Tanah Lot & Jatiluwih by Scooter: Day Loop, Distances, Tickets
By the SiapPergi Editorial Team · Published 11 October 2026 · 6 min read
Tanah Lot and Jatiluwih are the two Tabanan icons most often combined into one day: a temple on a sea rock and terraced rice fields at the foot of Mount Batukaru. Most people visit Tanah Lot in the morning and Jatiluwih at midday, but the reverse order works far better: the rice fields while the air is still cool, Tanah Lot at sunset. This guide lays out a day loop of about 100–110 km from Canggu or Kuta, with distances, timings, estimated costs and road notes.
The route at a glance, and why the order is reversed
Jatiluwih sits at around 700 m above sea level. In the morning the air is cool and the sunlight on the terraces is soft. After 14:00, especially in the rainy season (roughly November–March), clouds and rain often roll down the slopes of Batukaru. Tanah Lot, on the other hand, is at its best towards dusk, when the temple stands in silhouette against the sunset. That is why this loop starts in the north (Taman Ayun and Jatiluwih) and drops down to the coast in the afternoon.
As a bonus, Pura Taman Ayun and Jatiluwih are both part of the UNESCO World Heritage site Cultural Landscape of Bali Province: the Subak System (2012). In one day you see the royal temple that governs irrigation water and the subak (traditional cooperative irrigation) rice fields it feeds.
Hour-by-hour schedule
| Time | Leg | Estimated distance & time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:30 | Canggu/Kuta → Pura Taman Ayun, Mengwi | ±20–25 km, 40–50 min | Fill up at a petrol station (SPBU) before leaving town |
| 08:30 | Visit Taman Ayun | 45–60 min | Temple with ponds and tiered meru shrines; still quiet |
| 09:30 | Taman Ayun → Jatiluwih (via Marga–Penebel) | ±30 km, 50–60 min | Gradual climb, narrow in some villages |
| 10:30 | Walk the Jatiluwih terraces + lunch | 2–3 hours | Pick a short 1–2 hour trekking trail |
| 13:30 | Jatiluwih → Tanah Lot (via Tabanan–Kediri) | ±40 km, 1–1.25 hours | Long descent; alternate your brakes |
| 15:00 | Tanah Lot: Pura Batu Bolong, clifftops, coffee | 3+ hours | Low tide = you can get close to the temple's base |
| 18:15 | Sunset, then ride back to Canggu/Kuta | ±12–25 km, 30–60 min | The Kediri–Canggu road is busy after dusk |
The distances and times above are Google Maps estimates without traffic. Add 20–30 minutes if you start from Kuta or Legian, and more at weekends or on holidays.
Leg 1: Canggu to Taman Ayun
From Canggu, head towards Mengwi via Tumbak Bayuh or Munggu. From Kuta and Seminyak, go through Kerobokan and briefly along the Denpasar–Gilimanuk main road before turning off to Mengwi. The Denpasar–Gilimanuk national road carries trucks and inter-island buses, so stay in the left lane and never overtake on bends. Taman Ayun opens in the morning; arrive before the tour buses show up around 10:00.
Leg 2: climbing to Jatiluwih
The Marga–Penebel–Jatiluwih stretch is the most enjoyable part to ride: rice fields on both sides, villages lined with penjor (tall bamboo offerings), and gentle climbs. In places the road is only wide enough for one car and one scooter. Slow down on blind bends and give a short toot of the horn when needed. As you enter the area, you pay the entrance ticket at the toll post on the main road.
- Trekking trails: there are several colour-coded footpaths; a short 1–1.5 hour route is enough for photos and atmosphere.
- Parking: park in the official areas along the main road, not on the rice-field dykes or narrow road shoulders.
- Rice seasons: the colour of the fields depends on the planting stage. Deep green is usually 1–2 months after planting, golden just before harvest. Every stage is beautiful.
- Clothing: bring a light jacket; Jatiluwih is noticeably cooler than Canggu.
Want to continue to Bedugul or Munduk and stay overnight? Jatiluwih is only about an hour from Lake Beratan. Follow the Bedugul & Munduk scooter route and save Tanah Lot for another day.
Leg 3: down to Tanah Lot
From Jatiluwih, descend to Tabanan town, then on to Kediri and follow the Tanah Lot signs. The descent from Jatiluwih is fairly long. Don't hold the brakes on constantly; alternate between front and rear. The full technique is in tips for riding Bali's climbs & descents.
