Travelling around in Bali
The safest options for getting around in Bali are using a taxi. You may also prefer to rent a car or a scooter, but be aware these come with their own set of risks.
Taxis
Taxis are the most common form of transport for tourists and a highly regarded firm of taxis are from the Bluebird Taxi Company. Unfortunately, there are some other taxi companies that cut costs wherever possible resulting in poor vehicle maintenance, rough suspension, and bald .
Tips to choose a taxi driver:
- Look for the trusted pale blue taxis from the Bluebird Taxi Company which has a large fleet of 500 late model vehicles.
- The Bluebird Taxi company has a 24/7 phone line, so you can call and book a taxi with them.
- Make sure the driver speaks English well enough for you to understand.
- Check that the driver displays his photo ID card and has his meter on before you agree to the ride.
- Be prepared to pay a 6,000 Rupiah flag fall [AUD 0.60c] and up to 6,000 Rupiah for every kilometre after that.
- Females should be wary if travelling alone at night. Keep your wits about you and make note of the taxi number.
Scooters, mopeds and motorcycles
Many tourists use scooters, mopeds and motorbikes because they’re a convenient form of transport and the cheapest way to travel, but they may not always be the safest option. If you decide to use a scooter, moped or motorcycle, remember that accidents can happen at any time and travellers have been killed riding in Bali as the road conditions aren’t to the standard that we’re used to at home.
Always check with your travel insurance provider if your policy covers you for riding scooters, mopeds or motorbikes in Bali. Below are the license requirements under Fast Cover’s Motorcycle Pack if you are the rider in control of a motorcycle, moped or scooter with the following engine capacity:
125cc or less |
Greater than 125cc |
You must hold both a current Australian Drivers Licence (Provisional or higher) (regardless of the local laws) and a licence valid for the country that you are riding in. |
You must hold both a current Australian Motorcycle Licence (Provisional or higher) valid for the same class of motorcycle, moped or scooter (regardless of the local laws) and a licence valid for the country that you are riding in. |
Make sure you are aware of other eligibility criteria, policy terms, conditions, exclusions and limits that apply whilst riding a scooter, moped or motorcycle whilst in Bali. Consider the PDS prior to deciding on which policy is right for you and your needs.
Safety should always be your main concern when hiring a scooter, moped or motorcycle. Familiarise yourself with the road rules, wear a helmet, and don’t drink or take drugs while driving. For more information and safety tips on riding scooters, mopeds and motorcycles in Bali, read our Fast Guide to Bali Transport.
Renting a car
Renting a car is a much safer alternative to renting a moped or motorcycle. If you’re planning to rent one make sure you ask for a pre-inspection report so you aren’t charged for damages you didn’t cause. Also note that most cars in Bali are uninsured so car insurance is your responsibility. Check with the hire company and your travel insurance provider what you may be liable for in the event of an accident.
If you do choose to rent a car in Bali, consider taking out optional Rental Vehicle Excess insurance with Fast Cover. This benefit covers the rental vehicle excess component of the rental vehicle insurance that you have with your car hire company, which, depending on the policy chosen, can include up to $8,000. Keep in mind that eligibility criteria, policy terms, conditions, exclusions and limits apply. Consider the PDS prior to deciding on which policy is right for you and your needs.
Tourist buses
Tourist shuttle buses are operated by a private bus line called Perama and offer a safe and convenient way to travel along the tourist trail. They publish their timetable online and you can use them with confidence to reach places like Sanur, Lovina, Padang Bai, Ubud, Candi Dasa and Mataram Senggigi.
Bemos
Bemos (minibuses with rows of seats down each side) are hard to find and usually only service the locals. They do not frequent the tourist areas so if you happen to catch one you could end up in unfamiliar territory with no way of getting back to the main tourist areas.
Public ferries
Perama also operates a fast boat to the Gili Islands. Public ferries transport passengers and vehicles to Lombok, but the service has a poor safety record. The trip is long and the ferries don’t conform to international safety standards. It’s best to avoid this ferry. If you must use the service be on your guard at all times as pickpockets also work the crowds on board.