7 Days Bali Roadtrip Itinerary

Explore Bali in 7 Days by Campervan – Roadtrip Adventure

7 Days Bali Roadtrip Itinerary. Bali is often described as an island of contrasts—sacred temples standing beside lively streets, quiet villages hidden behind rice fields, and dramatic coastlines meeting volcanic mountains. While many travelers experience Bali through resorts and day tours, there is a growing movement toward slow travel, where the journey itself becomes just as meaningful as the destination.

One of the most immersive ways to explore Bali through slow travel is by using a campervan. A campervan holiday allows travelers to move freely across the island, sleep close to nature, and experience Bali beyond fixed hotel stays. From coastal camping grounds to highland lakes and mountain viewpoints, a campervan transforms Bali into a living, breathing landscape rather than a checklist of attractions.

This 7-day Bali campervan itinerary is designed for travelers who want to explore deeply, travel mindfully, and experience Bali in a more personal and authentic way.

Why a Campervan is Perfect for Exploring Bali

A campervan holiday in Bali offers a unique balance between adventure and comfort. Instead of rushing between destinations or being bound by hotel locations, travelers can decide where to stop, how long to stay, and when to move on.

Campervan travel is especially suitable for Bali because:

• Distances between regions are manageable

• Scenic routes are abundant

• Camping grounds are increasingly available

• Nature is always close

Travelers wake up to ocean views, misty mountain air, or lakeside tranquility—all without checking in or out of accommodation.

Driving a Campervan in Bali: What to Expect

Driving in Bali can feel intimidating at first, especially for travelers unfamiliar with Southeast Asian traffic. However, campervan routes are generally manageable when approached calmly.

Key Driving Tips

• Drive slowly and defensively

• Expect scooters everywhere, especially in towns

• Use daylight hours for long drives

• Avoid narrow village roads at night

• Always follow local driving etiquette

Routes through East Bali, Kintamani, and Bedugul are scenic but include winding roads and elevation changes. These routes reward patient drivers with stunning views.

Food Experiences During the Campervan Journey

One of the highlights of campervan travel is the freedom to mix local dining with self-cooked meals.

Local Food Stops Worth Exploring

• Sidemen: Simple warungs serving nasi campur and vegetable dishes

• Amed: Fresh grilled fish and seafood

• Kintamani: Warm soups and Balinese chicken dishes

• Ubud: A mix of traditional and plant-based cuisine

Cooking on the Road

Campervan cooking remains simple and practical:

• Instant noodles with added vegetables

• Fried rice using local spices

• Toast, eggs, and fruit for breakfast

• Coffee made with portable stoves

Cooking outdoors, especially near beaches or lakes, becomes part of the travel experience.

Cultural Etiquette While Camping in Bali

Camping in Bali often takes place near villages, temples, or sacred landscapes. Respect for local customs is essential.

Important Cultural Guidelines

• Dress modestly near temples

• Avoid loud music at night

• Ask permission before entering village areas

• Do not camp in restricted or sacred zones

• Keep the area clean and leave no trash

By respecting local culture, campervan travelers are welcomed warmly by communities.

Day 1: Arrival in Bali – Campervan Pickup

Route: Ngurah Rai International Airport → Gianyar → Keramas Beach or Anglung River Camp
Overnight: Keramas Beach Camping Ground / Anglung River Camp

The journey begins at Ngurah Rai International Airport, where the energy of Bali is immediately felt. Instead of heading toward crowded tourist hubs, the route leads eastward to Gianyar, a region that blends culture, agriculture, and quieter landscapes.

Campervan Meeting Point at East Bali Campervan (Gianyar)

East Bali Campervan in Gianyar serves as the official meeting point and pickup location for the campervan. The location is easy to access from the airport and offers a calm environment away from traffic-heavy areas such as Kuta or Seminyak.

