Getting Around Bali

Chapter 4: Getting Around: Your Guide to Island Mobility

Motorbike Rentals (Safety Tips)

Renting a motorbike is a popular and affordable way to explore Bali, offering a sense of freedom and flexibility. However, it’s crucial to understand the rules and risks before you ride. Bali’s roads are notoriously chaotic and unforgiving, and road safety is a serious concern. According to data from the World Health Organization and local reports, more than 70% of road deaths in Indonesia involve a motorbike or scooter, and the roads in Bali are considered the number one killer in the country. This is not a place for beginners to learn to ride.

How to Book a Motorbike

Motorbike rentals are widely available in tourist areas like Kuta, Ubud, and Canggu. You can find rental shops on nearly every street or ask your accommodation for a referral. Reputable rental companies will provide a well-maintained bike and a helmet that fits properly.

  • Documentation: You will be asked to provide your passport and may be required to leave a deposit. It is highly recommended that you do not leave your actual passport as collateral. Instead, negotiate to leave a photocopy or a cash deposit.
  • Inspection: Before signing the rental agreement, thoroughly inspect the motorbike. Take photos or a video of any existing scratches or damage to avoid being charged for them later. Test the brakes, lights, and horn to ensure they are working correctly.
  • Rental Agreement: Read the rental agreement carefully, paying close attention to what it says about insurance. Most basic insurance only covers damage to the motorbike, not to you or a third party.

Driving License Requirements

To legally rent and ride a motorbike in Bali, you must have an International Driving Permit (IDP) with a motorcycle endorsement, in addition to your home country’s driver’s license. Many rental shops may rent you a bike without an IDP, but this does not make it legal.

Police Checks

Police checkpoints are common in tourist hotspots. If you are stopped, police will check for your:

  • International Driving Permit (IDP) with a motorcycle endorsement.
  • Home country’s driver’s license.
  • Rental agreement for the motorbike.
  • Properly fastened helmet.

Failure to produce the correct documents or wear a helmet can result in a fine. Always ensure your documents are carried with you on the bike.

Road Safety and Traffic

Bali’s traffic can be overwhelming, especially in congested areas. The driving style is often defensive and based on an unwritten “code” rather than strict adherence to traffic laws.

  • Drive on the left: Indonesia drives on the left-hand side of the road.
  • Helmets are a must: Wearing a helmet is not just a suggestion—it is the law and your best defense against serious injury. You and your passenger must both wear a helmet at all times.
  • Driving defensively: Always assume other drivers may turn or pull out suddenly. Be aware of your surroundings, use your horn to signal your presence, and do not drink and drive.

Car Rentals

If you are not an experienced motorbike rider or are traveling with family, renting a car is a safer and more comfortable option.

How to Rent a Car

You can rent a car from international companies or local providers. Many online platforms allow you to compare prices and book in advance. You can choose to rent a car with or without a driver. Renting with a local driver is a popular choice for tourists, as they are knowledgeable about the roads and can navigate the challenging traffic, parking, and cultural nuances.

Pricing

Car rental prices in Bali vary depending on the car type and rental duration.

  • Daily rates: Prices typically start from around IDR 100,000 to IDR 400,000 per day (approx. $6-$25 USD) for smaller vehicles.
  • Weekly and Monthly rates: Renting for a longer period will often provide a better daily rate. On average, a weekly rental can cost around $455 USD, while a monthly rental can be around $1,951 USD.

Difficulties of Driving a Car in Bali

Driving a car can be challenging due to several factors:

  • Heavy Traffic: Bali’s roads, especially in popular tourist areas like Kuta and Seminyak, are often congested. Navigating through traffic can be slow and stressful.
  • Road Conditions: Roads can be narrow, winding, and in varying states of repair, with potholes and uneven surfaces being common, particularly in more rural areas.
  • Unpredictable Driving: Drivers often ignore road signs and lane markings. Motorbikes frequently overtake on both the left and right, and local drivers may not follow typical right-of-way rules.
  • Parking: Finding parking in busy areas can be difficult and time-consuming.

Private Driver vs. Ride-Hailing Apps

For longer distances, or if you’re not comfortable on a motorbike, a private driver is a great option. They are relatively inexpensive and can be hired for a full day (around $50-$60 USD). For shorter trips, ride-hailing apps like Gojek and Grab are your best friends. They offer motorbike and car services that are cheaper than traditional taxis.

How to Use Gojek and Grab

  1. Download the Apps: Search for “Gojek” and “Grab” on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. It is recommended to download both, as prices and driver availability can vary.
  2. Create an Account: You will need to register with a phone number to receive a one-time password (OTP) for verification. While you can often use your home number, it is smoother to use a local Indonesian number, which can be acquired through a local SIM card or eSIM.
  3. Choose Your Ride: Open the app and allow it to use your location. You can select either a motorbike (GoRide/GrabBike) or a car (GoCar/GrabCar). Enter your destination address or drop a pin on the map.
  4. Confirm and Pay: The app will show an estimated upfront price. Confirm your booking, and the app will assign a nearby driver. You can link a credit/debit card to the app or pay with cash directly to the driver at the end of the trip.
  5. Meet Your Driver: The app will show your driver’s details and their location on a map. Use the in-app chat feature to communicate with them if necessary. For airport pickups, there are often designated waiting lounges.

Getting a Local Telecommunication Provider

To ensure reliable service and make it easier to communicate with drivers, it’s highly recommended for tourists to get a local SIM card or eSIM.

