Top Ways to Navigate Bali

Bali may be small in size, but that doesn't guarantee easy travel. Public transportation can be unreliable, and traffic jams are frequent, particularly in the bustling southern and central regions, popular with travelers.

In the scenic rural areas, the meandering lanes through rice paddies and the rugged terrain create a delightful exploration experience, but they can also slow you down. In Bali, taking your time is often more rewarding.

Here’s our comprehensive guide to getting around the ‘island of the gods.’

Experience bus travel like a local

Unlike neighboring Java, train travel isn't available in Bali. Public buses are the primary mode of transport for locals without their own vehicles. Buses link most Balinese towns, but for long journeys across the island, you’ll likely need to make multiple transfers, which can be time-consuming. The ever-present bemo (minibuses) are among the cheapest transport options available. Their routes are rarely fixed, and schedules can be unpredictable. Locals can usually inform you of the next bus's expected arrival and where to catch it.

Kura-Kura (meaning 'tortoise' in Indonesian) is a tourist-friendly bus service covering a dozen routes in southern Bali and up to Ubud. Tickets can be purchased through the Kura-Kura app or on their website. It’s a convenient option, and if you don’t mind waiting for the next scheduled stop, it’s a good way to travel.

Taxis are perfect for traveling in groups

With low fuel prices (around 14,000Rp/liter), taxis in Bali are quite affordable. If you're traveling with friends and prefer not to drive, taxis are a great choice. Bluebird Taxis boasts Indonesia's largest taxi fleet and has a desk located just outside the arrivals area at Ngurah Rai International Airport. While their rates may be higher than average, the fare from the airport to your hotel is fixed, eliminating the hassle of negotiating while jetlagged. The MyBluebird Taxi app simplifies booking and tracking your ride, or you can easily hail a Bluebird taxi on the street and pay via the meter.

Grab, the Singaporean company that acquired Uber's operations in Asia, is one of the most effective ways to navigate Bali, often costing about half as much as metered taxis. Grab even offers an air-conditioned lounge just outside the airport arrivals area where you can charge your phone and book a ride.

Grab and Maxim, the newer competitor, provide significantly lower rates than traditional taxis and operate on a ‘democratic’ pricing model, meaning everyone—locals, Indonesians, and foreign tourists—pays the same. The reliable Grab app includes features for route tracking and an emergency alert button for added safety. You can link the app to a credit card to avoid dealing with cash or searching for change. A review feature allows passengers to rate their driver’s service, the vehicle's cleanliness, and even the music selection.

Use an app to request a motorbike taxi

In the past, unofficial motorbike taxis known as ojeks, often driven by young men hanging around street corners, were the primary way to navigate Bali’s towns. Today, apps like Gojek and Grab have made it much easier to find an ojek.

For those visiting hard-to-find locations, you can simply drop a pin in the app for your destination, eliminating the need for complicated directions with your rider. Motorcycle taxi fares typically cost about half that of a car ride. Drivers always provide a spare helmet for passengers, and app regulations help ensure safer driving compared to the reckless styles of traditional ojek riders. Like car taxis, prices are fixed and shown before you confirm your ride.

Be mindful that some villages in Bali restrict access to Grab and Gojek to support their local drivers. These roadblocks may require you to walk a short distance to reach your final destination.

Opt for self-driving in a rental car, or hire a driver as well

Distances in Bali can be easily underestimated. A trip from the airport to the westernmost point of the island (Gilimanuk) can take around four hours—longer during peak times—even though it’s under 140km (87 miles) away. The roads can be tricky, with potholes and extremely narrow lanes, not to mention the constant presence of motorbikes, creating a buzzing atmosphere. The key to safe driving in Bali is to proceed slowly and signal your intentions well in advance; sudden maneuvers can lead to accidents.

In Indonesia, all foreigners must carry both their national and international driving licenses while operating any vehicle. Car rentals start at approximately 200,000Rp per day. Common options include the Toyota Avanza, which seats seven without luggage, and the slightly pricier Suzuki APV van. Considering the low fuel prices, this can be a budget-friendly option for groups.

Your hotel or homestay can usually suggest a trustworthy car rental service, but Bali Car Rental Cheap is also worth checking for competitive prices. Most rental agencies can provide a driver for an additional fee of around 200,000Rp per day. For multi-day trips, you’ll need to account for the driver’s food and accommodation costs as well.

Motorbike and moped rentals are budget-friendly

Bali is arguably one of the most affordable places in the world to rent a motorbike. You can expect to pay around 80,000Rp per day for a good 125cc automatic scooter, and for longer rentals (two weeks or more), there's often room to negotiate. Motorbikes can also be equipped with surfboard racks for a small extra fee.

Keep in mind that many street rental shops lack insurance, which could lead to costly and stressful situations in case of an accident. Reputable companies that offer insurance and English-speaking roadside assistance include Bikago, with a fleet featuring bikes up to 250cc. For those looking for larger models, Bali Bike House has an array of sports bikes, including iconic options like a Harley Davidson Softail Classic, a Ducati Monster 795cc, and a Royal Enfield Classic 500cc.

While manual mopeds are still common, most rental scooters are automatic and easy to ride. However, the bustling roads of southern and central Bali are not ideal for inexperienced riders. Overconfidence can lead to minor injuries or worse. It’s advisable to wear protective gear and a helmet at all times.

Accessible transport options are limited in Bali

For travelers with disabilities and mobility challenges, Bali presents certain difficulties. Even in popular tourist areas like Kuta, Ubud, Canggu, and Seminyak, sidewalks are often in disrepair, and roads tend to be narrow. However, access to several key attractions has improved, featuring wheelchair ramps at major temples and priority entry for individuals with mobility needs. Most of Ubud Monkey Forest, Tirta Gangga temple, the beautiful Pura Tirta Empul water temple, and parts of the trails through Jatiluwih rice fields are now wheelchair accessible.

Bali Access Travel focuses on aiding travelers with partial or complete mobility limitations, handling everything from accommodations and airport transfers to equipment rentals, transportation, tours, and experiences. Accessible Indonesia offers tours in Java, Sulawesi, and Bali, providing personalized trip planning as well.