Picture an island where emerald-green rice terraces unfold before your eyes, where you can relax on beaches with volcanic sand and where every sunset looks like a painted canvas. A Bali road trip is about far more than lounging by infinity pools — this is an island full of contrasts you can explore from end to end, from mountain waterfalls through traditional villages all the way to the cliffs of the southern coast.
Maybe you don’t dare plan a trip around Bali on your own, because it can feel overwhelming given the endless options the island offers. That’s why I’ve put together a detailed 10-14 day itinerary that guides you through the most beautiful spots while letting you truly get to know Balinese culture and nature. Just read on.
TL;DR
- Best time to visit: April to October (dry season), ideally May–September for the most favourable weather.
- Recommended regions: Ubud (cultural centre), Canggu/Seminyak (beaches and surf), Uluwatu (cliffs and temples), northern Bali (waterfalls and calm), Nusa Penida (stunning landscapes).
- Getting around: Rent a scooter or car, or hire a private driver for longer distances.
- Budget: Around €60–125 per person per day including accommodation, food and activities.
Where to go in Bali
When you’re flying such a long way, you want to squeeze the most out of Bali. The ideal way to do that is a road trip. But where should you go in Bali? I’ve picked out the very best places for you.
Read also: 57 things to see in Bali
The best areas for a Bali road trip route
- 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 settle into the Balinese rhythm of life. Spots you shouldn’t miss include the Monkey Forest, the Tegallalang rice terraces and the traditional handicraft markets. You can also drop in for a yoga session here.
- Northern Bali – waterfalls and calm: The northern part of the island offers a completely different experience from the crowded south. The areas around Munduk and Lovina are home to countless waterfalls, mountain lakes and very few tourists. It’s ideal for anyone who wants to experience peace and a connection with nature in Bali.
- The east coast – authentic Bali: Amed is Bali without the crowds. This fishing area on the east coast offers amazing snorkelling, views of the Agung volcano and a wonderfully authentic atmosphere. Locals still live traditionally and tourism isn’t the main industry here.
- The southern peninsula – cliffs and luxury: Uluwatu and the surrounding areas are famous for their stunning cliffs rising straight out of the ocean. Here you’ll find some of the most beautiful beaches in Bali, world-famous surf spots and luxury beach clubs, cafés and boutiques with sustainable fashion and cosmetics.
💡You might be interested in: 10 things to see in Canggu
We’ve planned your Bali holiday for you
Tempted to follow exactly in our footsteps but dreading the hours of planning? To make your travels as easy as possible, we’ve put together an entire trip for you. We’ve bundled up our whole route, the best places and all our tips into one clear itinerary. You can click through it in detail below, and if you like it, a few clicks are all it takes to set off with zero worries!
Bali road trip: Itinerary for 10-14 days
I’ve written up two different versions of a Bali road trip route for you, depending on how many days you have.
| Day | Place | Where to stay | 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 and around | Ubud (same accommodation) | Tegallalang rice terraces, coffee plantation, Tirta Empul water temple |
| 3 | Ubud – surroundings / relax | Ubud (same accommodation) | Campuhan Ridge Walk, Tibumana waterfalls or relax / spa |
| 4 | Munduk (northern Bali) | Guesthouses / bungalows in or around Munduk, e.g. Asahan Munduk Cabin | Transfer to Munduk, nearby waterfalls |
| 5 | Munduk | Munduk (same) | Banyumala Twin Falls, Sekumpul Waterfall, coffee plantations |
| 6 | Lovina (coast) | Hotels or accommodation in Lovina, e.g. Lovina Beach Hotel | Early-morning dolphin trip, black sand beaches |
| 7 | Amed (eastern Bali) | Accommodation in Amed, e.g. MATHIS Lodge Amed | Snorkelling – turtles, corals, the Japanese shipwreck |
| 8 | Amed / trip to the volcano | Amed (same) | Trip to the Agung volcano – Lahangan Sweet viewpoint, Lempuyang temple |
| 9 | Uluwatu (south) | Uluwatu, e.g. Zena Surf Suite | Hidden beaches – Padang Padang, Thomas Beach |
| 10 | Uluwatu – end of the road trip | Uluwatu (same) | Uluwatu temple, Kecak fire dance at sunset |
Option A: 10 days – the basic loop
If you have at least 10 days in Bali, here’s my basic loop for a Bali road trip.
