Top 5 road trips in Bali, along with scooter rental tips and more

Driving in Bali isn’t for the timid, but the experience is rewarding. It allows you to escape the crowded southern highways, enjoy breathtaking views of mountains and rice terraces, and stop at humble roadside diners for iconic Indonesian dishes like ikan bakar (grilled fish) and babi guling (suckling pig).

Whether you opt to drive yourself or hire a car with a driver—an increasingly popular and safe choice—a road trip in Bali reveals the island’s stunning landscapes and rich culture in a way that’s difficult to achieve from the confines of a tour bus or Bali's limited public transport system.

To truly experience this gorgeous island, here are five highly recommended road trip routes for Bali.

1. Ubud Waterfalls Route

Ideal road trip for capturing rice terraces and waterfalls

Starting and ending point – Ubud; 80km (50 miles); one day

Known for its temples and artisan crafts, Ubud is becoming a hotspot on Instagram for its stunning waterfalls, including the majestic Tegenungan and the canyon-surrounded Tukad Cepung, which looks breathtaking when captured in sunlight.

This rewarding one-day loop connects picturesque rice field views with three of the most famous waterfalls, alongside the Ceking rice terraces in Tegalalang and the serene Gunung Kawi Sebatu water temple, a quieter option compared to the more popular yet less impressive Tirta Empul sacred springs.

Insider tip: Depart early in the morning to allow time for photo opportunities at Tegenungan, Tibumana, and Tukad Cepung falls, before heading north to Gunung Kawi Sebatu and then south through the scenic rice terraces around Tegalalang, returning back to your starting point.

2. East Bali Loop

Optimal road trip for hiking and snorkeling

Starting and ending point – Candidasa or Padangbai; 130km (80 miles); two days or more

East Bali showcases some of the island’s most breathtaking landscapes, along with narrow yet delightful beaches where you can escape the crowds. Enjoy all of this on a relaxed multi-day loop that can span from two days to as long as you desire.

Begin your journey from the charming port town of Padangbai or the more touristy area of Candidasa, setting off early to avoid the crowds at Pura Lempuyang, a stunning complex of seven temples perched on the slopes of Mount Lempuyang. Instead of just waiting in line to snap a photo at the Gates of Heaven—a Balinese open gateway that offers stunning views of Agung volcano—consider hiking all the way to the top temple for the full experience of its architecture, ambiance, and panoramic views.

Then, take a detour southwest to the historic water palace in picturesque Tirta Gangga, where you can enjoy lunch overlooking the rice fields. Next, wind your way up the mountain road to the coastal fishing villages of Amed, where you should spend at least one night by the sea. Don’t miss the opportunity to dive or snorkel at the USAT Liberty wreck, a former World War II transport ship now teeming with marine life, including sweetlips, trevally, bumphead parrot fish, crustaceans, and sea turtles. Complete your loop by following the scenic eastbound coastal road, with stops at the Taman Ujung water palace and other royal relics near Amlapura.

3. Around the Island

Ideal road trip for experiencing Bali's iconic beaches

Starting and ending point – Sanur; 500km (310 miles); three days

Circumnavigating Bali can be a lengthy undertaking. The main west coast road serves as a significant inter-island trucking route, while the east coast highway from Sanur to Padangbai is one of the few efficient routes, making the journey both potentially perilous and stressful. However, those who persevere will be rewarded.

If you're set on this adventure, begin in the beach town of Sanur, head northeast, then follow the north coast, travel down the west coast, and navigate around the Bukit Peninsula to return to your starting point, giving yourself at least three days. Along the way, you'll pass some of the island's most renowned and busiest surf beaches and coastal temples, such as Kuta Beach and Pura Tanah Lot.

Insider tip: Traffic tends to be slow, and travel times usually exceed what Google Maps predicts.

4. Journeying South to North across Bali

Ideal road trip for first-time visitors to Bali

Ubud–Singaraja; 80km (50 miles); two days

Traversing Bali from south to north is considerably simpler than circling the island. With its volcanoes, crater lakes, rice paddies, temples, and waterfalls, this route provides abundant rewards for nature enthusiasts and photographers. Begin your journey in Ubud (or further south if that's your base) and take the primary cross-island road north toward Singaraja.

Stop by Bedugul to explore the renowned botanical gardens and visit the lakeside Pura Ulun Danu Bratan temple. Continue your journey northward to the impressive Gitgit Waterfalls—waterfall enthusiasts should also check out Sekumpul Falls—before reaching Singaraja. After a day of exploring Singaraja, retrace your steps the following morning. Detour: To extend your adventure, head west along the beautiful coastal road towards Taman Nasional Bali Barat (West Bali National Park) or Pemuteran Beach.

5. Nusa Penida Overnight

Perfect road trip for cave exploration

Start and end – Ped, Nusa Penida; 130km (80 miles); two days

The narrow cliffside roads of Nusa Penida offer some of the most picturesque driving experiences in Bali, making it worthwhile to spend a few days discovering this captivating island southeast of Bali. Dedicate one day to explore the southern and eastern parts of the island, stopping at the stunning cave temple Goa Giri Putri, the picturesque Diamond Beach, and the beautiful Atuh Beach.

The following day, venture into the more popular northwest region of Nusa Penida. Enjoy snorkeling at Crystal Bay, capturing stunning photos of the dramatic Kelingking Beach, marveling at the collapsed sea cave known as Broken Beach, and taking a dip in the natural infinity pool called Angel’s Billabong.

Local tip: End your day with a sunset drink at the Amok Sunset bar along the northwest coast.

Driving tips for navigating Bali

Navigating the roads in Bali can be quite a challenge. Be prepared to share the streets with everything from dogs and chickens to kaki lima (street vendor) carts, along with weary truck drivers, bustling scooters, and tourists who may not be familiar with local driving customs or the intricacies of their motorbikes. Road conditions can vary significantly, and even major roads might have uneven surfaces and potholes, often marked (if you’re lucky) by a plastic bag on a stick.

In Bali, driving is officially on the left side of the road, though you might witness some inventive maneuvers at intersections. It’s common for motorbikes to go the wrong way down highways instead of waiting to turn across traffic. Smaller vehicles should yield to larger ones on the often narrow roads, so never try to assert your position against an oncoming truck.

Typically, driving in Bali involves focusing on what’s directly in front of you rather than worrying about what’s behind. If you lack the necessary paperwork and are stopped, be prepared to pay a cash bribe at the very least. Foreigners can be at risk of being exploited after even minor accidents, so it's wise to drive cautiously and adhere to the rules, even if the locals don’t seem to.

Should I consider renting a scooter?

Instead of opting for a car, many travelers choose to rent scooters, which typically cost around 80,000–100,000Rp per day. However, remember that your travel insurance will only be valid if you possess a legitimate motorbike license from your home country, along with an international driving permit or an Indonesian driver’s license.

Although often ignored, it is mandatory by law for both drivers and passengers to wear helmets. Bali is not the best place to learn to ride a scooter—if you lack a license, it might be wiser to rent a small car instead.

Renting a car in Bali

You can find entry-level rental cars starting at around 300,000Rp per day, although this typically only covers damages at your expense. Renting from a reputable international company with comprehensive insurance is recommended, but it will cost significantly more. Alternatively, hiring a car with a driver can often be more economical, typically around 700,000Rp per day, providing the flexibility of a Bali road trip without the stress of driving yourself.