Quick answer: Bali’s best scenic drives are the Uluwatu clifftop loop, the Kintamani–Batur caldera road, the Bedugul lakes route through Bali’s central highlands, the East Coast run to Amed, and the Munduk waterfall ridge in the north. Each rewards an early start, a comfortable car, and a few unhurried stops along the way.
Bali rewards the traveller who slows down. Beyond the beach clubs and the boutiques, the island’s real luxury is its landscape — terraced rice fields catching the dawn, volcanic craters wrapped in cloud, and clifftop roads where the Indian Ocean fills the whole windscreen. The best way to see all of it is from behind the wheel, on your own schedule, in a car that makes the journey part of the pleasure.
This guide maps eight scenic drives worth planning a day around, with honest notes on road conditions, timing, and which kind of vehicle suits each route.
The Bukit Peninsula is where Bali turns dramatic. The road south from Jimbaran climbs onto a limestone plateau and threads past Padang Padang, Bingin and Uluwatu, with sudden, breathtaking ocean views opening between the trees. Park at Uluwatu Temple for the cliff walk, then loop back via the beach clubs at sunset.
Best for: a convertible or a low, characterful coupe — the open road and the sea air suit a Mini Cooper Cabrio or Ford Mustang.
Timing: mid-afternoon to sunset. Roads are good but narrow near the beaches.
Drive north from Ubud and the temperature drops as you climb toward Kintamani, where the road suddenly reveals Mount Batur and its crater lake below. The viewpoint cafés along the rim are worth a long, slow coffee. Continue down into the caldera for the hot springs if you have time.
Best for: an SUV with comfortable suspension — the climb is steady and the air is cool.
Timing: leave by 7am to beat the cloud that often rolls in by late morning.
This is the green heart of Bali. The route up to Bedugul passes the iconic Ulun Danu Beratan temple, seeming to float on Lake Beratan, before the strawberry farms and the highland forest near Munduk. The cool, misty climate feels a world away from the coast.
Best for: a refined sedan or luxury SUV — long, sweeping curves reward a car that’s stable and quiet.
Timing: a full day; pair it with the Jatiluwih rice terraces nearby.
North of Bedugul, the road narrows and climbs along a forested ridge toward Munduk, where waterfalls tumble through clove and coffee plantations. It is one of Bali’s most underrated drives — quiet, green, and genuinely cool.
Best for: a capable SUV; some access roads to the falls are steep.
Timing: morning, with stops at Banyumala and Munduk waterfalls.
From Sanur, the coast road east passes Candidasa and the royal water palace at Tirta Gangga before reaching Amed, where black-sand bays sit beneath the bulk of Mount Agung. Traffic thins the further east you go, and the scenery turns wild and volcanic.
Best for: a comfortable cruiser for the distance — a Mercedes, Range Rover or Land Cruiser.
Timing: a long day or an overnight; the eastern light at dawn over Agung is unforgettable.
Often called the Ubud of twenty years ago, Sidemen is a valley of emerald rice terraces with Mount Agung as a backdrop. The drive in is winding and peaceful, with almost no crowds. Stop at a roadside warung and simply take in the view.
Best for: any comfortable car; the roads are quiet and the pace is slow.
Timing: half a day, easily combined with the East Coast route.
West of Ubud, the UNESCO-listed Jatiluwih rice terraces unfold across an entire hillside. The drive there winds through working farmland and small temples, and the terraces themselves are best walked once you arrive.
Best for: an SUV with ground clearance for the rural lanes.
Timing: morning light makes the terraces glow.
A shorter, easier drive: from Canggu, follow the coast northwest to the sea temple of Tanah Lot, perched on a rock just offshore. It’s an ideal late-afternoon run, finishing with sunset over the temple.
Best for: a stylish open-top for the relaxed coastal mood — explore the full Canggu and Seminyak coast loop.
Timing: late afternoon into sunset.
A few principles make every Bali drive better:
A full island drive deserves the right vehicle. If you’d rather relax and let someone who knows every bend in these roads take the wheel, a luxury car tour in Bali pairs a premium car with a professional driver for a seamless day out. Or browse our luxury car rental in Bali fleet to choose your own.
What is the most scenic drive in Bali?
For sheer drama, the Uluwatu clifftop loop and the Kintamani–Batur caldera road are hard to beat. For green serenity, the Bedugul lakes and Munduk ridge in the central highlands are unmatched.
Is it safe to drive in Bali as a tourist?
Yes, with care. Roads in South Bali and to the main viewpoints are well maintained, though they can be narrow and busy. For long highland or east-coast routes, many visitors prefer a car with an English-speaking driver.
How long do Bali scenic drives take?
The Uluwatu and Canggu coast loops are half-day outings. Kintamani, Bedugul and the East Coast each fill a full day with stops, so an early start is essential.
What kind of car is best for scenic drives in Bali?
A convertible suits the coast and clifftops; a comfortable SUV suits the highlands and volcanoes. For the longest routes, a refined cruiser like a Mercedes or Land Cruiser keeps you fresh.
Tell us where you’d like to go and we’ll match you with the right car — or the right car and driver. Message us on WhatsApp at +62 811-2859-0000 or email sales@balipremiumtrip.com. We’re based in Seminyak, reply in minutes, and operate 24/7 — rated 4.9★ by 127 guests, part of the Juara Holding Group.
