How To Get Around Bali: A First Timers Guide
Planning a trip to Bali and have no idea how to get around the Island? Our Bali transport guide covers everything you need to know, including which transport option is best, pricing, and essential apps to use.
At only 153km long from East to West, Bali is a humble, verdant gem floating in the Indian Ocean. If you wanted, you could ride a scooter from its Southernmost tip to its Northernmost point in 4 hours. (But why rush?!)
It is a land of deep beauty, remarkable culture, and incredible landscapes.
There are sprawling farms, winding roads slicing through thick rainforests, fields of marigolds glowing like orange lanterns, and volcanoes rising from the distant earth.
We believe that exploring this place, letting it unfold around you like a map, is one of the greatest joys you can encounter on this magical island.
But if you are going to explore all that Bali has to offer, you need to know how to get around first.
And we hope that once you do, you depart the heavenly cafes and lively beach clubs for the rest of Bali. There is so much to see beyond the popular tourist spots that we all know and love. It would be a shame to miss it.
HOW TO GET AROUND
BALI
BEST WAY TO GET AROUND | Scooter
CHEAPEST WAY TO GET AROUND | Gojek or Grab
MOST COMFORTABLE | Private driver or taxi
SCOOTER (MOTORBIKE)
In Bali, scooters still rule the roads.
Although cars are growing in number, particularly in cities like Denpasar, most people still use motorbikes to get from A to B. Frankly, it’s just easier and faster to get around Bali on a scooter - these narrow roads are made for motorbikes- not cars.
HOW TO RENT A SCOOTER IN BALI
Wherever you find yourself in Bali, you can expect an abundance of scooter rental options. Renting scooters is a big business, and every town has many establishments to choose from. Some hotels, hostels, and homestays also rent scooters to their guests.
We suggest shopping around to find the best deal. Many scooter rental companies have their WhatsApp number listed on Google, so can easily shoot them a text. Of course, you can also pop into a shop when you inevitably pass one on the street. It never hurts to ask other travellers for personal recommendations either!
HOW MUCH DOES A SCOOTER RENTAL IN BALI COST?
The cost of renting a scooter in Bali varies from town to town. Newer scooters with higher CCs cost more than older scooters with less powerful engines.
One helpful thing to remember, however, is that the price drops the longer the rental period. If you rent a scooter for a week, it costs less per day than whatever the normal date rate is.
In Ubud, a scooter rental costs between 80,000 - 100,000 IDR per day or 450,000 - 550,000 IDR per week.
A scooter rental in Canggu costs 75,000 - 100,000 IDR per day or 450,000 - 550,00 IDR per week.
Renting a scooter in Uluwatu can be expensive. We recommend finding a company in the nearby town of Jimbaran where prices are less extortionate. Some Uluwatu scooter renters try to charge 100,000 IDR per day. In Jimbaran, we rented a scooter with a rate of 70,000 IDR per day or 420,000 per week.
Your scooter rental should come with a helmet (wear it!). Sometimes, you will even be loaned a poncho.
A WORD ON INTERNATIONAL DRIVING PERMITS
Now, do you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive a scooter in Bali?
The short answer is yes. The long answer is a bit more complicated.
You are supposed to have an International Driving Permit to drive a scooter in Bali. You need an International Driving Permit to legally drive a scooter in Bali. You do not need one to rent a scooter in Bali.
Scooter rental businesses rarely check to see if their customers have an IDP - and don’t seem particularly concerned. Their priority is getting paid and if you have the rupiah, then you can get a scooter.
Although you’re unlikely to run into any hurdles while looking for a scooter to rent without an IDP, you will get ticketed if the police pull you over. Balinese police have a reputation for stopping tourists and handing out tickets to anyone scooting without the proper licence. (I was the recipient of such a ticket back in 2014.) That being said… There are a lot of tourists on the roads and many will go on their entire Bali trip without issue.
Getting an International Driving Permit should be a straightforward and inexpensive process that can, potentially, save you significant trouble down the road. If you’re planning on going to Indonesia (or any Southeast Asian country for that matter), it’s worth planning ahead and getting an IDP before you go.
