Getting Around Bali

Bali has been a major tourist destination for so many years now so it’s relatively easy to travel from/to and around the island.

Plane

A visit to Bali is often paired with short trips to other islands or countries in the region, and there are several airlines you can choose from when traveling from Bali, such as Lion Air/Wings Air, Citilink, AirAsia, and Batik Air.

Scooter/motorcycle

Traveling around Bali on a scooter/motorbike is one of the easiest and most popular ways, it’s also fun and gives you a lot of freedom. For travelers in Bali, riding a scooter may be just as challenging and dangerous as it is efficient, especially when you are not familiar with the traffic or with driving a two-wheeler.

The first two things to keep in mind is that you need to have an international motorcycle licence and you will drive on the left side of the road.  If you have never tried your hand with the traffic in Bali or cities like Bangkok, Hanoi or Jakarta beforehand, take some time to get familiar with it and with your scooter as well!

A scooter can be easily rented in Bali, and the price is around 60,000 Rp, and less if you are asking for the price of a week or month. Make sure any price for a rented scooter has minimal insurance included. Helmet use is mandatory and always keep your eyes on the road!

Car

Car rental gives you similar benefits of renting a scooter – cheaper, more flexibility and quicker to explore the island. Daily rates range from about USD$20 for a small car to about USD$60 for a large van, gas not included. Then again, be aware of the crazy traffic, make sure you have your driving licence and are experienced enough to handle the chaotic streets!

Renting a car with a driver is also a good choice when you are traveling in more remote areas like Ubud or further up north, where the road conditions are still being developed. Thus, they know more about the shortcuts and some interesting off-the0beaten-track sites. And the prices are not that much different when renting a car with a driver.

Taxi

Metered taxis are common in south Bali and Denpasar (but not Ubud). The most reputable company is Blue Bird Taxi, which uses blue cars with a light on the roof bearing a stylized bluebird. Drivers speak reasonable English and use the meter at all times. The fares in Bali are fairly cheap, but make sure to avoid using any taxis without/don’t turn on the meter.

Public/Tourist Bus

You have the option of taking a public bus or a tourist one, depends on your destinations.

Public bus is more suitable for traveling longer routes like transferring between islands or going from one side of the island to another. This is a cheap option for traveling, but be prepared for a hot and dusty ride. The Trans-Sarbagita Buses with air-con are handy if you are taking any of the routes: the bypass linking Sanur to Nusa Dua; Denpasar to Jimbaran; Tabanan to Bandara; or Mahendradata to Lebih via Sanur.

Tourist bus is another economical method to get around Bali, but much more convenient and comfortable compared to the public bus, which mainly serves the locals. The price is reasonable and a tourist bus usually has between 8-20 people, wifi is available and they operate throughout the day until early evening.