 Getting Around in Bali
Visitors to Bali have several options to get around. Within the main tourist areas such as Kuta, minivans called bemo are quite plentiful. They ply pre-determined routes. These minivans travel either within the area or within towns in Bali. The fare is quite low, about Rp1,600 within town and Rp4,000 between towns. This is the way the locals travel. However, tourists might some times be overcharged.
In addition to the bemos, there are also buses. These usually travel long distances between towns, and make fewer stops. The main bus routes in Bali is between Denpasar and Singaraja, and between Denpasar and Amlapura. The fare is fixed and non negotiable, paid to either the driver or conductor.
Taxis are most plentiful in South Bali, which is the most touristic part of the island. Although most drivers will try to negotiate a flat fee, you usually pay less by insisting on the meter. Most drivers would be reluctant to drive you to Ubud at night, as they would not be able to get a fare on their return trip. Expect a 20% surcharge for such trips.
Recently Tourist Shuttles (minivans and minibuses) have been introduced to ferry passengers between tourist destinations. They are the popular transport of budget travelers and backpackers. You might need to book in advance.
Many people prefer to rent a car or motorcycle and do the exploration on their own. There are many rental agencies in Bali, and you can negotiate a good rate. You might also consider paying a little extra for the service of a driver, to reduce the having to negotiate the unfamiliar roads.
In Indonesia, the vehicles drive on the left side of the road. You will see that motorcycles often overtake on either side, often drivers pull out into traffic without looking. Pedestrians often have to walk on the streets as pavements are narrow and often blocked.
If you plan to drive in Bali, you need to have an International Driving Permit, obtainable from your own country. That saves you the hassle of applying for one when in Bali.
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