4 Best Sights in North Bali, Indonesia

With five waterfalls at four locations between Bedugul and Singaraja, Gitgit can be a confusing destination. Gitgit Waterfall is farthest from southern resort areas and down the mountainside toward the north coast. The waterfall is nearly 160 feet (48 meters) high and takes about an hour to climb down then up the 150 steps to it, and no guide is necessary. With a guide, it's possible to continue to smaller Colek Pamor, Twin, and/or Multi Falls. Visiting all four requires about three hours walking a hilly 2 miles (3 kilometers) through plantations and rice fields. Use official village guides from the Gitgit parking area for the best trekking prices, which includes a contribution to the community projects.

Learn how java got its name at the Munduk Moding Plantation, where you can take a walking tour of the 12-acre coffee plantation. The informative 45-minute trek also features cloves, sugar palms, and tropical fruits. Come early for the views—on a clear day, you can see across the strait to Java's volcanic Mount Merapi. The on-site restaurant serves Balinese and international dishes, as well as hearty breakfasts perfect for the cool mountain air, accompanied by homegrown brew. The boutique resort hotel features horseback riding for longer treks in the extraordinarily countryside and a spectacular infinity pool.

Bali's so-called "mother temple" exemplifies island Hinduism and, regrettably, tourism-driven greed. Some 3,000 feet (900 meters) up Mount Agung's southwestern slope, Pura Besakih includes 23 temples, interiors usually closed to visitors, about three hours from southern resort areas. Pura Pentaran Agung dominates, with six stages climbing the mountainside. Equally striking are lines of women worshipers in matching sarong and kebaya (form-fitting long blouse), swaying up temple paths, fruit offerings balanced on their heads, and views to the sea if clouds clear. Besakih hawkers and guides – some knowledgeable, most negligible – throng visitors; steer clear and accept no offers without setting a price first. Most visitors daytrip to Besakih; some skip the temple and just cruise nearby mountain roads.

The wreck of the Liberty makes Tulamben everybody's favorite dive destination. The World War II U.S. cargo ship sank just off the east coast of Bali, a 2½-hour drive from southern resort areas. For snorkelers and divers alike, exploring the Liberty is like swimming in a crowded tropical fish tank. Fortunate visitors see pygmy seahorses among the dozens of luminescent species and corals. Dive services are available in Tulamben, if you travel here on your own. Or day-trip with dive operators, such as Atlantis International Bali (www.atlantis-bali-diving.com), and enjoy terraced rice-field vistas along the way.