Driving in Bali is not for the faint-hearted, but it offers incredible rewards. Escape the crowded southern highways and savor soaring views over mountains and rice terraces, pausing at simple roadside eateries for signature Indonesian meals like ikan bakar (grilled fish) and babi guling (suckling pig).
Whether you choose to drive yourself or hire a car with a driver—which is a safe and increasingly popular option—a road trip in Bali will provide a unique perspective of the island’s dramatic geography and rich culture that’s hard to experience from the back seat of a tour bus or through limited public transport options.
1. Ubud Waterfalls Route
Best road trip for photographing rice terraces and waterfalls
Start and end – Ubud; 80km (50 miles); one day
Famed for its temples and crafts, Ubud is gaining attention for its many scenic waterfalls, including towering Tegenungan and canyon-framed Tukad Cepung, which look stunning when photographed with rays of sunlight illuminating them.
This one-day loop features rice field vistas and three of the most popular waterfalls, along with the beautiful Gunung Kawi Sebatu water temple—a less-visited alternative to the more famous but less spectacular Tirta Empul sacred springs.
Local tip: Set out early in the morning to make the most of your day, allowing ample time for photo stops at Tegenungan, Tibumana, and Tukad Cepung waterfalls before heading north to Gunung Kawi Sebatu, and then south through the breathtaking rice terrace landscapes around Tegalalang.
2. East Bali Loop
Best road trip for hiking and snorkeling
Start and end – Candidasa or Padangbai; 130km (80 miles); two or more days
Experience some of the island’s most dramatic landscapes and slender beaches where you can evade crowds by taking a leisurely multi-day loop. Start from either the charming port town of Padangbai or the more developed Candidasa.
Visit Pura Lempuyang, a gorgeous complex of seven temples on the slopes of Mount Lempuyang. Rather than just standing in line for the Gates of Heaven which perfectly frames views of Agung volcano, hike up to the top temple for better architecture and vistas.
A detour southwest via the scenic Tirta Gangga water palace provides a lovely spot for lunch with a rice field view. Don’t miss diving or snorkeling at the USAT Liberty wreck, which is teeming with marine life. Close the loop with stops at the Taman Ujung water palace and other regal relics around Amlapura.
3. Around the Island
Best road trip for Bali’s famous beaches
Start and end – Sanur; 500km (310 miles); three days
Driving around Bali is a time-consuming and sometimes stressful endeavor. Yet, the rewards include visiting some of Bali’s most famous and vibrant surf beaches and cultural landmarks, such as Kuta Beach and Pura Tanah Lot.
Local tip: Expect slow traffic, and plan for journeys to take longer than Google Maps suggests.
4. South to North across Bali
Best road trip for Bali first-timers
Ubud–Singaraja; 80km (50 miles); two days
This route presents an easier drive compared to circling Bali. With stunning landscapes featuring volcanoes, crater lakes, rice fields, and waterfalls, it’s a photographer’s paradise. Begin your journey in Ubud and follow the main cross-island route northward.
Stop in Bedugul for the beautiful botanical gardens and the lakeside Pura Ulun Danu Bratan temple. Continue north via Gitgit Waterfalls, and visit Singaraja to explore the surroundings. If desired, extend your trip by heading west along the coast to visit West Bali National Park.
5. Nusa Penida Overnight
Best road trip for exploring caves
Start and end – Ped, Nusa Penida; 130km (80 miles); two days
Nusa Penida’s cliffside roads offer some of Bali’s most scenic driving, ideal for exploring over a few days. Investigate the southern and eastern sides on your first day, stopping at the dramatic cave temple Goa Giri Putri and the beautiful beaches.
On the second day, head to the northwest for activities including snorkeling at Crystal Bay and visiting Kelingking Beach. Opportunities for breathtaking photography abound at sites like Broken Beach and Angel’s Billabong.
Local tip: Wrap up your visit with a sunset drink at the Amok Sunset bar on the northwest shore.
Tips for Driving in Bali
Driving in Bali can be challenging due to unpredictable road conditions. You might find yourself navigating around anything from animals to food carts, as well as navigating congested traffic and unfamiliar road customs.
Remember, driving is on the left side. Motorbikes might sometimes go against traffic in their attempts to weave through congested areas, so be cautious. As a general rule, ensure that you pay attention to what’s ahead rather than worrying about traffic behind you.
Should I Rent a Scooter?
Many travelers opt to rent scooters, costing around 80,000–100,000Rp per day. However, ensure your travel insurance covers you, as you’ll need a valid motorbike license along with an international or Indonesian driver’s license. Helmets are mandatory for both drivers and passengers.
Renting a Car in Bali
A small entry-level rental car can cost as little as 300,000Rp per day with damage covered at your own expense. Renting from an international company with full insurance coverage will cost more, but may offer peace of mind. Hiring a car with a driver can often be cheaper than renting and still gives you the freedom to explore.
