Bali is an island in Indonesia boasting beautiful beaches, volcanic lakes and some of the most amazing natural landscapes in one convenient location but how to get around?
Walking
Walking may be best left to the locals who know the area and what to look for. Navigating sidewalks, especially at night, can be dangerous as many are built over gutters. To deter moped and motorcycle riders from driving on the sidewalks, sometimes the gutter covers have been removed or propped up to create barriers to travel. This is fine unless you’re not used to looking where you’re going and don’t know where the holes are. There are also very narrow streets in some areas that do not accommodate both a pedestrian and a car. In these areas, be prepared to get out of the way.
Motorcycles
Motorcycles can be rented in Bali and they are relatively inexpensive. This is one of the primary ways, besides trucks and walking, that farmers transport their crops to the local markets. Most locals know the roads so well they don’t require GPS for fleet but you’ll want to make sure you have a map app on your phone if you’re planning to find your own way around. If you rent a motorcycle, be sure to wear a helmet and don’t forget that you must have an international driver’s license to drive anything in Bali. If you don’t have one and don’t want to get one, try another form of transportation where you aren’t driving.
Car Rental
As with the motorcycle, you’ll need an international driver’s license and a lot of patience. If you are uncomfortable in congestion while sharing the road with motorcycles, mopeds, pedestrians, chickens, cats, dogs, and cows, you may want to think twice about renting a car that you expect to drive. If you’re comfortable in that kind of situation and you have the license, then this could be a comfortable and inexpensive way to explore the island.
Car Rental with a Driver
If you want a car of your own but you’re not thrilled by the idea of driving in potentially chaotic conditions on roads you’re unfamiliar with, consider hiring a car with a driver. Sometimes the driver is using their own car and sometimes not. You can negotiate with them how often you’ll need them and what your schedule will be. It doesn’t cost a lot of extra money to add the driver but what it saves you in frustration could be well worth it. Think of it as having your own tour guide, who is also helping you make the most of your vacation.
Taxi
There are plenty of taxis to go around in Bali and flagging one down is not difficult. If this is going to be your primary mode of transportation, it’s worth doing a little research beforehand to find out which taxi companies are reasonable and fair so you can stick with those. You don’t need to spend all your money on transportation around the island because someone didn’t set the meter or decided to take the long way to your destination without you knowing.
Public Transportation
Public transportation is often overlooked when visiting Bali, and, even though it is slower than most other forms of transportation, it is among the safest and cheapest ways to get around. There are many options to choose from and most have air conditioning and ports to charge your mobile devices. Single trip, full-day, and multi-day ticket options are available. Note that there are no buses going to and from the airport, so if this is your transportation of choice, you’ll need to make a different decision when arriving and leaving.
There are many ways to explore Bali. You can travel like the locals who transport their crops and wares to markets or be more adventurous and drive yourself. However, you choose to travel, Bali is sure to impress.
