Bali Family EV Loop: Kuta → Ubud → Sanur in 5 Days

Bali is small enough that you barely need a car — but having an EV transforms the experience. Instead of negotiating taxi fares every time the kids want to go somewhere, you just hop in your silent, air-conditioned EV and go. The island is only 153 km long from tip to tip, and this 5-day loop covers just ~100 km of driving.

This itinerary is focused on what families actually want: minimal driving, maximum fun, and charging that happens while you sleep or eat. We've picked the most kid-tested destinations — Waterbom, the Monkey Forest, rice terrace walks — and connected them with routes so short even a Wuling Air EV (200 km range) can do the whole loop without charging.

Route Overview

EV Charging in Bali: What Families Need to Know

Bali's charging infrastructure is less dense than Malaysia or Thailand but improving fast. The best strategy for families: charge at your hotel overnight. Every resort in this itinerary has EV charging or a standard 220V socket where you can plug in a portable EVSE.

Key apps to download: Electrum Charging, SPKLU, Mowilis, PlugShare (for hotel charger reviews), Gojek (backup transport).

Reality check for this trip: The entire loop is ~100 km of driving. Your EV will leave Kuta with 100%, do 35 km to Ubud, 40 km to Sanur, and 25 km back to Kuta — with hotel overnight charging at each stop. You will NEVER be below 50% battery on this trip.

Before You Go

Renting an EV in Bali

Recommendation for families: The BYD Dolphin (340 km WLTP) or Hyundai Kona EV (305 km) are perfect — plenty of room for two adults and two kids, comfortable, and the range is absurdly overkill for this loop. The Wuling Air EV (200 km) is also fine — just remember to plug in overnight each night.

Driving in Bali: Family Edition

• Driving side: LEFT (same as Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia)
• Road quality: Main roads (Kuta-Denpasar-Ubud) are good paved two-lane. Narrower in villages.
• Traffic: The main challenge. Kuta traffic is terrible 4-7 PM. Denpasar-Ubud takes 1-2 hours in peak. Leave by 8 AM for all transfers.
• Scooters: Thousands of them. They pass on both sides. Drive slowly and predictably.
• Speed limits: 40-60 km/h in towns, 80 km/h on highways.
• International Driving Permit: Required. Arrange through your hotel or rental company.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Kuta — Waterbom and Sunset

Arrival (9-10 AM): Pick up your rental EV at Ngurah Rai Airport (DPS). Most rental companies meet you at arrivals. The airport is in Tuban, just 5 km south of Kuta.

First charge: Top up at Electrum Beachwalk (100kW DC, 4 slots, Beachwalk Mall) or Mowilis Simpang Dewa (100kW DC, 4 slots, 10 min from airport). 30-40 min to 80%. Or skip it if your hotel has overnight charging — you have enough range from airport pickup.

Morning (10:30 AM - 12 PM): Settle in at your Kuta hotel. The kids will want to see the pool immediately.

Lunch (12-1 PM): Warung MJS (Jl. Pantai Kuta) — no-frills Indonesian food, nasi goreng, mie goreng, satay. Kids love the fried bananas. IDR 30,000-60,000 per person.

Afternoon (1-5 PM): Waterbom Bali — Asia's best water park, right in downtown Kuta. This is the family highlight of the trip. Over 20 slides, a lazy river, kids' splash zone, and a dedicated toddler area. IDR 450,000 adult, IDR 350,000 child (online booking cheaper on Klook). Plan 4-6 hours. Sunscreen and towels provided.

Late afternoon charge: If you skipped charging earlier, drop the EV at Electrum Beachwalk (100kW DC, same mall as Waterbom entry). Charge while the family is at the water park. 30 min = 50-80%.

Evening (5:30-7 PM): Kuta Beach sunset — walk from the hotel to the beach. Sunset behind the surf. Kids can play in the sand. Beach chairs IDR 50,000.

Dinner: Bamboo Bar & Grill (beachfront, kids menu, IDR 80,000-150,000 per main) or Mulia Bali seafood buffet (upscale, but kids eat at half price).

Overnight: The Legian Seminyak (AC 22kW charging, beachfront, kids club). Alila Seminyak (AC 7kW, modern, family suites, pool). W Bali – Seminyak (AC 22kW, excellent kids club, pool with slide).

