Forget crowded beach clubs—Bali's true aquatic gems lie in jungle valleys and volcanic landscapes, where untouched waters offer both spiritual significance and a refreshing escape. From moss-draped gorges with blue pools to sacred springs where locals perform purification rituals, these hidden spots reveal Bali’s living water culture. You won’t find them geotagged on influencer feeds; their remoteness keeps them pristine, authentic, and unforgettable.

Tegal Wangi Sacred Pools
Carved by millennia of tidal action into the limestone cliffs of Bali's southern peninsula, these natural infinity pools sit perched between earth and ocean in perfect isolation. At high tide, waves crash dramatically against the outer rock barrier while leaving the inner pools undisturbed—creating a breathtaking juxtaposition of wild sea and tranquil swimming spots. Ancient Balinese water temples once dotted this coastline, and small stone shrines still mark spots where priests performed purification rituals.
Unlike the crowded beaches just kilometers away, Tegal Wangi remains largely overlooked, thanks to an unmarked access path that winds steeply down the cliff face. The pools vary in size and depth, with some reaching over two meters deep at high tide—perfect for proper swimming rather than mere wading. The surrounding rock platforms, polished smooth by centuries of wave action, provide natural sunbathing terraces between dips.
Banyu Wana Amertha Pools
Discovered only in the last decade by local guides, this remote system of tiered pools and waterfalls remains one of North Bali's best-kept secrets. The site's name translates to "Beautiful Forest Water," aptly describing the series of cascades that tumble through pristine jungle before collecting in deep, circular pools of remarkable clarity. What distinguishes this swimming spot is its remarkable isolation and untouched character. The surrounding forest harbors ancient trees draped with rare orchids. The middle pool—a perfect circle carved by centuries of water action—reaches depths of three meters, ideal for swimming beneath the small waterfall that feeds it.
These pools offer the most pristine wild swimming in Bali, with water clarity unmatched anywhere else on the island due to the natural filtration through volcanic stone.
Karangasem
Early morning (6-8 AM) when the water clarity is most remarkable and before local farmers begin their daily work in adjacent fields.
