Renting a Car in Bali- A Detailed Guide
A tropical paradise- Bali, is on many travellers bucket lists and it is not difficult to see why! Home to white sandy beaches with crystal clear blue waters, lush paddy fields, epic volcano hikes and some of the very best Adventure Activities in Bali,the list is endless. Hence so much to see and do in limited time means you need to have a detailed guide on the how to’s and where to’s.
To plan for your Bali holidays, check Bali Tour Packages and Get, Set and Go for your ticket to paradise.
With so many Beaches in Bali, countless Temples in Bali, numerous Beach Clubs and Cafes in Bali, you won’t want to stay in one place. But keeping in mind the public transport on the island, you will be wondering what is the best way for Commuting in Bali?
There are scooters but they can be scary and dangerous for a first-time traveller, especially for long distances. If you have lots of places to cover, it might be your best bet to look at renting a car in Bali or hiring a driver for your stay. Another big advantage of renting a Car in Bali is that you can enjoy spontaneous stopovers and create your own adventure. Be it driving through the central highlands to see Bali’s mountain temples and lakes or exploring the southern peninsula for its collection of great surfing beaches, you decide on your journey.
Suggested Read: Spas in Bali
Renting a Car in Bali-Self Drive vs Hiring a driver
There are several reasons to rent a car in Bali. If you are travelling in a large group of friends and family, it is an easy way for everyone to travel together without breaking the bank. It also gives you complete freedom on the road and you get to decide on your itinerary. Also, it makes sense to rent a Car in Bali when you are travelling with a lot of luggage and need to carry extra luggage around.
Now, the big question before Renting a Car in Bali is to decide if you want to drive yourself, or be chauffeured around by a private driver. One of the main considerations is how confident you are driving in a different country, especially when main roads are almost non-existent and can be rough and traffic can be extremely hectic.
Renting a Car in Bali with a driver is very easy and it is a great option for those travelling in a group. It is probably best to find out from your hotel, hostel or Airbnb. This is a safe bet because it holds up accountability and means you’re less likely to end up overpaying.
The average price of renting a car in bali, with a driver and fuel for a day is between 500,000RP ($36 USD) – 800,000RP ($58 USD). Tips are not included and it is quite common to give the driver some money for lunch. It is advisable to talk with a few drivers before making your final decision. It is important that you are on good terms with the driver and their English is good enough to communicate on any changes you’d like to make during the route.
Make sure you tip your driver accordingly for their service since everyone in Bali is quite friendly and goes out of their way to make you comfortable in their country since tourism is their main source of income and it is a welcome gesture for their hospitality.
Renting a car in Bali to drive yourself is a great way to explore the island. Since most people in Bali are mostly working in the tourism industry and tourist friendly, it is not hard to find rental and travel agencies.
The most popular type of car rental in Bali is a small 4 wheel drive – like a Suzuki Jimny. Prices are likely to start at around 200,000RP per day ($15 USD) but the following days will get cheaper. For this price, normally you’ll get unlimited mileage and basic insurance.
If you plan on Renting a Car in Bali for your own personal use, there are a few things however, you need to have. Most importantly is your international driver’s permit (IDP). Traffic rules and Bali Laws are very strict and it is only advisable to follow their rules and abide by them to keep your holiday stress-free and away from any complications. If you have a normal license, it should be easy to get an IDP from your home country’s transport offices. If you are not carrying your IDP then you run the risk of at least a 50,000Rp fine (around $4USD). The fine may not put you off, but the hassle of dealing with the Indonesian police will and you definitely want to avoid that if you can.
Suggested Read: Culture of Bali
Is it safe to rent a car in Bali?
Yes, it is safe to rent a self-drive car in Bali. From a safety perspective, in general, cars in Bali are equipped with modern safety systems (seatbelts and airbags) and most companies offer booster seats or car seats on rent, upon request. Driving speeds are relatively slower than most countries.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Bali?
Depending on the type of car, daily rentals are normally in the region of Rp 150,000-500,000. Automatic transmission cars are usually a little more expensive than manual gears.
Is it better to rent a car or bike in Bali?
It depends on your preferences purely. A 4 wheeler is always a safe option and makes travelling easier if you are a large group of friends or family members. However, if you are travelling solo or are with just your spouse or couple of friends, you may prefer renting a motorbike. Also riding a motorbike in your home country is completely different from riding it in Bali,with narrow roads, horrible traffic and gnarly other bikers. You may find it a bit frustrating here.
Can Indians drive cars in Bali?
Yes. Only if you have an International Driver Permit. Bali requires all foreign tourists to have an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) also known as a International Drivers License with them while driving or riding any type of motorised vehicle. You will need an IDP besides your original home country Drivers licence.
