Bali’s Most Scenic Drives and Road Trips: Exploring the Island’s Soul on Four Wheels
By Fenna | Dutch Travel Storyteller & Photo Enthusiast
The sun rises golden over the emerald rice paddies, sending a shimmer across the morning dew. A gentle breeze tousles the palm fronds, carrying whispers of incense and adventure. This is Bali at dawn – and there’s no better way to witness her magic than from behind the wheel, with the windows down and your playlist set to wanderlust mode.
As a Dutch traveler used to flat, endless polder roads, Bali’s winding mountain routes and lush jungle paths feel like a heady dream. Here’s my handpicked guide to the most scenic drives and road trips in Bali, each route promising authentic encounters, jaw-dropping views, and a taste of the island’s untamed heart.
1. Ubud to Munduk: Rice Terraces, Jungle, and Mountain Mists
Route: Ubud – Tegalalang – Kintamani – Lake Bratan – Munduk
Distance: ~70 km (approx. 2-3 hours driving, more with stops)
Why go:
This route is a postcard-perfect journey straight from your Instagram dreams. Leaving Ubud’s bohemian bustle, you’ll snake through the terraced green waves of Tegalalang – absolutely unmissable at sunrise when the light is soft and the air is still. As a Dutchie, the artistry of these terraces reminds me of our own love for orderly landscapes, but here, nature and culture blend in riotous harmony.
Climbing higher, the air grows cool and misty around Kintamani, where Mount Batur’s volcanic cone smolders on the horizon. Stop for a kopi Bali (Balinese coffee) with a panoramic view of the crater lake – a moment of pure, caffeinated bliss.
The road then winds down to Lake Bratan, where Pura Ulun Danu floats serenely on the water. Snap a photo, then continue to Munduk, a mountain village draped in clouds and waterfalls. Here, the Dutch colonial past lingers in the architecture and coffee plantations, adding an unexpected European twist to your Balinese adventure.
Fenna’s Tip:
Pack a sweater – Munduk gets surprisingly chilly! And don’t miss the secret twin lakes viewpoint between Lake Buyan and Lake Tamblingan for a shot that’ll make your Dutch friends back home green with envy.
2. East Bali Odyssey: Sidemen to Amed
Route: Sidemen – Tirta Gangga – Lempuyang Temple – Amed
Distance: ~60 km (2 hours, more with detours)
Why go:
If Ubud is Bali’s soul, East Bali is her wild, windswept heart. Start in Sidemen, a valley of rolling rice fields and traditional weaving villages – it feels a world away from the tourist crowds. The drive east is a kaleidoscope of verdant valleys and distant volcanoes: Mount Agung dominates every view, solemn and majestic.
Stop for a dip in the royal pools of Tirta Gangga, then climb the “Stairway to Heaven” at Lempuyang Temple. Trust me, the famous gates with Agung’s silhouette are worth every step (and the early wake-up call). Continue down winding coastal roads to Amed, a laid-back fishing village famous for its black-sand beaches and coral reefs.
Fenna’s Tip:
East Bali is perfect for scooter adventurers – just watch out for those hairpin turns! And don’t forget your snorkel; Amed’s underwater world is pure magic.
3. Bukit Peninsula Loop: Clifftop Vistas and Surfer Vibes
Route: Jimbaran – Uluwatu – Nyang Nyang – Balangan – Jimbaran
Distance: ~40 km (1.5-2 hours, best with stops)
Why go:
For those who crave ocean breezes and dramatic cliffs, the Bukit Peninsula is paradise on two (or four) wheels. Start in Jimbaran with a sunrise breakfast on the beach, then cruise south to Uluwatu’s legendary surf breaks and the gravity-defying temple perched atop towering limestone cliffs.
The real gems are the hidden beaches: Nyang Nyang, with its wild, empty shores and quirky shipwreck, or Balangan, where local warungs serve up sate lilit with a side of salty air. As a Dutch traveler, I can’t help but marvel at the sense of endless summer here – a far cry from our North Sea chill!
Fenna’s Tip:
Park your scooter at the top of the cliffs and hike down for the full beach experience. Bring plenty of water and sunscreen; the Bukit sun is fierce (yes, even for us sun-hardy Europeans).
4. The West Bali Wilderness: Pejarakan to Medewi
Route: Pejarakan (near Menjangan Island) – Pemuteran – Pulaki Temple – Negara – Medewi
Distance: ~90 km (2.5-3 hours)
Why go:
West Bali remains blissfully off the beaten track, a place where time slows and the landscapes shift from jungle to dry savannah. Start near Menjangan Island – a diver’s dream – and meander along the north coast, passing through sleepy fishing villages.
Stop at Pulaki Temple, guarded by a troop of cheeky monkeys (hold onto your sunglasses!). The road hugs the shoreline, framed by black-sand beaches and distant mountains. End in Medewi, Bali’s longboard surfing mecca, where you can sip fresh coconut and watch the sunset paint the sky in fire.
Fenna’s Tip:
This route is ideal for travelers wanting to escape the crowds. Accommodation is simple but soulful – think beach bungalows and hammocks, not infinity pools.
Road Tripping in Bali: Practical Advice from a Dutch Perspective
Bali’s roads can be chaotic, with scooters weaving through traffic and dogs napping in the shade. As a Dutch cyclist at heart, I found the best way to explore is by renting a scooter – it’s the ultimate freedom! But if you’re not confident, hire a local driver and soak up the scenery stress-free.
Safety First:
– Always wear a helmet (even if locals don’t).
– Drive slowly and expect the unexpected (chickens included).
– Download offline maps – signal can be patchy in the mountains.
Photography Tips:
– Early mornings offer the best light (and fewer crowds).
– Don’t be shy to stop and chat with farmers or artisans.
– A wide-angle lens is your friend for those sweeping rice field shots.
Final Thoughts
Bali’s most scenic drives are more than routes – they’re portals into the island’s living tapestry. Each bend of the road reveals hidden temples, laughter-filled warungs, and landscapes that defy even our Dutch sense of order. So rent that scooter, pack your camera, and let the island lead you where it will.
Selamat jalan! – Happy travels, and may your Bali road trip be as unforgettable as the island herself.
Want more offbeat Bali stories and vibrant travel photography? Follow my adventures on Instagram @fennaexplores!
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