Days 1-3: Ubud
Your road trip begins in the heart of Bali, in Ubud. Spend the first day settling in and getting to know the town. Visit the Saraswati temple, wander through the traditional market, and in the evening catch a Kecak dance performance at the royal palace.
On the second day, head out to explore the surroundings. Set off early to the Tegallalang rice terraces before the crowds arrive. Continue to a coffee plantation to taste 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 its lovely views over the valley, visit one of the local waterfalls such as Tibumana, or treat yourself to a rest day at a spa with traditional Balinese massages.
🏡 Where to stay: Yulia Village Inn Ubud
Days 4-5: Northern Bali
Move on to the Munduk area, which serves as the gateway to northern Bali. On the way, stop at Lake Bratan and the iconic Ulun Danu temple, which seems to float on the water’s surface.
In Munduk I’d recommend spending at least two days chasing waterfalls. The area has over twenty of them, and the most beautiful are Banyumala Twin Falls and Sekumpul Waterfall. Besides the waterfalls, you can visit local coffee plantations and enjoy the mountain air far from the tourist bustle.
🏡 Where to stay: Asahan Munduk Cabin
Day 6: Lovina
Continue north to the coast and the town of Lovina. This spot is known for its early-morning dolphin trips — you head out to sea on traditional boats at dawn and, with a good chance, you’ll spot pods of dolphins in their natural habitat.
🏡 Where to stay: Lovina Beach Hotel
Days 7-8: Amed
Head along the east coast to Amed. This area offers some of the best snorkelling conditions in all of Bali — you can spot turtles, colourful corals and even a sunken Japanese shipwreck from World War II.
Dedicate your second day in Amed to a trip to the Agung volcano. Visit the Lahangan Sweet viewpoint with breathtaking views of the majestic volcano, then continue to the Lempuyang temple, home to the Gate of Heaven with its framed view of Agung.
🏡 Where to stay: MATHIS Lodge Amed
Days 9-10: Uluwatu
End your road trip on the southern cliffs in the Uluwatu area. Spend the first day discovering hidden beaches like Padang Padang, a small but photogenic beach surrounded by cliffs, while Thomas Beach offers more room to relax.
Save the last day for a visit to the Uluwatu temple, perched on a 70-metre-high cliff. In the evening, enjoy the Kecak fire dance performance at sunset — it’ll be one of the most magical experiences you have in Bali.
🏡 Where to stay: Zena Surf Suite
Option B: 14 days – the extended loop
If you have at least 14 days, then lay out your Bali road trip like this.
Days 1-4: Ubud + surrounding temples
Start the road trip just like in the 10-day version, but add a fourth day to visit the more distant temples. Head to the Goa Gajah temple (Elephant Cave) with its mysterious entrance shaped like a demonic face, then continue to Gunung Kawi, where royal tombs are carved directly into the rock face.
Day 5: Climbing the Batur volcano
Get ready for a very early start — the climb up the Batur volcano begins around 4:00 a.m. so you reach the summit in time for sunrise. This active volcano offers unforgettable views over the whole island and is one of the most popular experiences in Bali.
Days 6-7: Northern Bali
Give yourself more time to explore the north. Besides the waterfalls, visit traditional villages where textiles are still woven using time-honoured methods, and soak up the calm of the mountain lakes.
Day 8: Transfer to Amed
Use the journey east to visit the Besakih temple, the largest temple complex in Bali, known as the “Mother of all temples”.
Days 9-10: Amed + Candidasa
Spend two days in Amed snorkelling and relaxing. Then add a visit to neighbouring Candidasa with its calm beaches of black volcanic sand.
Days 11-12: Nusa Penida
From the port of Sanur, take a two-day trip to the island of Nusa Penida. On the first day, visit the western part with its iconic spots Kelingking Beach and Angel’s Billabong. On the second day, explore the east of the island — Diamond Beach and Atuh Beach offer breathtaking scenery and photogenic cliffs.
🏡 Where to stay: Penida Secret Villa
Days 13-14: Southern Bali
Save the last two days for southern Bali. Besides Uluwatu, visit Jimbaran Bay too, where you can enjoy a fresh seafood dinner right on the beach, and explore the beaches around Canggu or Seminyak if you’re in the mood for a livelier vibe.
Map of points of interest for your phone
How to get around Bali
Well, a road trip around Bali sounds great, but Bali is a long way from smooth, comfortable roads and motorways, so you’re probably wondering how to get around Bali.
