Bali EV Road Trip: Kuta → Ubud → Sanur → Uluwatu Loop

Bali might seem like an unlikely EV road trip destination. The island is only 153 km long and 112 km wide — you could drive across it in 3 hours. But Bali's magic isn't about distance: it's about getting between vastly different worlds in a single day. Surf beaches in Kuta, rice terraces in Ubud, cliff temples in Uluwatu — each is a 45-minute drive from the next, connected by narrow roads that wind through villages, past temples, and across river gorges.

This 5-7 day loop covers Bali's four main regions in an EV, with a focus on hotel/resort charging (Bali's best charging option) and practical tips for managing range on the island's notorious traffic.

Route Overview

The Surprising Truth About EV Charging in Bali

Bali's EV charging infrastructure is hotel-driven. Unlike mainland Southeast Asia where public fast chargers dominate, Bali's strongest charging network is in its hotels and resorts. Five-star resorts in Ubud, Seminyak, and Nusa Dua have installed AC chargers (7-22kW) for guests. Public DC fast chargers are growing but still limited.

Key insight: You don't need public charging for most of this trip. Overnight charging at your hotel will be sufficient for each day's driving. The loop is only ~200 km total — you could do the entire trip on a single full charge and still have range left.

Before You Go: Essential Bali EV Prep

Renting an EV in Bali

Recommendation: A BYD Atto 3 (480 km WLTP) is overkill for Bali but gives total peace of mind. The BYD Dolphin (340 km) or Hyundai Kona EV (305 km) are also excellent choices. The Wuling Air EV (200 km) is tight — you'd need to charge mid-loop.

Apps to Download

Driving in Bali: What to Expect

• Driving side: LEFT (same as Indonesia, Thailand, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore)
• Road quality: Main roads (Kuta-Denpasar-Ubud) are good two-lane paved. Side roads are narrow (one lane in some villages). Uluwatu roads are narrow and winding with steep drops.
• Traffic: The main challenge. Kuta-Seminyak-Canggu traffic is terrible — 30-40 minutes to move 5 km during peak hours. Denpasar-Ubud takes 1-2 hours depending on time of day.
• Scooters: Thousands of them. They'll pass on both sides. Drive slowly and predictably.
• Speed limits: 40-60 km/h in towns, 80 km/h on highways (there's one — the Bali Mandara Toll Road).
• International Driving Permit: Required. Can be arranged through your hotel or rental car company if you don't have one.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Kuta — Beach, Sunset, and First Charge

Arrival: Pick up your BYD Atto 3 at Ngurah Rai Airport (DPS). Most EV rental companies meet you at the arrivals terminal. The airport is in Tuban, 5 km south of Kuta.

First charge (at airport area): There are Mowilis 100kW DC chargers near the airport. Charge to 80%+ while you settle in. Full charge takes about 40 minutes. Or charge overnight at your hotel.

Afternoon in Kuta:

• Kuta Beach — Iconic surf beach. Sunset is magical. Beach chairs from IDR 50,000.
• Waterbom Bali — Asia's best water park. Right in Kuta. IDR 450,000 adult, IDR 350,000 child. Plan 4-6 hours for a full day — consider doing this on Day 2 or 6 instead. [Book on {{KLOOK}} for discount]
• Beachwalk Shopping Center — Modern mall with EV chargers (Electrum 50kW, 4 slots). Charge while you shop.
• Discovery Mall — Right on the beach. Has a SPKLU 50kW charger.

Charging in Kuta/Seminyak area:

Overnight: Kuta/Seminyak — The Legian Seminyak (AC 22kW, beachfront, luxury). Alila Seminyak (AC 7kW, family-friendly). W Bali - Seminyak (AC 22kW, pool, kids club). [Book on {{BOOKING}}]

Day 2: Kuta to Ubud (35 km, 1-2 hours driving)

Morning: Depart after breakfast. The 35 km drive to Ubud takes 1-2 hours depending on traffic. Take Jl. Sunset Road north through Kerobokan, then Jl. Raya Ubud into town.

Driving note: The road from Kuta to Ubud is heavily trafficked, especially through Denpasar. Leave before 9 AM to avoid the worst of it. The last 10 km into Ubud winds through river gorges and villages — narrower roads, lower speeds.

Scenic stop: Pura Taman Ayun (Mengwi) — A beautiful water temple 15 km before Ubud. The moat-surrounded temple grounds are serene. IDR 50,000. 30 minutes.

Arrive Ubud (late morning): Ubud is Bali's spiritual and cultural heart — rice terraces, yoga studios, art galleries, and monkey forests.

