Before arriving in Bali, think about the transportation that you will use to around this island. Many kinds of Bali transportation available such as taxi, taxi ride, scooter, car rental and so on. However, you need to know the cost to rent, trick& tips, also the security. If you have an international driving license, it is better for you. You will be freer to explore attractive spots both with a good and extreme route. Use the recent guide to getting around Bali in 2019. This way is effective to travel without hassle.
Jump to the transportation’s detail:
- Rent A Moped, Scooter, or a private motorbike
- Taxi
- Car Rental
- Bus
- Bemo/ minivan
- Helicopter
- Horse cart
- Rent a Bike
- Gojek or online taxi ride
- Online taxi
- + Tips to Get the Right Transportation
Public and rental transportation’s in Bali
A lot of public and rental transportation’s are easy to find each corner of Bali. Even, it is ready to serve you since get off from your plane. Travel in Bali is never far from the utility of transportation although you can walk to reach the close spots around your lodging. So, what kinds of vehicle you can use during your trip? Okay, everything you need is available here but you should upgrade some following information:
- Payment:: During your stay in Bali, you will often use cash to pay some necessaries. It includes the payment of taxi, private cars, and public transit.
- From and to the airport: Most travelers recommend using a taxi or a private car because it is more effective and efficient. However, some hotels in Bali have also given free shuffle transportation to pick-up and drop-off service.
- Use some local transportation Apps
Digital era has mastered all field including in the transportation service. Nowadays, Indonesia has some best apps to get transportation. Precisely, you download Gojek, Uber, Waze, and or other apps before landing in the airport. They are the local transportation app which has a piece of complete information.
You can find many local businesses, police warning, up-to-date street options, until fairly accurate traffic information. Gojek is the local taxi ride or motorbike that can run properly amid a traffic jam. Meanwhile, Uber provides a taxi ride and a private car like a taxi with a driver.
Local transportations that are ready to drive you everywhere:
1. Traditional taxi ride (Ojek) and only taxi ride (Gojek)
It is the Indonesian’s name of a taxi ride in the form of motorcycle. You can use this service by using apps or the traditional taxi ride. If you use Gojek or Uber taxi ride, you will know the price before ordering on the application. Gojek has another application such as Go-food to ease you getting foods in Bali.
Meanwhile, using the traditional style also gives you the current experience. You can bargain to get the cost before the deal to use it. In Indonesia, this kind of transportation becomes the most flexible among other choices.
2. Taxi
Same like another taxi in the world, the payment uses a meter system. You can get in to around Bali especially in Denpasar and in the southern areas. There are many kinds of taxi here but most people recommend BlueBirds.
3. Online taxi
The Indonesian online taxi consists of Uber, GoCar, Grab, and so on. Even though, most people prefer to know Uber than others because it comes first. Such as you read previously, Uber serves the passenger through the apps and it has two kinds of transportation. Besides it comes in the form of the taxi ride, actually, it has emerged with as the online taxi.
Nowadays, the presence of this transportation becomes the rival of the common taxi. The passenger knows the price from the app where they count it according to the distance. Usually, the cost is about IDR 4000/ km but you can share the payment with your friends. Additionally, the coverage of online taxi like Uber is larger than the taxi.
4. Private car/ Car rental
The private car or car rental are different from Uber because you may drive it alone. You may hold the driving wheel alone as long as you have the international driving license. The rate to rent the car in Bali will be cheaper if you do not ask for the driver. Even though, feel free to bargain or negotiation because it is the key. Who knows they increase the rate above the normal cost?
5. Bus
The bus is less famous in Bali but it does not mean you cannot find it. This Dewata Island provides at least one terminal for all forms of public transit. Nowadays, Bali has two kinds of buses is that bus Kura-Kura (turtle bus) and Trans Sarbagita. If you had ever visited Jogja (Yogyakarta city) before, you will see Trans Jogja. Meanwhile, Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia, has Busway or Trans Jakarta. The third buses include the same type.
6. Bemo
Bemo is a van or minibus which can bring about 12 passengers with a row of low seats down.
7. Ferry
There are many ports around Bali connecting the islands of the neighbors. You may come from Ketapang port in Banyuwangi, East Java and get off in Gilimanuk. The ferry is another option to reach Bali if you use land transportation. From East Java, you will across Bali Strait use this kind of ship. Nevertheless, Ferry also serves people to discover Nusa Penida or to go to Lombok Island.
Image By wikimedia.org
Latest Information on Bali Transportation Cost in Details
Roughly, those are some kinds of transportation to explore popular places in Bali. The next information showing more than those kinds complete with the cost range. Let’s see it:
1. Rent A Moped, Scooter, or a private motorbike
Cost range
Renting a moped, scooter, or a private motorcycle is very economic. Averagely, you will spend the money about £2 where the £1 is to fill the fuel tank. In detail:
- Small motorbike ask you to pay IDR 500K ($35, AUD 49, EUR 31) per month
- The average-sized motorbike is about IDR 600K-700K per month.
- Meanwhile, the big-sized motorbike is about IDR 1 million per month.
- Daily cost: $4- 10
- Even though, you need to park it with the cost of IDR 2K-300K.