Day 2: Explore Kuta and Morning Drive to Ubud

Morning (7:30-9 AM): Early breakfast, then pack for Ubud. Plug in overnight — car is at 100%.

Drive to Ubud (9-10:30 AM): 35 km, 1-1.5 hours. Take Jl. Sunset Road north, then Jl. Raya Ubud. Leave before 9 AM to avoid Denpasar traffic. The last 10 km into Ubud winds through river gorges — beautiful but narrow roads.

Scenic stop (optional, 15 min): Pura Taman Ayun (Mengwi) — a beautiful moat-surrounded water temple, 15 km before Ubud. IDR 50,000. Let the kids run in the temple gardens.

Arrive Ubud (10:30 AM): Check into your hotel. Ubud's temperature is 5-8°C cooler than Kuta — a pleasant change.

Late morning (10:30 AM - 12:30 PM): Ubud Monkey Forest — 700+ long-tailed macaques in a sacred forest sanctuary. Kids LOVE this. 2-3 hours. IDR 80,000 adult, IDR 60,000 child.

⚠️ Monkey safety: Secure belongings — monkeys will steal sunglasses, phones, and flip-flops. No food in hands. No direct eye contact. Keep young children close.

Lunch (12:30-1:30 PM): Bebek Bengil (Dirty Duck Diner) — Ubud's most famous restaurant. Crispy duck, nasi goreng, rice paddy views. Kids menu. IDR 100,000-200,000 per main. The garden setting is lovely.

Afternoon (2-5 PM):

• Tegallalang Rice Terraces — 20 min north of central Ubud. The iconic stepped rice paddies. Walk through the terraces (IDR 50,000 entry). Best light: late afternoon. Kids can walk the narrow terrace paths (hold hands near drops).
• Bali Pulina — Luwak Coffee & Agro Plantation — Free tasting of Bali coffee, tea, and the famous (controversial) luwak kopi. Kids love the swings overlooking the rice fields. Bonus: swings for photos. Free entry (coffee tasting is free, luwak kopi IDR 50,000).

Charging in Ubud:

Evening (5:30-7:30 PM): Traditional Kecak or Legong dance performance at Ubud Palace (7:30 PM, IDR 100,000). Or simple dinner at Melting Wok Warung (small, 6 tables, Indonesian fusion, IDR 80,000-150,000 per person).

Overnight: Ubud — Maya Ubud Resort & Spa (AC 22kW, valley pool, spa, rice terrace views). Komaneka at Bisma (AC 7kW, steps from Monkey Forest, family suites). Capella Ubud (luxury tents, AC 22kW, extraordinary but expensive).

Day 3: Full Day in Ubud — Rice Terraces, Temple, and Balinese Culture

Morning (6:30-8 AM): Campuhan Ridge Walk — Free 2 km walk along a ridge with valley views. Best at sunrise (6:30 AM). Gentle, easy for kids. Start at Ibah Hotel. Bring water.

Breakfast (8:30-9:30 AM): At the hotel or Pacha Ubud — organic Indonesian cafe overlooking rice fields. Nasi campur, fresh juices, and a pool!

Mid-morning (10 AM - 12 PM): Tirta Empul Temple — The holy water temple 25 min north of Ubud. Participate in the purification ritual (bring a change of clothes, sarongs provided, IDR 50,000). Kids can join the water blessing — they love walking through the stone fountains.

Lunch (12:30-1:30 PM): Warung Pondok Madu — Family-run, authentic Balinese food. Ayam betutu (spiced chicken), lawar, and fresh juices. IDR 30,000-70,000 per dish.

Afternoon (2-5 PM):

• Bali Bird Park (20 min south of Ubud) — 1,000+ birds, walk-in aviaries, bird shows at 10:30 AM and 2:30 PM. IDR 385,000 adult, IDR 195,000 child.
• OR: Bali Zoo (30 min south) — Lively zoo with orangutans, elephants, and a fun kids' zone. Night safari option. IDR 395,000 adult, IDR 245,000 child.
• OR: Ubud Art Market (central Ubud, near the palace) — Paintings, wood carvings, sarongs. Bargain hard: offer 30-50% of the asking price.

Charging: You drove ~30 km today. Your EV is still at 70-80%. Plug in overnight at the hotel. No public charging needed.

