Imagine an island where emerald-green rice terraces unfold before your eyes, where you can relax on beaches of volcanic sand, and where every sunset looks like a painted canvas. Bali isn’t just a destination for lounging by infinity pools — it’s an island full of contrasts that you can explore from mountain waterfalls through traditional villages to the cliffs of the southern coast. And the best way to see it all? A Bali road trip.
You might feel overwhelmed planning a trip around Bali on your own, given the sheer number of options the island offers. That’s why I’ve put together a detailed itinerary for 10-14 days that will guide you through the most beautiful places while giving you the chance to truly experience Balinese culture and nature. Just keep reading.
TL;DR
- Best time to visit: April to October (dry season), ideally May to September for the best weather.
- Recommended regions: Ubud (cultural centre), Canggu/Seminyak (beaches and surfing), Uluwatu (cliffs and temples), northern Bali (waterfalls and tranquillity), Nusa Penida (stunning landscapes).
- Getting around: Rent a scooter or car, or hire a private driver for longer distances.
- Budget: Approximately €55-110 per person per day including accommodation, food, and activities.
Where to Go in Bali
When you’re flying all that way, you want to make the most of Bali. A road trip is the ideal way to do it. But where should you go in Bali? I’ve selected the best places for you.
Also read: 57 Tips on What to See in Bali
Best Regions for a Bali Road Trip
- Ubud – the cultural heart of Bali: Ubud isn’t just a tourist town — it’s the island’s true spiritual centre. It’s surrounded by rice terraces, dozens of Hindu temples, and art galleries. It’s the perfect place to start your road trip and acclimatise to the Balinese pace of life. Must-see spots include the Monkey Forest, Tegallalang Rice Terraces, and the traditional art market. You can also join a yoga class here.
- Northern Bali – waterfalls and serenity: The northern part of the island offers a completely different experience from the crowded south. The areas around Munduk and Lovina are home to numerous waterfalls, mountain lakes, and very few tourists. It’s the ideal spot for those seeking peace and a connection with nature.
- East coast – authentic Bali: Amed represents Bali without the tourist crowds. This fishing area on the east coast offers amazing snorkelling, views of Mount Agung, and a very authentic atmosphere. Locals still live a traditional way of life, and tourism isn’t the main industry here.
- Southern peninsula – cliffs and luxury: Uluwatu and the surrounding areas are known for their stunning cliffs rising straight from the ocean. You’ll find some of Bali’s most beautiful beaches, world-famous surf spots, and luxury beach clubs, cafés, and boutiques selling sustainable fashion and cosmetics.
💡You might also enjoy: 10 Tips on What to See in Canggu
Bali Road Trip: Itinerary for 10-14 Days
I’ve put together two different itinerary options for your Bali road trip, depending on how many days you have.
| Day | Location | Accommodation tip | Main stops / what to see |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ubud | Yulia Village Inn Ubud or other guesthouses / villas in Ubud – e.g. Alamdini Resort | Ubud centre, Saraswati Temple, traditional market, Kecak dance at the Royal Palace |
| 2 | Ubud & surroundings | Ubud (same accommodation) | Tegallalang Rice Terraces, coffee plantation, Tirta Empul Water Temple |
| 3 | Ubud – surroundings / relax | Ubud (same accommodation) | Campuhan Ridge Walk, Tibumana Waterfall or relax / spa |
| 4 | Munduk (northern Bali) | Guesthouses / bungalows in Munduk or nearby, e.g. Asahan Munduk Cabin | Transfer to Munduk, nearby waterfalls |
| 5 | Munduk | Munduk (same) | Waterfalls: Banyumala Twin Falls, Sekumpul Waterfall, coffee plantations |
| 6 | Lovina (coast) | Hotels or accommodation in Lovina, e.g. Lovina Beach Hotel | Early morning dolphin watching, black sand beaches |
| 7 | Amed (east Bali) | Accommodation in Amed, e.g. MATHIS Lodge Amed | Snorkelling – turtles, coral reefs, Japanese shipwreck |
| 8 | Amed / volcano trip | Amed (same) | Trip to Mount Agung – Lahangan Sweet viewpoint, Lempuyang Temple |
| 9 | Uluwatu (south) | Uluwatu, e.g. Zena Surf Suite | Hidden beaches – Padang Padang, Thomas Beach |
| 10 | Uluwatu – end of road trip | Uluwatu (same) | Uluwatu Temple, Kecak fire dance at sunset |
Option A: 10 Days – Basic Loop
If you have at least 10 days in Bali, here’s the basic loop for your Bali road trip.
Days 1-3: Ubud
Your road trip begins in the heart of Bali — Ubud. Spend the first day acclimatising and getting to know the town. Visit Saraswati Temple, stroll through the traditional market, and in the evening attend a Kecak dance performance at the Royal Palace.
