If you come to Bali for a vacation, you'll likely need some way to get around the island. If you want to see more than just your hotel, cafe, and the nearest beach, you’ll have to travel quite a bit. Bali's peculiarity is that points of interest are fairly spread out: beautiful beaches in one place, swimming beaches in another, and temples and waterfalls elsewhere.
We've collected all the ways to get around the paradise island for you.
Renting a Motorbike/Motorcycle
A very common option. If you're ready to ride a bike, have a good head on your shoulders, and promise to wear a helmet, this might be the optimal choice for solo trips or rides for two. It's inexpensive: a simple automatic motorbike costs about $4 per day, more powerful ones from $5-6. For two weeks, you can rent the simplest bike for 600,000 - 700,000 rupiah ($40-45). Motorcycles are more expensive. You can either rent a bike on the street if you trust the local rentals or go to serious companies that provide full insurance and a bike in perfect condition.
One of the most reliable and long-standing services on the island is Balimotion. It's pricier than private rentals, but you get a bike in excellent condition with full support. They can even suggest routes around the island. Always negotiate on the streets! Check the bike for damage, and if you find any, make sure to point them out and record a video. Never leave your passport as a deposit!
It's advisable to have an international driving license with the required category, but you can get by without it if you're willing to pay a fine. Always wear a helmet; you’ll be fined for not having one. If you get stopped, they'll check your license and make you pay if you don’t have it. By the way, you can get a local driver's license in Bali. Not only will this save you from trouble on the island, but it's also valid in some Asian countries and serves as an official ID. The LegalIndonesia agency can help you obtain a local driver's license. If you've never ridden motorcycles/scooters, think carefully if you need it. You need confidence and some basic training; even the lightest scooter is harder to handle than a bicycle.
Remember, just one fall can ruin your vacation. At the very least, you won't be able to go into the water, and at worst - fractures and so on. Medical treatment in Bali (without insurance) is quite expensive. A bike is a very dangerous mode of transport!
If you're still set on taking a bike, find an instructor to give you a few lessons in a quiet area. Practice turns, acceleration, emergency braking, and more. For the first couple of days, avoid busy streets.
Make sure to get insurance!
The advantages of a bike include getting through traffic jams (traffic is heavy in Bali), maneuverability, easy parking, and cheap cost. The disadvantages: it's dangerous, hard to travel long distances, small trunk, and uncomfortable in the rain.
Be sure to read about how to safely learn to ride a bike!
Car Rental
Also a very good option for getting around. Here’s more about car rental in Bali. You can also use these contacts. They will deliver the car right to your home/hotel. On average, rental starts at 250,000 rupiah per day for a manual car. Automatic cars start from 300,000. A car is convenient for long trips around the island, etc. Air conditioning is a big plus!
You also need an international driving license. Keep in mind that driving in Bali is on the left side! It might take some time to get used to it. Also, be mindful of the numerous motorbikers; they are many and often unpredictable. If you accidentally hit a local biker, even if it's their fault, you will face many problems. One of the main drawbacks — a car cannot bypass traffic jams on the roadside, so you'll experience the hellish traffic of tourist (and other) areas yourself.
Taxi
A great option for moving between areas. Here’s more about taxis in Bali. Bali has GrabTaxi and GoJek taxis. These are the cheapest and most convenient taxis. There are many cars, and getting one in popular tourist spots is almost never a problem (except in areas dominated by local taxi drivers. Sometimes they force online taxi drivers away, making clients use their services. This is most common in Ubud. Taxis are convenient because you won't have to deal with Bali's crazy driving on your vacation. You can walk around, drink, and not worry about how to get back and so on.
Taxis in Bali are relatively inexpensive, approximately 50-80 thousand rupiah within a district and 150-200 thousand between districts. It’s hard to call a taxi to remote non-touristy areas.
Motorbike Taxi.Motorbike taxis by Gojek are very popular in Bali. This is the most budget-friendly way to get around the district (and even between districts), without worrying about your driving skills. Local drivers always know ways to bypass traffic.
Renting a Car with a Driver-Guide for a Day
A very popular option in Bali. Check out the contacts of guides in Bali. It costs around 500-600 thousand rupiah (~$50) per day. It's the best option to explore the island on your own program. It’s only a bit more expensive than renting a car, but it removes many hassles: left-hand driving, navigation issues, finding parking near attractions, and the driver will explain and show everything on the route.
So basically, you get a driver-guide who will suggest where to try local food, wait for you while you explore attractions, and warn you about unnecessary expenses. They might push an unwanted tour, so don't be afraid to say “no”. If you want no surprises or unexplained costs at the end of the trip, use reputable companies. MyBalitrips.com has proven themselves over many years.
Buses in Bali
The most inconvenient and underdeveloped transport option in Bali. You can find more details about buses in Bali. There aren’t many routes. They are very cheap.
Essentially, a good option only for those traveling on a tight budget. However, it should be noted that recently, there have been improvements in bus service in Bali, and even the construction of a metro has started.
And forget about bicycles. You might manage short rides somewhere near Ubud or in remote eastern areas, but in the southern part of the island, cycling is very hot, dangerous (due to heavy traffic), and ineffective.
Conclusion on Transport in Bali
If you're coming to Bali for a couple of weeks and don’t have a strong desire to explore the entire island, you can easily get by with taxis/motorbike taxis and renting a car with a driver for excursions.
If you have a thirst for exploration and adventure, rent a bike or car, but be careful! Having your own bike gives you an incredible sense of freedom and saves money.
Ideally, before your trip to Bali, take a few motorbike riding lessons so you don't waste time on your vacation.
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