Transportation (Bali)

Bali, known for its stunning landscapes, offers a variety of transportation options for travellers to explore the island. Whether you are seeking the flexibility of independent travel or the convenience of guided tours, Bali has a transportation solution for every type of adventurer.

Scooters and Motorbikes:

Renting a scooter or motorbike is a popular and cost-effective way to navigate Bali’s roads. It provides the flexibility to explore hidden gems, reach secluded beaches, and traverse the narrow lanes of traditional villages. It is the most sought after and easily available mode of transport in Bali. Streets are full of foreigners on bikes flocking from one place to another. It is clearly the best mode of transportation in and around Bali. Almost every hotel and homestay provide rented scooters at a price of around ₹400 per day. However, traffic can be challenging in more congested areas.

The only drawback of scooters or motorbikes is that on longer routes it can cause stiff back. Beware if you are not an experienced driver, it might be difficult for you to drive in Bali as there are many hilly regions with narrow roads and many turns. The condition of the roads is very good as far as we travelled. You would need an international driving license (only in case police catches you). For most part we did not find any traffic police but it is widely believed that police stops tourists more often than locals.

Car Rentals:

Renting a car, either with a driver or for self-drive, is a comfortable option for those who prefer a private and controlled travel experience. It allows you to explore Bali’s diverse regions at your own pace, with the added benefit of air-conditioned comfort. The sun in Bali can be unbearable during day time. If you do not like tanned skin or messy hair, go for car rentals. The agencies will provide a default itinerary for you to choose from. You may customize it as per your liking. Alternatively, you may convey the places you would like to cover on your trip and the driver or agency will prepare the most suitable itinerary for you.

A car rental generally costs ₹3500 per day all inclusive (except meals). Water bottles will be provided to you by the driver. Additional charges may apply if you choose to travel to far off places or keep the car during night. You may hire car rentals through Klook. It has some very well curated packages to choose from. We have provided contact details of a few operators in this post.

Taxis:

Taxis are readily available in Bali’s urban areas, providing a convenient and metered mode of transportation. Ride-hailing apps like Grab are also popular and offer an alternative to traditional taxis. Taxis may be tricky if you do not have an idea of the routes. It has also been reported by many travellers that one might get scammed by some taxi drivers. If you are with your family, try hiring a rental car to avoid any hassle. If you are in a group of friends stick to scooters as they are better option.

Public Buses:

Public buses connect major towns and cities, offering an affordable option for budget-conscious travellers. However, schedules may be less predictable, and the routes might not cover all tourist destinations. For the most part avoid buses because they do not take you everywhere. You may use bus to move between Airport to Ubud, or Ubud to Kuta or reaching the harbours from your place of stay to catch a ferry.

Cycling:

For the eco-conscious traveller, cycling provides a unique way to explore Bali’s landscapes. Many areas offer cycling tours, allowing you to pedal through lush rice terraces, charming villages, and scenic countryside. Areas around Ubud may be covered on a cycle. There are many nature walks, rice terraces or ridge walks where one can take a cycle. It one fun way of exploring the local areas.

Boats and Ferries:

Bali’s surrounding islands, such as Nusa Penida and the Gili Islands, can be reached by boats and ferries. These vessels offer breathtaking sea views and the chance to explore diverse marine environments. The closeness to the sea waters is both enthralling and scary, specially if the weather is not conducive. The major port for catching private boats is Sanur. You may book a ticket online or get a ticket from the counters at the port. It is better to book tickets online as they may get sold out soon. The price of the ticket varies depending on the destination island. We suggest to book the ticket through Klook after making all enquiries regarding the most suitable port and timings as per your itinerary. We have covered more about boats in this post.