SOME TIPS FOR RIDING A SCOOTER IN BALI
Riding a scooter in Ubud is not like driving a car back home. The rules of the road are a little more… creative? Things that would never happen in most Western countries are normal here.
WEAR YOUR HELMET
You’ll see plenty of idiots riding around Bali without a helmet, so don’t be one of them as it is just not worth the risk.
During our six weeks in Bali, we saw accident after accident involving tourists who just weren’t experienced in riding in South East Asia. Fortunately, none of the accidents we witnessed resulted in death, but plenty do.
When hiring your scooter, ask for a helmet and make sure it’s safely fitted to your head, and not cracked in any way. If you’re not supplied with a helmet when hiring a scooter, you can buy one fairly cheaply from a local store, which can be a sound investment if you’re planning on staying in Bali for a while.
Even if you’re riding down the road to your local warung, wear your bloody helmet.
DON’T PANIC AND GO WITH THE FLOW
When riding in Bali, it’s important to relax and go with the flow - which sounds easier said then done but trust us, once you’re on the road, it’ll make sense.
For example, oncoming scooters sometimes use your lane. Now, imagine that you’re driving back home. You have just come around a corner to discover that another vehicle is barrelling towards you in your lane, rapidly closing in on you.
This would probably make you pretty nervous!
But that’s just how you pass people here in Bali. There will be times when an oncoming scooter is speeding toward you in your lane. Don’t panic! Just move to the left and give them room.
DON’T BE AN IDIOT
This isn’t an excuse for reckless or dangerous driving.
Nor are we saying that you shouldn’t be cautious while scooting here. It’s just to say that the rules differ slightly and you must pay close attention.
It’s helpful to learn, or at the very least try to understand, how the locals drive. That way, you’re less of a hazard to everyone else on the road.
USE YOUR HORN
Another helpful tip for driving in Bali is to use your horn. In Bali, honking isn’t an outlet for your frustrations - it’s how you communicate with other drivers. For instance, if you’re passing a large truck, give them a honk! This lets them know that you’re there, and it makes passing safer.
As you scoot around this beautiful island, half the island will end up in your eyes. We’re serious, it’s bewildering the amount of dirt, debris, and bugs that fly into your eyes as you’re driving. Sunglasses can help. We even saw someone wearing woodworking glasses while scooting.
If this sounds all like a bit too much for you- or if you would like some time to get used to the roads before throwing yourself into traffic- you have a few options.
GOJEK & GRAB
Gojek and Grab are two names that you will come to know very well during your time here. Both companies provide a slew of services, one of which is a scooter taxi service (learn more about Gojek here).
If you want to use Gojek or Grab in Bali, we recommend setting up the apps before boarding your plane. Both companies require SMS verification. Unless you’re planning on buying a SIM and phone plan in Indonesia, it’s best to set up your account before putting your phone on airplane mode.
You can order a scooter pickup at your location with the Gojek or Grab apps.
The rate is set when you order, so there’s no bartering. Pricing is standardised, however, prices increase during peak hours. You can pay with cash or by linking your card to the app… although, we were unable to sync our international credit cards to the app and had to rely on cash.
Ordering a Gojek or a Grab is a popular and economical way of getting around cities and towns. All you need to do is hang on! While a scooter rental will cost you 80,000 IDR a day, taking a Gojek or a Grab around town costs around 15,000 IDR per trip.
Gojeks and Grabs do not carry an extra helmet for you to wear. Obviously, this isn’t ideal for safety.
You do, at least, have the advantage of an Indonesian driver who understands the roads and knows their way around. (It’s still normal to scoot sans helmet in Indonesia, even for tourists.)
TAXI
As you explore Bali, you will quickly learn that there are a lot of taxi drivers. Everywhere you go, someone and his friend will be offering you a taxi. The eager shouts of “Taxi! Taxi!” are the chorus to the song of Bali. You won’t be able to walk a block without hearing it once or twice. Some taxi drivers carry a small sign that reads “TAXI.” Others are just standing on the street corner with their friends.
Regardless, it’s never hard to find a taxi in any of the cities. What can be difficult is finding a driver for a reasonable price.
Now, there are many honest and considerate drivers in Bali. However, there are also drivers that give outrageously high quotes for their services. You can try haggling them down, but that won’t work if the driver is trying to take you for a ride.
