Getting around Bali

The most popular transportation to get around Bali is by renting a bike or a car. Bali has breathtaking scenery, and having your own transport will enable you to take the scenic routes and stop at the viewpoints around the island. In addition, you can also explore some off-the-beaten-path destinations that may not be accessible by public transport in Bali. 

Renting a motorbike or scooter to travel around the island is relatively easy. Starting from as low as IDR 75,000 per day, you can also do weekly or monthly bike rent for the cheaper option if you plan to stay in Bali for a longer period. 

If you choose to rent a car in Bali, you can even hire a private driver if you don't have a valid driving license to drive on your own. Renting a car in Bali is quite affordable, as you can rent a car and hire a driver for as low as IDR 350,000. The price is usually valid for a 12-hour car rent, depending on the car type and your travel distance. 

Driving in Bali

The traffic in Bali can be super busy, especially since the island is full of motorists, which can be a challenge if you don't get used to dealing with many motorbikes or scooters while driving. 

People in Bali drive on the left side of the road and the speed limit regulation is applied nationally within Indonesia, with a maximum of 100 kilometres per hour for toll roads, 80 kilometres for inter-city roads, 50 kilometres in built-up areas, and 30 kilometres for pedestrian areas.

If you plan to rent a bike or scooter in Bali, make sure to wear an SNI-standard helmet, as the failure to do so can also cause a penalty when riding a motorcycle in Bali. 

While motorbike and car rentals dominate the transportation market for travellers in Bali, you can also use the bus networks that connect several areas around the island.

Travelling by public buses in Bali is the cheapest option to explore the island, but remember that sometimes you can't rely on the punctuality of the bus schedule. It may not be the best option if you have limited time to get around Bali when travelling. 

There are two main public transport options in Bali: public buses and shuttle services. 

There are currently two public buses operating in Bali with slightly different routes, which include Trans Sarbagita and Trans Metro Dewata. Both are the bus rapid transit systems in Bali, which offer a few different routes that connect you to different regions on the island. 

Trans Sarbagita

Trans Sarbagita currently operates two routes from the city centre at GOR Ngurah Rai in Denpasar. 

The first corridor provides transportation from Bali city centre to Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) Cultural Park in Uluwatu. The second one offers services from GOR Ngurah Rai to Nusa Dua.

They accept non-cash payments only through QRIS, and the ticket costs only IDR 3,500 for one trip per passenger. 

Trans Metro Dewata

Trans Metro Dewata offers services through the five corridors available in their bus system: Central Park Kuta to Pesiapan Terminal in Tabanan, Ubung Terminal to Ngurah Rai International Airport, Ubung Terminal to Matahari Terbit Beach in Sanur, GOR Ngurah Rai in Denpasar to Monkey Forest in Ubud, and Central Park Kuta to Bali State Polytechnic in Jimbaran. 

Non-cash payments are required, and you can pay by QRIS or using e-money cards that you can purchase from the nearest supermarket. The ticket costs IDR 4,400 for one trip per passenger, and it's free of charge for Indonesian students. 

Another communal transportation you can use when travelling in Bali is the shuttle service that provides transportation around the island. It's cheaper than daily car rental rates, but you can still travel comfortably around Bali. 

Komotra Minibus

Komotra minibus is a shuttle service unique to Bali, and you can easily find the minibus painted with beach and landscape pictures around the Kuta area.

While they don't have many fleets, Komotra minibus provides shuttle services from Central Park Kuta to other areas in Bali, including Kuta Beach, Tanjung Benoa, Sanur, and Jimbaran. 

KSPN Electric Shuttle Bus

KSPN electric shuttle bus is one of the green initiatives from the local governments in Bali to take advantage of electric buses to minimise carbon footprints. Operated since 2020, KSPN now provides shuttle services for the following routes:

• Route 1: Ngurah Rai International Airport - Central Park Kuta - Ubung - Menguwi - Bedugul - Singaraja

• Route 2: Ngurah Rai International Airport - Sanur - Ubud - Kintamani - Singaraja

• Route 3: Singaraja - Menjangan - West Bali National Park

• Route 4: Ngurah Rai International Airport - Goa Lawah - Padangbai - Manggis - Amuk - Amed

• Route 5: Ngurah Rai International Airport - Sanur - Klungkung - Besakih

You may have heard about the recently popular Nusa islands in Bali: Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan. The term 'nusa' itself means island in Indonesian, and that explains how these islands are separated from the mainland of Bali. 

Situated in Klungkung regency of Bali, the only way to reach these smaller islands from the mainland in Bali is by taking a fast ferry boat from one of the ferry ports, either the one in Sanur or Benoa. Sanur is the most popular departure point out of the two, as there are more daily ferry boat options compared to Benoa. 

Depending on which island, the ferry boat journey could take 30 minutes to an hour. You can expect to pay as low as IDR 110,000 per trip for a fast boat from Sanur to Nusa Penida, while the boat ticket to Nusa Lembongan and Ceningan usually starts from IDR 130,000 per trip. 

While you can usually book the ticket online, you can also get a lower price if you book the ticket on-site through the ticket counter at the port in Sanur or Benoa. 

Taxi and rideshare apps are also another convenient option to travel around Bali. They provide a hassle-free way to book transportation, as you can request a ride based on your needs and have a driver pick you up at your location. 

Taxi in Bali

While there are so many taxi companies available in Bali, Bluebird is the most reputable taxi company you can rely on when travelling around the island. All Bluebird taxi fleets use taximeters, so you don't have to worry about being overcharged for a taxi ride.

Their fleets are everywhere, and it's relatively easy to hail a Bluebird taxi in some popular tourist spots in Bali. Alternatively, you can also install the MyBluebird app for easy booking. Through this app, they also use non-cash payments using credit or debit cards.

Rideshares in Bali

Rideshare apps like Grab and Gojek are also common and convenient to use in Bali, as they typically charge lower than the conventional taxi like Bluebird. However, keep in mind that these apps are currently not available in the Nusa islands. 

Apart from connecting your cards for non-cash payments, you can also sign up for Ovo or GoPay accounts for e-wallet payment on Grab and Gojek apps.

In addition to all transactions made through the apps, you can also use Ovo and GoPay for any transaction at the merchants that accept payment with QRIS, including the public bus in Bali.