Heading Back to Bali in 2026? Here Are Five Under-the-Radar Spots To Explore Next

Think of this as your 2026 cheat sheet.

Simon te Hennepe

In paid partnership with Fast Cover.

If you’ve done the Bali greatest hits - Seminyak dinners, Canggu coffees, Uluwatu sunsets, and Ubud resets, you’re not alone. Most Australians don’t visit Bali once; they go back. And on your second (or fifth) trip, the move isn’t necessarily chasing a totally new island. It’s finding the quieter pockets right next door to the places you already love, the ones that feel calmer, more local and less frantic, without adding hours of travel time.

Think of this as your 2026 cheat sheet: five under-the-radar bases and detours that sit close to Bali’s biggest hotspots, but give you a slower, more breathable version of the same energy.

And because you never know what travel has in store, it’s important to make sure you’re covered for the unexpected. That’s why Fast Cover makes Bali travel insurance simple, so you can focus on planning the fun parts of your trip, with more confidence once you land.

Pererenan near Canggu

Pererenan is the calm-cool neighbour to Canggu: close enough to dip in for dinner but far enough to escape the hustle and bustle. But don’t be fooled, Pererenan is full of hidden gems, whether it’s dining at culinary hotspots, exploring boutique fashion stores or enjoying a sunset drink at La Brisa. If you want the Canggu lifestyle without the Canggu intensity, Pererenan is the easiest “upgrade your Bali” move you can make.

Berawa near Seminyak

If Seminyak is your old faithful for shopping, sunset dinners, “we’ll just go for one drink” nights, Berawa is a great nearby pivot when you want the same convenience with a fresher, more laid-back edge. Sitting between Seminyak and the heart of Canggu, Berawa has become its own pocket: beach walks, easy cafes like Milk and Madu, a growing bar scene, and plenty of stylish stays that don’t feel as hectic as the main drags. It’s a smart base if you want to bounce between Seminyak and Canggu without committing to either, and still have somewhere that feels a little more livable at the end of the day.

Sidemen near Ubud

Sidemen is the Ubud alternative people whisper about - all rice terraces, river valleys and Mount Agung in the background, but with far fewer crowds. It’s the kind of place where days stay simple: scooter rides through villages, slow hikes, local warungs, and poolside afternoons at eco-lodges tucked into the jungle. If Ubud is feeling a little too busy (or a little too curated), Sidemen offers that same spiritual-green Bali feeling, just quieter and more grounded.

Uluwatu’s hidden beaches Green Bowl and Gunung Payung

Yes, Uluwatu is popular, but most people rotate between the same few names. Green Bowl and Gunung Payung are the kind of beaches that reward effort: quieter sands, wilder scenery, and a sense you’ve actually found something. Both come with stairs, so pack water and take your time, especially in the heat. It’s also the kind of day where you’ll be glad you’ve thought through the boring stuff before you go, like whether your Bali travel insurance stacks up if you’re riding between beaches.

Sanur near Nusa Dua

If you’re staying around Nusa Dua for the resorts (or travelling with family), Sanur is the nearby detour that changes the pace completely. It’s calmer, older-school Bali in the best way: a long beachfront path that’s perfect for morning walks and bike rides, gentle water, and a dining scene that rewards lingering rather than rushing. Sanur also makes an easy springboard for day trips, including fast boats to the islands, but it’s just as good if you want to stay local, start early with coffee at Genius, and keep the rest of the day deliberately slow. For travellers who want “Bali, but softer,” Sanur is a reliable 2026 pick.

The travel-prep bit you’ll thank yourself for later

The beauty of these spots is that they’re close to the action, but they still encourage more moving around. Think beach hopping, day trips, scooter rides, and spontaneous detours. If you’re travelling to Bali from Australia, it’s worth considering sorting out your travel insurance to Bali early so you’re not scrambling the night before your flight. And remember, if you plan to hire a scooter, it’s smart to check whether your Bali travel insurance covers this activity (and what the conditions are).

Fast Cover provides travel insurance for many kinds of trips, so you can spend less time worrying and more time figuring out whether you’re doing Pererenan mornings or Sanur sunrises first.

This article was created in collaboration with Fast Cover, because good trips start with good prep.