Exploring Bali: Best Travel Tips And Tricks

Bali is a relatively small island, but that doesn't mean it's easy to travel around. Public transport is erratic and traffic jams are common, especially in the densely populated southern and central parts of the island.

The best ways to get around Bali are:

- Hiring a car and driver

- Renting a moped

- Using ride-hailing apps like Grab and Gojek

- Taking a taxi

- Taking local shuttle buses

- Hiring a bicycle

Renting a scooter

Navigating the scooter rental scene in Bali can be daunting, especially for first-time visitors. You may be wondering if you need a special license, what the safety concerns are, and how much it will cost. Here is everything you need to know about renting a scooter in Bali:

Yes, you will need an International Driver's Permit (IDP) to rent a scooter in Bali legally. You can obtain an IDP from certain organisations in your home country, and it is usually inexpensive and easy to obtain. Without an IDP, your travel insurance may be invalidated, and you may be fined by the local police.

Where can you rent a scooter?

There are several options for renting a scooter in Bali:

• Reputable Bali-wide rental companies such as Bikago, which offer insurance, sanitised helmets, and well-maintained scooters. You can book online and have the scooter delivered to your accommodation or the airport.
• Streetside rental companies, which are cheaper but may not offer the same level of service and amenities as the larger companies. It is important to shop around and check online reviews to ensure you get a decent vehicle.
• Your accommodation, which often offers scooter rentals for guests. However, these may not come with insurance or guaranteed help in case of a breakdown.

The cost of renting a scooter in Bali varies depending on factors such as the model, age of the scooter, and rental location. Here are some average daily rental prices:

• Scoopy or Vario 110cc: 60,000 - 100,000 IDR
• Vario 125cc: 100,000 - 150,000 IDR
• NMax: 100,000 - 200,000 IDR

For longer stays, you can find better deals for extended periods. Monthly rental prices for a basic scooter start at around 1,200,000 IDR.

Important things to know

• Always wear a helmet, even if you are a confident driver or passenger. It could save your life in the event of an accident.
• Be aware of your belongings, as bag snatching and phone theft are common. Keep valuables inside the bike seat and avoid carrying handbags while riding.
• Drive on the left side of the road, and stick to the left side when walking or parking to avoid obstructing traffic.
• Note down your number plate and take a photo of the bike, as it can be easy to forget which one is yours among the many parked scooters.
• Always take photos or videos of the scooter immediately after renting it to document its condition and avoid disputes about damage.
• Be cautious and alert when riding, as the roads in Bali can be chaotic and unpredictable. Drive defensively and be prepared for unexpected obstacles, including random pedestrians and animals on the road.
• Obey traffic laws and signs, and be aware of common police checkpoints, such as at stop signs or roadblocks.
• Do not drink and ride. Alcohol impairs your judgement and increases the risk of accidents. Use alternative transport options such as Grab or Gojek if you plan to drink.
• Have the necessary insurance and documentation, including travel insurance, health insurance, and an International Driver's Permit.
• Check your scooter for possible damages before renting and after returning it to avoid being blamed for any existing issues. Inspect the indicators, lights, and brakes.
• Refuel at large gas stations or from vendors selling petrol on the side of the road. The standard price is 10,000 IDR per litre.

Using ride-hailing apps

Grab is a Singapore-based company that provides on-demand transportation services in various countries, including Indonesia. In Bali, Grab offers rides on motorbikes and cars, as well as food delivery services. The app has a simple user interface and allows you to add a payment card for convenience. While Grab is reliable and has drivers who can communicate well in English, it may not always offer the cheapest fare rates.

Gojek, on the other hand, is an Indonesian app that is very similar to Grab. It is focused on transportation with scooters and is a good option for backpackers and solo travellers. Gojek also offers other services such as food and item delivery, shopping, and even moving services.

It is important to note that both Grab and Gojek may not be available in all areas of Bali. Certain tourist areas, such as Ubud, Kuta, and Canggu, have signs forbidding access to ride-hailing app vehicles. Additionally, you may encounter resistance from local taxi drivers, who see these apps as competition. However, for short rides within these areas, Grab and Gojek can still be useful and cheap options.

To use these apps, you will need a local SIM card and data package to order rides and communicate with drivers. It is also recommended to wear a helmet at all times when riding a scooter for your safety.

Other ride-hailing apps in Bali include Maxim, which is preferred by locals and often has cheaper rates, and Airasia Superapp, which is a newer app that offers ride-hailing and other services. BlueBird Taxi is also a traditional taxi company in Bali that has its own app and can be hailed on the street or through the Gojek app.

