Bali Without Scooters: The Safe, Stress-Free 12-Day Plan (Drivers, Boats & Walkable Bases)
Beach days, temple glow, reef time—minus the scooter juggling act. This no-scooter Bali plan uses private drivers, fast boats, and walkable neighbourhoods so the trip feels relaxed, safe, and nicely paced.
If you’d like the guided, small-group version, check Icons of Bali — 12 Days of Surf, Temples & Turtles, or browse All Tours.
Quick Answer
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Route: Ubud → East Bali (Sidemen/Amed) → Uluwatu → Nusa Penida → Sanur (fly out).
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Transport: Private driver for mainland hops & day trips; fast boat for Nusa Penida; on foot in compact areas.
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Walkable bases: Central Ubud, Sanur beachfront, pockets of Uluwatu near your stay, and Nusa Penida harbourside strips (for food & sunsets).
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Safety: Skip scooters; confirm fixed fares; carry small cash; book reputable boats; pack a light rain shell and reef-friendly habits.
The 12-Day No-Scooter Route (plug-and-play)
Days 1–3 — Ubud (Culture & Rice Terraces)
Base: Stay within walking distance of central Ubud (market/Monkey Forest area).
Do: Dawn walk on Campuhan Ridge, water-temple cleanse at Tirta Empul, evening dance at Ubud Palace.
Move: On foot in town; hire a half-day driver for out-of-town temples and terraces.
Days 4–5 — East Bali (Sidemen or Amed)
Base:
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Sidemen: Quiet valley, craft villages, lush views. Most dining is at/near stays—perfect for slow days.
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Amed: Sleepy coastal strip with shore snorkelling and easy sunset wanders.
Do: Early valley walks (Sidemen) or snorkel from shore (Amed).
Move: Driver transfer Ubud → East Bali; short walks to nearby cafés/warungs.
Days 6–8 — Uluwatu (Clifftops & Coves)
Base: Pick accommodation near one beach cluster (Padang Padang/Bingin/Uluwatu Temple area) so you can walk to swims & dinners.
Do: Uluwatu Temple at sunset (kecak dance), beach time, one lazy day at a cliff-top café.
Move: Mostly on foot; for beach-hopping days, hire a driver by the day (stairs > scooters anyway).
Days 9–11 — Nusa Penida (Reef Days & Lookouts)
Base: Stay near Toyapakeh or Crystal Bay for walkable sunset spots and quick boat pickups.
Do: Snorkel trips (briefed on marine etiquette), coastal viewpoints like Kelingking (arrange a car + driver on the island).
Move: Morning fast boat from Sanur; pre-book land transport on Penida (roads are steep—cars, not scooters).
Day 12 — Sanur (Soft Landing) → Fly
Base: One night in Sanur for a calm beachfront path, last-minute shopping, and an easy airport run.
Do: Sunrise walk on the Sanur promenade, final massage, airport with time to spare.
Move: Fast boat Penida → Sanur, then short driver transfer to your stay and later the airport.
Fancy the done-for-you version? See dates for Icons of Bali — 12 Days of Surf, Temples & Turtles.
Getting Around (drivers, boats, transfers)
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Private drivers (mainland): Book point-to-point transfers for moving bases and day-rate drivers for sightseeing days. Confirm pickup time, route highlights, and a fixed fee before you go.
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Fast boats (Penida): Choose morning crossings from Sanur for calmer seas; keep tickets/QRs handy and pack light.
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Walking: Central Ubud and Sanur are stroll-friendly; in Uluwatu, pick a stay close to your preferred beach/temple so evenings are on foot.
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Why not scooters? Insurance/licensing pitfalls, variable road conditions, and steep island roads—cars and feet are the stress-free combo.
Where to Stay (so you can actually walk)
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Ubud: Inside the central ring (Monkey Forest Rd / Jalan Hanoman area) for cafés, markets, and shows within 5–15 minutes on foot.
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Sidemen: Valley views trump walkability—choose stays with on-site dining or an easy stroll to one or two warungs.
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Amed: Sleep near Jemeluk/Lipah for reef entry and sunset on foot.
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Uluwatu: Padang Padang/Bingin or near the Temple for short walks to beach access and dinner spots (expect stairs).
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Nusa Penida: Toyapakeh/Crystal Bay keeps sunsets and snacks walk-close; hire cars for the big viewpoints.
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Sanur: Anywhere along the beachfront path for a last gentle wander.
Safe, Smooth & Low-Stress: micro-habits that help
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Book drivers the day before (hotel or reputable operator) and share your pickup pin via offline maps.
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Carry small cash for beach parking, snacks, and tips; cards are common in hubs but not universal.
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Temple etiquette: shoulders/knees covered; follow local instructions.
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Reef etiquette: float, don’t stand; keep respectful distance from marine life; reef-friendly sunscreen.
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Weather wiggle room: build in swim/siesta windows—short tropical showers pass quickly.
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Bags: soft-sided carry-on + small daypack; boats and island transfers are happier with light luggage.
Day-by-Day At-a-Glance (summary)
1: Arrive Denpasar → Ubud (walkable base)
2: Ubud town day (on foot) + evening show
3: Ubud surrounds (driver half-day: terraces/temples)
4: Transfer to Sidemen/Amed (driver)
5: Slow valley walks or shore snorkel (on foot)
6: Transfer to Uluwatu (driver) + sunset temple
7: Beach day (walk + stair cardio)
8: Clifftop café day (driver if beach-hopping)
9: Early boat to Nusa Penida (walk sunset)
10: Penida viewpoints (car + driver)
11: Snorkel trip (operator pickup)
12: Boat to Sanur → beachfront stroll → airport
FAQs
Can this work with kids or older travellers?
Yes—this plan avoids scooters, long hikes, and luggage schleps. Choose stays with pools and short walks to meals.
Motion-sickness on boats?
Pick morning crossings, sit toward the back/middle, and bring tablets if you’re sensitive.
Is tipping expected?
Not mandatory, but small cash for drivers, boat crews, and spa staff is appreciated.
What if I want one scooter day?
Only if properly licensed/insured and experienced—otherwise keep it simple with drivers.
Ready to make it real?
Check dates for Icons of Bali — 12 Days of Surf, Temples & Turtles, or explore All Tours. With drivers, boats, and smart bases, Bali does the heavy lifting—your job is to enjoy it.