Evening: Ubud Night Market — smaller than Kuta's but more authentic. Grilled corn, bakso (meatball soup), fresh fruit juice. Kids eat for IDR 10,000-20,000 per item.

Day 4: Ubud to Sanur (40 km, 1-1.5 hours)

Morning (8-9 AM): Disconnect the charger. Your car is at 100% from overnight charging.

Last Ubud activity (9-10 AM): Bali Swing — The famous jungle swing overlooking rice paddies. Packages from IDR 350,000 include the swing, lunch, and access to the grounds with nests and bamboo bridges. Book on Klook.

Alternative (free): One last walk at Tegallalang Rice Terraces for morning light. The sun lights up the terraces beautifully between 8-10 AM.

Drive to Sanur (10-11:30 AM): 40 km via By Pass Ngurah Rai. The road through Denpasar is busy but manageable. Expect 30-60 min of city driving.

Arrive Sanur (11:30 AM): Check into your hotel. Sanur's vibe is laid-back and family-centric — a 5 km beachfront walking path, calm water, and gentle waves.

Lunch (12-1 PM): Batu Jimbar Cafe — Sanur's most iconic breakfast/lunch spot. Banana pancakes (IDR 45,000), Indonesian classics, fresh juice. Beachfront tables with shade.

Afternoon (1:30-5 PM):

• Sanur Beachfront Path — A paved 5 km path along the beach. Rent bikes (IDR 50,000/hour) or walk. Cafes every 500m. Perfect for families — no cars, steady breeze, shallow water for wading.
• Beach time — Sanur's water is incredibly calm (protected by a reef). Toddlers can safely wade. Rent a beach mat (IDR 30,000) and relax.
• Museum Le Mayeur (if the kids have patience) — Belgian painter's former home with beautiful garden. IDR 50,000. 30 min.

Charging in Sanur:

Evening (5:30-7 PM): Sunset walk on the beachfront path. Sanur is famous for its sunrise, not sunset — the sun sets behind you over the land. But the evening light is still beautiful.

Family dinner: Lilla Pantai — Mediterranean-Indonesian fusion, beachfront, kids menu. Wood-fired pizza (IDR 80,000) and fresh pasta. Or Sanur Night Market (Pasar Malam Sanur) — grilled fish (IDR 30,000), satay, nasi campur.

Overnight: Andaz Bali (AC 22kW, 3 pools, kids club, family suites). Fairmont Sanur Beach Bali (AC 7kW, beachfront, kids' programs, large grounds). Hyatt Regency Sanur (AC 22kW, multiple pools, excellent for families).

Day 5: Sanur to Kuta/Airport (25 km, 45 min)

Morning (7-9 AM): Last morning. Walk the beachfront path one more time. Let the kids play in the sand. Breakfast at the hotel or Ginger Moon — great coffee and pastries.

Mid-morning (9:30-11 AM): Serangan Turtle Island — 15 min boat ride from Sanur beach (near Bali Turtle Island Conservation). See rescued sea turtles, giant tortoises. IDR 150,000 per person for guided tour. 1-1.5 hours. Kids love touching the baby turtles.

OR: Mertasari Beach — Sanur's southern end, quieter, good for a final swim.

Late morning (11 AM - 12 PM): Drive back to Ngurah Rai Airport (25 km, 45 min without traffic, 60-90 min if peak). Return the rental EV. Most rental companies expect the car at whatever charge level you return it — they have on-site charging.

Departure: Fly out. If your flight is evening, spend the last afternoon at Kuta Beach or Beachwalk Shopping Center (which has EV charging for a final top-up before returning the car).

Route Charging Summary

Family-Friendly Accommodations (With EV Charging)

Cost Breakdown (Family of 4, 5 Days)

In USD: Budget trip ~$550-1,080, Mid-range ~$1,200-2,300.

Pro Tips for Families

1. Waterbom is a Full-Day Activity — Plan Around It

Waterbom Bali is not a half-day attraction. Plan to arrive at 1 PM and stay until park closing (6 PM). The lazy river is endless, kids' slides are perfect for ages 3-12, and the Flow Rider (surf simulator) is free. Book tickets on Klook in advance — skip the queue and get a better price.

