Planning Bali Road Trip: 4 Best Routes Around Bali On A Bike or Car

September 19, 2025

Planning a Bali road trip? Bali has amazing scenery—north, east, and coastal—that you can explore on a scooter, car, or with a private driver.

But before you hit the road, we want to share our favourite road trip routes and travel tips we’ve learnt the hard way!

Summary: All You Need To Know About Bali Road Trip

It is more fun to explore Bali on a bike. However, driving anywhere in Indonesia is not for the weak! Choose scooters only if you have a lot of experience driving in Asia and you have a proper international driving license in addition to good travel insurance.
Most main roads around Bali are good. Most roads in villages are narrow, and pretty much all the roads in the mountains or between natural attractions are not good.
The best Bali Road Trip to explore Bali without tourists is the North Bali Route.
The best time for a Bali road trip is the dry season, from May to late October or early November. Wet season (November to April) and constant rain will make riding a bike (especially heading North) an unpleasant adventure, especially up in the mountains, where it can be really cold and low visibility.

Bike vs Car For Your Multiday Bali Itinerary

There are 3 ways you can go on a Bali road trip: on a rental scooter or a car, or hiring a driver.

Public transportation in Bali, Indonesia, is very limited, and you won’t be able to plan a trip relying solely on public buses (and there are no trains).

Rent a bike from a trusted agency or any of the tour companies. Make sure their bikes are insured (to be fair, it is very rare in Bali). Rental scooters usually come with helmets; however, you will have no space for luggage, you can carry a backpack or find a bike with a storage box.
Rent a car. Similar to bikes, but also if you are travelling alone or with your partner, opt for smaller cars, as there are many narrow roads in Bali. Make sure to record on video and photo any scratches and damage that the car came with. Best for the rainy season.
Private driver and day trips or multi-day tour is the most comfortable option when you don’t know how or don’t want to drive. Adds expenses and somehow feels less independent, but a solid option if you’re looking for a more relaxed vibe.

4 Best Bali Routes To Explore Authentic Bali

Surfing Road Trip: South & West Coast

The best surf in Bali is along the South and West Coast, so your surfing road trip will start in Uluwatu and end in Balian or the opposite direction, as you wish.

As you will need time to surf at each stop, it can be a 3 to 7-day road trip or more.

Stops: Uluwatu – Canggu and Kedungu – Medewi and Balian.
Distance: 71 km.

Uluwatu

We recommend spending a few days surfing in Uluwatu, as there are a few beautiful beaches with different breaks: a few breaks by the Uluwatu Beach, amazing surf at Balangan Beach, and home to the many surfing contests, Pandang Padang Beach, to name a few.

Most surfing spots are reef breaks and are better suited for more experienced surfers, but if you’re a beginner, you will still enjoy the waves on a smaller day. Get a local coach to paddle with you to build your confidence around rocks and reefs.

Canggu

Canggu and Kedungu are only 35 km from Uluwatu, but this is the most crowded area, so the trip can take up to 3 hours.

Canggu and Kedungu breaks are amazing for beginners and those who are just starting to learn. There are lots of expats, tourists, and a few locals surfing, and the vibes are friendly.

You can do morning sessions or also have a relaxing afternoon on the beach and surf around sunset time. After that, head to FINNS beach club to get a beer or cocktail and enjoy the best sunset views in South Bali.

Medewi And Balian

The distance from Canggu to Medewi is about 70 km, and it takes about 1.5 hours to reach it.

This area is very different from South or East Bali, where you can see the Balinese culture at its best, as you will be crossing into a more Muslim-populated region of Jembrana. Lots of greenery, rocky beaches, and friendly locals.

Balian is only 24 km from Medewi, so you can rent a private villa or a hotel room in Medewi and simply go one day to check out Balian beach town.

Medewi is one of the best places to surf in Bali, famous for the longest time you spend on the way, going all the way to the left. The break is great for both beginners and more advanced surfers, and you will meet some really cool, dedicated surfers here.

Balian, on the other hand, is a bit tricky. It is the only beach in Bali that has at least one shark sighting per year, and while the surf is great, we recommend going with a local to be on the safer side.

North Bali Road Trip: Venture Off The Beaten Track

Probably, our favourite route, as Northern Bali itinerary, offers so much authentic experience and different landscapes. It will be amazing for nature lovers and anyone who wants to escape tourist crowds.

You can start in Ubud and get back to Ubud, or drive all the way to the South. You can also leave Ubud through Central Bali, stopping at Kintamani, but it will add some hours and about 50 extra km to your Bali trip.

Stops: Ubud – Munduk (or Kintamani then Munduk) – Lovina – Pemuteran – Balian – Ubud / Canggu.
Distance: 285 km / 329 km.

