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Getting around Bali

transport in Bali
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Published on 30 October 2019
Updated byAnne-Lise Mestryon 20 September 2022

During your stay in Bali, you will undoubtedly need to get around on a daily basis. Although public transportation is practically non-existent on the island, you will never be short of options.

Taking the bus in Bali

Bali has a rapid bus transit system called Trans Sarbagita. These large blue buses are relatively new, clean, air-conditioned and equipped with spacious and comfortable seats. There are 25 vehicles, and they serve 4 routes that cross the main roads of Bali's capital, Denpasar. Thus, they connect Batubulan - Nusa Dua and the city of Denpasar to Garuda Wisnu Kencana.

Fares are 3,500 IDR for adults. The trips are free for students.

Other vehicles have also been deployed to connect Tabanan-Mengwi airport to Mahendra Data-Sanur-Lebih airport. There is also a fleet of minibuses in Denpasar that can be used for short trips at low prices.

Good to know:

To better plan your daily trips, keep in mind that the Balinese bus system hardly ever serves the areas popular with expatriates. Moreover, the schedules can vary, especially because of the traffic.

In short, the bus in Bali is perfect for non-business trips when it is not required to be on time. Otherwise, you might need to consider other alternatives, like the motorcycle, the car, the cab or even the helicopter!

Car v/s motorcycle in Bali

As a response to the constant flow of tourists, rental agencies are never in short supply and offer rental of a two-wheeler from $ 3.25 per day, or IDR 50,000 on average. The monthly rental costs around 600 000 IDR. This price can be lower for a long-term rental. And don't forget that you can always negotiate!

When you rent a motorcycle, ask for insurance from the renter and invest in a good-quality helmet. Also, choose this option only if you have experience, as Bali's roads are chaotic, crowded and unfriendly to beginners.

Good to know:

You must be the holder of an international motorcycle license to ride a motorized two-wheeler in Bali. The police are common on the roads, and the fines are severe!

As for your original driving license, it will only allow you to drive a car in Indonesia.

Useful link:

Trans Sibarita - schedules and routes

We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.

About

Anne-Lise studied Psychology for 4 years in the UK before finding her way back to Mauritius and being a journalist for 3 years and heading Expat.com's editorial department for 5. She loves politics, books, tea, running, swimming, hiking...

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