Activities in Ubud:

• Ubud Monkey Forest — Sacred forest sanctuary with 700+ long-tailed macaques. 2-3 hours. IDR 80,000 adult, IDR 60,000 child. Secure your belongings — monkeys WILL steal sunglasses and phones.
• Tegallalang Rice Terraces — 20 minutes north of central Ubud. The iconic stepped rice paddies. Walk through the terraces (IDR 50,000 entry). Best light: early morning or late afternoon.
• Ubud Art Market — Daily market near Ubud Palace. Paintings, wood carvings, sarongs, silver jewelry. Bargain — offer 30-50% of the asking price.
• Campuhan Ridge Walk — Free 2 km walk along a ridge with valley views on both sides. Best at sunrise. Start at Ibah Hotel.
• Ubud Palace — Royal palace in the town center. Free entry. Traditional dance performances nightly (IDR 100,000).

Charging in Ubud:

Pro tip: Most mid-range and luxury hotels in Ubud have EV charging. The Maya Ubud Resort & Spa, Komaneka at Bisma, and Capella Ubud have the best charging options. Confirm charging availability when booking.

Evening: Traditional Legong dance at Ubud Palace (7:30 PM). Followed by dinner at Melting Wok Warung (small, 6 tables, incredible Indonesian fusion, VND... IDR 80,000-150,000 per person). Or Hujan Locale by Chef Will Meyrick (upscale Indonesian, IDR 200,000+).

Overnight: Ubud — Maya Ubud Resort & Spa (AC 22kW, valley pool, spa). Komaneka at Bisma (AC 7kW, steps from Monkey Forest). Capella Ubud (luxury tents, AC 22kW, extraordinary). [Book on {{BOOKING}}]

Day 3: Explore Ubud (No driving day, or short drives)

Morning: Visit the Tegallalang Rice Terraces early (7 AM) before the crowds. Then a quick 15-min drive to Tirta Empul Temple — the holy water temple where locals (and tourists) participate in a purification ritual. Bring a change of clothes. IDR 50,000. Sarongs provided.

Lunch: Pacha Ubud — organic restaurant overlooking rice fields. Nasi campur, fresh juices, and a pool.

Afternoon: Bali Swing — The famous swing over the jungle. Packages starting from IDR 350,000 include the swing, lunch, and access to the grounds with nests and bamboo bridges. [Book on {{KLOOK}}]

Alternative: UBUD KIDFRIENDLY — Bali Bird Park (20 min south, IDR 385,000 adult, IDR 195,000 child) or Bali Zoo (30 min south, IDR 395,000 adult, IDR 245,000 child) for family day trips.

Charging note: You drove very little today (maybe 30 km total). Your EV is still at 80-90% from last night's charge. No need to charge.

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

Morning: Morning walk at Campuhan Ridge (7 AM, before the heat). Then drive southeast to Sanur — a 40 km drive that takes 1-1.5 hours via By Pass Ngurah Rai.

Driving note: The Sanur road is flatter and more straightforward than Ubud's mountain roads. Traffic is moderate. The By Pass Ngurah Rai is Bali's main north-south corridor — expect 30-60 minutes of driving through Denpasar.

Arrive Sanur (late morning): Sanur is Bali's original beach resort area — calmer than Kuta, less spiritual than Ubud, with a 5 km beachfront walking path. It's a family favorite.

Activities in Sanur:

• Sanur Beachfront Path — Walk or bike the 5 km paved path along the beach. Rent bikes (IDR 50,000/hour). Cafes every 500m.
• Museum Le Mayeur — Belgian painter's former home. Beautiful garden setting. IDR 50,000.
• Batu Jimbar Cafe — Sanur's most famous breakfast spot. Indonesian and Western. Try the banana pancakes.
• Serangan Turtle Island — 15 min boat ride from Sanur beach. Turtle conservation center. IDR 150,000 per person for the tour.

Charging in Sanur:

Overnight: Sanur — Andaz Bali (resort, AC 22kW, multiple pools, kids club). Fairmont Sanur Beach Bali (beachfront, AC 7kW, excellent for families). Hyatt Regency Sanur (AC 22kW, large pool, kids' programs). [Book on {{BOOKING}}]

Day 5: Explore Sanur — Boat Trip to Nusa Islands

Option A: Full-day boat trip to Nusa Lembongan or Nusa Penida

• Fast boat from Sanur (30 min, IDR 350,000-500,000 round trip)
• Leave your EV parked at the Sanur harbor (safe parking, IDR 30,000/day)
• Nusa Lembongan: Red mangrove, Devil's Tear, Dream Beach
• Nusa Penida: Kelingking Beach (T-Rex-shaped cliff), Angel's Billabong

Option B: Stay in Sanur — snorkeling, paddleboarding, and cycling. Blanjong Temple is Sanur's oldest temple (10th century AD).

