Getting Around

The Island of the Gods is large and diverse, with many different regions to explore. Most visitors spend their time hopping from town to beach to waterfall, moving around Bali to discover new landscapes, temples and activities.

But how do you get from A to B in Bali? If you plan to check out a few different areas during your stay, sussing out the transport situation will be high on your list of priorities. Fortunately, there are plenty of options to suit every type of budget and traveller.

Read on to find out how you can get the best of Bali’s attractions, without stressing over how to get there!

Taxis in Bali

Cabs are the main form of transport in Bali and are the most convenient way to get around the island. Luxury comes at a premium, however, and the cost of cabs can start to add up if you use them regularly during your trip!

Prices can vary depending on where you are travelling from, the distance you have to travel and how good your haggling skills are. But how can you keep costs down when taking a taxi in Bali?

Things to consider when taking a taxi in Bali

Beware of scams!

The surest way to get a fair price in Bali is to take a meter taxi. However, many drivers will tell you that their meter is broken, or that they don’t have one. This means you will have to agree on a price prior to your trip, which will almost certainly cost more!

Ask around to get an idea of how much the fare should be before you go, or you can make sure you get a meter taxi by booking with a reputable company.

Choose a reputable company

The Blue Bird Group is Bali’s most trusted taxi company and is your best option for cab travel on the island. They are easily recognisable by their distinctive blue logo, but beware of copycat companies! These are not as reliable or reasonably priced, so make sure you book with the genuine company.

Renting a car in Bali

If you want the freedom of having your own transport in Bali, but don’t want to rent a motorbike, car rental is the way to go. Prices typically range from $15 – 25 per day but can be significantly less if you rent for a few weeks or a month.

Things to consider when renting a car in Bali

Drive on the left!

Everyone drives on the left in Bali, so this is one to remember for people coming from countries that drive on the right! This is definitely something you should be aware of before you arrive, as it can take some getting used to.

Allow extra time for travel

Estimating journey times can be tricky in Bali, as the roads can be chaotic and the traffic heavy. A 10 km drive may take 15 minutes tops back home but could take up to 30 minutes in Bali. If you have to be somewhere at a certain time, make sure you allow for delays!

Ask about insurance

Many cars in Bali are uninsured, which can mean hefty fee if you get into an accident. Even if your car is insured, you will usually have to pay a few hundred dollars if you damage the vehicle. Make sure you speak with the owner to find out exactly where you stand with insurance and potential fees before you rent a car to avoid any nasty surprises!

Top car rental companies in Bali

The following car rental companies in Bali have a solid reputation for excellent service and affordable prices. You can easily rent a car in Denpasar, or in any of Bali’s other popular tourist areas.

• Bali Car Finder
• Wira Rental Mobil Bali
• Puri Bali Car Rental
• Bima Sakti Bali Car Rental
• Bali Car Hire
• Madu Sari Bali Car Rental

Renting a motorbike in Bali

Motorbikes, scooters and mopeds are the no.1 forms of transport in Bali, and this could be your best option for travel on the island. Bike rental is inexpensive, starting at around $3 USD per day – even less if you rent for a week or more and negotiate on the price.

Things to consider when renting a motorbike in Bali

Can you drive?

It may seem like a no-brainer, but can you actually drive? Many people hop on to the scooters without ever having ridden one before. Whilst most of them hop off again unscathed, some get into nasty accidents simply because it’s not as easy as it looks.

The logistics of riding a scooter couldn’t be simpler, but navigating the roads safely requires experience, quick reactions and excellent spacial awareness.

If you’re not a confident driver, don’t rent a scooter.

Do you have an international driver’s’ license?

Technically, you must have an international drivers licence to rent a motorbike in Bali. This is rarely enforced, however, and shouldn’t stop you from renting a bike (if it does, try another rental shop – Bali has hundreds of them).

So, what’s the problem?

Bali’s traffic cops often target motorbike riders and are notorious for handing out arbitrary fines to tourists. If you are driving without an international license, this gives them the perfect excuse to charge you!

Chances are you’ll get pulled over at least once during your stay, but you can lessen the odds by not drawing attention to yourself. Wear a helmet at all times and drive sensibly to avoid catching their eye.

Give the roads the attention they’re due

You may be a pro biker back home, but that doesn’t mean you should get complacent about road safety – especially in Bali! Roads on the island are often narrow, busy, potholed and packed with pedestrians, other vehicles and dogs. Keep your wits about you when driving, especially at night and ALWAYS wear a helmet.

Does Bali have Uber?

Bali does have Uber, although the service is banned in some areas. The same is true of Grab, an app that works the same way but is more widely used in Asia.

Drivers from both companies can be found in Bali, but there are many areas where the service is prohibited. However, if you do manage to find a ride, Uber can be a cost-effective alternative to taxis in Bali.