You are planning your next trip to Bali en Indonesia and are looking for a nice, convenient place to stay to visit the island without a car.

With its beautiful scenery, beaches, rich culture and varied activities, Bali can indeed be explored without having to rent a car.

In this article, I will guide you through the best places to stay in Bali when you don't have a vehicle.

In addition, I will tell you about the tourist attractions that are accessible without a car and the means of transport that you can use.

How to visit Bali without a car?

Discover Bali without having to worry about renting a car? It's possible and I'll show you how!

Indeed, Bali has a varied and accessible transport network:

1. Taxis and private drivers: Taxis are a convenient and inexpensive way to get around. Private drivers take you directly to your destination at the chosen time and for a personalized itinerary.
2. The “bemo”: These minibuses allow you to discover Bali at low cost.
3. Scooters: Scooter rental is convenient for exploring the island more independently (around €3,80 per day).
4. Tuk-tuks: These motorized tricycles are particularly suitable for short journeys.

Best Places to Stay in Bali Without a Car

1. Ubud : The cultural heart of Bali, Ubud is the ideal place to stay to explore all around (see explanations below).
2. Kuta, Seminyak or Canggu: These seaside towns are very pleasant to explore on foot. Very touristy, they are well served by public transport and taxis. But above all, they have travel agencies that offer excursions to visit the entire island of Bali.
3. Sanur : This peaceful area is located along a large beach. It is also a convenient place to visit Bali without a car. Indeed, it is located right next to Denpasar from where you can go to visit temples, local markets and the main tourist attractions of Bali without a car.
4. Nusa Dua : Although this area is mainly made up of large hotel complexes, it remains accessible without a car thanks to its network of shuttles and taxis. You will thus be able to enjoy the white sand beaches and water activities.

Ubud ideal base for visiting Bali

Considered the cultural heart of Bali, Ubud is a great place to get around on foot.

You can stroll through the bustling streets, visit temples, palaces and local markets, all while admiring the lush green rice fields that surround the city.

In addition, Ubud has an ideal geographical location for visiting Bali without a car:

• Ubud is located in the center of the island of Bali, making it a great base for exploring the different regions of the island.
• The city is surrounded by many important tourist spots, such as the Tegalalang Rice Terraces, temples, and natural attractions like the Tegenungan Waterfalls.
• Ubud is located in the heart of rice fields offering many possibilities for hiking and walking or cycling, such as the Campuhan Ridge Walk.

In addition, it is possible to get around easily using scooters or local shuttles like those that serve the Monkey Forest every 15 minutes.

With these features, Ubud allows travelers to fully enjoy Balinese culture and the natural beauty of the island without the need for a car.

Tourist attractions accessible without a car from Ubud

Several temples and cultural sites are accessible by public transport from Ubud:

Temples near the city center

• The Royal Palace (Puri Saren Agung) is located in the centre of Ubud and is accessible on foot for free.
• Saraswati Temple is also located in the heart of Ubud, next to the palace.
• Another temple within walking distance from the center is Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal.

Cultural sites accessible by public bus

• Gunung Kawi Temple is approximately 18 km from Ubud and can be reached by public bus.
• Tirta Empul Temple and its hot springs are accessible by bus from Ubud.
• Goa Gajah Temple is located 4 km from Ubud and accessible by public transport. Entrance costs 15 rupees for adults.

Other sites of interest

• The Puri Lukisan Museum, dedicated to Balinese art, is located in the center of Ubud. Entrance costs 115 rupiah with lunch included.
• The Monkey Forest, a forest populated by monkeys, is within walking distance from the city center.
• Ubud Market: This traditional market, located in the heart of Ubud, allows you to discover local crafts.
• Ubud Rice Terraces Hike: Explore the beautiful rice terraces accessible by bus, taxi or scooter from the city center.

To get to these sites, you can use public buses such as the Kura-Kura Bus which serves several stops around Ubud. It is also possible to take bemos (local minibuses).

Areas to Stay in Bali for Beaches

The best areas to stay in Bali without a car to enjoy the beaches are:

1. Kuta : This is one of the most famous and popular beaches in Bali, ideal for surfing, sunbathing and a lively atmosphere. It is easily accessible on foot and offers many affordable accommodation options.
2. Seminyak : A more sophisticated version of Kuta, Seminyak offers pristine beaches, luxury resorts and trendy beach clubs. The area is compact enough to explore on foot.
3. Nusa Dua : This gated community offers beautiful beaches and plenty of amenities, ideal for a carefree vacation. Although more secluded, the area is well-appointed for pedestrians.
4. Sanur : It is a laid-back coastal town with a beautiful beach, calm waters and plenty of water activities. It has a quieter, family-friendly atmosphere, perfect for getting around on foot.
5. Jimbaran : Located near the airport, this area offers quieter beaches, excellent seafood restaurants and a fishing village atmosphere. It is compact enough to explore without a car.

These areas offer a good balance between accessibility, amenities and beautiful beaches, allowing travelers to fully enjoy Bali without the need for a vehicle.

Bali Tours for Car-Free Travelers

Bali is full of activities and attractions accessible to travelers without a car via organized group day tours.

Many agencies offer these outings by picking you up and dropping you off at your hotel.

Civitatis, for example, offers day trips to discover the island's landscapes, culture and activities:

• Sunrise Hike on Mount Batur : Climb this sacred volcano to admire a spectacular sunrise. The tour includes a breakfast cooked in the steam of the volcano and a visit to the local coffee plantations. See my article on the Mount Batur.
• 4WD Tour of Mount Batur : A more comfortable alternative to exploring volcanic landscapes at sunrise.
• Visit to Uluwatu Temple and Kecak Dances
• Private Tour of Besakih Mother Temple : Iconic temple located on the slopes of Mount Agung, combined with an exploration of East Bali.
• Snorkeling in Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan : Swim alongside manta rays and explore coral reefs in these paradise islands.
• Gili Islands : Enjoy the idyllic beaches of the Gili Islands with activities such as diving or snorkeling. The transfer includes pick-up in Bali and a speedboat ride. See for transfer to Gili Islands
• Tanah Lot, Nung Nung and Bedugul : Iconic temples, impressive waterfalls and UNESCO World Heritage rice fields.

These excursions are accompanied by French-speaking guides, transport included, and free cancellation options.

Recommended hotels for travelers without a car in Bali

When traveling in Bali without a car, it is important to choose your accommodation wisely to make getting around easier. Here are some recommended hotel options that are well-located for exploring the surrounding area on foot or with accessible transportation options.

• Nick's Hidden Cottages by Mahaputra in Ubud : Rice field views, typical Balinese decor, private balcony. Less than 5 minutes from the Monkey Forest and the city center. The property offers a free shuttle to Ubud city center. It is just a 10-minute walk from Ubud's lively shops and restaurants.

• Suryadina Guest House in Ubud : Central location, quiet, spacious rooms, Balinese garden, breakfast on the terrace. In the heart of Ubud, this guesthouse is ideal for exploring Bali on foot and for exploring the island.

• Courtyard Bali Seminyak Resort : Perfect hotel for a car-free beach holiday, 5 minutes walk from the beach. It offers a free shuttle service to the beach and major tourist attractions. The hotel is well located, just a 5-minute walk from Seminyak's shops.