Upon arrival at the East Bali Campervan meeting point, travelers are welcomed and guided through a short but essential orientation. This session ensures everything is clear before hitting the road and typically includes:

• Overview of campervan features and interior layout

• Basic vehicle handling and safe parking tips

• Electrical system usage, lighting, and charging points

• Sleeping setup and mattress arrangement

• Water storage, simple waste management, and cleanliness tips

This hands-on introduction helps travelers feel confident, even for those experiencing campervan travel for the first time in Bali.

Stocking Up on Camping Supplies

Before heading to the first campsite, a stop at a supermarket or local market is essential. Typical supplies include:

• Drinking water and snacks

• Simple ingredients for easy meals

• Fresh fruit from local vendors

• Coffee, tea, and sugar

• Paper goods and trash bags

Buying supplies locally not only supports small businesses but also adds to the sense of travel immersion.

First Night Options: Beach or River Camping

The first night is intentionally kept close to Gianyar, allowing travelers to settle into campervan life.

Keramas Beach Camping Ground
Keramas Beach is known for its black volcanic sand and surf-friendly waves. Camping here offers a dramatic coastal atmosphere, where the sound of waves creates a natural rhythm for the evening.

Anglung River Camp
Surrounded by trees and flowing water, Anglung River Camp offers a peaceful alternative. The gentle sound of the river and the cool air provide a calming first night.

Both locations allow travelers to unwind after arrival and enjoy the novelty of sleeping outdoors.

Day 2: East Bali Exploration – Valleys, Temples, and Ancient Villages

Route: Gianyar → Sidemen → Besakih → Tenganan → Telaga Waja → Bukit Asah
Overnight: Bukit Asah Camping Ground

Day two introduces the heart of East Bali, a region known for traditional villages, dramatic landscapes, and strong cultural identity.

Sidemen Valley: Bali’s Hidden Countryside

The drive toward Sidemen Valley reveals terraced rice fields, small villages, and views of Mount Agung in the distance. Sidemen remains largely untouched by mass tourism, making it an ideal place to experience Bali’s rural charm.

Short walks through the valley offer glimpses of daily life—farmers tending rice paddies, women weaving traditional fabrics, and children playing along village paths.

Besakih Temple: Bali’s Spiritual Center

From Sidemen, the road climbs toward Besakih Temple, often referred to as the Mother Temple of Bali. Located on the slopes of Mount Agung, this vast temple complex is central to Balinese Hinduism.

The scale of Besakih reflects its importance, with multiple temples spread across terraced hills. Visitors are encouraged to dress respectfully and move slowly through the complex, allowing time to appreciate the spiritual atmosphere.

Tenganan Village: Preserving Ancient Traditions

Tenganan Pegringsingan is one of Bali’s oldest villages, known for preserving pre-Hindu Balinese traditions. The village layout, architecture, and social rules have remained largely unchanged for centuries.

Walking through Tenganan feels like stepping into a living museum, where traditions are not performed for tourists but lived daily by the community.

Telaga Waja Waterfall

After cultural exploration, Telaga Waja Waterfall offers a refreshing break. Surrounded by greenery, the waterfall provides a peaceful spot to relax before continuing toward the coast.

Sunset at Bukit Asah Camping Ground

The day ends at Bukit Asah Camping Ground, a cliffside campsite overlooking the ocean. As the sun sets, the sky transforms into shades of orange and purple, creating a dramatic end to the day.

Camping here offers:

• Open ocean views

• Cooling sea breezes

• A quiet, remote atmosphere

Day 3: East Bali Icons – Beaches, Temples, and Royal Water Palaces

Route: Bukit Asah → Virgin Beach → Lempuyang Temple → Taman Ujung → Tirta Gangga → Amed
Overnight: Batu Belah Camping Spot (Amed)

Virgin Beach: A Calm Coastal Escape

Virgin Beach is one of East Bali’s most beautiful beaches. With soft white sand and clear water, it offers a relaxing start to the day. Compared to beaches in southern Bali, Virgin Beach remains relatively quiet.

