perfect for travelers who want to go beyond the busy resorts of the south. By combining beaches, rice terraces, villages, and coastal retreats, you experience the island’s diversity at a slower, more rewarding pace. Below are suggested itineraries showing how Lovina, Candidasa, and Sidemen can fit into your journey.

7-Day Relaxed Multi-Centre

A week in Bali works best when it balances comfort with discovery. For those traveling as a family or visiting for the first time, the south provides an easy start with beaches and familiar services. 

Ubud introduces culture and landscapes, while Sidemen offers a quiet alternative that can be added as a short detour. The pace is deliberately light, ensuring time to rest between transfers.

• Days 1–3: South Bali (Nusa Dua or Sanur) 

Begin with relaxation. Nusa Dua’s luxury resorts and calm beaches make it perfect for unwinding after the flight. Sanur offers a similar seaside atmosphere but with a more local feel, ideal for gentle walks, casual cycling, and family-friendly dining.

• Days 4–6: Ubud 

Spend several days in Bali’s cultural center. Visit temples such as Saraswati and Ubud Palace, wander through sculpted rice terraces, or take the children to the Monkey Forest for an unforgettable encounter. Ubud’s yoga classes, art workshops, and cooking courses provide both adults and kids with interactive experiences.

• Day 7: Sidemen 

Dedicate a final day to this rural gem. Only 1.5 hours from Ubud, Sidemen offers rice-field trekking, village visits, and views of Mount Agung. Families who prefer calm over Ubud’s bustle can swap one or two nights here for a slower, more authentic countryside stay.

A 7-day relaxed multi-centre itinerary suits Bali’s easy pace.

>> Read more: What to Do in Bali for 7 Days – A Perfect Itinerary for First Timers

10-Day Balanced Multi-Centre

Ten days allow for a deeper mix of experiences. After beginning with Bali’s stylish south and Ubud’s cultural hub, travelers can choose either the east for coastal escapes in Candidasa and Amed, or the north for dolphin watching and waterfall trekking in Lovina. This structure keeps transfers manageable while still introducing one of Bali’s quieter sides.

• Days 1–3: Seminyak or Canggu 

Start in vibrant surroundings. Seminyak appeals to those who enjoy boutique shopping, golden beaches, and sophisticated dining. Canggu, with its surf schools, trendy cafés, and black-sand coastline, attracts younger travelers or families with teenagers.

• Days 4–6: Ubud 

Shift inland for culture and nature. Time here can include guided rice-field walks, visits to Goa Gajah or Gunung Kawi temples, or simply exploring artisan markets and spa retreats.

• Days 7–10 Option A: Candidasa → Amed (East Coast) 

Settle in Candidasa for snorkelling and relaxed beach life. From here, boat trips to Padangbai and onward to the Gili Islands are easy, while a day trip east to Amed reveals world-class diving. Small beaches such as Virgin Beach and White Sand Beach provide family-friendly swimming.

• Days 7–10 Option B: Lovina (North Coast) 

Alternatively, travel north to Lovina. Sunrise dolphin tours are the highlight, combined with waterfall excursions to Bayumala or Gitgit. The transfer from the south is long, so allocating a full day to travel is essential. With 2–3 days, families can enjoy snorkelling in calm bays and experiencing a quieter, less-developed side of Bali.

The 10-day balanced multi-centre trip mixes culture with leisure.

>> See tour: Bali to Gili Island Hopping Tour

14-Day In-Depth Multi-Centre

Two weeks gives space to travel across the island without rushing. This itinerary introduces the south’s beaches, Ubud’s culture, Sidemen’s countryside calm, Candidasa’s seaside value, and Lovina’s northern wildlife. By allowing two or three nights in each destination, travelers can rest between transfers and enjoy boat trips, hikes, and village visits at a slower pace.

• Days 1–3: South Bali (Seminyak, Sanur, or Nusa Dua) 

Begin your trip with seaside rest and recovery. Whether in Seminyak’s fashionable resorts, Sanur’s relaxed waterfront, or Nusa Dua’s luxury complexes, this stage sets a comfortable tone.

• Days 4–6: Ubud 

Immerse in Bali temples, rice terraces, and art. Visitors can take day tours to waterfalls, cycle through nearby villages, or enjoy Balinese dance performances in the evening.

• Days 7–9: Sidemen (2–3 nights) 

Transition to Bali’s rural heartland. Sidemen’s rice terraces invite trekking, while small guesthouses and boutique resorts offer yoga, spa treatments, and cultural immersion. Time slows down here, and that is precisely the appeal.

• Days 10–11: Candidasa (1–2 nights) 

Shift east to a quiet coastal base. Spend mornings on snorkelling trips or exploring water palaces like Tirta Gangga and Taman Ujung. Candidasa also serves as a gateway for boat trips to the Gili Islands.

• Days 12–13: Lovina (2 nights) 

Travel north for a final change of scenery. Early mornings are devoted to dolphin spotting, afternoons to waterfall hikes or snorkelling. The beaches may be darker, but the calm atmosphere makes them ideal for rest.

• Day 14: Departure – Return south to Denpasar for your flight home.

A 14-day in-depth multi-centre journey uncovers Bali in full.

Budget Estimates for a 14-Night Multi-Centre (including flights + B&B)

• Economy (3★): from around $1,175 USD
• Mid-Range (4★): from around $1,250 USD
• Luxury (5★): from around $1,400+ USD
• Premium packages with high-end resorts in Seminyak/Ubud can easily start from $3,250+ USD for 10 nights, depending on resort choice and season.

Exploring Bali is never about a single stop—it’s about weaving beaches, temples, rice terraces, and hidden retreats into one seamless adventure. That’s the beauty of multi-centre Bali holidays: every transfer opens a new chapter, every region offers a different heartbeat of the island. Instead of asking what to cut, you can ask how to connect it all.

Tell us your wish, and Asia Pioneer Travel will craft the journey that feels like it was written just for you—an itinerary that moves with your pace, your passions, and your dream of Bali.