Bali: Transportation and city rides

Bali is one of the most sought-after holiday destinations in Southeast Asia. Thanks to its tourist-friendly city infrastructure, navigating around in this Indonesian province is not an issue for foreigners. However, to make the most out of your Bali visit, learning about the local transportation options and related tips and tricks beforehand can be crucial. Go through this page for a detailed guide on transportation and city rides in Bali.

Transportation options in Bali

When it comes to getting around in Bali, there are multiple options to pick from. Here are the most preferred choices when it comes to travelling within Bali in Indonesia;

1. Taxis

Taxis are the most obvious and common way to get around Bali. Boasting a lovely blue colour scheme, much in contrast to the yellow and black themes like in other places around the world, they are hard to miss on the road. You can simply hail one from the curb or use your mobile device to summon one through the official app. Some taxi drivers may charge more than the normal fare if the customer is a foreigner, so make sure to use your haggling skills.

• Pros:

It is the best way to travel within South Bali.

• Cons:

Some drivers may not take you to far-away locations, especially if they are outside of south Bali.

• Cost:

The flag-down rate is IDR 7,000, then IDR 6,600 for each added kilometre.

2. Tourist shuttle buses

This type of shuttle bus service is specially designed for tourists, helping them travel from point A to point B easily and that too for cheap. While it depends on the operator, these buses are often equipped with onboard WiFi and a voiceover guide. Some popular tourist shuttle bus services in Bali are the Kura-Kura bus shuttle and Perama Shuttle, helping you reach destinations like Kuta, Ubud, Seminyak, Uluwatu, etc.

• Pros:

It is cheap and pretty hassle-free, especially for tourists.

• Cons:

The services of tourist shuttle buses are not very well-developed in Bali.

• Cost:

Depends on route and company. For example, the Kura Kura Bus’ Kuta to Ubud line, which covers Kuta, Sanur, Batubulan, Singapadu, Tebongkang and Ubud, has a fare of IDR 100,000.

3. Car and two-wheeler rentals

If you want to be the one behind the wheels as you explore the majestic island, consider the car and two-wheeler rental options. With this, you can cover the routes you want, in the way you want. You can choose to drive yourself or get a rental with a designated driver. It is also ideal for those who don’t like public transport and want to travel in private. In rentals, cars offer more comfort, safety and passenger and luggage-carrying capacity, while bikes and scooters are for thrilling rides and avoiding traffic.

• Pros:

It allows you to explore Bali at your own pace and in private.

• Cons:

Bali’s roads are a bit dangerous and it can take some time to get habituated with its traffic rules and regulations. Also, travelling in Bali by car, and motorcycle and scooter rentals can be quite a bit expensive.

• Cost:

Daily rates for car rentals are around USD 20 and between USD 4 and 10 for two-wheelers, excluding fuel.

4. Bemo

For those looking to get across Bali like the locals and save money on transportation, Bemo is the way to go. It is a type of van/microbus service in Bali used for local public transportation. Bemo has select routes all over the island and considerably low prices. Do note that some Bemo drivers may try to charge more for foreigners, so keep your bargaining skills on standby.

• Pros:

Bemo is a cheap and reliable way to travel within Bali and is available almost everywhere on the island.

• Cons:

Travelling in Bemo is not entirely comfortable.

• Cost:

The usual fare for Bemo starts around IDR 5,000 for short destinations.

5. Bicycle

If you want to explore parts of Bali in a peaceful and eco-friendly way, that too at your own desired pace, go for bicycle rentals. It is quite popular among foreigners visiting Bali for their holidays. In addition, if you want the company of like-minded individuals while exploring, you can opt for organised bike tours of Bali.

• Pros:

It is an environment-friendly and low-cost alternative for short-distance transportation.

• Cons:

It is a bit time-consuming and has a limited range.

• Cost:

The cost of bicycle rentals is around USD 2.50 for a day.

Did you know?

One of the most popular local taxi operators in Bali is the Blue Bird Taxis, known for their honesty, accurate fare and great service. Their prices are so low that some other local taxi operators try to create trouble for them. You can opt for blue bird taxi services if you want to pay the right fare and not a buck more. You can hail a blue bird taxi on the road or use their official app.

