Bali continues to surprise those who look beyond the obvious. Far from the busy tourist routes, you will find places where nature, culture and genuine hospitality come together effortlessly. In this second part of our hidden places series, we take you to a few special locations in North Bali where authentic experiences still take center stage.

Despite its name, Maya’s Pizza is much more than a place for pizza. Located along Jalan Pelapuan in the village of Pelapuan, near Busung Biu, this small restaurant is a true hidden gem. While they do serve homemade pizzas, the menu also includes delicious Indonesian dishes, all prepared with care and fresh ingredients.

What truly makes this place special is its setting. Maya’s Pizza is tucked away beside a river, surrounded by lush greenery and shaded by parasols. From the main road, a narrow and slightly steep path leads down to the restaurant. Cars must be parked higher up, but scooters can reach the restaurant easily. After a short walk of about fifty meters, you suddenly find yourself in a peaceful oasis where time seems to slow down.

Whether you come for lunch, dinner or just a drink, this is a place to relax and enjoy good food in a natural setting that feels far removed from the rest of the world.

High in the mountains of North Bali lies the village of Tigawasa, about twenty five minutes southwest of Lovina. Situated at around nine hundred meters above sea level, the village enjoys a cool climate and is surrounded by forests and hills. Tigawasa is known for its bamboo craftsmanship, and one of the best places to experience this tradition is Kejapa Coffee and Bamboo Handicraft.

Upon arrival, you are often welcomed by Switi or by Gede Widarma himself. Visitors are treated to locally grown and roasted coffee, served in a traditional way. Instead of sugar in the cup, you are given small pieces of soft palm sugar to melt in your mouth before sipping the coffee. Alongside the coffee, freshly made pisang goreng with palm syrup is served.

The bamboo house where guests are received is beautifully built and offers plenty of space, making it suitable for both individuals and small groups. Beyond simply enjoying coffee and snacks, there are several activities to choose from. Visitors can join a bamboo weaving workshop and learn how traditional baskets are made for Balinese ceremonies. It is even possible to order a personalized basket with your name.

Behind the house lies an organic garden that feels more like a small jungle. A guided walk takes you through different levels of the garden, where you will discover coffee plants, vanilla, cloves, banana trees, wild pineapple, peppers and a wide variety of herbs and flowers. Gede explains everything with great passion, making this walk both educational and inspiring.

For those who wish to stay longer, a home cooked Balinese lunch can be arranged in advance. Dishes include chicken soup, sate lilit, chicken satay with peanut sauce, noodles, spring rolls, sweet corn, Balinese salad, krupuk and homemade sambal. This experience is especially enjoyable for families, as children love both the garden walk and the bamboo weaving workshop.

Rice field walks are offered all over Bali, but the Mayong Cultural Walk stands out for its authenticity and personal approach. This walk is organized by Putu and Ria and takes place in the village of Mayong, about thirty to forty minutes from Lovina.

Mayong is a farming village where daily life still revolves around rice fields and agriculture. Tourism exists here, but in a respectful and small scale way. The walk begins in the morning and covers around four kilometers, taking approximately two and a half hours. The route is easy to follow, although there are some height differences and narrow paths where extra care is needed, especially after rain.

During the walk, you pass through forested areas, lush rice fields and small village paths. Everywhere you look, there are green paddies, tall palm trees and glimpses of local life. You may see farmers at work, cows resting under simple shelters and water streams flowing through the fields.

These irrigation streams are part of the traditional Subak system, which has been used for centuries to distribute water across the rice fields. Walking through this landscape offers a deep insight into Bali’s agricultural heritage and rural way of life.

After returning from the walk, a freshly prepared lunch awaits at Putu and Ria’s home. The meal is cooked by Ria and can be customized in advance, as long as it consists of Indonesian dishes. The experience feels personal, warm and genuine, making this walk much more than just a scenic hike.