We suggest doing your research and learning how much a given trip should cost before you begin bartering. You can try asking your accommodation for a rough ballpark. That way, you enter the negotiation with some prior knowledge and stand a better chance of spotting a bad deal. Always agree on a price before starting your trip!
You can opt to use the metre for shorter trips, however, be wary of doing this during peak hours. The traffic in any of the major towns/cities is touch-and-go at best… and comes to a downright standstill during rush hour. For most rides, the metre is not your friend.
There are a few different taxi companies in Bali, but Bluebird has the best reputation.
Chances are, the process of hiring a taxi either sounds like a brilliant adventure or a daunting ordeal. If it’s the latter, there is another way.
GOJEK GOCAR (OR GRAB)
Do you want a set price without the haggling? Do you want to know that you’re not getting ripped off? Enter Gojek or Grab to save the day.
Just as you can order scooter rides via the Gojek or Grab apps, you can also order cars. It’s Indonesian Uber. You are picked up from a set location and delivered to your destination for a standardised price. Easy.
Gojek and Grab obviously take a cut of your driver’s fee. Drivers make more money if they find their own clients rather than rely on Gojek and Grab. However, the popularity of these apps has meant that many drivers sign up for both companies while also seeking their own customers.
If you find a driver you like, we suggest asking for their WhatsApp number so you can hire them outside of the Gojek and Grab apps.
HIRE A DRIVER
The best way to hire a private driver is to ask for personal recommendations from someone you trust or choose a driver you already know (like your Gojek driver).
By hiring one driver to take you around rather than relying on random taxis or Gojeks, you get to build a relationship with a local. This is a far more personal way to experience Bali. Plus, the driver makes more money than they do through Gojek or Grab.
Your rupiah goes to someone who actually lives in Bali, rather than flying off to Gojek’s headquarters in Jakarta.
SHUTTLE BUSES
Bali does not have a robust shuttle or long-haul bus system.
Shuttles do exist between certain towns, but you will find no evidence of this online. The best way to find a shuttle is to look around as you explore town. Some stalls selling tours and activities also run shuttles. There’s usually a schedule and price list hanging amongst posters of temples and waterfalls.
There is one shuttle bus service called Kura Kura, which runs from Kuta to Ubud.
TRAVEL INSURANCE | STAY SAFE IN BALI
If you can't afford travel insurance, you really can't afford to travel. As the current global situation has taught many people, things can go wrong anywhere in the world - and insurance is often the only way of mitigating any issues with minimal expense or stress for you.
For all travellers | HeyMondo - COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel + medical insurance, an app with 24-hour medical support, and no out-of-pocket fees. *Get 5% off your policy by booking through our link here.
For digital nomads | SafetyWing - COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel & medical, and policies can be purchased while already abroad.
Car Insurance | Insurance4CarHire - a great annual car insurance policy
*In normal times, we recommend using World Nomads travel insurance, but unfortunately they're not currently covering COVID-19 related claims right now.
EXPERIENCE THE BEST OF BALI
THE BEST OF BALI | The best Bali 7-day itinerary, Our complete Bali Guide, How to get around Bali
CANGGU | Our guide to bustling Canggu, Where to eat and drink in Canggu, Where to stay in Canggu
ULUWATU | Our complete guide to Uluwatu, A guide to Bingin Beach, How to visit Padang Padang Beach, Where to stay in Uluwatu
UBUD | The best things to do in Ubud, Where to eat and drink in Ubud, Where to stay in Ubud
BALI’S BEST WATERFALLS | How to visit Leke Leke Waterfall, A guide to Nungnung Waterfall, Our guide to the stunning Sekumpul Waterfall, Discover Tibumana Waterfall
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL | Responsible travel is important. REALLY IMPORTANT. Learn our top responsible travel tips and travel more consciously around the globe
ECO-FRIENDLY PACKING ESSENTIALS | Don’t leave home without our favourite eco-friendly travel essentials
EXPLORE THE BEST OF BALI WITH THESE GUIDES
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That, and you're officially a legend.
Photo credits: Main: Ryan Gerrard on Unsplash, Patrick Craig on Unsplash, Tbel Abuserizde on Unsplash