Explore Bali on Foot: Best Walkable Spots in Bali (2024)
Bali—known for luxury, adventure, and let’s face it, Instagram-worthy sunsets. But when it comes to actually getting around, well… it’s not always as simple as hopping from one spot to another.
This is one thing no one tells you: Bali isn’t exactly made for pedestrians. So, before you book your flight and pack your comfiest walking shoes, let’s talk about where you can actually explore on foot.
Before you go, you’ll want to know everywhere you can explore Bali on foot with these pedestrian friendly locations.
Each location in Bali can offer you something vastly different from the next. You could be wandering small country roads, trekking the mountain roads, or simply walking through the busier streets of the bustling side of the island.
It’s important to know which terrain you chose before booking accommodation. So here is your Bali guide to the best walkable spots in Bali. For a complete guide on locations to visit while traveling Bali, check out this post.
Is Bali Walkable? Well, Yes... And No
First off, let me say that walking around Bali is possible, but it’s definitely not the first thing most people think of when they imagine exploring the island. There are spots that are super walkable, and others where you’ll find yourself dodging scooters, chickens, and the occasional dog who thinks it owns the road.
The thing is, Bali isn’t bursting with sidewalks or pedestrian paths. Traffic can be a bit chaotic, especially in busier areas. If you’re used to perfectly laid-out European cities, you might find Bali a bit of a challenge. But for my Indian husband, who’s no stranger to the wild traffic in South Asia, Bali feels like a breeze! So honestly, it’s all about perspective.
How to Walk Safely in Bali?
Bali is a pretty safe place, but like anywhere, it’s smart to be sensible. I wouldn’t recommend long walks in the middle of the night (unless you’re a fan of eerie quiet and dimly lit streets). Also, Bali drives on the left—so if you’re not used to that, be extra cautious when crossing streets. Pedestrian crosswalks? Not really a thing here, so you’ll have to master the art of “judging the safest moment to dart across.”
And that does not mean just run across when you have the nerve. As we have seen plenty of people doing so and nearly killing themselves. Don’t go by feeling, but you need to actually see the opportunity and go for it.
My biggest tip: before you book a place to stay, do a quick Google Street View check. That way, you’ll know if you’re staying somewhere with nice, walkable streets or if you’ll be sharing the road with a lot of scooters and other vehicles.
Decide on the Best Walkable Spots in Bali
Okay, now let’s talk about where you can get around easily on foot. Not everywhere in Bali is designed for strolling, so picking the right area is key. If you’re not up for renting a scooter (or braving Bali’s, let’s say, adventurous traffic), then having a pedestrian-friendly base will save you a lot of hassle.
And no, you don’t want to walk everywhere. True story: my husband once walked from our hotel in Seminyak all the way to the airport just to pick me up. He thought it was no big deal, but let’s just say I don’t recommend this if you’ve got luggage and jet lag. Can you walk from the airport? Technically, yes. Should you? Absolutely not.
Best Walkable Locations in Bali
Legian/Seminyak/Canggu
If you’re planning to explore Bali without worrying about transportation, Legian, Seminyak, and Canggu are definitely your best bets. These three are basically neighbors, just a little north of the airport, making them the perfect starting point for your trip.
What makes this area so appealing is how convenient it is. You’ll find yourself surrounded by cute little cafes, shops, and—of course—beautiful beaches. Not to mention, there are lots of narrow, charming alleyways that are completely safe to wander through. We loved this area so much, we didn’t want to leave. After a long 24-hour flight from the States, it was the easiest and most comfortable place to be.
The grocery stores here are basically made for tourists, with familiar global brands and products, so you won’t feel lost when looking for a snack. And the best part? Everything—groceries, restaurants, cafes—is a short walk away, making it a stress-free, walkable paradise.
One thing to keep in mind though: traffic. While it’s a pedestrian-friendly area, there are still plenty of scooters zipping by, so keep your wits about you when crossing the road.
In terms of sightseeing, there aren’t many major landmarks here, but honestly, that’s the charm. You can stroll around, browse trendy shops, sip coffee, and just soak in the vibe without worrying about booking transportation or planning elaborate excursions. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to take it easy and enjoy a more relaxed Bali experience.
Decent Walkable Places in Bali
Sanur
Sanur is another spot you might want to consider for a walkable experience, but whether it’s perfect really depends on where you stay. Most of the action happens along the main road, where you’ll find shops and restaurants in close proximity.
It’s kind of like a quieter version of the Legian/Seminyak area, with fewer shops and a lot more beachfront resorts. So, if you’re looking for a more peaceful escape, Sanur might be your place to be. Accessibility-wise, it’s a great spot as long as your accommodation is near the main road—everything you need will be within a comfortable walking distance, and the beach is just a short stroll away.
While Sanur doesn’t have quite as much going on compared to Legian or Canggu, it’s a nice, laid-back spot for those who prefer a quieter beach scene.
