Navigating Around In Bali

Bali comprises of three main roads that circumnavigate the island and hundreds of smaller roads that traverse the countryside. It takes approximately 3 hours to travel the length and breadth of Bali. Road conditions from the main roads are usually good but could be heavily populated with slow traveling trucks. The conditions regarding the minor roads are generally dependant on the weather. Throughout the rainy season, road conditions fall foul of torrential rain and heavy traffic leaves the roads covered in potholes and debris.

Though there is a good public transport system here, journeys tend to be very long plus don’t take in smaller destinations.
An email on Addresses — The spelling and naming of most Indonesian geographical features, villages, towns, and even streets varies considerably as there’s absolutely no standardized form that fits both popular and official approval. Names could be spelled a variety of ways, even on signboards in front of numerous government offices. There are three overlapping and concurrent address systems for almost any given location: old street name and number, new street name with new numbers, and kampung (neighborhood) name with block numbers. For instance Jalan Diponegoro (an Indonesian hero) is frequently referred to by its other names Jalan Gusti Ngurah Rai (from local history) or Jalan Raya Sesetan Gang II (the kampung name and alley number). To top it well, numbers try not to always follow and you’re in the same way expected to find 22 next to 133.

By Private Car & Driver

The easiest way of seeing the sights of Bali is through hiring a car or truck and a driver. It provides you the freedom to explore the backwater for this picturesque country. Plenty of car-hire agencies on Bali offer day services or weekly rentals; your hotel or villa may have its own cars and drivers available for you as well. Having a driver takes away the stress of having to navigate the little roads all over island; they can also assistance with any translations as when you leave the main areas hardly any people speak any English.

Drivers on overnight stays will see their particular suitable accommodation at hardly any cost to you. You’ll be anticipated to pay the driver’s food and accommodation nevertheless the price of the automobile, insurance, and petrol ought to be within the price. Be prepared to pay about Rp350,000 to Rp450,000 on a daily basis, ready to accept negotiation.

Before hiring a car and driver make sure they will have all of the relevant paperwork and insurance in place and agree on all costs prior to the rental period. Also make sure that they will have an excellent command of English and therefore are proficient in the island.

The greatest way of preventing a Traffic Accident — Any foreigners associated with even minor traffic violations or accidents might be at risk of exploitation. You ought to therefore think seriously about employing an exclusive driver or using Bali car rental with driver.

By Rental Car

To rent a car or truck you are supposed to have an International Driving License or a locally issued tourist driving license as well as a duplicate of your passport. However, most rental businesses will rent you an automobile with a copy of your home national driver’s license.

One-month licenses are issued at that moment for Rp150,000 at the Foreign License Service, Jl. Gunung Sanghiang, Denpasar (tel. 0361/422323). You will want to show a copy of one’s passport and your home national driver’s license.

Before you drive away in your car or truck, ensure that the vehicle has all its registration documentation (Surat Tanda Nomor Kendaraan Bermotor or STNK, vehicle registration certificate) and copies of any insurance coverages.

You truly must be vigilant all of the time when driving in Bali. The Balinese rarely stop to check for on-coming traffic, that may often result in the driver to slam on their breaks or swerve to avoid a collision. At night, many motorcycles and cyclists rarely have lights on and street lighting is bound. Traffic lights are not always observed. Accidents are normal. Vehicles are left-hand drive. The national speed limit is 70kph however you will not find many areas to achieve this.

Expect to pay between US$18 to US$45 every day for vehicle hire, though the bigger agencies will charge far more. Prices will be either in rupiah or U.S. dollars. The cheapest form of transport is a Suzuki jeep which will cost about US$18 every single day; a Toyota Kijang should cost about US$22 just about every day; a top of this range limousine-style Suzuki costs US$45. These prices ought to include some insurance but check always what insurance you will get before agreeing to a price.

Warning: Driving Infringements — Always ensure that you have the automobile documentation with you plus your international driver’s license. The authorities carry out regular spot checks and you’ll be fined for just about any infringements. Not wearing a seatbelt while driving or as a passenger or otherwise not wearing a helmet on a motorcycle is also an infringement. Stay calm during all dealings using the police, usually do not argue together with them, and don’t offer them a bribe. They truly are less interested in whether you have got committed a traffic violation and much more in what you’ve got in your wallet. A regular fine should be Rp50,000 but police will endeavor to have as much money as they possibly can away from you. Usually do not flash a complete wallet of money, while you may well not see it again.

By Motorcycle

The easiest, cheapest, and fastest solution to get around Bali is through motorcycle. However it is also probably the most dangerous with daily accidents and weekly motorcycle deaths.

A good amount of companies regarding the streets will hire you a motorcycle for those who have a driving license. It will set you back about Rp50,000 each and every day for a simple CC scooter, less if you should be hiring long haul. Surfer racks should really be offered by no extra cost.

Always check the motorcycle first to make certain that everything is working: brakes, indicators, and wheels; also ensure that you have the right insurance and vehicle registration documents, that you need certainly to carry to you at all times. All motorcyclists must wear helmets and these must certainly be supplied at the time of rental for no extra charge. Ensure the helmet fits properly. If you cannot find the one that fits, buy one.

By Taxi

Metered taxis are the best & most convenient way of getting round southern Bali when you yourself haven’t got your very own car and driver. Costs start from the first fee of Rp5,000 for the first 2km (1 1/4 miles) and then the meter ticks up Rp5,000 per kilometer thereafter. Should you want to make any stops allow for about Rp20,000 per hour waiting. To rent a taxi during the day, agree with a cost in advance and allow the driver understand what you expect from him. Many of them would want to explain to you their friends’ shops and businesses, if you do not want to do this be very clear in the outset and be firm. When you yourself haven’t hired a motor vehicle for your holiday but would like to head off somewhere during the day, some taxis are content to take you on half-day or full-day excursions. Allow Rp450,000 for a full day. Made Sueta, owner of his very own Ngurah Rai Taxi (tel. 08/ ), is a fount of real information and could be very happy to guide you around Bali.

By Bemo

Blue and brown vans called bemos operate as buses in Bali. They have regular routes, but these aren’t really on paper plus they make numerous stops. A long-distance journey will probably include one or more transfer. Most tourists save the headache and try using private transport. Bemos are better for short hops (around town, for example) than long distances. Destinations and stops are posted in the front window. Denpasar could be the main transportation hub for the whole island. An average trip costs Rp5,000 to Rp10,000. Negotiate before riding. You pay before you alight.

By Bus

Perama Tours (tel. 0361/751551; ) runs a shuttle bus that serves all the main towns and cities in Bali and also covers Mataram and Senggigi in Lombok (tel. 0370/635928). They are easy to catch, cheap, safe, and a comfy solution to explore. Unfortunately, these are typically very slow. If you wish to travel between main towns they’ve been an excellent mode of transport nonetheless they do not take a look at small villages or well-known sights on the way.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be certain to verify all rates and details directly with all the companies under consideration before making plans for your trip. Check https://www.thebalitravels.com for more information about this Island.