Bali Beyond the Postcards: Mount Agung & Stunning Views

7/27/2025

By Tim Notier

If you’ve ever Googled “Bali,” you’ve probably been bombarded with Instagram-perfect shots of infinity pools, swing sets over jungle canopies, and beaches that look like they’ve been dipped in Photoshop. But we decided to veer completely off that well-beaten tourist path and head somewhere far less glamorous: Deep into the clouds on the slopes of Mount Agung, Bali’s tallest and most sacred volcano.

We didn’t know what we’d find, but we were sure of one thing: it wasn’t going to be a spa resort with free Wi-Fi.

The Temple That Doesn’t Exist (On Wikipedia)

After navigating roads that could be more accurately described as long stretches of potholes interrupted by occasional gravel, we stumbled upon Pura Pasar Agung. A temple so remote it doesn’t even have a Wikipedia page. In today’s world, that’s basically like finding Atlantis.

Shrouded in thick fog that rolled in like Liberace making a dramatic entrance, the temple felt otherworldly. Its stone gateways framed the misty silhouette of Mount Agung itself. We watched as locals, dressed in vibrant ceremonial attire, prayed and performed rituals that have been passed down for centuries.

It was humbling and beautiful. Marisa and I stood out like two sore thumbs in our plain sarongs, looking like we were wearing forest patterned camouflage in the arctic. (Pro tip: nothing makes you feel more conspicuous than standing next to Balinese women in their stunningly intricate outfits.)

Still, the people welcomed us with smiles warmer than the tropical sun. They even let us snap a few photos together, proving once again that Indonesian hospitality is undefeated.

Our Bajaj Pulsar's Brakes Were Definitely Tested

Leaving the temple meant tackling the mountain roads again, only this time, gravity was working against us. Our motorcycle brakes are best described as two wooden blocks rubbing against a wheel of cheese, so “slowing down” was more of a suggestion than a guarantee.

“Slow down!” Marisa shouted as we hit a steep section.

“I’m trying!” I yelled back, pulling on the brakes as if they might work better if I begged them. Spoiler: they did not.

Our decent tuned into a dirt road riddled with potholes, but we were surrounded by lush vegetation and passed locals riding down the same bumpy road on small scooters loaded with with firewood. Their suspension bottomed out the same as ours as it seemed both of our monoshocks were refurbished springs from a Bic pen.

But somehow we made it down alive and found ourselves weaving through villages so quiet and serene that the loudest sound was our sputtering exhaust. Kids waved, old ladies tended to rice fields and everyone greeted us with the same Indonesian smile that we have so gratefully grown accustomed to.

Rice Paddies Like You’ve Never Seen

As we descended further, the landscape opened up into shimmering rice paddies terraced across the hillsides like nature’s own mosaic. These fields weren’t just beautiful, they were reflective pools that mirrored the sky, palm trees, and distant mountains. It was one of those moments where you had to stop and pull over to appreciate the view. Because if you’re riding and staring at the same time, you’ll end up face-first in a ditch.

From ground level, the paddies were stunning. From drone level (aka our “jetpack 150 feet up”), they looked like artwork. The different shades of green and blue formed patterns so perfect that even the best painter would be jealous.

The Villa of Our Dreams

By the end of the day, we were exhausted, hungry, and overwhelmed by the beauty of the day's events. But then we arrived at one of the most beautiful villas we’ve ever stayed in.

Perched on a hill overlooking the rice terraces, this little slice of heaven had everything we could possibly desire. Marisa and I will always remember this villa paradise. Tucked between the mountains, paddy fields, and palm trees, we had hit the jackpot!

The woman who ran the villa greeted us with a smile, handed us keys to our room, and pointed out a trail that led to a nearby village where we could find dinner. “Just follow the canal,” she said. “It’s a three-minute walk.”

Of course, we immediately got distracted, wandered through a Balinese neighborhood that felt like it was frozen in time, and ended up finding a restaurant purely because it had a litter of puppies out front. The food was incredible, but let’s be honest—the puppies sealed the deal.

The Bali Few People See

That night, as we looked out at the mist rolling over the hills from our villa, we realized we’d experienced a version of Bali that few travelers ever get to see. No crowds, no staged photo ops, just quiet temples, kind people, and landscapes that made us feel like we were living inside a painting.

The durability of our Bajaj Pulsar 220 motorcycle weighed heavily on our shoulders, but our souls felt a little lighter.

So, if you’re planning a trip to Bali, venture beyond the infinity pools and the Instagram hotspots. Ride up a misty mountain. Get lost in tiny villages. Pet some puppies. Who knows, you might just find a temple so remote even the internet doesn’t know it exists.

Check out the entire adventure in our latest YouTube Episode - The Bali Temple So Hidden It’s Not on Wikipedia

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Borneo Motorcycle Adventure!

You are invited to join us on a 10 DAY MOTORCYCLE EXPERIENCE in East Malaysia, guided by yours truly - Tim and Marisa Notier. On this experience, you will ride through some of the oldest rainforests on earth, encounter orangutans and other stunning wildlife, twist into the foothills of Borneo's tallest mountain, plunge under waterfalls, and explore untouched coral reefs. All while making great friends and lifelong memories.

We want to show you some of the best roads and most breathtaking sights we've ever encountered after our 7 years on the road. And Borneo is a treasure trove!

This tour is particularly exciting since Borneo is still quite untouched and unknown. Although riding a motorcycle is a dream come true here, it's normally very hard to do so logistically, meaning that most adventure riders miss out on this incredible destination. But we have found a way!

So come along with us, and let us show you the ride of your life!

~ Tim and Marisa Notier

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