Taxis & Ride-hailing Services in Bali

Safety, comfort and affordability. These are the three-pointers that one needs to consider when choosing transportation options in Bali. Traditional metered taxi services are the go-to when it comes to travelling from point A to point B comfortably and as fast as possible. Bali also has popular ride-hailing services if you want better service, price and convenience. Here’s what you need to know more about taxis and ride-hailing services in Bali;

1. Taxis in Bali

Taxis are easily available in the major tourist hotspots around Bali, hence spotting and hiring one is not very difficult. Most taxi drivers are honest and hardworking individuals, however, you may come across as dishonest and rude occasionally. Some common local taxi scams involve intentionally taking the longer route or claiming a broken metre in order to charge more money from tourists. If you want the best-metered taxi travel experience in Bali, you should go for Blue Bird Taxis. Operated by Blue Bird Group, these taxis are known for their good service, experienced drivers and consistent fares. You can identify a Blue Bird taxi from the “Blue Bird'' logo printed on the sides. All taxis are blue in colour in Bali, so make sure to verify the operator before hailing one.

2. Ride-hailing services in Bali

Ride-sharing services are available in Bali and are a much-preferred option if you are looking for an alternative to metered taxis. However, note that in some areas of Bali, the local taxi mafia doesn’t really like the idea of ride-sharing drivers and gives them violent treatment. Besides this issue, there’s no such problem in using ride-hailing services in this Indonesian province. The two most popular choices are;

• Grab:

Grab is more like an alternative to Uber, working on the same concept. It offers private cab services to customers at very low prices via its app. Their services are quite convenient and handy across most of Bali. They also have a newly launched scooter version of their ride-hailing service, called “Grab a Ride”.

• Gojek:

Gojek is another famous ride-hailing service in Bali, best known for offering cheap ride-share transport on scooters. It is very cheap and fast, ideal for solo travellers in Bali. However, do note the dangers of riding a two-wheeler in Bali due to the local road habits.

Renting Motorbikes & Car in Bali

Exploring the beautiful Indonesian island at your own pace in a rental car or motorbike remains unmatched. Car and bike rental services are widely available in Bali, and you can get a rental with a driver/rider or choose to drive/ride yourself if you have the valid paperwork. Here’s what you need to know about renting cars and motorbikes in Bali;

1. Car rentals in Bali

If you prefer a car for your Bali sightseeing and exploration, consider renting one from one of the numerous car rental shops across Bali. You can also use local online car rental services to get one, like Traveloka. The cost depends on the type of the car and the duration of the rental. In general, the charge for a city car like a Toyota Calya, the cost is around IDR 108,000/day without a driver and IDR 175,000/day with a driver.

2. Motorbike rentals in Bali

Exploring Bali on a motorbike is an adventure in itself. Flowing between traffic while the gentle breeze hits your face under the helmet visor makes for a wonderful sensation, especially if you are a biker. There are numerous shops across the island where you can rent a motorbike, like Uluwatu, Nusa Lembongan, Canggu, etc. Both scooters and geared motorcycles are available as rentals, with the most popular choices being the Honda Vario, Scoopy, Nmax, Vespa, etc. The cost for motorbike rentals in Bali depends on the type of the vehicle and its engine. The general pricing is between USD 4 to USD 10 a day (excluding fuel).

Cool fact:

Honking, as opposed to the beliefs in the Western world, is not a sign of road rage in Bali. It is used as a way to communicate on the road, to let other vehicles know about your position or intention. When driving or riding yourself, use it carefully and sparingly, never in anger.

Transportation Passes & Cards in Bali

If you plan on travelling a lot in a foreign nation on your trip, purchasing a local transportation pass/card can help you save a lot of money. Although the options for transportation passes and cards are quite limited in Bali, there are still some considerable options you can look into, such as;

1. The Kura-Kura Shuttle Bus Pass- 1 Day Pass

You can opt for this bus pass if you want to plan on travelling for 1 day in Bali. These buses have tons of amenities to make your trip comfortable and worth it, including onboard WiFi, air-conditioning, LCD TVs, plug-in electricity, etc.

• Lines covered:

5

• Pros:

No limits to the number of times tourists can hop on or off.

• Cost:

From USD 6.50

2. The Kura-Kura Shuttle Bus Pass- 3 Day Pass

This is another popular bus pass you can invest in during your Bali trip if you plan on staying for more than 3 days. Coming from the same operator, Kura Kura Bus, you will be getting the same amenities as before with the change being only in the duration and cost.