Charging: Your EV sits all day. No driving needed.

Day 6: Sanur to Uluwatu (40 km, 1-1.5 hours driving)

Morning: Depart Sanur after breakfast. Drive south through the Bukit Peninsula toward Uluwatu — 40 km, 1-1.5 hours depending on traffic around Jimbaran.

Driving note: The Bukit Peninsula roads are narrow, winding, and steep in places. The last 5 km to Uluwatu Temple are especially tight. Drive slowly — scooters will pass you.

Scenic stop: Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park (GWK) — Massive statue of Vishnu riding Garuda (75m tall — the tallest statue in Indonesia). IDR 125,000. Cultural shows, good photo ops.

Or stop: Padang Padang Beach — Famous from the movie "Eat Pray Love". Down a staircase from the main road. Beautiful white sand, turquoise water. IDR 15,000. Surf lessons available (IDR 300,000 including board).

Arrive Uluwatu (afternoon): The southern tip of Bali — dramatic limestone cliffs, world-class surf breaks, and one of Bali's most important temples perched on a cliff edge.

Activities in Uluwatu:

• Uluwatu Temple (Pura Luhur Uluwatu) — The main attraction. Perched on a 70m cliff over the Indian Ocean. Kecak fire dance at sunset (6 PM daily). IDR 50,000 temple entry + IDR 100,000 for the dance. Arrive by 4 PM for the full experience.
• The Kecak Fire Dance — 50+ men chanting "chak-chak-chak" in unison while a Ramayana story unfolds. The sun sets behind them over the ocean. One of Bali's most iconic experiences.
• Bali Cliff Villas area — Walk along the cliff path between EL Kabron and the various cliff-edge restaurants. Stunning sunset photo spots.
• Balangan Beach — The quieter alternative to Padang Padang. Long white sand beach, warungs (local cafes) on the cliff, cheap beer.
• Suluban Beach — Hidden beach accessed through a cave at low tide. Surfers, tide pools, and a cave bar.

Charging in Uluwatu:

EV Reality Check: Uluwatu has the least public charging of any area on this loop. Most charging happens at hotels. If your hotel doesn't have dedicated EV charging, the portable EVSE on a standard socket will give you 80-120 km overnight — more than enough for a day of exploring Uluwatu.

Overnight: Uluwatu — Six Senses Uluwatu (AC 22kW, cliff-edge infinity pool, luxury). Bvlgari Resort Bali (AC 22kW, private beach elevator, honeymooner favorite). Radisson Blu Uluwatu (AC 7kW, more affordable, great views). [Book on {{BOOKING}}]

Day 7: Uluwatu Back to Kuta/Airport (30 km, 45 min-1 hour)

Morning: Last morning in Uluwatu. Swim at your resort pool or walk Balangan Beach one more time.

Midday: Drive back to the Ngurah Rai Airport (30 km, 45 minutes without traffic). Add 30 minutes if through Jimbaran at lunchtime.

Final charge: Return the EV with whatever range remains. The rental company expects it at whatever level you return it — they have on-site charging. Or top up at Electrum Beachwalk in Kuta (100kW, 5 min charge) on the way to the airport.

Departure: Head to Ngurah Rai Airport for your flight home.

Route Charging Summary

Total distance: ~195 km. Charging needed: Almost entirely overnight at hotels. Zero range anxiety required.

Where to Stay (With EV Charging)

[Book EV-friendly hotels in Bali on {{BOOKING}}]

Pro Tips for Bali EV Driving

1. Book Hotels with EV Charging (and Confirm It)

This is the #1 piece of advice for Bali. Many hotels advertise "EV charging" but have only 1 slot that's often occupied. Send a WhatsApp message before booking: "Do you have a dedicated EV charging slot reserved for hotel guests? What type? (Type 2 AC / CHAdeMO / CCS2)?" A small deposit often secures the spot.

2. Carry a Portable EVSE

For IDR 1,000,000-1,500,000 ($60-90 USD), a portable Type 2 EVSE is the best investment you can make for a Bali EV trip. Many warungs and small hotels have outdoor sockets where you can charge overnight. The 15 km/hour charge rate is slow, but overnight (10-12 hours) gives you 150+ km — more than a day of driving in Bali.

