Quick answer: A North Bali drive climbs through the central highlands to the Bedugul lakes and the Munduk waterfall ridge, then descends to the calm Lovina coast and the Banjar hot springs. It’s a full-day route of cool mountain air, jungle roads and far fewer crowds than the south — best driven in a comfortable, capable car.
Most visitors never leave South Bali, and in doing so they miss the island’s most serene landscapes. The north is a different world: a spine of volcanoes and crater lakes, waterfalls tumbling through clove plantations, and a quiet coast of black-sand bays where the pace slows right down. It’s a longer day from the south, but for travellers who want Bali without the crowds, a North Bali drive is the island’s best-kept secret.
Here’s a full-day route through the highlands and down to the north coast.
Leave the south early and climb north into the cool central highlands. The first great reward is Ulun Danu Beratan, the lake temple at Bedugul that appears to float on the water of Lake Beratan, framed by mist and mountains. Arrive before the tour buses for the calmest views. The temperature here is markedly cooler than the coast — bring a layer.
Continue along the ridge toward Munduk, one of Bali’s most beautiful and underrated areas. The road winds through clove, coffee and vanilla plantations, with waterfalls hidden in the forest:
The cool air, the jungle and the near-empty roads make this the highlight of any northern drive.
If time allows, detour to the UNESCO-listed Jatiluwih rice terraces, which spread across an entire hillside in the Tabanan highlands. Far larger and quieter than Tegalalang, they’re best seen on foot once you arrive, with a warung lunch overlooking the green.
Drop down the north slope to Lovina, the relaxed black-sand coast where the mood is gentle and the sea is calm. The Banjar hot springs nearby are a lovely warm soak after a day in the hills, and the Brahmavihara-Arama Buddhist monastery is a peaceful stop. Lovina is famous for its dawn dolphin trips, so some travellers choose to overnight here.
The north coast is a long drive from the south, so many visitors stay overnight in Lovina or Munduk to enjoy the calm without rushing back. If you return the same day, leave the coast by mid-afternoon to make the highland drive home in daylight.
The north is about distance, climbs and winding mountain roads, which calls for comfort and capability over flash:
Because the north involves long hours behind the wheel on unfamiliar mountain roads, this is a route where many travellers genuinely benefit from a car with an English-speaking driver — you watch the waterfalls and the lakes, not the satnav. A guided luxury car tour in Bali is ideal for covering the north in a single, seamless day. Browse the full luxury car rental in Bali fleet to choose your vehicle.
The north genuinely deserves two days rather than a rushed single-day dash. A relaxed loop:
This pace lets you enjoy the north’s serenity properly — dawn over the lakes, a slow soak in the hot springs, and the waterfalls without the clock running.
For a wider view of the island’s roads, see our guide to the best scenic drives in Bali, or fold the north into a full Bali road trip itinerary.
Is North Bali worth visiting?
Absolutely — for the lakes, waterfalls, rice terraces and a calm coast with a fraction of the south’s crowds. It’s the island’s most serene region and a highlight for repeat visitors.
How long does a North Bali drive take?
It’s a full day from the south, and the distance means many visitors overnight in Munduk or Lovina rather than rushing back the same day.
What’s the best car for North Bali’s mountain roads?
A comfortable, capable SUV like a Range Rover or Land Cruiser handles the climbs and rural roads best, while keeping you fresh over the distance.
Should I hire a driver for North Bali?
For most visitors, yes. The distances and winding mountain roads make a driver the relaxed choice, freeing you to enjoy the scenery.
We’ll arrange the right car — and a driver who knows the mountain roads — for an unforgettable day in Bali’s quiet north. WhatsApp +62 811-2859-0000 or email sales@balipremiumtrip.com. Based in Seminyak, replies in minutes, 24/7 — 4.9★ from 127 guests, a Juara Holding Group brand.
