If you’re anything like me, the idea of a road trip in Bali instantly sparks excitement. The island isn’t just beaches and nightlife—there are rice terraces, waterfalls, temples, volcano views, and quiet villages waiting beyond the tourist hubs. Before setting off, a bit of planning will change an “okay” trip into a great one.
First Check Before Your Trip
When I planned my first Bali road trip I made sure to:
- Check my vehicle (scooter or car rental) for brakes, tires, and fuel.
- Get the right documents, including an International Driving Permit (IDP).
- Download offline maps because mountain roads can lose signal.
- Pack essentials such as water, sunscreen, snacks, cash, and a light jacket (it can get chilly in the highlands).
- Plan realistic driving distances, Bali looks small on a map, but winding roads and traffic slow you down.
5 Days Bali Road Trip Itinerary
With those basics handled, here is a tightly structured, research-backed 5-day itinerary that flows logically from south to west, plus deeper descriptions of why each stop belongs on a road trip.
Day 1 South Bali: Beaches and Clifftop Temples
South Bali is the island’s gateway: iconic beaches, surf culture, dramatic cliffs, and easy first-day logistics since most international arrivals start in the south. It’s an introduction to Bali’s coastal energy before you head inland.
Morning — Padang Padang Beach
Padang Padang is a compact, scenic cove with clear water and good surf. It’s a great warm-up beach for a first morning after travel: easy to access, excellent photo opportunities, and a taste of local surf culture. Expect a short walk down to the sand and small local vendors.
Afternoon — Uluwatu Temple and cliffs
Uluwatu is an archaeological and cultural touchpoint set on a steep cliff above the Indian Ocean. The temple complex itself is centuries old and the cliff-edge viewpoints are dramatic at any tide. Uluwatu’s coastline also houses world-class surf breaks (several named sections with distinct characteristics), so the coastline shows both cultural and active-sport sides of Bali.
Evening — Jimbaran Bay seafood dinner
Finish with a beachfront dinner at Jimbaran where grilled seafood vendors set up on the sand. The scene is relaxed and perfect for watching the sun sink into the horizon.
Practical tip: Avoid late-afternoon drives between beaches, traffic intensifies. Start early to maximize daylight.
Day 2 Ubud: Rice Terraces, Temples and Culture
Ubud is Bali’s cultural and agricultural heart. The surrounding landscape and cultural sites give context to long-standing Balinese traditions and the Subak irrigation system. Visiting Ubud helps you understand the island’s inland rhythm.
Morning — Tegalalang Rice Terrace
Tegalalang offers panoramic terraced rice paddies and visible Subak terraces, the traditional cooperative irrigation method that is central to Balinese farming. The terraces are photogenic at sunrise and provide easy walking paths and viewpoints. The area also supports local craft stalls and small cafés for a relaxed stop.
Afternoon — Goa Gajah and Tirta Empul
Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave) is a historical archaeological site with carved stone facades and spiritual significance. Tirta Empul is a functioning water temple where Balinese purification rites continue; it’s instructive to observe (or participate respectfully) in the ritual bathing areas. Together these sites showcase religion and ritual woven into landscape.
Evening — Ubud market and palace performance
The Ubud Art Market and palace performances present local arts, crafts, and dance. This is where cultural immersion meets the practical: pick up artisan goods, enjoy a performance, and sample local food.
Practical tip: Overnight in Ubud to catch sunrise light over the terraces and to avoid daytime tour crowds.
Read also : How to Avoid Tourist Crowds in Bali: Handy Tips for Visiting Paradise
Day 3 East Bali: Gate of Heaven, Royal Water Gardens and Coastal Villages
East Bali feels quieter and less touristed. The scenery moves between sacred mountains and calm coastal villages, presenting different landscapes and a slower pace.
Morning — Lempuyang Temple (Gate of Heaven)
Lempuyang Temple offers a dramatic stone split-gate framing Mount Agung in the distance; photographers call it the “Gate of Heaven.” This sacred complex is one of Bali’s oldest temple clusters and is visited for both pilgrimage and views. Arrive early to avoid long lines and clouds over the mountain.
Afternoon — Tirta Gangga water palace
Tirta Gangga showcases formal water gardens, lotus ponds, and fountains—an elegant royal retreat that highlights Balinese garden design. It’s relaxing to stroll the terraces and step through shallow pools during a midday break.