On the second day, head out to explore the surroundings. Get up early and visit the Tegallalang Rice Terraces before the crowds arrive. Continue to a coffee plantation for a tasting of local coffee and teas. In the afternoon, visit the Tirta Empul Water Temple, where you can take part in a purification ritual in the sacred springs.
Use the third day for outdoor activities or relaxation. You can take the Campuhan Ridge Walk with beautiful views over the valley, visit one of the local waterfalls such as Tibumana, or treat yourself to a spa day with traditional Balinese massages.
🏡 ACCOMMODATION TIP: Yulia Village Inn Ubud
Days 4-5: Northern Bali
Make your way to the Munduk area, which serves as a gateway to northern Bali. On the way, stop at Lake Bratan and the iconic Ulun Danu Temple, which appears to float on the water’s surface.
I recommend spending at least two days in Munduk chasing waterfalls. The area boasts over twenty, with Banyumala Twin Falls and Sekumpul Waterfall being the most spectacular. Besides waterfalls, you can visit local coffee plantations and enjoy the mountain air far from the tourist hustle.
🏡 ACCOMMODATION TIP: Asahan Munduk Cabin
Day 6: Lovina
Continue northward to the coast and the town of Lovina. This spot is famous for its morning dolphin-watching trips — you’ll head out early on traditional boats and, with any luck, you’ll see pods of dolphins in their natural habitat.
🏡 ACCOMMODATION TIP: Lovina Beach Hotel
Days 7-8: Amed
Head along the eastern coast to Amed. This area offers some of the best snorkelling conditions on the entire island — you can spot turtles, colourful coral reefs, and even a sunken Japanese shipwreck from World War II.
Spend the second day in Amed on a trip to Mount Agung. Visit the Lahangan Sweet viewpoint for breathtaking views of the majestic volcano and continue to Lempuyang Temple, home to the famous “Gateway to Heaven” framing a stunning view of Agung.
🏡 ACCOMMODATION TIP: MATHIS Lodge Amed
Days 9-10: Uluwatu
Finish your road trip on the southern cliffs in the Uluwatu area. Spend the first day discovering hidden beaches like Padang Padang — a small but incredibly photogenic beach surrounded by cliffs — while Thomas Beach offers more space for relaxation.
Dedicate your last day to visiting Uluwatu Temple, perched on a 70-metre-high cliff. In the evening, enjoy the Kecak fire dance at sunset — it will be one of the most magical experiences of your entire Bali trip.
🏡 ACCOMMODATION TIP: Zena Surf Suite
Option B: 14 Days – Extended Loop
If you have at least 14 days, here’s how to plan your Bali road trip.
Days 1-4: Ubud + Surrounding Temples
Start your road trip the same way as the 10-day version, but add a fourth day for visiting more distant temples. Head to Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave) with its mysterious entrance carved in the shape of a demonic face, and continue to Gunung Kawi, where royal tombs are carved directly into the rock face.
Day 5: Mount Batur Sunrise Hike
Prepare for a very early start — the hike up Mount Batur begins around 4:00 AM so you can reach the summit in time for sunrise. This active volcano offers unforgettable views across the entire island and is one of the most popular experiences in Bali.
Days 6-7: Northern Bali
Spend more time exploring the north. Besides the waterfalls, visit traditional villages where textiles are still made using age-old methods, and enjoy the peace and quiet of the mountain lakes.
Day 8: Transfer to Amed
Use the journey east to visit Besakih Temple, the largest temple complex in Bali, often called the “Mother Temple.”
Days 9-10: Amed + Candidasa
Spend two days in Amed snorkelling and relaxing. Add a visit to neighbouring Candidasa with its peaceful black volcanic sand beaches.
Days 11-12: Nusa Penida
From Sanur harbour, take a two-day trip to the island of Nusa Penida. On the first day, explore the western part with iconic spots like Kelingking Beach and Angel’s Billabong. On the second day, discover the east of the island — Diamond Beach and Atuh Beach offer breathtaking scenery and photogenic cliffs.
🏡 ACCOMMODATION TIP: Penida Secret Villa
Days 13-14: Southern Bali
Spend the last two days in southern Bali. Besides Uluwatu, visit Jimbaran Bay where you can enjoy a fresh seafood dinner right on the beach, and explore the beaches around Canggu or Seminyak if you fancy a livelier atmosphere.
Getting Around Bali
A road trip around Bali sounds great, but Bali’s roads are a far cry from the smooth motorways you might be used to. So you’re probably wondering how to get around Bali.
Scooter
Renting a scooter is the most popular way to get around Bali. It costs around 60,000-80,000 Indonesian Rupiah per day (roughly €3.50-5). A scooter lets you get practically anywhere and stop whenever you like.
But keep a few important things in mind: traffic in Bali is chaotic and congested, especially in Seminyak, Canggu, and Ubud. If you don’t have experience riding a scooter in Asian traffic, consider another option. Also check that your travel insurance covers motorbike accidents (we recommend SafetyWing travel insurance).
