Coast to Coast Traverse of Bali – Self-Launched
11 days · Bali, Indonesia
Much Better Adventures charges £2,195
No-markup version: ~£550 per person
Estimate only, not a guaranteed price. Always verify costs independently before booking.
This self-launched version of Bali's epic 100km coast-to-coast trek takes you from the south coast at Tabanan all the way north to Lovina — through rice paddies, coffee plantations, dense jungle and past spectacular waterfalls — without the group tour price tag. You'll hire a local freelance trekking guide, stay in budget guesthouses and mountain homestays along the route, and use local transport for transfers. The route follows the same incredible trail dubbed 'Indonesia's Camino', but on your own schedule and at a fraction of the cost.
Day-by-day
Arrive in Bali – Head to Tabanan
Tabanan, South Bali
Fly into Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS). Take a pre-booked airport taxi or Grab (ride-hailing app) south-west to Tabanan on the south coast (~45 mins, ~£8). Check into a beachside guesthouse near Batu Tampih Beach. Spend the afternoon walking along the beach and settling in. Head out for a warung dinner of nasi goreng or mie goreng — Indonesian street food at its finest.
🚌Grab taxi from Denpasar Airport to Tabanan (~£8–10)
🛏Budget beachside guesthouse or homestay near Tabanan (e.g. search Booking.com for 'Tabanan beach guesthouse', ~£15–20/night)
- →Arrive at Denpasar Airport and take Grab/taxi to Tabanan (~£8)
- →Walk along Batu Tampih Beach
- →Welcome dinner at a local warung
The Trek Begins – Tabanan to Umadhatu
Tabanan to Umadhatu, West Bali
Fuel up with breakfast at your guesthouse, then set off on the first leg of the trek. The route passes through the village of Tibubiu and follows riverside farming tracks past rice fields — around 13km and 4–5 hours of easy walking to warm up your legs. You'll need a local freelance trekking guide for safety and navigation on the full traverse; arrange this in advance via local operators in Tabanan or through platforms like GetYourGuide. Pack a picnic lunch from a local market. End the day at a guesthouse or small resort in the Umadhatu area.
🚌On foot — trek starts directly from accommodation
🛏Guesthouse or small resort in Umadhatu area (~£15–20/night twin share)
- →Trek from Tabanan through Tibubiu village along riverside and rice field tracks (~13km, 4–5hrs)
- →Picnic lunch in the rice fields
- →Relax at guesthouse/pool on arrival
Megati Village to Kemetug
Megati to Kemetug, West Bali
Start the day with Indonesian coffee and a hearty breakfast before picking up the trail. Today's route (~13km, 4–5hrs) meanders through cacao and coffee plantations and rice paddies, with volcanic peaks visible in the distance. Watch farmers tending their crops using centuries-old techniques. Tonight, bunk down at a mountain guesthouse or homestay in the Kemetug area.
🚌On foot from accommodation
🛏Mountain guesthouse or homestay near Kemetug (~£12–18/night)
- →Trek through cacao and coffee plantations and rice paddies (~13km, 4–5hrs)
- →Watch local farmers at work
- →Spot volcanic peaks on the horizon
Kemetug to Kampung Kopi – Camping Night
Kemetug to Pupuan area, West Bali
The longest day so far (~16km, 6–7hrs). Set off along rural roads into coffee and cacao plantations, visit a local village temple, and cross a river to reach Karyasari village. Continue along the water's edge to reach some of Bali's most beautiful rice terraces. Tonight, camp at a community-run campsite in lush green surroundings. Bring or hire a lightweight tent and sleeping bag — rental gear is available from outdoor shops in Denpasar/Ubud (budget ~£8/night for hire).
🚌On foot from accommodation
🛏Community-run campsite near Pupuan (~£5–8/night, bring or hire camping gear)
- →Trek through coffee and cacao plantations (~16km, 6–7hrs)
- →Visit local village temple
- →Cross river and walk along stunning rice terraces
- →Camp at community-run campsite
Jungle Trek via Blamantung Waterfall to Bengkel Village
Pupuan to Bengkel Village, North-West Bali
You're now entering the northern jungle section of the traverse. Trek ~14km (5–6hrs) from Pupuan through vibrant rainforest to Bengkel Village. The highlight today is Blamantung Waterfall — a spectacular 100m drop with a cool pool at the base, perfect for a wild swim. The jungle is hot and humid, making the waterfall dip all the more rewarding. Arrive at a mountain guesthouse or retreat hidden in the forest — many have rooftop areas with great views.
🚌On foot from campsite
🛏Mountain guesthouse or small retreat near Bengkel Village (~£15–20/night)
- →Jungle trek from Pupuan to Bengkel (~14km, 5–6hrs)
- →Wild swim at Blamantung Waterfall (100m drop)
- →Relax at mountain guesthouse with forest views
Rest Day in the Highlands – Yoga and Waterfall Exploring
Bengkel Village area, North-West Bali
A well-earned rest day. Join a drop-in yoga class at your accommodation or a nearby studio to stretch out your trekker's legs (~£5–8 for a class). Spend time by the pool, explore nearby villages on foot, or ask your host about local waterfall walks. This is a great day to do laundry, recharge, and eat well. Warung meals are cheap and delicious.