Scooter
Renting a scooter is the most popular way to get around Bali. The price is around 60,000–80,000 Indonesian rupiah per day (roughly €4–5). A scooter lets you get practically anywhere and stop whenever you like.
But keep a few important things in mind: traffic on Bali is chaotic and busy, especially in the Seminyak, Canggu and Ubud areas. If you don’t have experience riding a scooter in Asian traffic, consider a different option. Also check whether your travel insurance covers motor vehicle accidents (we recommend SafetyWing travel insurance).
➜ Before you set off, check out our travel insurance comparison (incl. a 50% discount).
TIP: How to ride a scooter if you’ve never been on one.
Car with a driver
Hiring a private driver for a full day costs 600,000–800,000 rupiah (roughly €35–45) including fuel. The 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 anyone who wants to focus on enjoying the scenery instead of driving.
Car rental
You can rent a car for around 300,000–500,000 rupiah per day (€18–30). It’s a good choice if you have experience driving in developing countries and want complete independence. Just bear in mind 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 single town or over shorter distances, use the Grab app or its rival Gojek (the Asian Uber), or a traditional taxi. Blue Bird taxis are considered the most reliable and always use the meter.
Practical transport tips
Always carry an international driving permit. If you’re riding a scooter, a helmet is mandatory and the fine can run to several hundred thousand rupiah. Traffic jams are common, especially in the morning and evening, so plan your transfer times with a buffer — particularly if you’re heading to the airport.
💡Worth a read: 17 things to see in Uluwatu
Important info for your Bali road trip
- Accommodation: Book your stays well in advance, especially from May to September and around Christmas. Bali offers everything from hostels (€12–33/night) through hotels (€60–125/night) to luxury villas (€200+/night). Take a look at Dicky House or Zena Surf Suite, for example.
- Budget: Count on around €60–125 per person per day if you want to combine mid-range accommodation with good food and activities. Backpackers can get by on €33–50 a day, while luxury travel can run to €200+ per day.
- Staying connected: A local SIM card with data costs 50,000–100,000 rupiah (€3–6) and makes navigating and communicating far easier. Telkomsel has the best coverage across the island.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Bali?
The most favorable period 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 traveling during the wet season from November to March. However, rain usually doesn’t last all day, only in the afternoon or evening.
Is it safe to ride a scooter on Bali?
Riding a scooter on Bali requires experience and caution. Traffic is chaotic, roads are often in poor condition, and locals drive aggressively. If you don’t have previous experience riding in Asian traffic, we strongly recommend starting in quieter areas or choosing another form of transportation. Always wear a helmet, carry an international driver’s license, and verify that your travel insurance covers accidents on motorized vehicles. Serious tourist scooter accidents occur every year.
Do we need a visa for Indonesia?
Most international visitors can obtain a Visa on Arrival for 500 thousand Indonesian rupiah, which is approximately €30. 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?
No vaccinations are mandatory 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, also consider vaccination against Japanese encephalitis. Malaria is practically non-existent on Bali, so prophylaxis is not necessary. However, always consult with your doctor or a travel clinic at least 6 weeks before departure.
Can you drink tap water?
No, tap water on Bali is not safe to drink. Buy bottled water or get a filtered water bottle to reduce plastic waste. Also be careful with ice in drinks at smaller establishments – in tourist restaurants the ice is usually made from purified water, but not always in local restaurants. Also thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables with bottled water before consumption.
How many days are enough to explore Bali?
You’ll need a minimum of 7-10 days to cover the island’s main highlights. 14 days is ideal, allowing you to combine different areas and have time to relax. If you want to explore Bali in depth and visit nearby islands like Nusa Penida or the Gilis, plan for 3 weeks. Bali isn’t a large island, but transportation between locations 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 allows you to better experience Bali’s diversity and you won’t waste time on long round trips. On the other hand, frequent packing can be tiring. A compromise is to have 2-3 bases (for example Ubud, the north, and the south) and take day trips from them. For a relaxing beach holiday with occasional excursions, one base in the southern part of the island is sufficient.
What should you 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 fee of 10-20 thousand rupiah. However, you can buy a sarong and carry it with you – it’s cheaper and you’ll always be properly dressed. Women during menstruation are not allowed to enter temples according to local customs.
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.
🚗 Car rental on the roadVerified rental cars in BaliSearch with the DiscoverCars comparison engine — it compares prices from dozens of local and international rental companies, and most bookings come with free cancellation.
Compare car prices in Bali →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!
