Driving in Bali for a while has made me rethink the average traffic rules. One of the many things I’ve learned here is that parallel traffic means 3 cars and 5 scooters in one row. So, for the sake of sanity, leaving the madness of the main roads behind is not only refreshing but a need.

I’m a huge fan of shortcuts, and riding two wheels gives the freedom of wandering. Cruising on less-known paths and hill roads or just getting lost is definitely a must-try when visiting Bali. The scenery is gorgeous, there are no people, sometimes also no roads.. and hey, the real adventure starts when you have no idea and don’t care where you’re going.

ROUTE NO.1

Pulukan – Bubunan – Munduk

No matter if you depart from the south (Pulukan) or from the cold mountains (Munduk) heading towards the north (Bubunan), all the roads leading there are incredible. You won’t meet tourists (except fellow adventure seekers), only local farmers, chickens, and dogs. The winding asphalt leads through small villages adorned with many temples (pura) and frangipani trees. From the heights, you’ll have a fabulous view of the northern coast, and as you descend the slopes, you’ll be amazed by the change in climate and the smell of the tropical forest. This is what I call pleasure driving.

ROUTE NO.2

Semarapura – Sidemen – Manggis

For some reason, Semarapura is my dearest small town on the island, and it always makes me happy to drive that way. The east coast highway is good (sea on one side, Mt. Agung on the other), but nothing beats the scenic mountain roads. Sidemen is the heart of Mama Bali. There’s no scientific explanation; it is something more spiritual, still true. The entire region is mesmerizing, and it feels like the last remnant of authentic Balinese life. From here to Manggis (which is also the Indonesian name for mangosteen), the roads pass by rice paddies and coconut trees, with the sea view from the hilltops, making it extremely charming.

Just a small detail to note: Google sometimes shows roads that are definitely not roads (only for chickens). If you find yourself in a confusing GPS situation, just improvise. Roads can disappear (due to rain and slopes), or the conditions can be tricky, so put on your confidence pants before sitting on the bike.

ROUTE NO.3

Kintamani – Batur

Hiking Mt. Batur for sunrise is a must-do thing. Once. Luckily, there are easier and lazier options to enjoy the same view with less physical suffering (if we don’t count the morning frostiness). Driving on any narrow way from the north coast towards Kintamani will make your jaw drop, especially if you’re cruising around early in the morning. You can pick any route that is not a dead end, and believe me, it will be a more unique experience than climbing in a crowd, then freezing and waiting for the first rays of the sun (if you’re lucky with the weather).