North and East Bali 5 Day Loop: A Practical Route Guide

A north and east Bali 5 day loop takes you from the busy south into quieter coastal villages, mountain lakes and the rice terraces of the east, and it is far easier with your own vehicle. This guide gives a realistic day-by-day route, driving notes and a checklist before you set off.

Why loop north and east Bali

Most first-time visitors stay in Kuta, Seminyak or Canggu and never see the island's north or east coast. A loop lets you cover Ubud, the mountain lake area, the north coast and the east coast in one trip without backtracking to the airport each night. Public transport is limited outside the main towns, so a rented scooter or car gives you the freedom to stop where you like.

Driving times in Bali change a lot with traffic, rain and roadworks. Treat the times below as rough guides and leave buffers, especially around Denpasar and Ubud at midday.

A realistic 5-day route

This order works well in one direction. Going clockwise (south to Ubud, north through the mountains, east along the coast) keeps the longest mountain drives early, when you are fresh.

Day-by-day notes

Days 1 and 2: Ubud and the lake

Start early to beat the tour buses at the rice terraces. On day 2, Ulun Danu Beratan is best in the morning before clouds roll in. The road up through Bedugul and Munduk has tight bends, so take them slowly.

Days 3 and 4: north coast to Amed

The Kintamani road gives views over the volcano and lake. Lovina is a relaxed base, and Amed is a sleepy strip of fishing villages with excellent snorkelling. The east coast road is long and winding, so this is the day to leave early and avoid driving after dark.

Day 5: the return

Candidasa and Padangbai are good for a slow final lunch before heading back. Allow extra time for the drive south, which can be slower than expected.

Scooter or car?

• Scooter suits two people with light luggage who are confident riding in traffic. Fuel and parking are cheap, and it is easy to stop anywhere. Wear proper gear and never ride on the mountain roads in heavy rain.
• Car suits families, people with heavy luggage, or anyone who does not want to ride long distances. The mountain roads are steep and the air is cooler, so a car is more comfortable on days 2 to 4.
• Note that fast boats do not carry scooters, so the loop must be done on the main island.

Pre-trip checklist

1. Check your licence. Foreign visitors need a valid home licence plus an International Driving Permit with the right category. Check the current rules with your embassy or the relevant Indonesian authority, as requirements can change.
2. Download offline maps and save your accommodation addresses.
3. Carry cash in Indonesian Rupiah for parking, fuel and small stops.
4. Pack a rain layer; mountain weather changes quickly.
5. Plan fuel stops, since rural stretches have fewer stations.

How SiapPergi helps with your loop

SiapPergi rents scooters and cars across mainland Bali, with delivery to your hotel, villa or Ngurah Rai Airport included in the price. Scooters start at Rp70.000 per day and cars at Rp310.000 per day, and every scooter comes with 2 helmets. You do not leave a deposit, your passport is not held, and you pay in Indonesian Rupiah when the vehicle arrives. Booking is done on WhatsApp, and the team can confirm delivery to the place you stay on each night of your loop.

If you prefer someone else to drive, SiapPergi also offers a car with a local driver in Yogyakarta and Central Java. For more on the island's rental options, see the Bali scooter rental page and the car rental page. If you are heading for Amed, the Amed scooter rental page lists delivery in that area, and the Lovina scooter rental page covers the north coast.

Booking your vehicle

Send your model, dates and accommodation on WhatsApp at +6281808001102, available from 07.00 to 23.00 WITA. For an existing plan, you can also read the how to book page for the full steps.