During your stay in Bali, you will undoubtedly need to get around on a daily basis. Although public transportation is practically non-existent on the island, you will never be short of options.
Motorcycles in Bali
As a response to the constant flow of tourists, rental agencies are never in short supply and offer rental of a two-wheeler from $3.80 per day, or IDR 65,000 on average. The monthly rental costs between 700,000 and 1,200,000 IDR. This price can be lower for a long-term rental. And don't forget that you can always negotiate!
The big upside of driving a motorcycle here is that it can get you places a little quicker than a car. It can cut through traffic and get down roads and alleyways where a car simply couldn't. Of course, this comes with a caveat.
When you rent a motorcycle, you must ask the renter for proof of insurance and invest in a good-quality helmet (it's the law to wear one). Also, choose this option only if you have experience and are confident you can drive here safely. Bali's roads are chaotic, crowded and unfriendly to beginners.
Good to know:
You must be the holder of an international motorcycle license to ride a motorized two-wheeler in Bali. The police are common on the roads, and the fines are severe!
As for your original driving license, it will only allow you to drive a car in Indonesia.
Cars in Bali
Bali's roads are famously congested, and driving your own rental car is going to leave you stuck in many traffic jams. That being said, if you're not in a particular rush and value comfort and freedom coupled with nice seating and cool air conditioning, then a rental car may be just what you need.
The cost of renting a car per day will be somewhere in the region of 300,000 to 600,000 IDR, depending on the size and model you take.
Bear in mind that driving in Indonesia is not the same as driving in many Western countries. There are different habits and customs, and in many cases, it's actually quite dangerous.
The best way to get around Bali
With the above in mind, the best way for many to get around Bali is to take a GoJek or Grab (ride-hailing app services), book a taxi, or even hire a driver for the day. Local drivers will know the roads far better, meaning they should (theoretically) drive safer and know their way around easily, perhaps even taking a few shortcuts to avoid the worst of the jams. They can also offer up their local knowledge, which can be a nice way to learn more about the island's culture and history.
If you hire a private driver with a car, it will cost between 550,000 and 1,000,000 IDR, depending on the length of hire and distance covered. To book a taxi, they'll charge somewhere between 4,500 and 6,500 IDR per kilometer traveled. For Grab and GoJek services, expect to pay around 20,000 IDR for a 10-minute journey.
Taking the bus in Bali
Let's be clear 鈥� the bus is not the number one option on the island of the gods, but it is useful to know that a service exists. Bali has a rapid bus transit system called Trans Sarbagita. These large blue buses are relatively new, clean, air-conditioned and equipped with spacious and comfortable seats. There are around 10 vehicles in operation, and they serve 2 main routes that cross the main roads of Bali's capital, Denpasar. Thus, they connect Batubulan - Nusa Dua and the city of Denpasar to Garuda Wisnu Kencana.
Fares are 4,400 IDR for adults. For students, there should be a discount of around 2,000 IDR.
Other vehicles have also been deployed to connect Tabanan-Mengwi airport to Mahendra Data-Sanur-Lebih airport. There is also a fleet of minibuses in Denpasar that can be used for short trips at low prices.
Good to know:
To better plan your daily trips, keep in mind that the Balinese bus system hardly ever serves the areas popular with expatriates. Moreover, the schedules can vary, especially because of the traffic.
In short, the bus in Bali is perfect for non-business trips when it is not required to be on time. Otherwise, you might need to consider other alternatives, like the motorcycle, the car, the cab or even the helicopter!
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