Ubud

Ubud is an amazing place to start or end any of the road trip routes. While here, get some rest, indulge in the food scene, vegan or not, and spa.

If you’re taking a day to relax, make sure to visit the royal palace, Blanco Renaissance art museum, Monkey Forest, and take a walk through rice fields following Campuhan Ridge Walk or Tegallalang green rice terraces.

Stay on Monkey Forest Street for convenience. We love the Komaneka luxury resort, or if you need something budget-friendly, Odah Ayu Guesthouse is a great place to stay, not far from central Ubud.

Kintamani

Optional stop for those who want to see the active volcano (Mt Batur) and do some bucket list things like Mount Batur sunrise hike or dirt biking in the volcano valley.

You should definitely try locally grown and roasted coffee, too, while here, especially considering that there is a line of coffee shops with the best views of the volcano. AKASA Specialty coffee is our go-to stop for coffee and pics.

If staying overnight, book a room at Black Lava Hostel or The Lava Bali and Hot Spring – both are quite affordable and are by the lake with the volcano as your backdrop!

Munduk And Bedugul

Paradise for those who love waterfalls and nature. It is the land of waterfalls: Git Git, Alng Aling, Banyumala, and Melanting Waterfalls, just to start!

If you’re going straight from Ubud, you can skip the Tegallalang rice terraces there and stop by Jatiluwih rice terraces instead on your way to Munduk – much less tourists and fantastic trails and views.

If you’re into Balinese culture and temples, you will also have things to do here. Ulun Danu Bratan Temple is one of the most loved and visited temples in Bali, located right on the lake – amazing photos are guaranteed!

Besides waterfalls, lakes, and temples, you can also walk around Bali’s Botanical Garden in Bedugul, well, it is more like a big park, with massive trees and a nice picnic ground with lake view, or pick a whole basket of fresh strawberries in one of the dozens of strawberry farms along the road.

If you want to stay overnight, there are plenty of little cabins around the Beratan Lake (we stayed at PonDaNu), or you can upgrade to the Handara Golf Resort or Umah Lusa Resort by the Twin Lakes.

Lovina

Dolphin watching is the highlight of your stay in Lovina. Research and book in advance to make sure you support someone more sustainable (some tour operators chase dolphin families, causing them stress).

We would recommend only staying one night, going to see dolphins early in the morning and moving to Pemuteran.

On your way to Pemuteran, there is one interesting stop that many don’t know about – Brahmavihara-Arama Buddhist Temple. Absolutely stunning place with gardens, statues, temples, and, of course, ocean views.

Pemuteran

A must-have stop along the north coast for amazing diving and snorkelling!

You can stay around Pemuteran beach or a bit outside, we love Menjangan Mimpi Resort with hot springs – they have amazing activities like kayaking, spa and waterfront restaurant.

Another fantastic thing to do around here is visiting the West Bali National Park – it is the only national park on the island! You will be able to book a boat there and a local guide through your accommodation.

It is only here that you can see deer in Bali, as well as some unique birds like Bali Myna and black monkeys.

Park entrance is about 200,000 IDR (20 AUD), but it is best to book a guided tour as sometimes guests aren’t allowed unaccompanied.

Balian

Balian is a quiet beach town, more so a village, but with a tight expat community and a few restaurants. It can be a great stop to catch a breath and have lunch or a tranquil escape.

If you surf, you can try it here, or better in Medewi down the road – it will be an amazing surf session with fewer crowds than in Uluwatu or Canggu, but superb waves.

Back To Ubud or Canggu

On your way back, make sure to stop by Tanah Lot Temple. This 11th-century water temple sitting on the massive rock is very important for Balinese Hindus and is protected by…real snakes (not to worry, they are not dangerous)!

From there, you can either go to Canggu through some mid-day traffic or get back to Ubud; it will only take about an hour, and the ride is quite scenic with no traffic.

If you’re staying in Canggu, we highly recommend visiting FINNS beach club to unwind after your complete road trip and celebrate.

To stay overnight, pick the Berawa area or something not far from Batu Bolong Beach – most of the trendy cafes and boutique shops are there.

Road Trip Around East Bali, Indonesia

If you love water and marine life, the East Bali road trip is a real treat for you: you can visit the best places for scuba diving and snorkelling, wander around quiet fishing villages, and see some beautiful black sand beaches.

Stops: Kuta (or Canggu) – Candidasa – Amed – Sidemen – Ubud
Distance: about 193 km
Option: add Nusa Penida if you have time (+ ferry and 81 km around Penida)

You can also start this trip in Uluwatu or Nusa Dua.

On Your Way To Candidasa

As it is quite a ride to get to Candidasa, we recommend making a few stops along the coast; gladly, there are plenty of things to see and do here.

