Getting around the island – Top 5 types of transportation on Bali

Getting around the island – Top 5 types of transportation on Bali

Article by Matt Verbaan

Ok, you’ve arrived at the airport. Where to go now? Here are the 5 transportation options from the airport and beyond…

#1 Airport TaxiIf airport transportation is not included in your hotel reservation or you haven’t got a phone number of a private Bali driver, then there is only one option: the Airport Taxi. After travelling to many places in Indonesia I can say that the taxi’s at Bali airport are the most organized.

All you have to do is find the Taxi counter, tell them where you want to go, pay the gentelmen behind the counter who then points you to the driver. That’s it! No negotiating, not sudden extra costs once you are at your destination. It’s ofcourse one of the most expensive fare you will pay but then again…compared to home it’s not much.

#2 Regular TaxiThere are many taxis driving around town looking for passengers. So you just have to look over your shoulder and there is already one who has spotted you. When you get in make sure you ask the driver to turn on the meter, unless you know the prices and want to negotiate a cheaper fare.

#3 Private driverAll over Bali you can arrange a private driver who will take you where ever you want to go. You can hire one to get to a destination, for a couple of hours or for a whole day. Prices vary but expect to pay max Rp. 500.000 per day for a private driver that you met along the street or through a agent desk. If you arrange one at the hotel desk it can get more expensive.

#4 Rent a car or motorbikeDriving in Bali can be tricky especially if you are not used to driving at places where rules are not taken to consideration. But renting a car does take you to places whenever you want. So there is more freedom when driving yourself.

My favorite transportation is the motorbike. It’s easier to drive around in the villages (you can drive into alleys and avoid traffic) plus you can experience the smell and hear the surrounding more. But then again, when you are standing at a traffic light under the burning sun you tend to look envious to the passenger sitting in the aircon car which is waiting next to you.

#5 BikeThis is for the die hards because Bali is pretty hilly. So from my experience is best not to take the bike on a day tour (unless you join the many Bike tours but then you only go downhill). Instead hire a bike if you want to get around the village easily.

In Kuta it would be easier to get to restaurants located a bit further away, like in Seminyak or Legian. This is also the case for Sanur, because the main road in this village seems to go on and on if you are on foot. So a bike makes everything less far away…

About the Author

Matt Verbaan has travelled to Bali many times and after seeing all the amazing sights, staying at great hotels, eating a wonderful restaurants and enjoying the Balinese culture he has created his own Bali travel website. To read more about the best way to see all the things in Bali go to http://www.bali-travel-life.com/bali-island.html