Self-Launched Coast to Coast Traverse of Bali
11 days · Bali, Indonesia
Much Better Adventures charges £1,595
No-markup version: ~£620 per person
Estimate only, not a guaranteed price. Always verify costs independently before booking.
This self-launched version of the iconic Bali coast-to-coast traverse takes you on the same incredible 62-mile south-to-north hiking route through rice paddies, jungle, coffee plantations, volcanic highlands and remote waterfalls — without the guided tour price tag. You'll stay in guesthouses, local homestays and budget retreats along the route, book a local guide independently for the tricky jungle sections, and use shared minibuses and private drivers to cover transfers. The route is increasingly well-documented among independent trekkers and follows clear village paths. Budget roughly £550–650 for the 11 days, compared to £1,500+ with a commercial operator.
Day-by-day
Arrive in Bali — Tabanan South Coast
Tabanan, South Bali
Fly into Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS). Take a Grab taxi or pre-booked private driver (~£8–12) south-west to Tabanan, around 45 minutes from the airport. Check into a budget guesthouse or homestay near Batu Tampih Beach. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach or by the pool. Head out for a solo welcome dinner at a local warung — try nasi campur or mie goreng for under £3.
🚌Grab taxi or pre-booked private driver from DPS Airport to Tabanan, ~£10
🛏Local guesthouse or homestay near Tabanan/Batu Tampih Beach (e.g. Pondok Anyar or similar), ~£14–18/night
- →Walk along Batu Tampih Beach at sunset
- →Dinner at a local warung — classic Indonesian dishes for ~£3–5
The Trek Begins — Tabanan to Umadhatu
Tibubiu to Umadhatu, West Bali
Fuel up with breakfast at your guesthouse or a local café, then set off on the trail from Tabanan. The route follows riverside tracks and farming paths through Tibubiu village and past rice fields — roughly 8 miles and 4–5 hours of easy walking. Navigation uses Maps.me or Wikiloc (download the Bali coast-to-coast GPX track beforehand). Pack a picnic lunch from a village warung along the route. Finish at Umadhatu area — check into a local guesthouse or family homestay and relax after your first day.
🚌On foot — start trail directly from Tabanan accommodation
🛏Guesthouse or family homestay in Umadhatu area, ~£12–16/night
- →Download GPX route via Wikiloc or Maps.me before departure
- →Hike 8 miles through Tibubiu village, riverside paths and rice fields (~4–5hrs)
- →Picnic lunch from a village warung along the route (~£2–3)
Megati Village to Kemetug
Megati to Kemetug, West Bali Highlands
Rise early for coffee and breakfast at the homestay before picking up the trail through cacao, coffee and exotic fruit plantations. This 8-mile stage gains around 820ft through lush highland terrain with volcanic peaks on the horizon. Stop to chat with local farmers tending their crops. Arrive at Kemetug and check into a mountain guesthouse or small retreat — a simple but comfortable base for the night.
🚌On foot along the trail from Megati
🛏Mountain guesthouse or small retreat in Kemetug area, ~£12–16/night
- →Hike 8 miles through coffee and cacao plantations (~4–5hrs)
- →Spot local farmers tending traditional crops
- →Visit a local coffee stall for freshly brewed Balinese coffee (~£1)
Kemetug to Kampung Kopi — Camping Night
Kemetug to Karyasari, West Bali
Today's longest stage covers around 10 miles with 6–7 hours of walking, crossing rivers and passing through the spectacular rice terraces near Karyasari. Visit the local temple and grab lunch in the village gardens (~£3). Tonight you'll camp at a community-run campground — bring or rent a basic tent and sleeping bag from a gear rental shop in Denpasar or Ubud before the trip (~£5/day rental). The campground setting is beautifully lush and local families often cook simple dinners for trekkers.
🚌On foot along the trail from Kemetug
🛏Community-run campground (bring or pre-rent camping gear), ~£5–8/night pitch fee
- →Hike 10 miles through plantations, river crossings and rice terraces (~6–7hrs)
- →Visit a local Balinese temple along the route
- →Lunch in Karyasari village gardens from a local warung (~£2–3)
- →Tent rental tip: pre-arrange gear from Denpasar (~£5/day)
Through the Jungle — Pupuan to Bengkel Village
Pupuan to Bengkel, North Bali Highlands
Enter the jungle-clad northern section of the route. Today's 9-mile hike (~5–6hrs) takes you through dense tropical rainforest, with a highlight stop at Blamantung Waterfall (325ft drop) — take a swim in the natural pool at the base. This is one of the more remote and navigationally tricky sections; consider hiring a local guide for the day from Pupuan village (~£15–20). Arrive at Bengkel and check into a simple guesthouse or mountain retreat with pool views.
