The best ways to commute in Bali
Bali is an island country and has numerous stunning beaches with a panoramic view of the Indian Ocean. With its crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches, Bali remains a top destination for young adults, honeymooners, babymooners and also families looking forward to some relaxing holidays. If you are looking for a holiday in Bali, Bali Tour Packages can give you a proper guide to your Bali itinerary.
Although it is a small island, commuting in Bali is a constraint mainly because its public transport system is still very erratic and traffic is uncontrollable during peak season.
Southern and central Bali, where most tourists hang out, is very densely crowded and hence the traffic is also terrible here. The rest of the island is covered with rice paddy fields or jagged and rocky ridges and valleys which most often make commuting difficult and slows down your pace. But you will hardly regret any of this since these will help you soak in what Bali has to offer mostly and make your holiday in Bali more memorable and relaxing. You must visit this tropical heaven once to see what all you can experience!
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Go Local, Go Mopeds
Mopeds/ Bikes are the best option for commuting in Bali. Be it locals or tourists all prefer motorbikes to commuting in Bali because it is super easy to get one and can get through the gnarliest of traffics that jam the roads of Bali.
You can either opt to hire one or go for a motorbike taxi. Whichever option you choose to commute in Bali, both are extremely cheap and quite efficient in navigating the roads of Bali. Many bike rentals also offer delivery and pick-up services (to airports, your villa or hotel, etc).
Some points to remember while hiring a motorbike in Bali for commuting in Bali:
- Always wear a helmet.
- Follow road rules and respect their Law
- Don’t drink and drive
- Get yourself an international driving licence
- Be careful when following Google Maps/ Waze directions
- Follow road safety rules and be mindful of other fellow bike drivers
Hire App based Taxi Services like Gojek and Grab
Hiring taxis is another best option for commuting in Bali. Taxis in Bali are mostly affordable and can be found easily around popular tourist areas. It is important to make sure that the taxi is metered and that the driver is using the meter to avoid any overcharging. It is also a good idea to negotiate the price before starting the ride, especially for longer distances.
Overall, hiring taxis can be a convenient and safe option for commuting in Bali, especially for those who are not comfortable riding scooters. Blue Bird taxis are the most reliable taxi service in Bali. They are known for using meters and providing professional service. To ensure you get a Blue Bird taxi, look for the blue vehicle with their logo or use their mobile app to book.
Ride-sharing apps like Grab and Gojek are also the best ways to commute in Bali. They offer affordable rates and quick pick-up times. However, it’s important to note that some areas of Bali have limited ride-sharing services, so it’s best to check the availability in advance. It’s also important to make sure that the driver is using the meter or negotiating the price before starting the ride. Overall, ride-sharing apps can be a convenient and cost-effective way to commute in Bali.
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Car Rentals
If you prefer self-drive and have an international driving license, car rentals are another best option for commuting in Bali.
A small car rental can range from $15-$25 per day. Car rentals are a convenient option for those who want to explore Bali at their own pace and have the freedom to go wherever they want.
There are many car rental companies available on the island, with a variety of options ranging from small city cars to spacious SUVs. However, it’s important to note that Bali’s traffic can be very congested, especially during peak hours, and driving can be challenging for those who are not used to the local driving habits. Additionally, parking can be difficult to find in busy areas.
Bemos
Bemos are shared minivans used by locals for commuting in Bali for short distances within towns or between neighboring villages. These are usually cheap but can be crowded and congested.
Bemos are also the best option for commuting in Bali, especially for short trips within local areas. These small minibusses can be seen everywhere on the island and are often used by locals to get around quickly and are a cheap mode of transportation. Bemos usually has a set route, and passengers can flag them down to hop on and off at any point along the route. While they may not be the most comfortable option, they are a great way to experience the local culture and interact with the friendly Balinese people.
Local Public Buses
Public buses are still the most common form of transport for islanders for commuting in Bali. Buses connect most Balinese towns, but if you have a long journey across the island, you are likely to have to make several changes and this can be time-consuming.
Kura-Kura (which means tortoise in Indonesian) is a tourist-class bus service that operates a dozen routes around southern Bali and up to Ubud. You can buy a ticket via the Kura-Kura app, on the company’s website or pay when you hop on. It’s easy and convenient, and if you don’t mind waiting for the next scheduled stop, it could be the cheapest way to get around. A seven-day pass that gives unlimited travel on all lines costs less than US$18.
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Local Ferries
Local ferries are the best option for commuting in Bali when navigating the waters surrounding Bali and nearby islands. Providing a tranquil sea journey, these ferries connect various destinations, such as Nusa Penida, Gili Islands, and Lombok. Enjoy the refreshing sea breeze and captivating views as you embark on short sea crossings, making local ferries an integral part of your island-hopping experience and a charming way to discover the maritime beauty of the Indonesian archipelago.
Good Old Walking
Last but not the least is walking!
One thing to note is that certain neighbourhoods are more pedestrian-friendly than others.
Seminyak Beach, Legian Beach, and Kuta Beach are really good for walking around.
But on most roads in Canggu, there’s hardly any sidewalk (except for the main street, Jalan Pantai Batu Bolong), so it’s best to avoid walking even if the distance seems short.
Again, there are lots of speeding bikes and the streets can get so packed during rush hour, so it’s never a good idea to walk where there are no sidewalks.
But if you do end up walking on these no-sidewalk streets, make sure to stick VERY close to the left side and don’t block the traffic.
Do I Need a Special License to rent a scooter In Bali?
Yes, if you are driving then you will need and International Driving License. In Bali, it is a left-hand drive, and therefore, traffic rules can be slightly different. Hence, it is advisable to read the road rules and safety instructions before renting or hiring.
How Can I Identify a reliable taxi in Bali?
Some of the most reliable Taxi Services in Bali are Bluebird Taxi, Grab, and Gojek.
Is it Safe to ride a Scooter in Bali's Traffic?
Yes, if you are following all the rules. Always wear a helmet and be mindful of fellow drivers, since most roads in Bali are mostly congested during peak traffic times, hence some local and tourist drivers may try to navigate through whatever little space is there.
Are ride-sharing apps available Throughout Bali?
App-based taxis although available in most of Bali, there are some areas where local people might not allow these Taxi Services to ply to protect local businesses hence you will need to be aware of such restrictions and plan accordingly.
