Bali was obviously a beautiful island and I had heard about it already long before even considering to traveling to Indonesia. But this beauty was not as apparent as it seemed and unfortunately for many visitors the experience of Bali simply ended on one of the many nice beaches. Even if the beaches on Bali were great, a lot more could be discovered when visiting some of the unique temples that distinguished this island from the rest of the country. But the full beauty of Bali, the one of seemingly endless green landscapes, could best be explored by scooter.
Away for the business of the capital city of Denpasar and the tourist areas of Kuta or Ubud, there lay the real Bali of lush green fields, scattered palm trees and dense forests. The best way to experience these green landscapes was obviously on one’s own terms and on two small wheels while renting a scooter. The liberty of being able to follow every road and direction that seemed suitable, paired with a sense of adventure and the curiosity to actually find out what Bali had to offer, made driving around the island a truly unforgettable trip.
The Driving Conditions on Bali
Roads and Landscapes
Straight open Road with plain Fields by Tabanan on Bali
Occasional Potholes and light Vegetation by Amlapura
Palm Trees and nice Greenery by Kubutambahan
Winding Roads in hilly forested Terrain by Penulisan
Back Roads through dense Forest by Pura Luhur Batukaru
As the roads were changing from straight through the fields to winding up to higher altitude in dense forest, also the climate was changing drastically. But despite the change in temperature between the warm lowlands and the chilly elevated areas, the landscapes were usually lush green while the roads were pretty empty.
On the Scooter
Driving by Scooter through Fields and Forests on Bali
Driving around on Bali was not only a fun experience, it was also surprisingly easy since most of the roads were leading through rural areas with very little traffic. This definitely helped to fully enjoy the time spent on the scooter while cruising around and taking in the beautiful landscapes.
Bali’s most Beautiful Areas to Drive
1. Crater Rim by Munduk
Volcanic Lakes as seen from the Rim Road by Munduk
Danau Tamblingan Lake and Volcano Gunung Lesung
View from the Rim over the big Cater Lake Danau Buyan
The drive on the rim road by Munduk was one of the best drives on Bali. On the one hand the road made for a great up and down ride, on the other the views over the surrounding scenery and volcanic lakes was simply stunning.
2. Big Crater by Gunung Batur
Winding Roads and Forests on the Way to Penulisan on Bali
Driving towards the big Crater and Volcano Gunung Batur
The Road and Desert Landscape inside big Crater on Bali
Volcano Gunung Batur and rocky Desert Landscape
Upper Rim Road View of Gunung and Danau Batur
This big crater by Gunung Batur was so impressive because it still consisted of a complete circular shape with an active volcano in the middle. Approaching and leaving the old crater by road provided already some amazing views, but driving down inside and through the rocky desert-like landscape to Toya Bungkah simply felt outlandish ans surreal.
3. Coastal Road by Amed
Fishing Village and Volcano Gunung Agung by Amed on Bali
Coastal Road View over the coved Beach by Bunutan
Fishing Village and Boats at the Beach by Lipah
Last Fishing Beach at the Coastal Road by Aas on Bali
The coastal road by Amed provided some great contrast with very different landscapes than the volcano areas had to offer. But the entire coast with its winding roads and great views over the fishing villages completed in a wonderful way the driving experience on Bali. From the plain fields over the forests and the rims of the big craters to the winding coastal road, the drive on the scooter had been an amazing experience that could only be enhanced by the many colorful beaches and the beautiful Hindu temples that Bali offered along the way as well.
Have you rented a scooter while travelling and explored some areas as well?
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Find more Information about Bali here
Bali, Volcanoes and colorful Beaches
Volcanic Influences
Big Volcanoes of Bali
Differently colored Beaches
Black and White Sand Locations
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The Temples and Ceremonies of Bali
Physical Appearance
Split Stone Entrance Gates
Balinese Temples in actual Use
Different Temple Locations on Bali
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9 Days of Driving around Bali Island
General tips for driving on Bali.
Individual days of riding by Scooter.
Street maps for all sections of the ride.
Summarized driving conditions with diary links.
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Check out all those boats lined up on the beach! Looks like quiet roads, too – was that throughout, or just the ones you were able to stop and take photos on
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Bronwyn Joy recently posted…How To Make a Toy Ropeway (and other Searching Questions)
You are right Bronwyn, the boats were lined up nicely and the roads quiet. That was actually the common scene on Bali once you left the tourist centers in the south. The rest of the island was pretty rural and a real treat to explore by scooter…
Amazing photos, it looks like you got to see the real Bali beyond the beaches and bars.