Lempuyang Temple: Sacred Heights

Lempuyang Temple, often called the Gate of Heaven, is one of Bali’s most sacred sites. Located high on the mountain, it offers panoramic views and a serene atmosphere.

Despite its popularity, visiting early helps maintain a peaceful experience.

Royal Water Palaces of East Bali

Two historical landmarks highlight East Bali’s royal heritage:

Taman Ujung Water Palace
An elegant complex with ponds, bridges, and views stretching toward the sea.

Tirta Gangga
A former royal bathing complex featuring fountains, statues, and stepping stones.

Both sites showcase Bali’s artistic and architectural traditions.

Evening by the Sea in Amed

The journey continues to Amed, a coastal village known for snorkeling and tranquil beaches. Camping at Batu Belah allows travelers to rest beside the ocean, enjoying the quiet rhythm of waves at night.

Day 4: Underwater Wonders and Savanna Landscapes

Route: Amed → Tulamben → Savana Nusu → Tianyar
Overnight: Savana Tianyar Camping Ground

Tulamben Beach: Snorkeling Paradise

Tulamben Beach is famous for its shipwreck snorkeling site. The shallow waters make it accessible even to beginners, while marine life thrives around the coral-covered wreck.

Savana Nusu: Bali’s Unexpected Landscape

From the coast, the route leads inland to Savana Nusu, where rolling grasslands replace tropical forests. This unique landscape offers a striking contrast and a reminder of Bali’s geographic diversity.

Camping at Savana Tianyar

Savana Tianyar Camping Ground provides wide-open views and cooler temperatures. The lack of light pollution makes it an excellent location for stargazing.

Day 5: Kintamani Highlands and Mount Batur Experience

Route: Tianyar → Kintamani → Lake Batur
Overnight: Lemonte Sunrise Camp or Mount Batur Camping Area

Entering the Volcanic Highlands

The drive into Kintamani reveals cooler air and volcanic terrain. The scenery becomes more rugged, with black lava fields and expansive views.

Lake Batur Exploration

Lake Batur lies within a volcanic caldera and offers peaceful surroundings. Visitors can walk along the lakeshore or enjoy local food while overlooking the water.

Camping Near Mount Batur

Two camping options suit different travel styles:

• Lemonte Sunrise Camp for a relaxed experience

• Mount Batur Camping Area for those planning a sunrise trek

Both options provide unforgettable views of the surrounding mountains.

Day 6: Ubud’s Cultural Heart and Lake Beratan

Route: Kintamani → Ubud → Bedugul
Overnight: Cok Camping Ground, Lake Beratan

After several days of coastal views, volcanoes, and remote landscapes, Day 6 brings the journey into the cultural and spiritual heart of Bali. The route descends from the cooler highlands of Kintamani toward Ubud, before continuing north again into the misty mountains of Bedugul.

This day balances exploration, culture, and slower moments, making it one of the most rewarding parts of a campervan journey through Bali.

Discovering Ubud

Ubud has long been considered Bali’s cultural soul. Surrounded by jungle valleys, rice terraces, and rivers, the town blends traditional Balinese life with art, spirituality, and nature-based experiences.

A campervan makes it easy to explore Ubud beyond the main streets, allowing visits to both famous landmarks and quieter natural spots.

Popular experiences in and around Ubud include:

• Jungle waterfalls, hidden within lush ravines, offering refreshing swims and shaded walking trails

• Sacred Monkey Forest, where ancient temples sit among towering trees and long-tailed macaques roam freely

• Tirta Empul Water Temple, one of Bali’s most important spiritual sites, where locals and visitors take part in traditional purification rituals

In addition to these highlights, Ubud is also known for its art galleries, local markets, yoga studios, and small cafés overlooking rice fields. Even during busy periods, it is still possible to find peaceful corners—early mornings along village roads, quiet temple courtyards, or riverside paths away from the crowds.

Travelers using a campervan often appreciate the flexibility to arrive early, park outside the busiest zones, and explore Ubud at a relaxed pace.