3. Navigate Around Traffic

Bali traffic is no joke. Here's the cheat sheet:

• Avoid Kuta-Seminyak-Canggu roads: 4 PM-8 PM (gridlock)
• Avoid Jl. Sunset Road: 7-9 AM and 5-7 PM
• Check Google Maps traffic before every drive — reroute if needed
• Consider the Bali Mandara Toll Road (IDR 14,000) to bypass Denpasar traffic when going between Kuta and Sanur
• Parking: Most attractions have paid parking (IDR 10,000-30,000). Always park in official lots — your EV's charging cable is a target for theft if left unattended on the street.

4. Range on Bali's Hills

Bali is hillier than it looks on a map. Ubud sits at 200-300m elevation, and the drive from Sanur climbs through river gorges. The Bukit Peninsula (Uluwatu) is 100-200m with steep sections. Expect 5-10% range reduction on these hilly segments — barely noticeable in a 400+ km range EV.

5. What to Do if You Run Low

This is unlikely given Bali's small size, but if you're at 15% and nowhere near a charger:

• Any hotel with a driveway: They'll usually let you plug into an outdoor socket for IDR 50,000-100,000
• Wash and fold laundry shops: They have heavy-duty 220V outlets. Offer IDR 50,000 for an hour of charging
• Car rental agency offices: Call TRAC or Mowilis — they have on-site charging and can help
• PLN SPKLU at Pertamina gas stations: There's one every 10-15 km along main roads

6. The Wuling Air EV (200 km range)

Bali is one of the few places where a micro-EV makes sense. The Wuling Air EV (17.3 kWh, 200 km range) is everywhere in Bali. With a full charge, you can do the Kuta-Ubud-Kuta route (70 km) plus local driving. But for the full loop (195 km), you'll need to top up. The Wuling's range is enough for a daily segment plus overnight charging — just don't try to skip a day of charging.

Cost Breakdown: Family of 4

When to Go

Best months: May, June, September, October — dry weather, fewer crowds than July-August, perfect beach and temple-visiting conditions.

Avoid: Late December-January (monsoon peak, worst traffic due to Australian school holidays and NYE crowds).

Internal Links

• Search EV Charging Stations in Indonesia
• Browse All EV Road Trip Itineraries
• Book EV-Friendly Hotels in Bali
• Find Bali Activities on Klook

FAQ

Is Bali big enough to need an EV?

The loop is only 200 km total. Any modern EV with 300+ km range can do the entire trip on a single charge. You'll charge overnight at hotels and never think about range.

Can I charge at a warung (local cafe)?

Yes! Many warungs have outdoor 220V sockets. With a portable EVSE, you can add 10-15 km/hour while you eat lunch. Always ask permission — most warung owners are happy to help for a small fee or if you buy a meal.

Which type of EV charger is most common in Bali?

Hotels use Type 2 AC (7-22kW). Public stations are CCS2/CHAdeMO DC (50-100kW). The BYD Atto 3 and Dolphin use CCS2. Tesla needs an adapter. Always confirm your EV's connector type before renting.

Is Bali Mandara Toll Road EV-passable?

Yes, and it's highly recommended. The toll road connects Kuta/Tuban with Sanur/Nusa Dua, bypassing Denpasar traffic. Tolls are IDR 14,000-22,000. The road is smooth and well-lit. EVs save 30-45 minutes versus surface streets.

Do I need 4WD for Ubud or Uluwatu roads?

No. The roads are paved. Some steep sections in Uluwatu and narrow paths near rice fields in Ubud require careful driving, but a standard 2WD EV handles them fine. The BYD Atto 3's ground clearance is sufficient.

What if my hotel doesn't have EV charging?

Bring a portable EVSE. Any standard Indonesian socket (220V/10A) can charge at ~10-15 km/hour. Overnight = 120-180 km. Many hotels without dedicated chargers are happy to let you use an outdoor socket.

The Bottom Line

Bali's EV road trip isn't about covering distance — it's about experiencing vastly different worlds connected by short, scenic drives. Kuta's energy, Ubud's tranquility, Sanur's charm, Uluwatu's drama — each is 30-45 minutes from the next.

The charging strategy couldn't be simpler: book hotels with EV charging, bring a portable EVSE as backup, and you'll never have range anxiety. Bali's small size means even a Wuling Air EV with 200 km range can do this loop comfortably.

What makes it special is the contrast: surfboards on the roof in Kuta, charging in a rice field in Ubud, and watching the sunset from a cliff temple in Uluwatu — all within a single week, all powered by a silent electric motor.

• Search EV Charging Stations in Indonesia
• Browse All EV Road Trip Itineraries
• Book EV-Friendly Hotels in Bali
• Find Bali EV Rentals and Activities on Klook