29 Places Similar to Bali - The Best Alternatives to Bali’s Most Known

Bali is well known for its sandy beaches, clear waters, ancient temples and luxury villas. A mix of rainforest, temples and great views, it’s no wonder that Bali has blown up as one of the most Instagrammable destinations to visit. However, as with all “viral destinations” that have begun to suffer from over-tourism, this has led to overcrowding, traffic jams, and a big likelihood that your dream vacation will no longer meet your expectations. So, instead of planning your dream trip to this island paradise, here are 30 alternatives to the most Instagrammable spots in Bali! The exact location of all of the destinations (and thousands more) can be found on the Viewbound app!

Similar Places to Banyumala Twin Waterfall

From left to right: Proxy Falls (@seekingthenow), Upper Waikani Falls (@jaydenganon) and Magwa Falls (@taryn)

Proxy Falls, United States

Proxy Falls is a cascade and plunge waterfall in the Willamette National Forest, Oregon. Only a 1.5-mile loop from the trailhead, this is an easy hike to one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Pacific Northwest. Proxy Falls is, however, one of the most photographed waterfalls in the region so expect to see a few other travellers along the way!

Upper Waikani Falls, United States

Upper Waikani Falls, otherwise known as The Three Bears, is a triple waterfall in the midst of the Maui rainforest. A true paradise reminiscent of the waterfalls in Bali, Upper Waikani Falls is only a 2-minute walk from the car park just off the Hana Highway. Getting to this swimming hole is a slightly more difficult climb, so once by the water, you will likely find you have it all to yourself.

Magwa Falls, South Africa

Magwa Falls, on South Africa's Eastern Cape, is a 144m cliffside waterfall that drops into a narrow canyon. Although you aren't able to swim here, the pure power of the waterfall is just as incredible as Banyumala Twin Waterfall in Bali!

Similar Places to Campuhan Ridge Walk

God’s Thumb, United States

While the Campuhan Ridge Walk is known for its stunning views, there are in fact several other destinations around the world that give you a similar experience. One of these is God’s Thumb in Lincoln City, the United States. This is more of a hidden gem, only known to locals until very recently. The hike takes you through the meadows to the end of a cliff where you get incredible views over Road's End beach.

From left to right: God's Thumb (@andreacannon), Kalsoy (@marczimmer) and Stairway to Heaven (@darrenlawrence)

Kalsoy, Faroe Islands

On the island of Kalsoy, to the north of the Faroe Islands, is the spectacular ridge hike that takes you to Kallur Lighthouse. While this is a hike made for those comfortable with heights, the views are like nothing else.

Stairway to Heaven, United States

Another hidden gem in Hawaii, the Stairway to Heaven ridge hike offers breathtaking views over the island of Oahu. Similarly to the Campuhan Ridge Walk in Bali, the vegetation here is lush, with greenery covering the mountains on both sides of the ridge.

Similar Places to Kelingking Beach, Nusa Penida

From left to right: Point Lobos State Natural Reserve (@minimalist.aestethics), Praia de Dona Ana (@ellinor) and Zlatni Rati (@oliversjostrom)

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, US

Looking for a beach with clear waters like Kelingking Beach but want to stay in the United States? Look no further than Point Lobos State Natural Reserve! Here you will find some of the most pristine beaches and clear waters in this part of the country. Although this is a popular destination, there are enough rocky beaches and coves to go around.

Praia de Dona Ana, Portugal

Another rocky cliff looking out onto a grand beach is Praia de Dona Aa in Lagos, Portugal. Here, the water is always clear, the beach is always clean, and the three rocky outcrops along the shoreline make for an incredible view.

Zlatni Rat, Croatia

Another alternative to Bali in Europe is Zlatni Rat, Croatia. One of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean, Zlatni Rat is known for its unique shape, blue water, and palm trees that run along the center of the island. 

Similar Places to Ulun Danu Bratan Temple

Ulun Banu Bratan Temple is one of the most visited Hindu Shaivite temples in Bali! Known for its Balinese-style architecture with the backdrop of Lake Bratan, it is a picture-perfect sight. However, there are many similar temples to visit, all just as grand in style. 

