The best ways to commute in Bali

Although it is a small island, commuting in Bali is a constraint mainly because its public transport system is still very erratic and traffic is uncontrollable during peak season.

Southern and central Bali, where most tourists hang out, is very densely crowded and hence the traffic is also terrible here. The rest of the island is covered with rice paddy fields or jagged and rocky ridges and valleys which most often make commuting difficult and slows down your pace. But you will hardly regret any of this since these will help you soak in what Bali has to offer mostly and make your holiday in Bali more memorable and relaxing. You must visit this tropical heaven once to see what all you can experience! 

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Go Local, Go Mopeds

You can either opt to hire one or go for a motorbike taxi. Whichever option you choose to commute in Bali, both are extremely cheap and quite efficient in navigating the roads of Bali. Many bike rentals also offer delivery and pick-up services (to airports, your villa or hotel, etc).

Some points to remember while hiring a motorbike in Bali for commuting in Bali:

• Always wear a helmet.
• Follow road rules and respect their Law
• Don’t drink and drive
• Get yourself an international driving licence
• Be careful when following Google Maps/ Waze directions
• Follow road safety rules and be mindful of other fellow bike drivers

 Hire App based Taxi Services like Gojek and Grab

Overall, hiring taxis can be a convenient and safe option for commuting in Bali, especially for those who are not comfortable riding scooters. Blue Bird taxis are the most reliable taxi service in Bali. They are known for using meters and providing professional service. To ensure you get a Blue Bird taxi, look for the blue vehicle with their logo or use their mobile app to book.

Ride-sharing apps like Grab and Gojek are also the best ways to commute in Bali. They offer affordable rates and quick pick-up times. However, it’s important to note that some areas of Bali have limited ride-sharing services, so it’s best to check the availability in advance. It’s also important to make sure that the driver is using the meter or negotiating the price before starting the ride. Overall, ride-sharing apps can be a convenient and cost-effective way to commute in Bali.

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 Car Rentals

A small car rental can range from $15-$25 per day. Car rentals are a convenient option for those who want to explore Bali at their own pace and have the freedom to go wherever they want. 

There are many car rental companies available on the island, with a variety of options ranging from small city cars to spacious SUVs. However, it’s important to note that Bali’s traffic can be very congested, especially during peak hours, and driving can be challenging for those who are not used to the local driving habits. Additionally, parking can be difficult to find in busy areas.

Bemos

Bemos are also the best option for commuting in Bali, especially for short trips within local areas. These small minibusses can be seen everywhere on the island and are often used by locals to get around quickly and are a cheap mode of transportation. Bemos usually has a set route, and passengers can flag them down to hop on and off at any point along the route. While they may not be the most comfortable option, they are a great way to experience the local culture and interact with the friendly Balinese people.

Local Public Buses

Kura-Kura (which means tortoise in Indonesian) is a tourist-class bus service that operates a dozen routes around southern Bali and up to Ubud. You can buy a ticket via the Kura-Kura app, on the company’s website or pay when you hop on. It’s easy and convenient, and if you don’t mind waiting for the next scheduled stop, it could be the cheapest way to get around. A seven-day pass that gives unlimited travel on all lines costs less than US$18. 

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Local Ferries

Good Old Walking

One thing to note is that certain neighbourhoods are more pedestrian-friendly than others.

Seminyak Beach, Legian Beach, and Kuta Beach are really good for walking around.

But on most roads in Canggu, there’s hardly any sidewalk (except for the main street, Jalan Pantai Batu Bolong), so it’s best to avoid walking even if the distance seems short.

Again, there are lots of speeding bikes and the streets can get so packed during rush hour, so it’s never a good idea to walk where there are no sidewalks.

But if you do end up walking on these no-sidewalk streets, make sure to stick VERY close to the left side and don’t block the traffic.