The amazing beaches have always been the main attraction for Bali. However, if you turn to the other side of the island, you will find the new adventurous charm of Bali. Here, nature is not always about sands and seas. Take a hike, ride a bike and paddle on the streams as you wonder what other hidden treasures Bali has to offer.

Mountains are always fascinating and hiking in Bali does more than just bring you close to nature. It takes you to sacred places and presents you with unforgettable views at the end of each hike. A popular morning activity, as most tours are scheduled for hikers to see the sunrise, hiking in Bali is open for anyone from amateur tourists to mountain experts.

Some of the trails are for professional and fit hikers only, like the one on Mount Agung. Climbing Bali’s most sacred mountain is tough, especially in the summer months. A popular spot for the sunrise, some hikers leave at midnight because the trail to the top of the mountain may take about five hours. There are spots from which you can see different corners of Bali, but be warned that the trails are hard and you should not go if you have no hiking experience. The mountain is closed to the public during religious events, so check the calendar before planning your hike.

Amateurs should start with Mount Batur instead, where the trails are actually roads you can drive on except for the last 45-minute walk to the top from where you can see a beautiful sunrise. Wherever you plan on climbing in Bali, make sure you check with the local guides so you don’t get caught in the mist on your way down. On some of the hikes, like at the West Bali National Park, you will encounter animals like the endangered Bali starling, black macaque, wild pigs, iguana, snakes leaf monkey and muntjac, as well as different varieties of birds and plants in the area. Select the trail that suits your needs. Some trails only take an hour or two, while touring the whole park may take up to seven hours. However, when hiking in this park you should be accompanied by one of the rangers who are based at the park headquarters in Cekik.

If you’re not an early morning person, exploring nature at Tirtagangga is perfect. Walking for an hour or two in between rice fields right when the sun is just up around 7 a.m. will provide you with enough photographs to take home. If you like challenges you can hike to Budakling village, which is famous for their arts and crafts.

Unique experience: Tourists enjoy the sights at a royal water pool in the Karangasem Tirta Gangga kingdom in Karangasem, Bali.(JP/Zul Trio Anggono)

Skip the cars and motorcycles in the city and rent a bike to go around the island instead. The casual rides offer a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of Denpasar, while the adventurous mountain biking gives the adrenaline challenge you’re craving. Ride on to leave the tourist areas in Bali and see the real beauty of Bali. Many tour companies such as the Ubud-based Bali Eco, which offers cycling tours around Bali that includes hotel-pickup, meals and massages at the end of your journey. Guests can choose an all-day ride around eastern Bali or a half-day morning and afternoon bike in the Ubud area. Both tours bring you through small villages and back roads to the Bali you’ve yet to see. These biking tours are extremely popular, especially in the holiday season, so it’s advisable to book in advance.

A more challenging mountain biking route is offered by Bali Bike Park, which has cross-country, endurance and downhill rides on their list. The good news is that you don’t have to be a professional to ride along some of the trails. The cross-country trails feature rice fields, jungle and rock formations in Central Bali, while the more advanced endurance trail takes you by the ocean, along the crater rim of Mount Batur and through the rice fields of Canggu. The ride starts at 7 a.m.

Bali is blessed with amazing rivers apparently made for rafting. If you miss the water, don’t just come running back to the ocean right away, but sign up for a rafting adventure on one of Bali’s famous rivers: the Telaga Waja in Karangasem, the Ayung River in Ubud, or the Melangit River in Klungkung. The Telaga Waja is well known because of its proximity to Mount Agung and many consider this whitewater rafting the best in Bali because despite having different difficulty levels, this class is still suitable for a family with young children. Ubud’s Ayung River is arguably the most popular spot, mainly because of its prime location and its 75-kilometer length from the northern mountains to Sanur Beach. If the Telaga Waja and the Ayung River are suitable for beginners, the Melangit River is for the challenge-seekers. The 7.5-kilometer rafting offers rainforest views, cleaner water and more difficult bends along the course.

So, next time you’re in Bali why not spend a day or two away from the beach and try the nature adventures the island has to offer? You are sure to fall in love with Bali once more.