Advantages
Drive alone in Bali is very exciting and it always becomes the cheaper choice than others. Using moped or scooter also helps you to reach tourist destinations in Bali faster. It is faster than the car or taxi when the road is getting traffic jam. You can ride it everywhere as long as your budget and energy are enough. It is suitable for a single traveler and a couple.
Disadvantages
Space is limited only for two people and it is not suitable to use in the rainy seasons. At least, you should use a raincoat to drive it. Precisely, you have an international driving license releasing by the local police station with paying £5.50. The safety rate is quite risky or dangerous. Although it is friendly to budget it has a quite high risk to get accidents. You should consider using travel insurance to protect from an unexpected moment on the road.
Tips to ride alone
Do not ride in a tired body or under the influence of alcohol and or drugs. Read also the medication to take to Bali. Both become the biggest reason for the accidents in Bali. Alongside that, be careful toward other drivers that may ride carelessly and make an accident. Keep your focus or concentration during riding this vehicle. A child and animal especially dog across the road suddenly are other reasons to get an accident.
Always use the helmet, obey the rule of the road, and bring the vehicle’s documents. If you violate one of them, you will get fine about IDR 300K. However, do not want to give it on the road because it includes an illegal act. You have the right to get an official speeding ticket to pay in the court.
2. Taxi
Cost
The price or cost depends on the metering tool to measure the distance. Besides that, there is a cost flag down rate: IDR 5000/ $0.25 and an additional kilometer of IDR 2.00/ $0.12.
Advantages
You can find taxi easily because of it available everywhere and the speed is fast enough. The safety is the same as the common car but it is quite modern and safe. Most people regard that taxi is comfortable if you order it first. Unluckily, the coverage of taxi is a limited area in Denpasar and Ubud.
Tips
Bluebirds are the most popular taxi in Bali which is cheaper and suitable for all (local and foreigner). This kind of transportation also has to conduct innovation by providing online service (apps). The name is BlueBird application or contact +62 (0) 361 701 111. So, you can order it using your smartphone and pay using a credit card. Some drivers do not be honest with saying that the metering tool is damage. Then, they make own cost for you after you arrive at your destination.
Another fraud often takes place at the airport. For example, you get an offer of a taxi from the airport to Ubud with IDR 300K/ £20. Even though, they ask for your payment of IDR 350K for each trip but. They may increase the cost if you come late and make them wait for a long time. Meanwhile, the fraud will say that you will not find other public transportations here. Sometimes, they will not hesitate to get you down in the rush road.
3. Car Rental
Cost
Renting car both with hiring the driver or not is better to the family trip in Bali. You will get some variety of cost such as below:
- Monthly rent without driver: IDR 2.5 Million, AUD 247, $175, Eur 155.
- Daily rent with driver: IDR 400K, AUD 40, $28, EUR 25
- Monthly rent with IDR 5 Million, AUD 495, $ 351, EUR 309
- Small Car: $20
- Van: $60
Advantages
The safety depends on the care quality and the driver who hold the car. However, using Bali car rental is very convenient. Moreover, you rent the car and hire the driver greats for family and couple. It is also good to travel without additional cost to negotiate and finding the taxi. The driver is also willing to bring and pick you up. On the other hand, you can ride it wherever you want as long as your budget is enough. Even, you free to ask your family or friends.
Disadvantages
The cost does not include the fuel yet so it is expensive. It is also not for beginner both in driving and visit Bali.
4. Bus
There are two kinds of bus transportations in Bali. It consists of:
Kura-Kura bus or turtle bus
It is the pick-up and drop-off bus for the local and foreign tourist. It serves them with passing 8 routes in Bali such as Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, Sanur, Jimbaran, and Nusa Dua. You can also use it to go to Nusa Penida and Ubud. It turns out each route has current cost standard: In 2017
- Kuta, Seminyak, Legian, Jimbaran: IDR 20K
- Nusa Dua, South Nusa Dua, Ubud, Sanur: IDR 50K
- Single route: IDR 20K-80K, $6, 8 AUD, 5 EUR
Advantages
Bus Kura-Kura is very suitable for traveling in Bali for a group of friends and family also a solo traveler. The buses not only offer cheaper cost but also free WIFI. It provides a powerpoint to charge the phone and other electronic devices. You can but online on websites: http://www.kura2bus.com and through its ticket box. Use the facility of offering the ticket for several days.
Image By kura2bus.com
Trans Sarbagita
The bus gives the cost IDR 3.000 (0.35 AUD, $0.25, EUR 0.22) for one time trip. It adds some facilities of AC and WIFI but it does not have an app to order online. Trans Sarbagita has current ticket box and terminal. By the way, you can find the route on the map in its bus stop or http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trans_Sarbagita. The main terminal is in Ubud bus terminal and Denpasar. It has two popular routes; Batubulan (North Sanur) to Nusa Dua and from Denpasar to GWK (Garuda Wisnu Kencana) Cultural Park. The driver and the employee may not able to speak English.
5. Bemo/ minivan
Cost
It starts from: IDR 5000/ 0.49 AUD/ $0.35/ EUR 0.31.
