GETTING TO & AROUND BALI

There are many modes of transport to help you "Jalan Jalan" your way around Bali.

By Air

Most international visitors will fly to Bali directly. There are numerous direct flights from Europe, America, Australia and most Asian Countries and also domestic flights to and from other major cities within Indonesia like Jakarta. Helicopter Charter: One way to beat the traffic around Bali is to go around by air! Air Bali can provide helicopters and seaplanes for joy rides and/or charter flights. It's all possible in Bali…...

By Sea

There are regular passenger ferry services from Java and Lombok. Also, cruise ship stop-overs in Bali are becoming more frequent with the upgrading of Benoa Harbour, (Bali‟s main shipping port). Beat the traffic by boat. It is noted that one ingenious individual who wanted to avoid a traffic jammed By-pass road chartered a boat from Benoa Harbor to Nusa Dua.

By Land

You can also get to Bali by car or bus from mainland Java (via a vehicular ferry traveling between Gilimanuk in west Bali and Ketapang in east Java every 15 to 30 minutes, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The actual ferry crossing takes around only 30 minutes. A variety of excellent half day, full day and overnight tour packages are available from your hotel desk or any of the numerous travel agents and tour operators in Bali. Or you can find a car and driver in the street who will also act as your guide. Whilst walking about, you will be barraged with constant calls of "Transport, transport?". Competition is tight and many drivers know several languages. Tell the driver your desired route or destination and then negotiate (barter) a fee with him. Usually 350,000Rp for a half day and 550,000Rp full day is what you should be paying him, this is inclusive of vehicle and fuel, if you enjoyed yourself then a 10% tip on top is considered appropriate.

Walking

Is still one of the best ways to see Bali. You'll be close to the action but don't forget the essentials, a sun hat and bottle of water (Aqua). If you're walking in Kuta be wary of the undulating footpaths and access holes placed every meter or so in the footpath. Every so often, the access holes are left open or the lid is broken, which can result in a nasty fall (especially at night).

Buses – Bemos – Bicycles

The public transport system in Bali can virtually take you anywhere you want to go but slowly. Buses and bemos are often over-crowded and hot and are recommended for short trips only. Metered “Bluebird” branded taxis are everywhere and at the very reasonable prices of 5000Rp flag fall and 4000Rp per kilometer. Bicycles are available for rent but bear in mind the heavy traffic in Kuta, Legian and Denpasar. Bicycles are ideal in areas like Sanur and the Ubud countryside if you're fit. A few companies offer mountain biking excursions, the best part being that they are all “downhill”. Car Rental & GPS: If you're feeling adventurous, drive yourself hire cars and motorbikes are everywhere. You will need your license from your home country and an International Driving Permit (IDP) for renting a car or a motorbike. Types of cars range from small 4WD Jeeps & larger 4WD Kijangs (for 6 people), to Suzuki APV‟s and comfortable sedans and hatchback vehicles. Around 99% of car rentals are manual transmission, it‟s very rare to find automatic hire cars in Bali, although they are becoming more available (at a price).