Bali is a dream island offering a blend of culture, nature, adventure, and relaxation. Whether you want to explore bustling cities, serene beaches, volcanoes, or waterfalls, Bali has it all. Here, I’ll outline an ideal 10-day road trip itinerary to give you a comprehensive feel for the island.
Best Time to Visit Bali
The best time to visit Bali is between April and October, during the dry season. This time of year brings warm weather with little rain, ideal for exploring and beach visits. In the rainy season (November to March), showers are more frequent but brief, leaving the island beautifully lush.
Recommended Length of Stay
For a road trip through Bali, plan for at least 10 days to leisurely explore the main spots. If you want to visit nearby islands like Nusa Penida or the Gili Islands, consider extending your stay to 14 days or more.
Suggested Route for Your Bali Road Trip
1. Ubud (2–3 days)
Start in Ubud, the cultural heart of Bali, known for its temples, rice terraces, and craft markets. Tegallalang Rice Terraces and the Monkey Forest are popular stops, though Ubud is quite bustling. Keep your valuables away from the curious monkeys!
2. East Bali (e.g., Sidemen, 2 days)
In Bali’s peaceful east, Sidemen is a perfect base for exploring the area. Much calmer than Ubud, it offers visits to places like Tirta Gangga Water Palace and Pura Lempuyang, known for its “Gate of Heaven.” Arrive early for a photo without a long wait.
3. Nusa Penida (1 day)
Plan a trip to Nusa Penida, accessible by boat from Bali’s east coast. Stay at least one night to enjoy the island without the crowds of day tourists. The island is famous for its stunning coastal landscapes, like Kelingking Beach and Angel’s Billabong.
4. Munduk and/or Northwest Bali (2 days)
Munduk and Northwest Bali are quieter and more remote, ideal for hiking and exploring waterfalls, such as the hidden gem Lekke Lekke Waterfall. On clear days, you can even see Java’s volcanoes from here.
5. Jimbaran (2-3 days)
For beach lovers, Jimbaran offers beautiful beaches and seaside seafood restaurants. Relax on the beach and enjoy the quieter side of Bali before diving back into the island’s vibrant scene.
6. Canggu (optional)
If you’re up for surfing or nightlife, Canggu is the place to be, with its trendy cafés, bars, and beaches. Though I didn’t explore the party scene myself, it’s a great stop for a lively atmosphere.
Bali Attractions
Bali is full of beautiful temples, stunning nature, and unique attractions. Here are a few of my favorites:
- Monkey Forest (Ubud): A nature reserve with free-roaming monkeys. Keep a close eye on your belongings!
- Pura Lempuyang: Known for its “Gate of Heaven” photo. Arrive early to avoid the lines – even at sunrise, I had to wait an hour.
- Tirta Gangga: A stunning water palace, perfect for a relaxing stroll. Bring cash to buy fish food.
- Pura Ulun Danu Bratan: Located on Lake Bratan, rent a paddleboat to enjoy views of the temple from the water.
- Mount Batur: A popular sunrise hike, though crowded due to its accessibility. The view is still breathtaking.
- Mount Agung: A more challenging sunrise hike with fewer crowds, ideal for experienced hikers. I took this tour and can definitely recommend it!
- Lekke Lekke Waterfall: A lesser-known gem, stunning and secluded. There are many steps, but the climb is worth it.
- Turtle Conservation and Education Center: A place where you can “adopt” and release baby turtles – a heartwarming experience!
- Bali Swing: Swings with incredible views are scattered across the island. Most offer photo packages you can book on-site.
Getting Around the Island
What I Didn’t Like About
Bali and Nusa Penida
As breathtaking as Bali and Nusa Penida are, a few aspects dampened the experience. One of the first things I noticed was the litter problem; despite the stunning landscapes, many areas were marred by scattered trash, especially around popular tourist spots. Additionally, it seemed like every beautiful viewpoint came with a price tag just to snap a photo. The charm of places like Ubud was somewhat overshadowed by the overwhelming crowds, making it hard to fully enjoy the atmosphere. And, of course, the infamous Bali traffic – traffic jams were a constant, even in smaller towns, which often turned short trips into long, patience-testing journeys. Despite these challenges, Bali’s beauty still shines through, though I found myself wishing for a bit more preservation of its natural appeal.
- Private Driver: It’s best to hire a private driver rather than drive yourself. Bali’s traffic can be chaotic, especially for tourists. Scooter rentals are an option but can be risky.
- Taxi, Grab, and Bolt: Taxis can be costly in Bali, so rideshare apps like Grab and Bolt are good alternatives. Note that they may not be allowed to pick you up from the airport or in Ubud.
Typical Dishes in Bali
Balinese cuisine is a highlight of any trip. Here are a few dishes you should try:
- Nasi Goreng: Fried rice, usually served with egg, vegetables, and chicken.
- Mie Goreng: Stir-fried noodles, a popular choice in Bali.
- Babi Guling: Suckling pig, a Balinese specialty.
- Sate Lilit: Meat skewers made with fish or chicken, mixed with grated coconut and spices.
- Lawar: A traditional dish of minced meat and vegetables, often with coconut and spices.
Accommodations in Bali
Bali has many affordable accommodations, making it easy to treat yourself to a villa with a private pool or stunning views without breaking the bank. Ubud and Sidemen, in particular, have fantastic villas at reasonable prices.
Here are the hotels I stayed at during my road trip:
- Villa Nini (Ubud): Cozy pool villas at budget-friendly prices, perfect for those looking to splurge a little.
- Adiwana Dara Ayu Villas (Payangan): Stylish pool villas with breathtaking views over the rice terraces. You can book a floating breakfast or a romantic flower bath here – but watch out for the occasional caterpillar!
- Palmterrace (East Bali): A great base for visiting Pura Lempuyang, with a beautiful pool and excellent service.
- Sumberkima Hill Retreat (Northwest Bali): Fantastic pool villas with views of Java’s volcanoes at a fair price, in a less-touristy part of Bali.
- AYANA Resort (Beach): A luxury resort with 14 pools and several restaurants, perfect for a beachside retreat.
- Kaje Cottage & Restaurant (Nusa Penida): Simple but cozy and well-located. The owner and staff are friendly and helpful.
Conclusion
A road trip through Bali offers a perfect mix of cultural highlights, natural beauty, and relaxation. From the lively streets of Ubud to the serene waterfalls of the north, Bali has something for everyone. With a well-planned road trip and a bit of flexibility, you can make the most of your Bali adventure!