🚌On foot; consider hiring a local guide from Pupuan village for this jungle section (~£15–20)
🛏Guesthouse or small retreat near Bengkel Village, ~£14–18/night
- →Hike 9 miles through dense tropical jungle (~5–6hrs)
- →Swim at Blamantung Waterfall (325ft drop) — free to access
- →Hire a local day guide in Pupuan village for jungle navigation (~£15–20)
Rest Day — Yoga, Waterfalls and Village Exploring
Bengkel, North Bali
Take a full rest day at your Bengkel base. Book a drop-in yoga class at a local studio or retreat (~£5–8) to stretch out sore legs. Spend the morning by the pool before heading out in the afternoon to explore nearby villages and local waterfalls on foot. Pick up fresh tropical fruit from roadside stalls and relax into the slower pace of highland Bali. Dinner at a local warung.
🚌On foot for local exploration
🛏Same guesthouse/retreat as Day 5 (~£14–18/night)
- →Drop-in yoga class at a local studio or retreat (~£5–8)
- →Explore nearby villages and local waterfalls on foot — free
- →Afternoon pool time and relaxation
- →Fresh tropical fruit from roadside stalls (~£1–2)
Bengkel to Bedugul via Tamblingan Lake
Bengkel to Bedugul, North Bali
Resume trekking at around 2,950ft elevation through coffee fields and village footpaths, with wildflowers and Lesung Mountain on the horizon. Descend through coffee plantations to stunning Tamblingan Lake, stopping at Pande Temple — consider a short canoe ride on the lake (~£4). Continue through tropical jungle to reach Bedugul. Check into a budget hotel or guesthouse in the Bedugul area, known for its cool highland air and lake views.
🚌On foot along the trail from Bengkel
🛏Budget hotel or guesthouse in Bedugul, ~£14–18/night
- →Hike 9 miles through coffee fields and wildflower paths (~5hrs)
- →Visit Pande Temple at Tamblingan Lake — free
- →Optional short canoe ride on Tamblingan Lake (~£4)
- →Explore Bedugul area and local market
Chasing Waterfalls — Bedugul to Aling-Aling
Wanagiri to Aling-Aling, North Bali
A descent-heavy day (3,346ft down) through Bali's scenic highlands, passing through the authentic village of Wanagiri. Trek through rice terraces and forest to reach Cemara and Dedari Waterfalls for a swim — entrance fees apply (~£1–2 each). After lunch at a warung near the falls, continue to the spectacular Aling-Aling Waterfall, one of the most photogenic spots on the island. Book an Aling-Aling guided waterfall tour via GetYourGuide if you want access to all the natural slides and pools (~£10). Stay in a guesthouse near Sambangan village.
🚌On foot — mostly downhill trail
🛏Guesthouse near Sambangan or Aling-Aling area, ~£12–16/night
- →Hike 9 miles through highlands, rice terraces and forest (~6hrs)
- →Swim at Cemara and Dedari Waterfalls (~£1–2 entrance each)
- →Visit Aling-Aling Waterfall — entrance ~£2, natural slides ~£5
- →Lunch at a local warung near the falls (~£3)
Sambangan to Penimbangan Beach — Coast Reached!
Sambangan to Lovina, North Bali
The final trekking section: an easy 6-mile, 3–4 hour walk down to the north coast at Penimbangan Beach. Hike through villages with the sea coming into view — a deeply satisfying finish. Dive in for a ceremonial swim to mark completing the coast-to-coast traverse! Take a local bemo (shared minibus) or arrange a private driver (~£8–10) for the short trip along the coast to Lovina. Check into a budget beachside guesthouse in Lovina and celebrate with cold Bintangs at a beach bar.
🚌On foot to Penimbangan Beach; local bemo or shared taxi to Lovina (~£5–10)
🛏Budget guesthouse or small hotel in Lovina, ~£12–16/night
- →Final 6-mile hike to Penimbangan Beach (~3–4hrs)
- →Ceremonial swim in the sea upon reaching the north coast — free
- →Sunset drinks at a Lovina beach bar to celebrate (~£4–6)
Lovina to Sanur — Dolphins, Temples and a Final Feast
Lovina to Sanur, South Bali
Rise early for a sunrise dolphin-watching boat trip from Lovina Beach — a classic local experience bookable directly on the beach for ~£8–12 per person. After breakfast, arrange a private driver or charter a tourist minibus for the 4-hour scenic drive south through the highlands (~£15–20 shared between passengers). Stop at a local restaurant in Bedugul for lunch (~£5) and visit Taman Ayun Temple in Mengwi (~£2 entrance). Arrive in Sanur and check into a budget hotel or hostel. Enjoy a celebratory farewell dinner at a beachfront restaurant.
