Ridge of Death: The Bali Road Trip That Nearly Broke Us

Renting a car for a family road trip through Bali sounded like the perfect offbeat adventure. Beaches, rice terraces, and temples—how hard could it be? Let’s just say, we didn’t expect to find ourselves on what we now call the "Ridge of Death."

It all started with our trusty (and occasionally glitchy) GPS rerouting us through central Bali to avoid traffic. At first, the scenery was breathtaking—lush jungle, misty hills, and almost no other cars. Then the road began to narrow… and narrow… until it morphed into a barely-there path, hugging the side of a mountain. One wrong move, and, well—you get the idea.

With white knuckles gripping the steering wheel, toddlers fast asleep in the backseat (thankfully), and Google Maps insisting, “Continue straight,” we seriously questioned our travel choices. But turning back wasn’t an option—the road behind us was just as treacherous. We inched forward, hearts pounding, silently praying for a wider stretch of road or a sign of civilization.

Eventually, after what felt like hours of crawling along the edge of the world, the ridge gave way to a proper road. Relief doesn’t begin to describe it. We checked the map back at the villa and realized we’d unknowingly taken an infamous mountain pass known for its steep cliffs and minimal guardrails. Yep, the Ridge of Death.

So, would we stop road-tripping Bali after that experience? Absolutely not. If anything, it’s a story we'll tell forever—and a reminder that in Bali, even the wrong turns become unforgettable parts of the journey.

Family travel tip: Always double-check your Bali route, especially for mountain areas. And maybe… trust your instincts more than Google Maps.