Amed
Now, if you’re down for something a little more adventurous, Amed is a fantastic option! It’s a quieter area with fewer shops and restaurants, but it’s absolutely worth it if you’re looking for natural beauty.
Kart and I stayed at a cozy little Airbnb along the main road, and while it wasn’t far from the beach (just a 5-minute walk), getting to the nearest restaurants took about 10 minutes. The walk was fine, but heads up—there aren’t any sidewalks, and there’s this water drain along the side of the road that you really don’t want to fall into (don’t ask me how I know that).
Walking through Amed is not the easiest experience, but trust me, the views make up for it. You don’t need to go far to be surrounded by breathtaking volcanoes, towering like mountains, with the bluest ocean you’ve ever seen. For an extra special view, I recommend heading to Blue Earth, a restaurant perched on a hill that gives you a stunning panorama of both the ocean and the volcanoes—especially magical at sunset!
While Amed is absolutely beautiful, just be aware that it’s more of a place for adventurers who don’t mind a bit of a trek. Plus, getting around without transportation might be tricky—there’s no Gojek or Grab here, so you’ll have to rely on local taxis or see if your Airbnb offers any transport options.
So, while Amed is our favorite spot in Bali, it’s probably not the best choice if you’re looking for something super walkable. But if you’re up for a little adventure, it’ll totally steal your heart!
Worst Walkable Places in Bali
Ubud
Ubud is one of Bali’s most popular tourist destinations, but unfortunately, it’s not one of the best places to get around on foot. Though it has its appeal, especially with its lush landscapes and artistic vibe, walking here can be challenging.
Firstly, Ubud’s climate can make walking uncomfortable. Being inland and away from the coastal breezes, it tends to be far more humid than other parts of the island, and that humidity sticks with you throughout the day. Walking through Ubud means battling constant sweat and exhaustion.
Secondly, the terrain is hilly, making even short walks feel like a trek. The town is full of steep and long inclines, which can be a challenge for anyone. Despite its natural beauty, navigating Ubud on foot isn’t always enjoyable, especially when you factor in the traffic. Ubud has some of the worst traffic on the island, with vehicles constantly squeezing into narrow spaces, making it difficult to even cross the road.
While Ubud does have sidewalks, which may seem like a plus for pedestrians, the combination of the hilly terrain, intense humidity, and heavy traffic makes walking a struggle. Although you can explore Ubud on foot, it’s not the most practical or enjoyable experience for most travelers.
Uluwatu
Despite being one of the most beautiful parts of Bali, Uluwatu is not a pedestrian-friendly area. Known for its breathtaking beaches and cliffside views, the region is better suited for transportation than walking.
The main roads in Uluwatu aren’t designed for pedestrians, and vehicles often travel at high speeds, making walking dangerous. Additionally, restaurants and shops in Uluwatu are few and far between, meaning you may have to walk significant distances to find a place to eat, especially if you’re staying in more remote areas. The terrain also adds to the difficulty, with steep inclines leading to beaches, making walking more strenuous.
Kart and I were staying in a hotel near Nyang Nyang beach in Uluwatu, and it was a five minute walk from an Indian restaurant called Annapurna. So we were glad we didn’t decide to stay anywhere else, as finding a place nearby to eat would’ve been a real challenge. Particularly as we were vegans looking for vegan options. It was perfect luck for us.
While Uluwatu is undeniably gorgeous, it’s best to explore this area with transportation rather than relying solely on foot.
Bali WAlking Safety Tips:
- It goes without saying you’ll need good walking shoes
- Always have a bottle of water on you. If not water, always go with some Pocari Sweat, an electrolyte drink that can be found pretty much in any store.
- It’s also not a bad idea to take advantage of the coconuts that are sold at every corner in Bali. They are very hydrating and they’re HUGE, so they contain a ton of coconut water.
- Always carry cash with you.
- Always have sunscreen with you. Even Kart, who’s spent his whole life in India and has never burned once, has dealt with bad sunburns throughout our trip for spending too much time under the Bali sun.
- Depending on the time of year you travel to Bali, you might also need to have Mosquito repellent on you, particularly for the rainy season (November-April).
- Make sure you have a sim card so that you have access to google maps.
- Keep a battery bank on you.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re walking or using transportation, the key to exploring Bali is finding what suits your comfort level. Walking through some areas might be tough, but Bali offers a wide range of options for getting around. From Grab and Gojek rides in the southern parts to affordable private drivers, there are many ways to explore the island. Just be sure to prioritize your safety and enjoy the adventure!
Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
Ram ram!
We’re Maeve & Kart – an introverted American girl with a love for letters, flowers, and chai on one side, and an introverted extrovert nature enthusiast Indian boy with a sweet tooth on the other.
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We write for all aspiring travelers, folks in long distance and multicultural relationships, and those kindred spirits out there looking for advice on life in India as a foreigner.
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Maeve & Kart
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We are Maeve and Kart – a long distance married couple from America and India.
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