TIP: How to ride a scooter when you’ve never been on one before.
Car with Driver
Hiring a private driver for the whole day costs around 600,000-800,000 Rupiah (approximately €35-47) including fuel. Your driver often doubles as a local guide, showing you hidden gems and helping with communication in Indonesian. This option is ideal for longer distances and for those who want to focus on enjoying the scenery rather than navigating the roads.
Car Rental
You can rent a car for approximately 300,000-500,000 Rupiah per day (€18-29). It’s a good choice if you have experience driving in developing countries and want complete independence. Bear in mind, though, that parking in tourist areas can be quite tricky, and you’ll often be stuck in heavy traffic.
Grab, Gojek and Taxis
For getting around within a town or covering shorter distances, use the Grab or Gojek apps (Asia’s equivalent of Uber) or traditional taxis. Blue Bird taxis are considered the most reliable and always use the meter.
Practical Transport Tips
Always carry your international driving permit. If you’re on a scooter, a helmet is mandatory and fines can run to several hundred thousand Rupiah. Traffic jams are common, especially in the morning and evening, so plan extra time for your transfers — particularly if you’re heading to the airport.
💡Worth reading: 17 Tips on What to See in Uluwatu
Essential Information for Your Bali Road Trip
- Accommodation: Book your accommodation in advance, especially during May to September and around Christmas. Bali offers everything from hostels (€11-29/night) to hotels (€55-110/night) to luxury villas (€185+/night). Check out, for example, Dicky House or Zena Surf Suite.
- Budget: Plan for a budget of €55-110 per person per day if you want to combine mid-range accommodation with good food and activities. Backpackers can get by on €30-45 a day, while luxury travel can cost €185+ per day.
- Connectivity: A local SIM card with data costs around 50,000-100,000 Rupiah (€3-6) and will make navigation and communication much easier. Telkomsel has the best coverage across the island. Alternatively, consider an eSIM from Holafly or Yesim so you can arrive already connected.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit Bali?
The best time to visit Bali is from April to October during the dry season. The ideal months are May, June, and September — the weather is stable, it’s not too hot, and prices aren’t as high as in July and August. If you don’t mind occasional rain, you can save money by travelling during the wet season from November to March. However, the rain usually doesn’t last all day — it typically falls in the afternoon or evening.
Is it safe to ride a scooter in Bali?
Riding a scooter in Bali requires experience and caution. Traffic is chaotic, roads are often in poor condition, and locals drive aggressively. If you have no prior experience riding in Asian traffic, we strongly recommend starting in quieter areas or choosing a different form of transport. Always wear a helmet, carry your international driving permit, and make sure your travel insurance covers motorbike accidents. Serious tourist scooter accidents happen every year.
Do I need a visa for Indonesia?
British citizens can obtain a Visa on Arrival for 500,000 Indonesian Rupiah (approximately €29). This visa is valid for 30 days and can be extended once for an additional 30 days. Alternatively, you can apply for an e-visa online before departure. For stays longer than 60 days, you’ll need a different type of visa.
What vaccinations are needed for Bali?
There are no mandatory vaccinations for entering Bali, but vaccinations against hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and tetanus are recommended. If you’re planning to visit rural areas or stay for an extended period, consider Japanese encephalitis vaccination as well. Malaria is virtually non-existent in Bali, so prophylaxis isn’t necessary. Always consult your GP or a travel health clinic at least 6 weeks before departure.
Can you drink tap water?
No, tap water in Bali is not safe to drink. Buy bottled water or get a filter bottle to reduce plastic waste. Be careful with ice in drinks at smaller establishments too — tourist restaurants typically use purified ice, but local places don’t always. Also wash fruit and vegetables thoroughly with bottled water before eating.
How many days do you need in Bali?
You need a minimum of 7-10 days to see the main highlights of the island. Ideally, 14 days allows you to explore different regions and still have time to relax. If you want to experience Bali in depth and visit nearby islands like Nusa Penida or the Gili Islands, plan for 3 weeks. Bali isn’t a large island, but getting between places takes time due to heavy traffic.
Is it better to move between hotels or have one base?
It depends on your preferences. Moving between different areas lets you experience Bali’s diversity without wasting time on long return journeys. On the other hand, constant packing can be tiring. A good compromise is to have 2-3 bases (for example Ubud, northern Bali, and the south) and take day trips from each. For a relaxed beach holiday with occasional excursions, one base in the southern part of the island will do.
What should I wear when visiting temples?
When entering temples, you must have your shoulders and knees covered. Most temples will lend you a sarong (a traditional cloth wrapped around the waist), often for a small fee of 10,000-20,000 Rupiah. However, you can buy your own sarong and carry it with you — it’s cheaper and you’ll always be properly dressed. According to local customs, women are not permitted to enter temples during menstruation.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