Craig Lewis recently posted…Lake Ashi – Volcanoes, mountains, paddy fields… and cats
Thanks a lot Craig! It actually wasn’t too difficult to explore the real Bali, all it took was leaving the busy Kuta area behind and everything else was simply a breathtaking ride…
We rented a scooter in Malaysia many years ago, we took a mountain road and then stopped to appreciate the views at the top, and that was when a monkey almost stole our keys! That would have been interesting! Love your photos of Bali, it looks like such a wonderful place to visit! One day!
Emma recently posted…Silent Sunday
Thank you Emma, Bali really was a beautiful place and in reality it looks even better than on the photos! It’s great to hear that you rented a scooter as well, it really is the best way to get around and explore on your own. It’s funny now, but I actually had my keys stolen by a monkey once as well. With a little bit of food we managed to distract him enough to let them drop from the tree, luckily…
This is my favorite pastime anywhere I go (or even when at home). Just get a scooter and roam around without any real destination in mind. And Bali really seems like a great place to do just that. Love your photos. Great views from the drive on the rim road by Munduk.
frankaboutcroatia recently posted…In the spotlight: The Mestrovic Pavilion Zagreb Croatia
I agree with you Frank, getting a scooter and cruising around really is such a great way to explore and get lost. Bali was in fact the perfect place to do that and once you got used to driving on the left side, it all good and fun. That rim road really was an amazing place to drive and I enjoyed it so much, I actually drove that stretch back and forth three times before I was ready to carry on…
Looks like an amazing experience. I once did something similar and travelled around the Bolaven Plateau in Laos by scooter, I had a sore backside at the end of the day but it was a fabulous experience. That coastal road looks great!
Margherita @The Crowded Planet recently posted…Meeting the men of the forest
That coastal road really was great Margherita! In fact the entire ride on Bali was great and driving in Laos sounds amazing as well. Unfortunately I never made it to the south of Laos, but it also looks like a beautiful area and I am sure it was well worth having the sore back…
Your pictures show a different side to Bali other than the beaches and Ubud. Beautiful!
Brianna recently posted…Misadventures in the Mayan city of Tikal
Thank you Brianna, I am glad that you liked seeing this more local side of Bali. It definitely is nothing but beautiful…
Loved riding mopeds in Florence, Italy so I know I’d love it here as well. So often when you see pictures of Bali it’s the water, rice fields or temples. Very fun to see more of the countryside and mountains. Where did you rent the scooter from?
Daidri | Thee Getaway Gal recently posted…Venice: Rialto Market Photo Essay
Daidri, there were actually a lot of places to rent a scooter from in Kuta, but I ended up getting a good deal from my guesthouse/hotel with the added bonus that I could leave my big backpack there. Riding in Florence sounds great and I am sure you would love driving on Bali as well, especially when you get to see the more remote country areas…
Beautiful photos and a really interesting read! I would love to visit Bali some day..
Victoria Dovaston recently posted…Did you miss me?
Thank you very much Victoria! Definitely try to visit Bali if you get the chance, it’s such a beautiful island…
Wow, what a great way to explore the island, I’m sure a little scary with all the crazy traffic there until you hit the more remote and lush areas – would love to visit that beach community!
noel recently posted…Road trip to Big Sur, Travel Photo Mondays #42
Thank you Noel, getting a scooter was definitely the best way to explore Bali. I actually thought that the traffic wasn’t too bad, all you had to do was leave the Kuta area. By the time you reached the lush green areas, you pretty much had the roads all to yourself and you could really enjoy those great views…
I loved the countryside in Bali and wished I had spent more time there! I noticed that everyone drove scooters and there weren’t many safety precautions as far as helmets or kids or limit of people. I might be a little nervous to do it via scooter, bit it would be so cool to rent a car or something!
Lindsay recently posted…Feria de Abril in Sevilla – The Most Fantastic Festival in Spain
You are right Lindsay and it’s probably true for any place in Asia that scooters are used to carry any number of people and a wide range of goods. But if you refrain from doing so and wear a helmet, you should be all set to cruise safely on Bali. Otherwise renting a car could definitely be an option, but you still have to adjust to driving on the left side of the road… 😉
I love seeing an area by scooter or bike. It just seems like you are better able to connect with the land with that method of transportation.
Jessica recently posted…Seize the Summer with the Ultimate Bucket List Challenge #PCBeachBucketList
I totally agree with you Jessica! Feeling the fresh wind blow in your face and the sun warm your body while you are cruising through the fields of Bali definitely created a certain connection you would have missed in an air conditioned car. So exploring the island on a scooter is in my opinion by far the best way to do it…
Lovely. I remember doing a motorbike ride around Bali. We did not stay on Bali due to the overwhelming amount of tourists. I will be heading out to Bali again this time staying with a local friend. Can not wait to do more motorbiking to the outskirts this time 😀 This article was helpful me to get me ideas that there are places still untouched by tourists in Bali.