Advantages
Bemo or minivan runs under the governments rule both the route and the rate. It reaches the urban area and city where it suitable for the backpacker. Using Bemo gives you a good chance to know about the original Bali life. It is because you will sit along with the local people in various professions. Although it becomes the cheapest transportation cost, the safety keeps good.
Disadvantages
Bemo or Minivan uses benches or chairs with an uncomfortable position. There is no AC and the driver nay change rate without knowing before. Sometimes, there is no specific place to get in and get down. During in Bemo, you must beware toward thief who is ready to steal your money. The condition of Bemo often feels hot and dusty. Once more, many buskers and beggar ask for some money so prepare a lot of coins to give them.
6. Helicopter
It is the most expensive transportation in Bali but it offers some options and limited transfer certificate. Helicopter becomes the most popular way, cooler, and fastest way to explore Bali along with the islands around. You can fly using a helicopter along with two other friends. Then, you can land on one of 14 transfer spots in Bali.
Cost of the route Bali-Nusa Penida: IDR 3 million, $210, AUD 297, EUR 186.
Talking on the safety, it is safer than go by car. It is also convenient and becomes the fastest transportation in Bali. Meanwhile, the obligation has included insurance.
7. Horse cart
Horse cart is one of traditional Indonesian transportation. It is not only in Bali but also almost in all areas in Indonesia. Even though, each area always has specific characters. You can negotiate it to get the right price. Safety is safe. It walks very slowly and only suitable for tourist attraction and daily utility.
8. Rent a Bike
Advantages
Riding a bike is very good for a short distance and to exercise. The tourists usually use it in Nusa Dua, Sanur, Lovina, and Ubud. Choose the Cruiser mountain bike or hard trail to ride. The most important thing is using the bike is eco-friendly and healthier. However, always use the helmet and other equipment during the ride the bike although the rate of the accident is very low.
Cost: IDR 25K/ day or $2.50
Tips
Use the lamp and rear lamp in the night but avoid to ride at night. do not leave the bike and the equipment carelessly though the rate of the thief for this transportation is low. The price is very low but is safe then scooter although the speed is slower. It is bad to ride in bad weather and do not suitable for the highway in the south.
9. Gojek or online taxi ride
Cost: It is friendly to the budget where it depends on the distance showing on the apps.
Advantage
Gojek or the online taxi ride becomes another alternative if you cannot rent a motorcycle alone. The driver will lend you a helmet and raincoat (when it rains) during the trip. The payment includes the insurance and the count is right with the application. Averagely, the driver can speak English at a basic level. Nevertheless, it is better than you can speak the Indonesian Language. The waiting time depends on the distance of your location and the driver. The convenient comes from fast service than the car.
Safety
The risk of accident or the dangerous condition depends on the driver. Commonly, it is safer than ride the scooter alone.
10. Online taxi
In this discussion, this page takes Uber as an example.
Cost
Roughly, the cost from the airport to Seminyak: IDR 60K-70K / £3.50-4.00. Generally, the price is reasonable
Advantages
They may unable to deliver you until the gate. It runs slower than moped even it can be double or triple. Congestion always is the main reason for its delay. The safety of Uber is the same as riding the common cars. It is convenient to go shopping. There are many places to drop off the passenger with Uber. Uber uses common cars which are better and better looking at that taxi. Most of the drivers can speak English. It is good for Bali night trip.
Disadvantages
Some people run this kind of transportation illegally. So, be careful and try to ask for the local to get a good recommendation.
Tips
Do not let loss of internet connection to grab the app. Avoid using an online taxi at the peak of the traffic.
Image By airbali.com
10 Common Tips to Get the Right Transportation
The last information on Bali local transportation and next, you should follow 10 common tips. Some tips below will help you from unexpected events:
- Find out the best Bali hotel recommendations to get free shuffle from the airport to the hotel. It may be cheaper than using the airport taxi or the traditional taxi ride.
- Use Bluebird from the airport to the hotel where it is the most credible taxi in Bali.
- No bus service at the airport so you should use the taxi or shuffle transportation.
- Do not ride under alcohol or drug control because it causes the accident.
- Use a full-face helmet, gloves, mask, sunglasses, boot, and other equipment.
- Use shoes or boot, not sandal because it is not the standard or riding
- Avoid riding at mid might moreover, you are the solo traveler. It very risks finding a robber on the road moreover in the lonely roads. Avoid riding alone at night primarily for the woman.
- Do not rent the motorbike if you never or rare to ride a motorcycle.
- Do not use the open outfit for women because it risks toward the criminals.
- Avoid riding at night in Kuta, Seminyak, and Canggu (robbery is increasing). They include the high-risk potential after midnight.
What do you feel now? Hopefully, some information on Bali transportation above does not make you afraid. In common, Bali is safe and includes the safest tourist destination in the world. If you are a single woman, you can walk alone here in normal hours. Each place has own criminal rate so do not think badly toward this Island. You only need to be careful because you are not in your country. Respect to the local people and the culture help you to keep safe. Feel free to come here and you will have fun with a lot of spots, fashion, culture, and foods. Have a nice trip!