Bali Scooter Road Trips: Scenic Routes & My Tips
TRAVELMOTORBIKING & ROADTRIPS
Hopping on a scooter and driving off somewhere is one of my favorite things to do in Bali. You'll love road-tripping here. The island's landscapes shift constantly, from mountains to beaches, and rice fields often within the same hour of driving.
There's a specific kind of freedom that only comes from a scooter in Bali: rice terraces opening up on either side of the road, stopping for a coconut whenever you feel like it, no fixed schedule beyond wherever the road happens to lead. Bali scooter road trips are genuinely one of the best ways to actually see this island. Here are the routes actually worth the ride, plus how to do it properly.
If you're looking for more adventure, check out my Bali Hiking and Bali Waterfall Adventure guides
Best Scenic Scooter Routes in Bali
Bali's best roads aren't the fast ones, they're the ones that climb through rice terraces, wind along the coast, and force you to slow down and actually look around. Here are the scenic routes worth building a full day trip around.
Ubud to Kintamani via Tegallalang
The classic first scooter trip for a reason. Head north out of Ubud through Tegallalang's cascading rice terraces, then continue climbing toward Kintamani for sweeping views over Lake Batur and the volcano itself. Stop at a hillside coffee plantation along the way, and budget half a day if you want to actually enjoy the stops rather than just pass through.
East Bali Loop: Ubud to Sidemen to Amed
A longer, genuinely spectacular route for a full day or overnight trip. From Ubud, wind east into Sidemen's rice-terrace valley beneath Mount Agung, quiet, dramatic, and one of the least touristed parts of central Bali, before continuing on to Amed's black-sand coastline for the night. The roads slow down considerably in Sidemen's hill country, so don't rush this one.
Canggu to Uluwatu Coastal Route
A shorter, flatter ride down the Bukit Peninsula, passing Bali's best-known surf breaks and clifftop temples along the way. Traffic through central Canggu and Jimbaran can be heavy at peak times, so an early morning or late afternoon departure makes the ride far more pleasant.
North Bali Waterfall & Lake Loop
Head up into the mountains around Munduk for a genuinely cooler climate, misty forest roads, and a string of waterfalls (Melanting, Red Coral, Golden Valley) within a single loop. Continue on to the Twin Lakes (Tamblingan and Buyan) for a scenic overlook, and if time allows, push further to Lovina on the north coast for a completely different, far quieter side of Bali.
Scooter Safety Tips for Bali's Roads
Check the scooter thoroughly before you ride off. Test the brakes, lights, and horn, and photograph any existing scratches or damage so you're not blamed for it later.
Expect police checkpoints, particularly around busy intersections in Canggu, Seminyak, and Sunset Road. Carry your license and IDP, and stay calm and polite if stopped, if you're genuinely in the wrong, fines are meant to be paid officially via bank transfer or digital payment, not handed over in cash on the spot.
Avoid riding after dark on rural roads if you can help it. Lighting is inconsistent outside the main tourist areas, and potholes are harder to spot.
Watch for sudden stops, wandering dogs, and oncoming traffic on blind corners, especially on the winding roads through Bali's hill country.
Don't ride if you've been drinking. It sounds obvious, but it's a genuinely common cause of accidents here.
What to Pack for a Scooter Road Trip
A proper helmet (most rentals provide one, check the fit before you leave)
A light rain jacket, weather can shift fast, especially in the hills
Sunscreen and a scarf or buff for sun and dust protection
Cash in small bills for fuel, parking, and rural entrance fees
A phone mount and offline map downloaded ahead, signal drops out in some of the more remote hill routes
Travel insurance with the right coverage
Fuel & Practical Logistics
Fuel is genuinely cheap, and you'll find it two ways: official Pertamina stations for reliable, properly measured fuel, or small roadside stalls selling petrol out of repurposed bottles, fine in a pinch, but less consistent in quality. Expect to pay around IDR 70,000–150,000 a day to rent a decent scooter, and always confirm what the rental includes, insurance, helmets, and a clear damage policy, before you hand over any money.
When Not to Ride: Alternatives to Consider
If you're traveling as a group, don't feel confident on two wheels, or you're planning a long day trip to somewhere remote like the waterfalls up north, hiring a private driver is a genuinely smart alternative. A comfortable, air-conditioned car for a full 10-hour day typically runs IDR 500,000–700,000, split between a group of friends that's often cheaper per person than you'd expect, and it removes all the stress of navigating unfamiliar roads yourself.
Legal Requirements Before You Ride
This isn't optional paperwork, it's the difference between a great day and a genuinely expensive problem if something goes wrong.
Your home country motorcycle license. A car license alone doesn't count, if your home license only covers a sedan, you're not legally covered to ride a scooter here.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) issued under the 1968 Convention, specifically showing a motorcycle endorsement. Sort this out before you leave home, it's straightforward to apply for online and worth having regardless of where else you travel.
Vehicle registration papers (STNK), which your rental shop should hand over with the bike. Keep them under the seat.
Helmets for both rider and passenger, no exceptions. Riding without one risks an instant fine around IDR 250,000, and that's the smaller problem, it's also genuinely dangerous.
Here's the part that catches people out: if you crash without the right license and IDP, your travel insurance can refuse the claim entirely, leaving you covering medical costs out of pocket. Motorbike accidents are the leading cause of tourist hospitalizations in Bali, this paperwork isn't bureaucratic box-ticking, it's what stands between you and a very expensive mistake.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a special license to ride a scooter in Bali? Yes. You need your home country motorcycle license plus an International Driving Permit (IDP) with a motorcycle endorsement. A car license alone isn't sufficient.
What is the best scenic scooter route in Bali? The Ubud to Kintamani route via Tegallalang is the classic first choice, rice terraces, coffee plantations, and volcano views in a manageable half-day trip.
Is it safe to ride a scooter in Bali? Yes, provided you follow the legal requirements, wear a helmet, and ride cautiously, particularly around blind corners and areas with wandering animals. Motorbike accidents remain the leading cause of tourist hospitalizations, so caution genuinely matters.
How much does it cost to rent a scooter in Bali? Roughly IDR 70,000–150,000 per day, depending on the model and rental duration.
What happens if I'm stopped without an International Driving Permit? Police can issue a formal ticket (surat tilang) requiring an official fine payment, and riding without proper documentation can also void your travel insurance if you're involved in an accident.
Final Thoughts
A scooter genuinely is the best way to actually see Bali, not just the version between resort and beach club, but the rice terraces, mountain roads, and quiet coastlines most visitors never reach. Sort your IDP out before you land, wear the helmet every single time, and pick a route that matches how much time you actually have. Get the legal side right, and the rest is just wind, coconuts, and however many stops you feel like making along the way.
Check Out My Other Bali Guides:
Best Things to Do in Bali: Insider Tips & Hidden Gems (2026)
Living in Bali as a Digital Nomad in 2026: Costs, Best Areas & Tips