  • Do you need a local number? While some sources suggest you can use your home number, others indicate that a local Indonesian number is required for account verification. Using a local number also avoids international roaming charges for data and makes it easier to contact drivers.
  • Where to get a SIM card: You can purchase a physical SIM card or an eSIM from various locations:
    • At the airport: This is the most convenient option. After you pass customs at Denpasar Airport (Ngurah Rai International Airport), you will find kiosks for major providers like Telkomsel and XL Axiata. They can help you set up your SIM card immediately.
    • Official provider stores: You can visit official stores for Telkomsel, XL Axiata, or other providers in tourist areas like Kuta, Seminyak, and Ubud.
    • Convenience stores: Stores like Indomaret and Alfamart also sell tourist SIM cards, often with bundled data packages.
    • Online: For eSIMs, you can purchase and set up your plan online before your trip from providers like Telkomsel or other third-party services.
  • What you need: To buy and activate a SIM card, you will need your passport and a phone that is unlocked for use on international networks. Note that Indonesian regulations may require IMEI registration for devices using local networks, but this is typically handled by the vendor for tourist SIMs. Telkomsel is widely considered to have the best coverage across the island, though other providers are also good, especially in popular areas.

Public Transportation -Trans Metro Dewata

This is a modern public bus system that operates in the greater Denpasar area, including parts of Badung, Gianyar, and Tabanan. It is a very affordable and efficient way to travel, especially for reaching key urban areas.

  • How to Use the Bus: You must pay for your fare using a non-cash method. This can be a QRIS payment or a tap-in with an electronic card. You do not need to tap out when you exit the bus. The fare is around Rp 4,400 for a regular passenger.
  • App: The official app for this service is called Trans Metro Dewata. It is available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play. The app provides real-time information on bus schedules, routes, and bus stop locations.
  • Destinations & Routes: The bus system has five main corridors. While it doesn’t cover all of the destinations you listed, it does connect to some major areas.
    • To Ubud: You can take a bus on Corridor 4B, which runs from GOR Ngurah Rai to Sentral Parkir Monkey Forest in Ubud.
    • To Kuta: Bus routes connect Sentral Parkir Kuta to other areas.
    • To the Airport: Corridor 2B runs from Terminal Ubung to Ngurah Rai Airport.
    • To Nusa Dua: The bus does not have a direct route to Nusa Dua, but one route stops at Politeknik Negeri Bali, which is in the area. There is also a route to Sentral Parkir Kuta from Politeknik Negeri Bali.
    • To Uluwatu or Canggu: There are currently no direct Trans Metro Dewata routes to Uluwatu or Canggu.
  • Example Trip (Airport to Ubud): From Ngurah Rai Airport, you would take a bus on Corridor 2B to Terminal Ubung. From there, you would transfer to a bus on Corridor 4B to get to Ubud.

Trans Sarbagita

This is a public bus service primarily used by locals, connecting key areas within Denpasar, Badung, and Gianyar. It’s a very low-cost option for getting around but can be less reliable and more difficult for tourists to use compared to other transport methods.

  • How to Use the Bus: Payment is cash-only. You should have exact change ready.
  • How Easy to Use: The system can be confusing for travelers. Schedules are fixed but may not always be punctual. The Moovit app can provide real-time information.
  • Prices:
    • Adults: IDR 3,500 (approximately $0.23 USD)
    • Students: Free (with a student card)
  • Destinations & Routes: The service has several corridors, but not all of the routes you listed are directly covered.
    • To Uluwatu: There is a route (Corridor 1) that goes from Ngurah Rai stadium in Denpasar to the Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) cultural park, which is in the Uluwatu area. From there, you would need to arrange alternative transportation to your specific destination.
    • To Kuta: Bus routes connect the airport and Nusa Dua to Kuta Central Parking.
    • To the Airport: You can take a bus on Corridor 2 from Ngurah Rai stadium to the airport.
    • To Nusa Dua: Corridor 2 runs from Ngurah Rai stadium to Nusa Dua.
    • To Ubud or Canggu: There are no direct Trans Sarbagita routes to Ubud or Canggu.
  • Example Trip (Denpasar to Nusa Dua): You would take the Trans Sarbagita bus on Corridor 2 from a stop near Ngurah Rai stadium, and the bus would take you to Nusa Dua.

Perama Shuttle Bus (Transportation between Popular Tourist Destinations)

The Perama shuttle bus is a private bus service that connects many of Bali’s popular tourist destinations. It’s a convenient option for longer distances that aren’t covered by the Trans Metro Dewata.

  • How to Use the Bus: You must book your ticket in advance, either online or at a Perama office. You will be picked up from a designated Perama office or a specific meeting point, and dropped off at your destination’s Perama office.
  • Destinations & Routes: Perama has routes that connect to many destinations, including those you mentioned.
    • Amed to Ubud: Yes, a direct bus service runs this route once daily. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and costs around Rp 220,000.
    • Amed to Kuta: Amed is on one of the main shuttle bus routes that includes stops in Kuta.
    • Amed to Canggu: There is a bus route that connects Amed to Canggu, but it often involves a transfer at the airport.
  • Pricing and Travel Time: Prices vary depending on the route. For example, a bus from Amed to Ubud costs around Rp 220,000. Travel times are estimates and can be affected by traffic. For Amed to Ubud, the average travel time is about 2 hours.