Bali is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Indonesia, known for its white sandy beaches, traditional temples, lush green rice paddies, and breathtaking landscapes. To fully enjoy everything the island offers, it’s essential to know how to get around Bali efficiently and safely. This article will explore the different transportation options available in Bali, including airport arrival, scooter rental, and car rental. These tips are also applicable for traveling around Lombok. You can also read my article on how to get around Nusa Penida.

Taxi or Grab?

The first point of contact for many visitors to Bali is the Ngurah Rai International Airport. Once you have cleared immigration and retrieved your luggage, you have three main options to reach your destination. You can take a taxi, use the Grab app, or arrange your pick-up in advance.

Taxis in Bali

Taxis are readily available at the airport and can be booked at a counter inside the terminal. Fares are based on distance and destination, and displayed to avoid price conflicts. Taxis in Bali are often not equipped with meters, so it’s essential to negotiate the fare in advance if you take a taxi outside the airport. Alternatively, you can choose to only take Blue Bird taxis, which are all equipped with meters.

Getting around Bali with Grab

Alternatively, you can use the Grab app to book a car from your smartphone. Grab is a popular ride-sharing app in Southeast Asia and offers competitive rates compared to taxis. You can order a car or a bike. The app automatically calculates the fare based on distance and travel time.

Grab drivers are now allowed to enter the airport grounds. To reach the Grab lounge, you simply need to walk a few meters. This is a convenient and economical option for point-to-point travel.

For everyday trips, Grab is the best solution. The only downside is that you may have to wait a long time during heavy rain, as everyone prefers to travel by car rather than on a scooter…

Pre-arranging your Bali airport transfer

Finally, the best solution is to pre-arrange a fixed-price driver. The driver will be waiting for you at the airport with your name on a sign to take you to your hotel. This option is less stressful after a long trip, not necessarily much more expensive, and it’s always nice to feel welcomed!

Send me an email, and I will provide you with a contact.

Getting around Bali on a scooter

Renting a scooter is a popular option for travelers in Bali, Lombok, or Indonesia, especially if you want to explore the island independently. It’s also an economical way to get around Bali, with rental rates around 70,000 to 100,000 IDR per day, depending on the brand and age of the scooter. Monthly rental will be even cheaper.

A scooter is the most appropriate means of transportation for short distances of less than an hour, especially if you’re alone or with another person. However, it’s important to remember that driving in Bali can be challenging, especially in urban areas. If you rent a scooter, wear a helmet, have a valid international driver’s license, check that your insurance covers you, and remember to drive on the left!

I recommend renting from Bikago. This company has been operating since 2014, offering well-maintained scooter rentals with efficient insurance and customer service. They have 8 locations in Bali and can also arrange scooter delivery or pick-up at the airport, your hotel, or the ports of Sanur, Padang Bai, and Gilimanuk.

Getting around Bali by car

For longer distances, the best way to get around Bali is to rent a car, with or without a driver.

Renting a car without a driver in Bali

Renting a car without a driver in Bali is a popular option for travelers who prefer to be independent and have experience driving in a foreign country. It also offers great flexibility to explore the island at your own pace.

Many rental agencies offer cars without a driver. However, you must be at least 21 years old and have an international driver’s license to rent a car in Bali. It’s also recommended that you have good car insurance to cover any possible damage or accidents.

The rental price of a car without a driver is around 25 to 30 euros per day.

Disadvantages of renting a car without a driver

There are, however, many disadvantages to renting a car without a driver in Bali. Driving in Bali can be difficult, especially for inexperienced drivers. Traffic is often dense, and narrow roads make driving stressful and difficult. Motorists must also deal with obstacles like stray dogs, pedestrians, or potholes. Additionally, most of Bali’s roads are not lit at night. Finally, you will have to pay for fuel and any possible repairs to the car if the insurance isn’t comprehensive.

Personally, I do not recommend renting a car without a driver. I prefer renting a car with a driver to get around Bali for longer trips.

Renting a car with a driver in Bali

Renting a car with a driver is the most popular option for travelers who prefer to avoid the hassle of driving in Bali. It’s also my preferred option for the following reasons:

Comfort and safety

You can relax and enjoy the ride when renting a car with a driver. Local drivers are familiar with the roads and driving conditions in Bali. This also means that you’ll avoid traffic jams and complicated routes. In addition, local drivers are aware of potential dangers and drive safely. Ultimately, you’ll be safer than if you were driving yourself.

Flexibility

A car with a driver is rented for a fixed number of hours, usually a maximum of 8 hours per day. You can, therefore, decide with your driver where you want to visit and your itinerary and stay at each location as long as you want. This solution offers practically the same flexibility as if you were driving yourself.

Local knowledge

Local drivers have in-depth knowledge of the island’s attractions and cultures. They can provide helpful information about places to visit, local customs, and the best times to avoid crowds. In addition, they can recommend local restaurants and help you negotiate prices for products and services.

Economical

Renting a car with a driver may seem more expensive than renting a car alone, but it can save you money in the long run. Local drivers know the shortest and most efficient routes to get around Bali.

Getting around Bali with a minivan

Traveling long distances within Bali is convenient and affordable with minibuses or minivans, a popular choice for routes like Seminyak to Ubud, Kuta to Lovina, or Denpasar to Amed. These shared rides offer a comfortable way to explore the island, with air-conditioned vehicles and scheduled departures. Booking your seat is simple with the 12Go app, a trusted platform for transportation reservations across Southeast Asia. The app allows you to compare prices, schedules, and operators, ensuring you find the best option for your trip. Payment is secure, and you’ll receive a digital ticket, making the process hassle-free. With 12Go, you can plan your journey and enjoy a smooth travel experience while exploring Bali’s diverse destinations.

The main inconvenience is that the minivan may stop at many different places to pick up or drop off other guests, which will add some time to your journey.

Google Map : your best friend to get around Bali

Google Maps is a handy tool for getting around Bali or Indonesia. Whether you’re looking for directions to your hotel, trying to find a beach to explore, or want to visit a temple, Google Maps can help you find the best route possible.

To start, it’s essential to download the offline map of the area you’ll be visiting on your smartphone. Google Maps calls this the offline map. For example, the entire offline map of Bali takes up around 140 MB. With this offline map, you can calculate the best generic route even without an internet connection. If you have a stable internet connection, you can also find the best route based on real-time traffic conditions or the best route for riding a scooter.