🚌On foot for local exploration
🛏Same mountain guesthouse as Day 5 (~£15–20/night)
- →Drop-in yoga class at accommodation or nearby studio (~£5–8)
- →Relax by the pool with forest views
- →Explore nearby villages and local waterfalls on foot
Bengkel to Bedugul via Tamblingan Lake
Bengkel to Bedugul, Central-North Bali
A beautiful but demanding day (~15km, 5hrs) starting at around 900m elevation through coffee fields and village footpaths. Hike with the backdrop of wild flowers and Lesung Mountain before descending to the gorgeous Tamblingan Lake — stop at Pande Temple on the lakeshore. Continue through tropical jungle to reach the cool highland resort town of Bedugul. Book a budget hotel in advance as this popular area fills up.
🚌On foot from accommodation
🛏Budget hotel or guesthouse in Bedugul (~£15–25/night)
- →Trek from Bengkel through coffee fields and mountain paths (~15km, 5hrs)
- →Descend to Tamblingan Lake and visit Pande Temple
- →Arrive in Bedugul — explore the highland town
Chasing Waterfalls – Bedugul to Aling-Aling
Bedugul highlands to Aling-Aling, North Bali
A stunning waterfall day with a lot of descent (~14km, 6hrs, dropping 1,020m). Hike through the secluded highlands past authentic villages like Wanagiri, then plunge into the forest to find Cemara and Dedari waterfalls — both surrounded by lush jungle and exotic flowers, with gorgeous wild swim pools. Continue along the river towards the famous Aling-Aling Waterfall, one of Bali's most spectacular. Entry fees for Aling-Aling are ~£3. Stay the night at a guesthouse near Aling-Aling or in the Sambangan area.
🚌On foot from accommodation
🛏Guesthouse near Sambangan/Aling-Aling (~£12–18/night)
- →Hike through Wanagiri village and highlands (~14km, 6hrs)
- →Wild swim at Cemara and Dedari waterfalls
- →Visit Aling-Aling Waterfall (~£3 entry)
- →Lunch at a local warung near the waterfalls
Final Trek to the North Coast – Penimbangan Beach & Lovina
Sambangan to Penimbangan Beach to Lovina, North Bali
The final leg! Trek ~10km (3–4hrs) through villages with the sea growing ever closer until you arrive triumphantly at Penimbangan Beach on the north coast — your coast-to-coast mission complete. Take a ceremonial swim to celebrate! Arrange a local bemo (minibus) or charter a private driver in advance (~£15–20) to take you along the coast to Lovina, a relaxed beach town with cheap guesthouses and a great sunset strip. Toast your epic achievement with a Bintang beer at a beachside warung.
🚌Local bemo or chartered driver from Penimbangan Beach to Lovina (~£15–20)
🛏Budget beach guesthouse or homestay in Lovina (~£12–18/night)
- →Final trek to Penimbangan Beach, north coast (~10km, 3–4hrs)
- →Ceremonial swim on arrival at the north coast
- →Local bemo or private driver transfer to Lovina (~£15–20)
- →Sundowners at Lovina beachfront
Lovina – Dolphins, Temples and the Road South
Lovina to Sanur, South Bali
Rise early (5am) for an optional dolphin-watching boat trip from Lovina harbour — local fishermen run these for ~£8–10 per person. Back for breakfast, then arrange a shared tourist shuttle or charter a private driver for the scenic 4-hour road trip south through the highlands (shuttles ~£10–15, private car ~£35–50 split between travellers). Stop at the Bedugul highlands area for lunch at a local restaurant, then continue to Mengwi to visit Taman Ayun Temple (entry ~£1.50). Arrive in Sanur on the south coast — treat yourself to a massage at a local spa (~£10–15) to soothe those trekker's legs. Celebratory dinner out tonight.
🚌Tourist shuttle bus or shared private car from Lovina to Sanur via Bedugul (~£10–15 shuttle or £35–50 private car)
🛏Budget hotel or guesthouse in Sanur (~£18–25/night)
- →Optional dolphin-watching boat trip from Lovina harbour (~£8–10)
- →Scenic road trip south through the highlands
- →Stop at Taman Ayun Temple in Mengwi (~£1.50 entry)
- →Spa massage in Sanur (~£10–15)
- →Celebratory dinner in Sanur
Farewell, Bali
Sanur / Denpasar Airport
Enjoy one last tropical breakfast in Sanur before heading to the airport. Take a Grab taxi or pre-booked transfer from Sanur to Ngurah Rai Airport (~20–30 mins, ~£6–8). Safe travels!
🚌Grab taxi or private transfer from Sanur to Denpasar Airport (~£6–8)
- →Final breakfast in Sanur
- →Grab taxi or pre-booked transfer to Denpasar Airport (~£6–8)
Self-launched vs. Much Better Adventures
| This itinerary (self-launched) | Much Better Adventures | |
|---|---|---|
| Price per person | ~£550 | £2,195 |
| Duration | 11 days | 11 days |
| Who books it | You and your group, direct | Tour operator, guided group |
| Savings | £1,645 per person (75%) | |
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.~£550
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 Coast to Coast Traverse of Bali – Self-Launched cost?+
Doing it yourself with this self-launched itinerary costs an estimated £550 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 £2,195 per person for a similar tour. Doing the same route independently, using the same standard of accommodation and activities, costs an estimated £550 — a saving of roughly £1,645 (75%) 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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