Evening — Amed for coast and diving
Amed is a low-key coastal stretch known for snorkeling and dive sites, with volcanic black sand beaches and a calmer pace. It’s a practical overnight stop before heading toward the northern mountains.
Practical tip: Lempuyang’s views depend on weather; aim for clear mornings and have flexibility in your schedule.
Day 4 North Bali: Waterfalls, Mountain Lakes and Cooler Air
North Bali’s highlands provide a dramatic contrast to coastal scenes with cooler climate, waterfalls nestled in jungle valleys, and temples on reflective lakes, a different ecological and photographic set of experiences.
Morning — Sekumpul Waterfall
Sekumpul is widely regarded as one of Bali’s most spectacular waterfall clusters. Reaching it requires a moderate trek through villages and river valley paths, but visitors are rewarded with multiple cascading falls and lush jungle settings. It’s a physically engaging and scenic highlight of a road trip.
Afternoon — Ulun Danu Beratan Temple
Ulun Danu Beratan is the iconic lakeside temple on Lake Beratan in Bedugul. The temple complexes appear to float when water levels are high; the setting is framed by highland plantations and cool air, making it visually distinct from coastal temple settings. The site is both spiritual and photogenic, often used in Bali promotional imagery.
Evening — Munduk or Bedugul stay
Overnight in Munduk or Bedugul for access to mountain walks, spice gardens, and a quieter pace. Munduk is really nice and quiet at night, the atmosphere will make you relax after a long ride.
Practical tip: Bring sturdy walking shoes and a light rain jacket—mountain weather can change quickly.
Day 5 West Bali: Dolphins, National Park and Quiet Surf
West Bali is less crowded and more nature-focused. It offers marine life encounters and protected natural areas that contrast with the busier south.
Morning — Lovina dolphin watching
Lovina’s calm morning waters are known for small pods of dolphins. Tours launch before sunrise; the experience is quiet and wildlife-focused rather than commercial.
Afternoon — West Bali National Park
This protected area preserves mangroves, lowland forest and coral reefs and is a great place for short treks, birdwatching, and learning about Bali’s conservation efforts.
Evening — Medewi Beach for a calm surf sunset
Medewi is a long, mellow left-hand surf break favored for longboarders and those seeking fewer crowds. It’s a low-key way to end a road trip with a surf or sunset stroll.
Practical tip: Book Lovina accommodation the night before dolphin tours since boats depart very early.
Road Trip Essentials I Never Skip
Based on my experience, keep these on hand: power bank and USB charger, cash in small bills (many rural shops do not accept cards), reusable water bottle, light jacket or sarong for temple visits and cool nights, and offline maps (Google Maps or Maps.me). Also check fuel level daily; stations are common in towns but sparser on remote stretches.
Read also : Bali Transportation Options and Best Advice for Tourist
Frequently Asked Questions About Road Tripping in Bali
Is it better to road trip Bali with a scooter or a car?
Scooters are efficient and give greater flexibility for solo travelers or couples. Cars provide shade, storage, and safer comfort for families or longer drives.
Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP)?
Yes. An IDP plus your home license is strongly recommended and commonly checked.
How many days do I need?
Five days covers coastal highlights, Ubud culture, east Bali and a mountain loop. Seven to ten days allows a more relaxed pace and side trips (for example Nusa Penida or deeper West Bali exploration).
What is the best time of year to do the road trip in Bali?
Dry season, April through October, gives the most consistent road and weather conditions for a road trip.
Closing reflections
A well-planned road trip across Bali reveals sides of the island most short-stay visitors never see: dramatic clifftop shrines, terraced rice fields that stretch endlessly, cool mountain lakes wrapped in mist, hidden waterfalls tucked deep in the jungle, and west-coast beaches where sunsets feel almost private. For me, the journey became just as rewarding as the destinations. Driving through small villages, stopping at local markets, and pausing at roadside warungs turned the trip into an experience that connected me more deeply with the culture and landscape of Bali.
If you’re planning your own Bali road trip, think about what you want to prioritize, whether it’s beaches and nightlife, cultural temples, or remote nature. The beauty of traveling by road is the flexibility to adapt as you go, leaving room for spontaneous detours and hidden gems along the way. In the end, Bali isn’t just about where you go, but how you experience the journey. Would you begin your adventure in the vibrant south, or head straight into the mountains for something quieter? Either way, the island has a way of surprising you at every turn.