From Ubud to Bedugul

In the afternoon, the route continues north toward Bedugul, gradually climbing into cooler mountain terrain. The change in landscape is noticeable: dense jungle gives way to pine forests, vegetable farms, and mist-covered hills.

The drive itself is scenic, with winding roads, roadside fruit stalls, and occasional lake viewpoints appearing along the way.

Evening at Lake Beratan

By late afternoon, Lake Beratan comes into view—one of Bali’s most iconic highland lakes. Known for its calm waters and cooler temperatures, the area offers a completely different atmosphere from the coast.

Camping at Cok Camping Ground near Lake Beratan provides:

• Crisp mountain air and cooler nights

• Quiet surroundings with minimal light pollution

• Misty mornings that roll gently across the lake

• Views of forested hills and calm water reflections

As evening settles in, temperatures drop, making it ideal for a warm meal and a relaxed night inside the campervan. The peaceful environment encourages slower moments—listening to night sounds, enjoying warm drinks, and resting after a culturally rich day.

Waking up near Lake Beratan offers a refreshing contrast to Bali’s beaches, setting the tone for the final day of exploration before returning south.

Day 7: Lake Beratan and Return to Gianyar

Route: Lake Beratan → Gianyar → Ngurah Rai International Airport

The final day begins in the cool highlands of Lake Beratan, surrounded by misty air and quiet scenery. A morning visit to Ulun Danu Beratan Temple offers a peaceful farewell to Bali, with the temple’s iconic lakeside setting and mountain backdrop creating a calm, reflective atmosphere.

After breakfast near the lake, the campervan journey continues south toward Gianyar. The drive passes through changing landscapes, from cool mountain roads to lush villages and rice fields.

At the East Bali Campervan meeting point in Gianyar, the campervan is returned through a simple check-out process before continuing to Ngurah Rai International Airport. The trip ends with unforgettable memories of exploring Bali freely—one road, one sunrise, and one campsite at a time.

Best Time of Year for a Bali Campervan Trip

While Bali is a year-round destination, certain seasons are better suited for campervan travel.

Dry Season (April–October)

• Best for camping

• Clear skies and cooler nights

• Ideal road conditions

Wet Season (November–March)

• Lush landscapes

• Fewer tourists

• Requires more weather awareness

The dry season is generally recommended for first-time campervan travelers.

Campervan Travel with Family or Friends

A campervan holiday is well-suited for:

• Couples seeking romantic slow travel

• Families wanting bonding time

• Small groups of friends

Children often enjoy the adventure, especially sleeping close to nature and exploring beaches and forests.

Sustainability and Responsible Travel

Campervan travel encourages responsible tourism when done mindfully.

Sustainable Travel Practices

• Use reusable bottles and utensils

• Minimize plastic waste

• Support local businesses

• Respect wildlife and natural habitats

Traveling slowly reduces environmental impact and increases cultural appreciation.

Why This 7-Day Campervan Route Works So Well

This itinerary balances:

• Beaches and mountains

• Culture and nature

• Activity and rest

By moving clockwise through Bali, travel distances remain reasonable, allowing more time for exploration and relaxation.

Final Reflections: Why a Campervan Holiday Transforms the Bali Experience

A campervan holiday in Bali is more than a road trip—it is a shift in how the island is experienced. Traveling with a home on wheels allows journeys to slow down, creating space to appreciate landscapes, local life, and quiet moments that are often missed when moving between hotels and packed itineraries.

Waking up beside the ocean, falling asleep near mountains, and sharing meals under open skies turns each destination into part of a continuous story rather than a checklist of attractions. The freedom to stop, explore, and rest anywhere makes Bali feel less like a tourist destination and more like a living, breathing island.

From coastal sunsets and jungle rivers to sacred temples and peaceful villages, a 7-day campervan journey reveals Bali in a deeply personal way. It offers connection—to nature, to culture, and to the rhythm of the road—leaving travelers with memories that last far beyond the journey itself.