Bali Travel Guide- Transport
I clearly remember clinging onto the car handle for dear life during my first ride home from the airport in Bali (ahhh memories). The roads here are like a game of Mario cart- the lines seem to be merely suggestions and you will see everything from whole families to goats & mattresses being transported via bike. It’s pure chaos, and chaos on the opposite side of the road, at that.
Despite all the craziness, though, Bali is extremely easy to get around. Everywhere you go someone will be there to offer you a bike, boat, or as the locals frequently offer a “helicopter.” Public transport is essentially non-existent, but there are a million and one ways to get around.
Rent a Bike
A bike should cost you around 50-100k per day for a short-term rental. Nicer bikes, such as Nmax’s or ones with surf racks, will cost more. If you’re renting long term, I highly suggest renting from TB bike rentals.
Pro-tip: Take a video of your bike when you first rent it, taking note of any pre-existing scratches or bumps.
Disclaimer: if you have never driven a motorbike before, Bali is not the place to learn.
If you’re only traveling for 1-3 weeks, the best way for you to get around is by Gojek & private drivers (see below). If you are traveling for longer, it may be worth it to learn. I learned how to ride a scooter in Uluwatu, which has some of Bali’s more mellow roads. I recommend learning here, or investing in a scooter lesson with Canggu Scooter Lessons.
Always wear a helmet, for your own safety and to avoid huge fines.
You will also need your International Driver’s Permit (IDP). I got mine at AAA in America- it took 1 hour and was $20.
If you’re going to be driving long distance or are traveling with 2 people, choose an NMAX over a Scoopy or Vario.
TB Bike Rentals
This is where I rent my bike from. They deliver, have amazing service, and give the best rates. I highly highly suggest them.
Note: they do not have bikes with surf racks.
Bali Best Motorcycle
Another great option for bike rentals. Professional & friendly service.
Klook
Klook offers great rates, with pick-up & delivery.
Grab & GoJek
Grab & Gojek make the world go round.
Think of Gojek as Uber, Lyft, Postmates, and Doordash- all in one. Whether you need a lift from a night out at the beach clubs, a midnight Oreo delivery, or even laundry pick-up and drop-off, this all-in-one app has you covered. It’s easier to name what you can’t do on Gojek than what you can do. As one of my friends put it: “I bet you can even do your taxes on Gojek.”
Grab is essentially another version of Gojek. Have all of your cravings delivered to your villa, order groceries when that bad case of Bali belly won’t let you leave the house, and catch a ride via the back of a local’s motorbike or car.
Protip: rideshare apps like Gojek and Grab only work in the more crowded areas of Bali. In Ubud, Canggu, Seminyak, Kuta, Sanur, Nusa Dua, and most parts of Uluwatu, we were able to use these apps seamlessly. Less crowded areas of Bali are dominated by the taxi mafia. In these select locations it’s best to agree on a price with the local taxi drivers beforehand or travel via private driver.
Klook is my absolute favorite Bali hack. You can book tours, activities, private drivers, and fast boats from Bali to the Nusa Islands- all at unbeatable costs. Avoid haggling & explore paradise in style by locking-in amazing prices ahead of time. You can even rent a scooter and purchase a SIM card on Klook.
Every driver I booked using Klook went above and beyond. My sweet young driver on Nusa Penida, Ketut, even went so far as to insist on doing every hike with me so that I wouldn’t be exploring on my own. Not to mention he volunteered as my personal photographer with expert pose instruction on these ventures.
*** I am a Klook affiliate, so I do earn commission on purchases you make through this site (at no extra cost to you!). I only became an affiliate because I am a ride-or-die fan.
Book a fast boat to Nusa Penida
Bluebird Taxi’s & The Taxi Mafi
Certain areas of Bali, usually Canggu, Ubud, and Uluwatu, are dominated by the taxi mafia. These drivers will allow online taxis to drop you off, but not pick you up. They are extremely aggressive & charge about 10x as much as a rideshare app. Sometimes, there is really no way around their scams, unless you walk a mile out of their territory. Haggle the price as best as you can, and always, always, always (!!!) agree on a price beforehand. Bluebird Taxis are the most reliable if you must take a taxi, but sometimes even these are banned.
If you aren’t in an area with the taxi mafia, but there aren’t many Gojeks or Grabs around, such as Sidemen or Munduk, book a private driver.
Book a Local Driver
We love supporting local drivers! They make day trips 10x easier and so much more fun. We rotate between a few of our trusted favorites, as sometimes one is busy with other guests. Private drivers will give you rates equal to online taxis, except you can hire them for the whole day! This is perfect for when you need to leave suitcases in the car, or when you’re making multiple stops on a route.
Ngakan- Book Here
One of our local drivers who is always dependable, laid back, and along for wherever the road may take us. He even adopted a puppy we rescued in Kintamani.
Wayan- Book Here
Wayan is one of our oldest Balinese friends. He is the epitome of Balinese hospitality- he even kept our surfboard at his home for 3 months.
Ari & Edi- (Click Name to Book)
These 2 brothers from Munduk are some of the sweetest humans to ever exist. Ari lives in Munduk, while Edi is in Denpasar. Both will give you an amazing time.
