Five Scenic Rides Every Visitor Should Try in Bali

Bali rewards exploring by scooter more than almost anywhere else in Southeast Asia — the island is small enough to cross in a day, and the best views are rarely on the main road. Canggu to Tanah Lot is the easiest introduction: flat coastal roads, roughly 30–40 minutes each way, ending at one of Bali's most photographed sea temples right as the sun drops behind it. Time your arrival about an hour before sunset to find parking and walk the coastal path first. Ubud to Tegalalang takes you inland through the rice terraces the island is famous for, with plenty of small warungs and coffee stops along the way. Continue a little further north and the crowds thin out considerably. The Uluwatu clifftop loop links Padang Padang, Bingin, and Balangan beaches along a stretch of dramatic coastline, finishing at Uluwatu Temple in time for the sunset Kecak dance. Budget a full day — the roads are narrow and worth taking slowly. Further north, the ride up to Kintamani rewards riders with a direct view of Mount Batur across its caldera lake. The air noticeably cools as the road climbs, so a light jacket is worth packing even on a hot day. For something quieter, the Sidemen valley in east Bali sees a fraction of the traffic of the south, with rice terrace views that rival Tegalalang and far fewer people. It's a longer ride from the main tourist areas, best suited to an adventure-category bike with a bit more range. A few practical notes for any of these: fuel up before you leave rather than assuming you'll find a station along quieter routes, download offline maps in case of patchy signal inland, and pack a light rain layer even in the dry season — Bali's weather changes quickly at altitude.