🚌Private driver or tourist minibus Lovina to Sanur via Bedugul (~£15–20 per person)
🛏Budget hotel or hostel in Sanur (~£16–22/night)
- →Sunrise dolphin-watching boat trip from Lovina Beach (~£8–12, book directly on the beach)
- →Stop at Taman Ayun Temple in Mengwi (~£2 entrance)
- →Lunch at a local restaurant in Bedugul (~£4–5)
- →Celebratory farewell dinner on Sanur beachfront (~£8–12)
Farewell, Bali — Airport Transfer
Sanur to Denpasar Airport
Enjoy one last tropical breakfast in Sanur before heading to the airport. Take a Grab taxi (~£8–10) or arrange a pre-booked private driver from your guesthouse to Ngurah Rai International Airport in time for your flight. If you have a late flight, Sanur's beachfront promenade is perfect for a final stroll.
🚌Grab taxi or pre-booked driver from Sanur to DPS Airport (~£8–10)
🛏N/A — departure day
- →Final breakfast at a Sanur café or beachside warung
- →Morning stroll along Sanur beachfront promenade — free
- →Grab taxi to DPS Airport (~£8–10)
Self-launched vs. Much Better Adventures
| This itinerary (self-launched) | Much Better Adventures | |
|---|---|---|
| Price per person | ~£620 | £1,595 |
| Duration | 11 days | 11 days |
| Who books it | You and your group, direct | Tour operator, guided group |
| Savings | £975 per person (61%) | |
Estimate only, not a guaranteed price. Always verify costs independently before booking.
Want to see more Much Better Adventures-style trips? Check them out here.~£620
estimated per person
You never pay Travel Crew for this — you pay hostels, transport, and activity providers directly, the same as if you'd booked it all yourself.
This publishes your dates so other travellers can find and join you — no tour operator needed.
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Frequently asked questions
How much does Self-Launched Coast to Coast Traverse of Bali cost?+
Doing it yourself with this self-launched itinerary costs an estimated £620 per person for 11 days in Bali, Indonesia. This is an AI-generated estimate based on typical budget-traveller prices — actual costs will vary by season and how you book.
Is this cheaper than booking with Much Better Adventures?+
Yes — Much Better Adventures charges around £1,595 per person for a similar tour. Doing the same route independently, using the same standard of accommodation and activities, costs an estimated £620 — a saving of roughly £975 (61%) per person.
How long is the Bali, Indonesia trip?+
This itinerary runs 11 days, covering 11 day-by-day stops through Bali, Indonesia.
How do I join this trip?+
You can join an existing open departure using this itinerary if one is scheduled, or launch your own departure with your own dates and invite other travellers to join you — no tour operator required.
Isn't it easier to just use a tour operator?+
Well, yes, a tour operator will book all the individual parts of your travel for you and provide a guide. That's obvious, but doing this has the potential to save the group thousands, which can in turn improve your itinerary substantially or save you huge amounts of money. Also, when you launch a departure, Travel Crew has tools in place to help you book the individual sections of the trip or make it easier for you to do this as a group. Really, you do not need a middle man. If you are more comfortable paying more and using a middle man, then you should certainly do this.
Is it safer to book through a tour operator?+
Arguably, there isn't much difference. A self-launched trip runs on the same principle as a group travel crew: collective responsibility, everyone looking out for each other, the same way it would if a group of friends organised the trip themselves — because that's exactly what's happening. You should always take out travel insurance before you go, self-launched or not; that doesn't change either way. Every open departure is published publicly with real dates and a real trip organiser, so it's never an anonymous arrangement, and our support team is reachable any time you need help, including in an emergency while you're away. Longer-term, we're building direct relationships with ground DMCs in popular destinations, offered as an optional paid add-on for extra on-the-ground support. Ultimately, though, the group is responsible for its own conduct and safety on a self-launched trip, same as on any trip you plan yourself.
What kind of trip is this?+
This is a hiking, adventure, culture trip through Bali, Indonesia, self-launched rather than run by a tour operator — you organise it with a group you find or bring yourself.
Would you like to name the operator, name the trip, or have any suggestions about how to improve this itinerary?
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