Explorama Tours

Bali guide › North and east Bali

What is there to see in north and east Bali, and for how long?

If you have already done the south and Ubud, the north and east are the natural next step: fewer people, mountain roads, a big volcano, dark sea and villages where life goes on as usual. This is the Bali you look for when you have heard too many car horns, or want to get away from the coffee shops.

Let's go round that half of the island, from west to east:

Journeys are long. From the airport, allow 2.5 to 3 hours to Munduk and Lovina, about 2 hours 45 minutes to Amed, 2.5 hours to Sidemen and 1.5 to 2 hours to Padangbai. Mountain roads are winding, so a private driver is the calmest option (roughly 450,000 to 700,000 IDR a day, or $25 to $39), and a scooter is for experienced riders only (as everywhere on the island, to be honest).

How many days? To do the loop without rushing, allow 4 to 6 days, with 1 or 2 nights at each stop. If your time is limited, you can concentrate on Amed and Sidemen. On budget, there is good news: accommodation on the north coast and in Amed is among the cheapest on the island.

Verdict: the best answer to “where is the real Bali?” for people who like to drive, walk and watch. If you have under a week in total, pick two stops rather than all seven.

Tip: do the circuit in one direction, so you don't retrace your steps. For example, go up via Munduk, come down the east side and finish at Padangbai if you are heading on to the Gilis. The dry season, from April to October, is the most comfortable.

Journey times are approximate, by car from the airport, checked in October 2026.

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