Erick, it’s great to hear that you also drove around on Bali, but it seems unfortunate that you did not stay for a while. Bali really is a beautiful island, especially once you leave the tourist areas. If you are planning to go back and would like to explore more on a scooter or motorcycle, please check my website again in a couple of days as I am currently putting together a map and description of my route. Maybe it could be helpful for you as well…
I have travelled to Bali many times over the years starting in 1991. It has certainly changed and not always for the better. But Bali has done a good job in restricting the areas in which tourists dominate. If you go north, west, or east you can find yourself in places the way Bali is in your imagination. South is another story as I know you know.
Tim recently posted…The Yosemite Valley
You are certainly right Tim, it really takes to leave the south before you find the real Bali. I can only imagine how the island must have looked like in 91, it must have been a real paradise. But luckily a lot of it seems to be still preserved and can be accessed easily while driving around on a scooter…
Those volcanic lakes and fishing villages are beautiful. Scootering looks like a great way to get around…I’d love to get to Bali and really explore it.
Globalmouse recently posted…Pompeii – In the Footsteps of Romans – with children!
You should definitely try to explore the beautiful landscapes of Bali, it’s well worth it. But if it is safe to cruise around on a scooter with little kids is something I would leave up to you to judge…
Wow the crater rim and volcanic lakes look incredible! I’d be stopping every two seconds to take photos…assuming I didn’t hit that pot hole first! 😉 stunning photos- thanks for sharing!
Thank you very much Hannah! As you can imagine my progress on the scooter was very little compared to the actual distance. What could have been a two hour drive on the map of Bali took me pretty much the whole day simply because I spent more time off the scooter taking photos and looking around than actually on it while avoiding the potholes…
I’ve never driven a scooter, but that looks like a place where I definitely wouldn’t want to be cooped up in a car.
Jess recently posted…Sunlight and Ice – Ice Alaska by Day.
Jess, I am actually not an experienced driver myself, but if you get an automatic scooter then it’s really easy to cruise around. And driving through these beautiful landscapes is certainly not quite the same in an air conditioned car…
Love the photos and how green it is there. Haven’t been to Bali or even Indonesia yet so I need to make sure to add it to my list for sure
Anwar recently posted…Notes from an Indian Train
Definitely Anwar, Bali is such a beautiful island and besides the lush green landscapes, it also offers some amazing temples plus a wide range of colorful beaches…
Wow, amazing photos. I hope to visit Bali sometime and on a scooter seems the perfect way.
Travellingmunk recently posted…The road less travelled
Thank you Annette! You should certainly make sure to rent a scooter when you get the chance to visit Bali, it really is the perfect way to get around and see the landscapes…
Ok, I’ll confess that I was one of those people who spent all my Bali time lying on the beach. It was at the end of our whirlwind SE Asia tour, and we were exhausted by the time we reached Bali. It was our “vacation from our vacation” spot. So, I now really want to go back after seeing all your photos. I really like how Ganung Agung is the classic conical volcano shape. I assume you were stopped when taking that selfie, right? It seems that scootering would be a good way to get around as I hear that the car traffic on some of those roads can be horrible sometimes. The scooter just zips by.
Michele {Malaysian Meanders} recently posted…School Field Trips Malaysia-style
Michele, there is certainly nothing wrong with spending your time on one of the many beaches on Bali. I was just fascinated by the fact that Bali had so much more to offer and from the colorful beaches over the the beautiful temples to the stunning landscapes, the scooter was simply the perfect way to explore everything. Sure I stopped for the photos and I must have spent a lot more time off than on the scooter, simply because there was so much to see. So, I am afraid you really have to go back to Bali at some point…
So gorgeous! The forests look incredibly lush. It must have been fun to see it all by scooter.
Adelina | PackMeTo recently posted…Memorable Provincial Parks in British Columbia
You are right Adelina, the landscapes were incredibly lush green and it really way a lot of fun to explore Bali by scooter…
Love seeing the other side to Bali here and these are gorgeous photos! I can’t wait to explore Bali for the first time very soon!
Oh, and thanks for linking up to the #SundayTraveler
Ashley @ A Southern Gypsy recently posted…Meet the Gypsies : Manouk of Bunch of Backpackers
Thank you very much Ashley! Definitely make sure to rent a scooter when you make to Bali, it really is the best way to get around and explore the landscapes of the other side of the island…
This post really, really made me envious. I would love to do this. It sounds so different and so special. Also the pics are wonderful
Thank you Sarah, I am glad to hear that you liked the photos. But the post wasn’t intended to make you envious, it was simply supposed to point out some suggestions. So, make sure to go to Bali and explore the beautiful landscapes by scooter as well…
This sounds amazing and looks like the best way to see the place! Some gorgeous views there, I love the lakes and the views of the volcano and the beach!!