Huyen Khong Cave Temple (@jetdelacruz) left and Wat Lolei (@skipwithgrace) right

Huyen Khong Cave Temple, Vietnam

The first is Huyen Khong Cave Temple in Vietnam. This is a temple that stands out in scale and beauty, nestled in the Marble Mountains.

Wat Lolei, Cambodia

Wat Lolei is the Northernmost temple at Angkor in Cambodia. Made up of four towers, this temple was built on an island on the now dry Indratataka baray. The temple has a similar style to Ulun Danu Bratan Temple, with beautiful ornate features.

Similar Places to Tegallalang Rice Terraces

One of the most Instagrammable places in Bali is the picturesque rice terraces. Luckily, these are not unique to Bali and there are similar (and cheaper) places to visit all over the world! Here are our top 3 places that are just as stunning as Tegallalang Rice Terraces.

From left to right: Shikisai no Oka (@kyoko1903), Daehan Dawon Tea Plantation (@taryn) and Kumano Hongu Taisha (@skipwithgrace)

Shikisai No Oka, Japan

Shikisai no oka is a flower garden that covers the rolling hills of Biei, Japan. With flowers blooming from April to October, it is one of the most spectacular flower fields in the world. Although not a rice terrace, Shikisai no oka is definitely as stunning with its mix of tulips, lupine, lavender, salvia, sunflowers, dahlia and Japanese anemone.

Daehan Dawon Tea Plantation, South Korea

Daehan Dawon Tea Plantation is a green tea plantation in the Jeollanam Province of South Korea. The rolling hills covered in tea trees create a luscious, green landscape. The Daehan Dawon Tea Plantation is open all year round and is an easy day trip from Seoul.

Kumano Hongu Taisha Otorii, Japan

Kumano Hongu Taisha Otorii is the head Kumano Shrine in Japan, located on a ridge surrounded by cedar and cypress trees, and rice paddy on one side. The best time to visit Kumano Hongu Taisha Otorii is in the summer months as this is when the rice fields are a vibrant green.

Similar Places to The Bali Swing

From left to right: Secret Swing Angels Point (@robertonickson), The Swing at the End of the World (@skipwithgrace) and Unawatuna Beach (@alexazabache)

Secret Swing Angels Point, US

The Secret Swing is one of Los Angeles most hidden gems. Located in Elysian Park, the secret swing has one of the best views over downtown Los Angeles. Still unknown to most, it is likely you will be one of few groups visiting the swing!

The Swing at the End of the World, Ecuador

The Swing at the End of the World is another swing lookout with an incredible view located in Ecuador. A part of the famous treehouse, the Casa del Arbol, The Swing at the End of the World sits on the edge of a mountain overlooking Baños, Ecuador. From the swing, you get a full view of the valley and the active volcano Tungurahua.

Unawatuna Beach, Sri Lanka

Unawatuna Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Sri Lanka, with golden sand and crystal blue water. Surrounded by palm trees, you will find The Palm Rope Swing to the south of Unawatuna Beach on Playa mágica. Bear in mind that this beach swing is one of the most popular destinations in Sri Lanka so is likely as busy as its counterpart in Bali.

Similar Places to The Cave at Pantai Tegal Wangi

From left to right: Benagil Caves (@julie_soul), Voudia Beach (@ellinor) and Cenote Dos Ojos (@robertonickson)

Benagil Caves, Portugal

Pantai Tagal Wangi is one of the most popular Instagram spots in Bali, however, there are thousands of other beautiful places around the world to find caves very similar to this Bali destination! The first of these is the Benagil Caves in Portugal’s Algarve. This vast sea cave has a hole in the top which lets light through, reflecting on the blue water below. This is another very popular spot so expect it to be busy when visiting. 

Voudia Beach, Greece

Voudia Beach is one of the lesser-known areas of Milos, a hidden gem on the northeast of the picturesque Greek island. While the beach is known for its crystal blue waters, at one end you will also find a vast beach cave. This is the most similar place to The cave at Pantai Tegal Wangi, with a view of the cliffs and beach behind the cliff opening.

Make sure to spend some time exploring all the other Bali-like secluded beaches and caves on Milos. You can find all our tips on the Viewbound app!