If you love wine, a quick stop by Sababay Winery to grab a bottle for the evening to celebrate the start of your road trip can be a good idea. If you hire a driver, you can even stay for some wine tasting.

Next, you should stop by your first black sand beach – the only surf break in East Bali – Keramas Beach, which is conveniently right across the street from the winery.

If you have a bit of time, head a few km inland to visit Bali’s one of the most famous waterfalls – Kanto Lampo. Its cascades make a perfect background for a photo.

Just 30 minutes ahead, you will find a unique Balinese Hindu temple – Goa Lawah aka Bat Temple, where a whopping thousand of bats inhabit a natural cave and a temple.

Candidasa

Candidasa is an amazing destination for couples on honeymoon, families, and anyone who wants some peace and quiet and just to be by the ocean.

Calm pristine waters here are perfect for snorkelling and swimming, fishermen bring in freshly caught seafood and fish you can enjoy in warungs (local eateries) for cheap, and amazing sunrise and sunset views with Nusa islands silhouettes on the horizon.

For adventurous souls, there is one night activity you may find interesting – night diving to find sharks! It is best for advanced divers, as you will have to dive deep.

If you want to dive deeper into Balinese culture, visit one of the oldest traditional villages in Bali – Tenganan Pegringsingan Village, where you can meet indigenous Bali Aga people, see firsthand how unique ikat fabrics are made, and day to day life of local families.

The next day, you can also drive by famous Virgin Beach, well known for its white sand, beautiful views of the hills, ocean, and Mt Agung.

Amed

On your way to Amed, stop by Taman Ujun water palace. This water palace is not as popular as Tirta Gangga but is an absolute architectural marvel with breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean.

In Amed, indulge in seafood, snorkelling directly from the shore and scuba diving – they have numerous spots that are well worth the dive: colourful coral reefs, tropical fish, an underwater temple, and even shipwreck diving!

Sidemen

Leaving Amed, you will go through the roads hugging the Mount Agung to see the two most beautiful, and crucial to Balinese Hinduism, temples: Heaven’s Gate (Pura Penataran Agung Lempuyang) and Besakih Mother Temple.

If you leave early, come have lunch and a cooking class at Bali Asli Restaurant – it will easily be one of the most authentic experiences you’ve had in Bali.

It will be a good riding day, about 70 km, up and down the hills, but it will be well worth it once you reach Sidemen – one of the best places to vacation in Bali.

Its lush valleys and serenity attract couples and solo travellers, and we love staying at the adults-only Samanvaya Resort that has state-of-the-art cuisine, spa, and gallery.

Spending a couple of days in Sidemen is always a good idea: you can have a silver jewellery making class, trekking through rice terraces, visit a secret waterfall with natural pools, or even go on a white rafting adventure!

Nusa Penida Day Trip

If you have extra days, take a ferry with your bike/car from Padangbai and head to Nusa Penida. This is the biggest island out of the three Nusa islands, alongside Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Lembongan, and has become world famous for its beaches and nature.

A circle around the island can be done in one day, starting at the harbour, going up the northern coast all the way to the Diamond and Atuh beaches, with a quick stop at the Goa Giri Putri Temple in a cave.

From Atuh Beach, you will drive through Teletubbies Green Hill, heading to the South coast, where you should stop by Manta Point to snorkel or dive to swim with massive manta rays.

Once done, keep driving on the same road until you reach the highlight of your Nusa Penida trip – T Rex Cliff and beach or Kelingking Beach. It will be quite crowded, so do your best to get a few photos and get off to your next stop.

Broken Beach and Angel’s Billabong are famous for the natural infinity pool and arch above an inaccessible beach. Breathtaking beauty!

After Broken Beach, if you still have time and enjoy diving, stop by Crystal Bay; if not, head back to the harbour. If you’re late to the ferry, there are dozens of hotels in town to sleep over.

The Ultimate Bali Road Trip: Around The Whole Island

This ultimate Bali route will be perfect if you visit Bali with friends or your partner and want to see authentic Bali by yourself, without settling in one area for the whole time. It will also cover everything from surging or diving to nature attractions and temple visits.

A big Bali road trip can be anywhere from 1 to a 4-week itinerary, depending on how much time you have.

Stops: Canggu (or Kuta) – Uluwatu – Nusa Dua (or Sanur) – Sidemen – Amed – Ubud – Kintamani – Munduk – Pemuteran – Tabanan – Canggu (or Kuta).
Distance: 550km

Canggu

The hub for all things trendy and expat-friendly. The best nightlife, high-end restaurants, fashion stores, and events happen here.

Plus, it is the best place to learn surfing and make new friends while sipping cold coconuts and enjoying sunset views.