Self drive Bali tour

Self drive Bali tour Overview

A self-drive itinerary which will take you to the north coast of Lovina where you can swim and snorkel over pristine coral reefs, explore the island's famed water temples, volcanic mountains, and crater lakes. Experience the islands dramatic landscapes on a trip to Bali's highest and most active Volcano, and stay in the artistic centre of Ubud.

Self drive Bali tour

Bali is an island of unique traditions of music, dance, painting, sculpture, and architecture. Picture perfect sunsets from the beautiful palm fringed beaches overlooked by lush highlands and soaring volcanoes. We have a suggested self-drive itinerary which will take you to the north coast of Lovina where you can swim and snorkel over pristine coral reefs, explore the island's famed water temples, volcanic mountains, and crater lakes. A trip to Bali's highest and most active volcano, Mount Agung and Batur will give you a chance to experience the island's dramatic landscape. Stay a couple of nights in the artistic centre of Ubud where you can browse the shops and art galleries before arriving on the south coast for relaxation.

Best time for this itinerary: July and August are the peak season months. Expect dry weather in April, May, June and September, with better prices just before and just after high season.

Day 1: Fly to Denpasar

Depart by flight to Bali.

Day 2: Arrival in Denpasar

On arrival, meet up with our local representative for a private transfer to your chosen beach resort. Stay 2 nights.

Distance and journey time: 12 km, 25 mins

Day 3: Relax on the beach

Full day for relaxation, shopping and choice of dining.

Day 4: Visit Tanah Lot Temple and drive to Bali Barat National Park

Take delivery of your self-drive vehicle and depart around the highway to meet the main road heading north. Follow the route in the direction of Gilimanuk. Stop to visit the Royal Temple at Mengwi. Take time to visit Tanah Lot Temple, one of Bali's most iconic shrines, nestled on a rock on the Indian Ocean. Continue along the coastal road until you arrive at Bali Barat National Park. Stay 2 nights.

Distance and journey times:

Denpasar to Tanah Lot Temple: 26 km, 1 hr

Tanah Lot Temple to Bali Barat: 121 km, 2.45 hrs

Day 5: Explore Bali Barat National Park

A full day to explore the flora and fauna of Bali Barat National Park, home to small mammals such as black monkeys, leaf monkeys, macaques and mouse deer.

Day 6: Drive to Lovina

Take a leisurely drive along the northern coastal road to Lovina. Stay 2 nights.

Distance and journey time:71 km, 1.30 hrs

Day 7: Relax on the beach in Lovina

A full day to explore Lovina and its lovely beaches.

Day 8: Drive to Batukaru

Continue east and take the turn south to Singaraja and Gitgit Waterfall before arriving at Lake Beratan to visit Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, a peaceful Hindu temple on the banks. Afterwards, drive to Batukaru for 2 nights.

Distance and journey time:

Lovina to Lake Beratan; 37 km, 1.20 hrs

Lake Beratan to Batukaru: 27 km, 1 hr

Day 9: Explore Batukaru

Full day to explore Bali’s stunning hinterland, the Batukaru Mountains.

Day 10: Drive from Batukaru to Ubud

Head south over the mountains and down to the famed artistic town of Ubud for 2 nights.

Distance and journey time: 42 km, 1.30 hrs

Day 11: Explore Ubud

Ubud is surrounded by terraced rice paddies, Hindu temples, and shrines. Shop for handicrafts and browse the art galleries.

Top things to do in Ubud:

Goa Gajah or Elephant Cave is one of Bali’s most impressive archaeological sites.

Ubud Monkey Forest also known as Sacred Monkey Forest is located close to Ubud’s centre is the natural habitat of the grey long-tailed macaque. Make a unique Balinese offering at the Pura Dalem Agung, located at the highest point of the forest. Offerings are an integral part of Balinese culture and are three times a day, giving gratitude to the Gods.

Trek through the Tegallalang Rice Terraces, a short distance north of Ubud and one of the most beautiful terraced landscapes in Bali.

Threads of Life Gallery for an unforgettable cultural immersion. Join a class of “Introducing the Textiles of Bali & Indonesia”. This class introduces textiles from across Indonesia also gives you an introduction to the ikat (cloth dyeing process and the use of natural dyes). Threads of Life is a non-profit organisation that helps traditional weavers throughout Indonesia, they earn a living from weaving and keep their tradition alive.

Puri Saren Royal Palace also known as Puri Saren Agung is one of the main landmarks in Ubud. Charming gardens, Balinese architecture and the splendour of the Palace provide a dramatic setting for classical dance performances.

Setia Darma House of Masks, housing over a thousand masks and many thousands of puppets.

Campuhan Ridge Walk, a nature trek from scenic Gunung Lebah Temple.

Day 12: Drive from Ubud via Kintamani to Candi Dasa

Drive through scenic roads over the beautiful rice fields and landscapes to Lake Batur. Stop in Tampaksiring to visit the unique temple of Gunung Kawi, set amongst lush rice terraces. Turn north to arrive at Kintamani, a volcanic region, and the large crescent-shaped Lake Batur. Return south to visit the holiest Hindu Temple at Besakih before heading to the coast arriving at Candi Dasa for 2 nights.

Distance and journey times:

Ubud to Lake Batur: 42 km, 1.20 hrs

Lake Batur to Kintamani: 9 km, 30 mins

Kintamani to Besakih: 22 km, 1 hr

Besakih to Candi Dasa: 30 km, 1 hr

Day 13: Relax in Candi Dasa

Full day to enjoy Candi Dasa.

Day 14: Departure via Tirta Gangga Water Palace

After breakfast, visit the Water Palace at Tirta Gangga before proceeding to the Bali Aga village of Tenganan. Continue down the coast via Klungkung and Gianyar to the silversmiths at Celuk. Drop off your vehicle at the airport or extend your stay at your chosen beach resort.

Distance and journey times:

Candi Dasa to Tirta Gangga: 22 km, 40 mins

Tirta Gangga to Klungklung: 36 km, 1 hr

Klungklung to Denpasar: 32 km, 46 mins