TRANSPORTATION IN BALI

Because of the size of the island, it is not difficult to get around Bali by various modes of transportation. The traditional types of transportation to the high class limousine are available for tourist to choose. Not to forget the sea transportation that connect Bali to some of its sister islands. However, train does not exist in Bali.

BEMO

Bemo : this is the most used transportation in Bali especially in the city of Denpasar,Sanur. It is a miniature van with a routine route set by local government periodically. This type of transportation is good for short distance around town and cities, because of its size and passenger can get in and out at any point. Most BEMO only cover certain route with short distance 5km-10km. Price ranges usually around Rp 5,000 to Rp 10,000 per one stop over.

Price update 2012

fr Sanur- Denpasar, max Rp5000( pls bargain price before hop to BEMO, most driver tend to overcharge tourist)

 

Buses : there are buses for transportation between towns that relatively bigger compared to bemo. These buses connect all towns and most places of the island through local bus stations. Likewise bemo, buses also can be stopped at any point of the routes. They mostly operate day time inter island, but some are available at night for long distances within cities. Fares are between Rp. 1.500 to Rp. 10.000 per one stop point.

Not all area cover via buses example No buses go to Tanah Lot

fr SANUR to Kuta- fix price Rp3500

Bluebird Taxi

Taxi : Taxi is the most efficient and convenience transportation in the island. Either chartered or metered one, they are everywhere and quite inexpensive compared to some other countries. In Bali there are some different companies providing taxi services.

For meter taxi, please find BLUEBIRD Taxi and please check before you enter taxi either they using meter or not. Meter start at Rp5000.

Most taxi have same color which is blue but not all is BLUEBIRD Taxi. Other taxi mostly refuse to use meter or simply tell you meter was broke down.Be careful of taxi charges.

For example, fr Kuta beach to airport normally around Rp 30000-Rp50000 depend traffic.( via Bluebird taxi)

From Central Kuta to Kuta Beach via Bluebird taxi normally range around Rp8000- Rp 12000 only.

From airport, there is no bluebird taxi around unless you walk a bit to outside the airport.Most taxi do not want to pay for tax charges to go inside the airport and they waiting outside.

Inside the airport mostly there is a lot of private driver or van that offered you to hotel with expensive charges. Mostly from airport to Sanur or Kuta, they will charge you around Rp100,000- Rp150,000 while if you walk outside the gate, plenty of bluebird taxi with only charges around Rp35000- Rp50000. Almost double the price.

Rental Cars, Motorbikes and Bicycles : If you plan to explore Bali in half day or full day trip, the best way is hiring a car with the driver. The average rate is from Rp 200,000(half day) to Rp 350,000-Rp450,000 a day(8-12hours) depending on the type of the vehicle. There are many independent car rentals around the island.

 If you wish to have better services, you can go to a Travel Agent. You even can hire a tour guide of your own language. The other possibility is to rent a self drive car. An international driving license from your own country is required. 

This rule also applicable for motorbike rental, but in some cases you can get a temporary permit at local police office. Price ranges are around Rp. 35,000 to Rp. 50,000 per day for motorbike and Rp. 15,000 for bicycle. Likewise, a safety helmet is a compulsory when you ride a motorbike. Meanwhile, bicycles are normally available for rent at hotels. Some bigger resorts even provides bicycle tour for free including a professional tour guide.