Lauren recently posted…Eating Vegan on a Cruise Ship (or Any Other Special Dietary Need)
Thank you Lauren, some of the views on Bali really were amazing! The scooter definitely was the best way to explore and you have no idea how many times I actually stopped just to take in the great landscape views, especially the ones of the the great volcano Gunung Agung…
You’re absolutely right that most people just visit Bali for the beaches. It’s become so touristy that people have started to say Bali is no longer worth visiting. Thanks for sharing the gorgeous landscape of this island that proves otherwise.
Ming recently posted…Monkeying Around On The Steps of Batu Caves
You are right Ming, if you were just to stay in the tourist area, it’s probably not worth going to Bali as you can have that experience at any other touristic place. But getting out there on a scooter and seeing all the different landscapes, temples and natural beaches, was definitely well worth it…
What a fabulous way to see the sights! Pre baby we would often rent a scooter / wuad bike to see places. My favourite was in Santorini – BLISS! Biggest thanks for joining us for #SundayTraveler this week.
SJ @ Chasing the Donkey recently posted…Hotel Vicko {Small & Family Run}
It’s great to hear that you also liked getting a scooter Sarah-Jane. Unfortunately I haven’t been to Santorini yet, but I can imagine that the villages and landscapes must have been gorgeous as well well, even if quite different form Bali…
The scenery near the coast looks really beautiful – some parts look quite European and remind me a bit of the amalfi coast! Really great pics – Bali is on my wishlist!
Shikha (whywasteannualleave) recently posted…Perito Moreno Glacier, Patagonia, Argentina
Thank you very much Shikha! You are right, Bali is not only a beautiful but also a quite diverse island with many different influences. Needless to say that Bali is definitely a great place to have on the wish list…
Gorgeous! I have friends in Bali, I need to visit them
We rented a motorcycle in the Dominican Republic once, it was my first time riding one.
Rachel recently posted…How to Be the Best in the World: Lessons from a Kenyan Running Camp
Great to hear that you also rented a motorcycle Rachel! Unfortunately I haven’t seen much of the Dominican Republic yet, but I am sure it must be a great place to drive around as well. Definitely go and visit your friends on Bali and definitely get a a scooter as well and explore the island…
I love the picture of the boats lined up on the beach- and the crater rim looks stunning.
Elena recently posted…How to Pack So That You Won’t Need a Bellhop
Thank you very much Elena, it’s great to heat that you enjoyed the photos of Bali! The crater rim and the Amed coast definitely were stunning areas to drive through on a scooter and I would certainly recommend to visit if you get the chance…
This looks awesome! I only saw glimpses of Bali’s interior, I had better learn to ride a scooter and see the rest.
Jon @ jonistravelling.com recently posted…The Best (and Worst) Islands in Malaysia
Thanks Jon, it’s definitely worth seeing the rest of Bali as well! I had no experiences with scooters as well, but if you get an automatic one, it’s actually easier than riding a bicycle…
I am just back from a similar trip and I have to say it was amazing! Next time I am getting a scooter with a little more horsepower but overall really, really easy. Loved it!
Jonathan Look, Jr. recently posted…Sacred Monkey Forest
It’s great to see that you also took a similar scooter trip Jonathan! Many people seem to be really scared about driving on Bali, but I loved it as well and thought it was a really easy ride and the wonderful landscapes just simply made things perfect…
Beautiful pics! Ya, Bali still has much more to offer than its southern areas around Seminyak, Kuta and Canggu. Though the traffic might prevent one from exploring other areas, it is worth mentioning that the local government puts lots of efforts in building bridges (Jalan Denpasar-Gilimanuk) and widening roads. Take a trip with a Volkswagen Thing the next time when you’re in Bali
Thank you Kian, it’s great to hear that you liked the photos! You are right, there was a whole lot more to explore on Bali than the southern area. Widening the roads sounds good and bad, because I really liked driving on the small roads where life was going in a different pace. These roads were simply perfect for the scooter…
Great photo essay! I did that too, loved it!!
Pam | a Blonde around the World recently posted…FALL IN NEW YORK
Thanks a lot Pam! It’s great to hear that you also managed to explore the landscapes of Bali by scooter. This really was the best way to see the island…
Oh my, I wanna do this …. how much does a scooter cost per day on Bali?
Caroline recently posted…Tasting Easter – Traditional Easter Foods in Europe