Bali is not a destination synonymous with road trips. Destinations like New Zealand, the US, and vast areas of Europe are more likely to call the road tripper within us.
With Bali’s roads being so famous for traffic congestion, the idea of road tripping around the island falls far from the radar of most tourists.
Bali is a low-key epic destination for road tripping. Get outside of the traffic congestion of the central south of the island, and steer clear of the Denpasar-Gilimanuk Highway at rush hour, and the roads are clear, scenic, and crying out to be explored.
Bali’s most impressive road trips can be explored by car but are best experienced by motorcycle. There are many different ways that tourists can take motorcycle road trips around Bali. The first is to work with a local driver and guide who can do the driving for you or drive yourself around the island.
Tourists driving a motorcycle in Bali must ensure they have taken all the necessary safety precautions before setting off. This includes checking that they are covered by their medical and travel insurance to drive, making sure their international driving license is up to date, ensuring that they wear a helmet, adhering to all Indonesian traffic laws, and more.
One of the most impressive road trips in Bali is in the north of the island. In fact, many of the must-do road trips in Bali can be found in the north and west of the island. With tourism less developed in these areas, tourists can explore more off-path destinations, meet more local people, and discover more hidden gems.
For a deep dive into North Bali, a road trip from Lovina to Singaraja to Sekumpul is a must. Lovina Beach is Bali’s northernmost beach resort and is perfect for nature lovers.
Every day of the year, except on Nyepi Day, local fishermen and tour guides take tourists out on boats at sunrise to find Lovina’s resident pod of spinner dolphins. It is a truly magical experience.
Once the sun is up and dolphins have swam back out to the open sea, road trippers must start their engines and head off to Singaraja.
This city is one of Bali’s historical gems and is perfect for culture vultures seeking to learn more about Bali’s rich and varied heritage.
Tourists can drive along the ocean route from Lovina to Singaraja or drop off land and wind through the forested highlands of North Bali.
To extend this road trip into a multi-way adventure, explorers should add stops in Pemunteran, Menjangan, and Gilimanuk.
To extend it even further, rather than returning to central Bali via the same route, plan stops along the Jembrana and Tabanan coast, including Kedungu and Medewi, which are ideal for surfers.
The final stop of the day will take us into the green heart of North Bali either way. Sekumpul, in Munduk, is a must-visit for all nature lovers and offers tourists the chance to stretch their legs after a long day on the road. Stretch legs and cool off since this is the waterfall capital of Bali.
Sekumpul Waterfall is easily one of the most impressive cascades in Bali, and visitors can double up their visit by trekking a little further to also see Grombong Waterfall, another majestic wonder in Munduk.
For a journey through East Bali, a road trip from Tulamben to Amed to Candidasa is essential for lovers of coastal views, secret beaches, and Balinese villages.
This is a road trip that can be enjoyed in one day or spread over 2-3 nights, offering explorers the chance to take in sunset and sunrise views, early morning markets, and even schedule a few dive and snorkelling trips along the way too.
Amed and Tulamben are the dive capitals of Bali, and tourists should not miss the opportunity to explore the underwater realms, including the USAT Liberty Shipwreck.
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