• Lines covered:

5

• Pros:

No limits to the number of times tourists can hop on or off.

• Cost:

From USD 10.50

Navigating Bali Traffic

The traffic in Bali can be a bit challenging for a newcomer to tackle. However, with the following tips, you will be able to navigate your way through without facing much of any hurdle;

• The time period between 7:30 AM and 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM and 6:30 PM is when the main tourist-centric areas in Bali experience terrible traffic jams. So, it is best to schedule your journey outside of these peak traffic times to avoid wasting your day standing in line.
• If you are confident and careful, you can go with motorbikes for transportation in Bali. You see, while cars get stuck in heavy traffic, riders on bikes can simply lane-filter (only when it is safe to do so) and stay clear of the traffic jam.
• Make sure to plan the route ahead of time. Look for roads that have fewer cars, and online navigation services like Google Maps can help you do so.
• Ask the locals, especially hotel owners and cab drivers for suggestions on this aspect. Only they can give you accurate details on the present traffic scenario across specific areas in Bali.
• You can go visit the less crowded gems of Bali if you want to skip facing the congested roads. A few examples include Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Penida, Tenganan Pegringsingan, Penglipuran Village, Jatiluwih, etc.
• Despite planning ahead, there’s a possibility that you may come across Bali’s unavoidable traffic. If you find yourself in those shoes, it is best to accept it and go with the flow, instead of getting frustrated.

Did you know?

In order to rent and drive a car/bike in Bali, you will need the following documents;

• International driver’s licence,

• A valid passport.

If you don't have an IDL, you can obtain a temporary tourist driver's license to drive or ride in Bali. Visit Poltables on Jalan Gunung Sanghyang in West Denpasar to apply. You will need to provide photocopies and your original passport, and KITAS permit, and pay a fee of about IDR 40,000.

Transportation Apps & Tools in Bali

On your Bali trip, you can make use of the following apps to maintain a hassle-free transport experience;

1. Communication:

Proper communication is the key to travelling. While most people around Bali can understand and speak in English, it is best to make use of translation apps, like Google Translate, to make things more convenient.

2. Ride-hailing and rentals:

For ride-hailing and private taxis, Traveloka, MyBluebird, Gojek and Grab are great options to consider.

3. Navigation:

For navigation purposes, Google Maps and Waze are your best bet.

Day Trips & Excursion transportation in Bali

While you can opt for local services for day trips and excursions from/in Bali, using rental cars and scooters is advised if you want to make the most of your sightseeing tour. Here are some popular day trips and excursions that you can consider;

1. Tegalalang rice terraces:

Located on the northern end of Ubud, the best way to reach these spots is by a 2-hour car ride from Denpasar. During the tour, you can choose to rent a bicycle and explore the beautiful rice terraces to your heart’s content.

2. Mount Batur:

If you are making your way from the airport to Mount Batur, consider taking a taxi, which takes around an hour and 10 minutes to complete the journey and costs around USD 35-45.

3. Danu Bratan:

It is best to drive to Danu Bratan from Denpasar, which takes around 50 mins to an hour.

4. Lempuyang Temple:

Lempuyang Temple is only a couple of hours’ drive away from Denpasar.

Cool facts:

When travelling within Bali, you will rarely come across traffic lights. The more common ones you will find are a set of traffic lights in Ubud and a few more in the busy intersections in South Bali. To be fair, some locals rarely follow traffic rules, which is why it makes driving/riding in Bali quite dangerous for those who are only familiar with decent roads and traffic habits.

Safety Tips

Here are some general transportation-related safety tips one should consider while commuting and driving/riding in Bali;

• Make sure to learn and abide by the local traffic rules and regulations when driving/riding in Bali.
• The roads and traffic in Bali can be a bit rough and dangerous. It is important to take all the safety measures and maintain a calm composure when driving/riding in Bali.
• When renting a vehicle in Bali, make sure that all necessary paperwork and insurance are in place. Also, inspect the rental vehicle carefully before taking it out on the road.
• Only use trusted transport services if safety is your primary concern. Services from Gojek, Grab, Blue Bird Taxis, etc., are some options you can rely on.
• While using local public transport, keep your phone, purse and other valuables in a safe place.
• Always set out for your journey an hour or a half ahead of time, which can come in handy if you come across an unexpected traffic jam in Bali.