Cenote Dos Ojos, Mexico

Cenote Dos Ojos is one of the largest underwater cave systems in the Yucatan peninsula. Not only is it a great place for diving, but the natural light through the roof of the Cenote means that this is also a great place for swimming and snorkelling.

Similar Places to Lahangan Sweet Viewpoint

From left to right: Dragon Crest Mountain (@darrenlawrence), Poem Mountain (@taryn) and Three Rondavels Viewpoint (also @taryn)

Dragon Crest Mountain, Thailand

Much like the iconic view over Mount Agung from Lahangan Sweet Viewpoint, the top of Dragon Crest Mountain offers one of the best views in Thailand. From the viewpoint, of standing on the rock, you get a complete panorama over Dragon Crest Mountain and the surrounding landscape. The hike up to this viewpoint can be quite tough and takes 1 to 2 hours each way! 

Poem Mountain, Vietnam

Poem Mountain, otherwise known as Bai Tho Mountain, has one of the most spectacular views in Halong Bay. Very similar to the view from Lahangan Sweet Viewpoint, this viewpoint is much less crowded and unknown to most visitors. The hike up Poem Mountain is difficult and can be quite dangerous if you do not have much prior hiking experience so make sure to be careful if you choose to visit this similar place.

Three Rondavels Viewpoint, South Africa

The Three Rondavels Viewpoint is one of the best places to see a panoramic view over the Blyde River Canyon. This is a much easier hike than the other similar places to Lahangan Sweet Viewpoint, a short 10-minute round trip to one of the best views over this geological wonder.

Similar Places to Kanto Lampo Waterfall

Ramona Falls (@voyageswithval) to the left and Veliki Prstavac (@lindaakerberg) to the right.

Ramona Falls, US

Ramona Falls is one of the most spectacular places in the Mount Hood wilderness area, just 52 miles from Portland, Oregon. This cascade waterfall is around 120 feet tall, with multiple streams of water. This is a great alternative to Kanto Lampo Waterfall, much closer and inexpensive than a trip to Bali.

Veliki Prštavac, Croatia

Veliki Prštavac is one of Croatia’s most well-known waterfalls. Very similar to Kanto Lampo Waterfall, although at a much bigger scale,  this is a cascade waterfall and the second largest in Plitvice National Park. Make sure to check out all of the other waterfalls in Plitvice National Park while you are there! You will find more than one other stunning waterfall similar to the places you find in Bali.

Similar Places to Diamond Beach, Nusa Penida

Duli Beach (@iwanderlista) to the left and Mount Tomaree Lookout (@laurabarry) to the right

Duli Beach, Philippines

While Diamond Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Bali, and possibly the world, there are plenty of alternatives that are just as beautiful (and much less crowded)! If you are looking for an alternative close by, look no further than Duli Beach in the Philippines. This sandy beach is located on the island of Palawan, just 25km north of El Nido, an easy day trip to escape the crowds of the city.

Mount Tomaree Lookout, Australia

Mount Tomaree Lookout is another, much quieter beach lookout located on the east coast of Australia. A short but challenging hike up Mount Tomaree gives you an incredible view out over the long beach and mountainous area behind.

Similar Places to Angel’s Billabong, Nusa Penida

Magpupungko Tidal Flats & Lagoon (@iwanderlista) and The Aquarium (@trekwithbeck)

Magpupungko Tidal Flats & Lagoon, Philippines

Magpupungko Tidal Flats and Lagoon is a hidden gem in Siargao, the Philippines. Only visible at low tide, this clear turquoise rockpool is a peaceful swimming and snorkeling spot that looks almost exactly like Angel’s Billabong in Nusa Penida.

The Aquarium, Western Australia

The Aquarium is a true hidden gem on the southwest coast of Australia. Just a 15-minute hike from Kathleen’s Seat Lookout and you will reach the crystal clear waters of this hidden sea pool. While here, make sure to explore the rest of the beautiful peninsula, stopping off at other Bali-like places such as Injidup Natural Spa and Sugarloaf Rock.

Want to explore one of these destinations or want to find even more similar places to Bali near you? Download the Viewbound app and get exploring!

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