At Tanah Lot, park in the official ticketed car park, then walk past the rows of shops to the shore. Besides the main temple on the rock, visit Pura Batu Bolong to the north, which stands on a natural stone arch. At low tide you can walk up to the base of the Tanah Lot rock; at high tide, enjoy it from the cliffs. The temple grounds are for worship only, so visitors do not climb up to the temple courtyard.
Estimated cost for the day
| Item | Estimate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Taman Ayun ticket | ±Rp20,000–50,000/person | Depends on domestic/foreign rate; check at the booth |
| Jatiluwih ticket | ±Rp25,000 domestic / ±Rp75,000 foreign | 2025 prices, may change |
| Tanah Lot ticket | ±Rp30,000 domestic / ±Rp75,000 foreign | Children pay less |
| Scooter parking (3 sites) | ±Rp6,000–15,000 | Rp2,000–5,000 per site |
| Fuel for 100–110 km | ±Rp25,000–45,000 | Pertalite Rp10,000/litre; Pertamax costs more |
| Scooter rental for a day | Vario ±Rp75–100k, NMAX ±Rp120–150k | Estimated market price; final price on /sewa-motor |
| Model | Price/day | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Honda BeAT | from Rp60.000 | Fuel-efficient & light, great around town |
| Honda Scoopy | from Rp65.000to Rp70.000 | Retro style, roomy storage |
| Honda Vario 125 | from Rp65.000to Rp75.000 | Comfortable for mid distances |
| Yamaha NMAX 155 | from Rp120.000 | Big & stable, comfy with a passenger |
| Honda PCX 160 | from Rp130.000 | Premium, spacious seat |
| Kawasaki KLX 150 | from Rp180.000 | Trail bike for village roads & hills |
| Yamaha XMAX 250 | from Rp300.000 | Maxi-scooter for touring |
Estimated market price per day. The final price depends on the rental, the bike's year, rental length & season, and is confirmed before you pay.
Which scooter suits this route
This route is not as demanding as Kintamani or Lempuyang, but there is a long climb to Jatiluwih and the total distance is over 100 km. Riding solo, a Honda Vario 125 is comfortable and economical. With a passenger, a Yamaha NMAX or Honda PCX gives you more power and a roomier seat. A BeAT or Scoopy still works as long as you are not carrying much and are patient on the climbs.
Key tips
- Bring a sarong to enter temple areas; some sites lend them.
- Carry small cash notes for parking, tickets and warungs (local eateries).
- Heading back after sunset means riding in the dark. Make sure your lights work properly and avoid narrow shortcuts through the rice fields.
- Rainy season: keep a rain poncho under the seat and have a backup plan. See riding a scooter in Bali's rainy season.
- Staying in Canggu? Your scooter can be delivered to your villa the evening before via the Canggu scooter rental page.
Conclusion
Reverse the usual order: Jatiluwih's rice fields in the morning, Tanah Lot at dusk. Leave at 07:30 on a 125–155 cc scooter and this 100-odd km loop is relaxed and unhurried. If you want to see West Bali as part of a longer trip, check out the 7-day Bali scooter itinerary. Ready to go? Compare estimated prices for Bali scooter rental and book via WhatsApp.
Ready to rent a scooter?
See estimated prices by area & model, then book on WhatsApp — the final price is confirmed before you pay.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Canggu from Jatiluwih by scooter?
About 45–50 km one way, or 1.5 hours of riding without traffic. From Kuta it is about 55–60 km, or 1.75–2 hours.
Is it better to visit Tanah Lot in the morning or afternoon?
Late afternoon, to watch the sunset at around 18:00–18:30 WITA. Go in the morning only if you want it quiet and aren't chasing the sunset.
How much are the entrance tickets for Jatiluwih and Tanah Lot?
Estimates for 2025–2026: Jatiluwih around Rp25,000 for domestic visitors and Rp75,000 for foreign visitors; Tanah Lot around Rp30,000 domestic and Rp75,000 foreign. Prices can change, so check at the ticket booth.
Is the road to Jatiluwih OK for a 110 cc automatic scooter?
Yes, if you are riding solo and take it slowly, as the climbs are gentle. With a passenger, a 125–155 cc scooter such as a Vario or NMAX is much more comfortable.
Can I add Bedugul to Tanah Lot and Jatiluwih in one day?
You can, but the total is over 150 km and very rushed. It is more comfortable to stay overnight in Bedugul or Munduk, or split it into two days.
This article follows the SiapPergi editorial policy: facts are checked, prices are given as ranges, and mistakes are corrected. Spotted something wrong? Report a correction.