Interested in immersing yourself in local culture, exploring all the
highlights at your own pace with the guidance of a friendly local?
Look no
further than a Balinese guide-driver. After all, who knows Bali better than
someone born and raised here?
Exploring Bali with Your Personal Guide-Driver
In Bali, it's common to tour the island by car with a personal guide-driver.
It's convenient, fascinating, and surprisingly affordable. The fee for a day's
tour is fixed, and you only cover park entrances, attractions, temple donations, and your own expenses for food and souvenirs.
The cost of hiring a private car with a guide-driver varies depending on the duration and distance of the tour, factoring in routes that may require more fuel. These charges are always included in the price.
On average, a full day ranges from 500,000 to 900,000 IDR.
Typically, these tours use 5-6 seater cars like Toyota Avanza, Kijang, or
Suzuki APV, all equipped with air conditioning.
For a group of 4 people, the cost is just $15 per person for a full
day of exciting excursions.
Larger groups should notify the guide in advance
for appropriate vehicle arrangements and pricing adjustments.
If you're a couple traveling, expect a VIP experience!
English-Speaking Balinese Guides
When choosing a guide, I suggest finding one with a good command of English.
They can enrich your journey by sharing insights about Bali and answering your
questions along the way.
However, it's essential to understand that these guides aren't obligated to
narrate like a radio throughout the day. Engage them in conversation, ask
questions, and guide the dialogue based on your interests and preferences. This
way, your journey will be truly enjoyable!
Where to Go: Planning Your Tour
Before setting off, it's crucial to discuss the
destinations you wish to explore with your guide-driver. This helps them plan
the best route for your itinerary.
Research the must-see attractions in Bali and highlight the places you're eager to visit. Discuss with your guide-driver the most efficient sequence to visit these locations and confirm whether your planned itinerary can be completed within a day.
For multi-day trips, consider organizing your
travels as follows:
- Western Bali: Tanah Lot, Lake Bratan, waterfalls, and rice terraces.
- Central Bali: Bird and reptile park, Mount Batur, Kintamani village, coffee plantation, Ubud temple, and the Monkey Forest.
- Eastern Bali: Goa Lawah, Tirta Gangga, and Taman Ujung.
To beat the heat and traffic, depart at 8am.
Consider
bringing along pillows for comfort, sunscreen, a sarong, water, and mint
candies for motion sickness.
To avoid misunderstandings, clarify the rental duration (start and end times) and whether you are responsible for the driver's meals. Most guides can accommodate overtime for an additional fee, which should also be discussed beforehand, whether or not you plan to extend (just in case).
Lastly, if you enjoyed your journey, showing
appreciation with a tip is always appreciated!
You can add one right now!