Bali West and Highlands Loop — Indonesia — Scenic
Southeast Asia

Bali West and Highlands Loop

Indonesia

Loop / circuit
Loop from Denpasar and Ubud

In short: Bali West and Highlands Loop is a about 340 km scenic road trip in Indonesia, typically driven over 5 days, best in Apr–Oct. Highlights: Denpasar and Ubud, Kintamani and Lovina, Pemuteran and Menjangan.

Distance
about 340 km
Duration
5 days
Best Season
Apr–Oct
IconicModerateScenicPermit requiredGuide recommended

Five days around Ubud, Kintamani, Lovina, Pemuteran and the west before a measured Tanah Lot–Jimbaran finish. Gilimanuk port is removed as a supposed attraction.

~0 refuels
~1 charge
Practical notes
Indonesia is Level 2 as of 7 July 2026. Drivers and riders need the applicable IDP, matching home licence and insurance; a local driver is sensible in congestion. Check volcano and ash status daily. Nyepi closes roads, the airport and ferry operations, so never schedule a driving day across it. Menjangan and West Bali National Park require current protected-area tickets and a reputable authorized boat/guide; marine weather can cancel the trip.

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Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1Denpasar to Ubud

Ubud cultural district · Nasi Ayam Kedewatan Ibu Mangku

Day 2Ubud to Kintamani and Lovina

Kintamani viewpoint and Lovina arrival · Warung Batan Sabo

Day 3Pemuteran and Menjangan

Authorized Menjangan or Pemuteran reef day · Warung Setia

Day 4Pemuteran to Tanah Lot area

West-coast daylight transfer · Tirta Sari Restaurant

Day 5Tanah Lot to Jimbaran and Denpasar

Tanah Lot and Jimbaran Bay · Menega Cafe

Stops along the route

Denpasar and Ubud — Departure — Bali West and Highlands Loop — Indonesia
Departure
Denpasar and Ubud
Start after the urban transfer.
Tanah Lot and Jimbaran — Arrival — Bali West and Highlands Loop — Indonesia
Arrival
Tanah Lot and Jimbaran
Choose one sunset according to timing and cloud.

Things to Do

Ubud cultural morning — Cultural district — Bali West and Highlands Loop — Indonesia
Cultural district
Ubud cultural morning
Choose a temple, museum or rice-field walk without stacking distant sites.
Kintamani viewpoints — Volcanic landscape — Bali West and Highlands Loop — Indonesia
Volcanic landscape
Kintamani viewpoints
Check live volcano and ash status first.
Menjangan or Pemuteran reef day — Authorized marine excursion — Bali West and Highlands Loop — Indonesia
Authorized marine excursion
Menjangan or Pemuteran reef day
Book a reputable authorized operator and follow park rules.
Tanah Lot — Sea temple — Bali West and Highlands Loop — Indonesia
Sea temple
Tanah Lot
Visit on day five and do not promise a second simultaneous sunset.
Jimbaran Bay — Beach and dinner — Bali West and Highlands Loop — Indonesia
Beach and dinner
Jimbaran Bay
Finish with the bay and a named seafood meal.

Where to Eat

Nasi Ayam Kedewatan Ibu Mangku — Balinese — Bali West and Highlands Loop — Indonesia
Balinese
Nasi Ayam Kedewatan Ibu Mangku
A named Ubud-area meal.
Warung Batan Sabo — Balinese — Bali West and Highlands Loop — Indonesia
Balinese
Warung Batan Sabo
A named highland meal; recheck current hours.
Warung Setia — Indonesian — Bali West and Highlands Loop — Indonesia
Indonesian
Warung Setia
A current, address-listed Pemuteran restaurant on Jalan Seririt–Gilimanuk.
Menega Cafe — Seafood — Bali West and Highlands Loop — Indonesia
Seafood
Menega Cafe
Use only on the Jimbaran finish day.

Nearby and similar drives

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Bali West and Highlands Loop drive?

The Bali West and Highlands Loop covers about 340 km from start to finish.

How long does the Bali West and Highlands Loop take to drive?

Most travellers spend 5 days on the Bali West and Highlands Loop, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Bali West and Highlands Loop?

The recommended season for the Bali West and Highlands Loop is Apr–Oct.

Where does the Bali West and Highlands Loop start and end?

The Bali West and Highlands Loop runs from Denpasar and Ubud to Tanah Lot and Jimbaran.

What are the main stops on the Bali West and Highlands Loop?

The Bali West and Highlands Loop passes through Denpasar and Ubud, Kintamani and Lovina, Pemuteran and Menjangan.

How difficult is the Bali West and Highlands Loop to drive?

The Bali West and Highlands Loop is rated moderate and is best handled with any vehicle.

Can I drive the Bali West and Highlands Loop in a regular car?

Yes — the Bali West and Highlands Loop is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.

Do I need a permit or border paperwork for the Bali West and Highlands Loop?

Yes — the Bali West and Highlands Loop requires permits, fees, or border paperwork. Plan ahead: Indonesia is Level 2 as of 7 July 2026. Drivers and riders need the applicable IDP, matching home licence and insurance; a local driver is sensible in congestion. Check volcano and ash status daily. Nyepi closes roads, the airport and ferry operations, so never schedule a driving day across it. Menjangan and West Bali National Park require current protected-area tickets and a reputable authorized boat/guide; marine weather can cancel the trip.

How many fuel stops are needed on the Bali West and Highlands Loop?

Plan around 0 refuels (or about 1 EV charges) along the Bali West and Highlands Loop, based on its about 340 km length.

Is the Bali West and Highlands Loop safe to drive?

Indonesia is Level 2 as of 7 July 2026. Drivers and riders need the applicable IDP, matching home licence and insurance; a local driver is sensible in congestion. Check volcano and ash status daily. Nyepi closes roads, the airport and ferry operations, so never schedule a driving day across it. Menjangan and West Bali National Park require current protected-area tickets and a reputable authorized boat/guide; marine weather can cancel the trip.

What scenic tier is the Bali West and Highlands Loop?

The Bali West and Highlands Loop is a iconic drive — Iconic road trips that anchor a region's reputation — postcard scenery, headline highways, and the routes most travellers want to drive.