2. Confirm EV Charging at Your Hotel

Call or WhatsApp your hotel: "Do you have EV charging? What connector? Is it guaranteed available for hotel guests?" Many Ubud and Sanur hotels have just 1 EV slot. Book early and confirm. A backup portable EVSE (IDR 1,000,000-1,500,000) is still the best investment for any Bali EV trip.

3. Timing Is Everything for Traffic

Bali traffic is the single biggest challenge. Here's the cheat sheet:

• Avoid Kuta-Seminyak roads: 4 PM-8 PM (gridlock)
• Avoid Jl. Sunset Road: 7-9 AM and 5-7 PM
• Ubud traffic: Worst on Sunday afternoon (locals weekend trip)
• Bali Mandara Toll Road (IDR 14,000) — use this to bypass Denpasar between Kuta and Sanur

4. The Drive to Ubud is Scenic — Take the Slow Road

Don't rush the Kuta-Ubud drive. Take Jl. Sunset Road north through Kerobokan, then Jl. Raya Ubud. The road passes through villages, past rice fields, and over river gorges. Roll down the windows. Stop at Pura Taman Ayun. The journey is part of the experience.

5. Sanur is the Most Relaxing Day

By Day 4, you'll appreciate Sanur. No rushing, no schedules. The beachfront path is stroller-friendly, the water is safe for toddlers, and the cafes serve excellent coffee. This is the recovery day your family needs after Waterbom and Ubud's stepped temples.

6. Pack for Two Climates

Kuta: 30-33°C, humid. Ubud: 25-30°C, cooler. Sanur: 28-32°C, sea breeze. Pack layers, a light jacket for Ubud evenings (20-22°C possible), strong sunscreen, and closed-toe shoes for the Monkey Forest and rice terraces.

7. What If Your Hotel Charger Is Occupied?

Calm down — it happens. Options:

• Portable EVSE on any outdoor socket — 10-15 km/hour, overnight = 120-180 km
• Electrum 50kW in town — 30 min to 80%
• Call the hotel front desk — they can often rearrange parking to give you the EV slot

Seasonal Tips

Best months: May, June, September — dry but not peak season, lower hotel prices, perfect beach and rice terrace conditions.

Avoid: Late December-January (monsoon peak + Australian school holidays = chaos and crowds).

FAQ

Is this loop doable in a Wuling Air EV (200 km range)?

Yes, easily. The total driving is ~150 km across 5 days. With overnight charging at each hotel, you'll never dip below 50%. Just don't skip a night of charging.

Do I need to worry about charging on this route?

Almost zero concern. The loop is short and every recommended hotel has overnight charging. Bring a portable EVSE as backup and you have total peace of mind.

Is Waterbom worth it for toddlers?

Yes. Waterbom has a dedicated toddler splash zone (Funtastic), a separate kids' pool, and the lazy river works for all ages. Kids under 3 enter free. Bring floaties/life vests.

Is the Monkey Forest safe for young children?

Yes, with supervision. Keep young children close at all times. No food in hands, no shiny objects (sunglasses, phones) within reach. Monkeys are habituated but wild — maintain distance. The forest path is stroller-friendly.

What's the best EV rental in Bali for a family?

The BYD Dolphin (340 km range, 4 doors, hatchback) is ideal for a family of 4. The BYD Atto 3 (480 km range, SUV) is better if you need more space. Both have ISOFIX mounts for child seats.

How long does it take to drive between each stop?

Kuta → Ubud: 1-1.5 hours (35 km). Ubud → Sanur: 1-1.5 hours (40 km). Sanur → Kuta/Airport: 30-45 min (25 km). These are short, manageable drives even with small kids who need breaks.

The Bottom Line

This 5-day Bali family EV loop is the ultimate "short but sweet" road trip. Three completely different Balinese worlds in one week: Kuta's beach-and-waterpark energy, Ubud's spiritual rice-terrace serenity, and Sanur's calm, family-friendly coast.

The driving distance is laughably short — you could walk some segments in a day. But having an EV means the family is never waiting for a taxi, never negotiating a fare, and never sweating in a non-air-conditioned car. The charging strategy is simply: plug in at the hotel, wake up full. That's it.

For under $1,200 (mid-range), a family of four experiences the best of Bali: Waterbom, Monkey Forest, rice terraces, holy water temples, turtle island, and endless beaches — all powered by a silent electric motor.