Hiring a car and driver

You can hire a car and driver in Bali for around 8-10 hours for approximately approximately $15-$30. They are yours for the day and will take you where you need to go and pick you up too. It is also possible to hire a driver for half a day.

There are a few main ways to find cars and drivers for the day in Bali, which include:

• Booking online
• Using ride-hailing apps such as Grab and Gojek
• Using taxi apps such as Blue Bird
• Booking through your hotel

When hiring a car and driver, it is important to be clear about your destination and what you expect from the driver. Be sure to also plan your toilet breaks and communicate these with your driver. Tipping is not expected but is always welcome and demonstrates your appreciation. A small tip would be IDR50k, while IDR100k-300k would be considered a good tip for a job well done.

Taking local shuttle buses

Taking the local shuttle bus is a great way to travel around Bali on a budget. The Kura-Kura bus is a popular option for tourists, with tickets available to purchase on the bus or from Kura-Kura ticket booths. The route includes stops in Kuta, Sanur, and Ubud, with each line having a flat-fare for a single journey. For example, it costs 100,000 IDR per person from Kuta to Ubud, or 160,000 IDR for a round-trip ticket. There is also a charge of 20,000 IDR for luggage.

The Kura-Kura bus is a great option for groups of friends or solo travellers, as it is a cheap and convenient way to get around. Additionally, the buses offer free WiFi, making it a great option for digital nomads or those who want to stay connected during their travels.

While the Kura-Kura bus is a popular option, there are other local shuttle buses available in Bali. Public buses are the most common form of transport for locals and are the cheapest form of transport on the island. Trans Sarbagita, Perama, and Kura Kura are some of the public bus companies that service the island. Trans Sarbagita, for example, offers routes that connect the city of Denpasar with various Bali regencies, such as Badung, Gianyar, and Tabanan. The price per journey on Trans Sarbagita buses ranges from 3,000 to 5,000 IDR, and the buses run from 5:30 am to 9 pm.

Another option for shuttle buses in Bali is the Bemo, which are vans or minibusses that service the main points of the island. Bemos are one of the cheapest transport options and can be booked through the thousands of private travel agencies across Bali. While Bemos can be old and lack air conditioning, they do offer the convenience of pick-up from your accommodation. For example, the journey between Kuta and Ubud takes approximately one hour and costs around 70,000 IDR with pick-up included.

Taking the local shuttle bus is a great option for those who want to travel like the locals and experience Balinese life. It is also a budget-friendly option, allowing you to save money on transport and spend it on other aspects of your trip. However, it is important to note that buses in Bali can be slow and have many stops, so it may not be the best option for those who are short on time.

Renting a car

The cost of renting a car in Bali is fairly inexpensive compared to other locations like Australia, the USA, and Europe. The most popular type of car rental in Bali is a small 4-wheel drive, like a Suzuki Jimny. Prices are likely to start at around 200,000RP per day ($15 USD), but the following days will be cheaper. For that price, you will normally get unlimited mileage and basic insurance.

If you are staying in Seminyak, Amertadana is a safe and reliable option for car rental. It offers cars, drivers, and scooters. Prices start from $17 for a supermini-style car. Hiring a driver here will cost you an extra $40, while you can add on GPS and babysitting options too.

If you are staying in Canggu, there is a huge choice of reliable and highly-rated companies. The best places to rent a car in Canggu include Bali Car Rental, Auto Rental Bali, and Echo Bali Rent Car. Prices for self-drive car rental are competitive, with the lowest price being around $15 per day for a Suzuki Jimny Katana.

If you are staying in Ubud, there is also a lot to choose from. However, if you want to take a look and get an idea before you travel, only a few have websites. Check out Bali Cheap Car, Darma Putra Bali, Bangkok's Car Rental, and Bali Transport Service. In Ubud, rentals normally start from about $15 USD for a supermini.

When renting a car in Bali, you will need a valid driver's license and an International Driving Permit (IDP). You must also be 21 years old, but preferably 23. Cash and credit cards are accepted as payment, although cash is the preferred method and will often get you a cheaper rate.

When driving in Bali, remember to:

• Drive on the left side of the road
• Carry your driver's license and IDP at all times
• Use your turn signals and flashers
• Avoid driving distracted
• Make eye contact with drivers and pedestrians
• Be aware that traffic lights are soft signals
• Be patient and keep your calm
• Remember that gas stations are not self-serve

Frequently asked questions