Bali Transport

Getting to the island

By Air Numerous airlines service Bali's Ngurah Rai International Airport either directly or via Jakarta. Domestic airlines Garuda, Merpati, Sempati, Bouraq and Mandala as well as by 12 international airlines on scheduled services and charters operate scheduled flights from various cities within Indonesia.

Ngurah Rai International Airport is situated in the south of the island, not far from the resorts of Kuta, Nusa Dua and Sanur. Taxi fares from the airport range from 4500 rupiahs to Kuta, 10,000 rupiahs to Denpasar, 12,000 rupiahs to Sanur and Nusa Dua, and 34,000 rupiahs to Ubud.

By Sea The state-run passenger line PELNI operates weekly sailings between Bali and Jakarta, Ujung Pandang and Balikpapan. Not luxurious but comfortable, the ship offers an alternative to flying and is a more leisurely form of travel. There are regular schedules and routes, all touching in at Jakarta their main base.

Foreign cruise lines operate in Indonesian waters, though not regularly. A 40-passenger luxury cruise ship, the MV Island Explorer, offers trips to the eastern Indonesian islands from Bali part of the year and from Jakarta to Sumatera the rest of the year. There are also ferries between islands, though comfort may not be as desired.

For adventure travellers, a ride on a Pinisi Bugis schooner is exciting but advance arrangements must be made. This is one of the last sailing fleets in the world. About 3,000 of these schooners still ply between islands and trade goods as they have for centuries. These can be located on the north coast, where Bugis schooners and smaller craft use the harbour of Singaraja that serve the lines between Java and north Bali.

Ferry Bali is connected to Java by a regular ferry service running between Gilimanuk and Banyuwangi. If you are taking the train or night bus from Jakarta, Bandung or Yogyakarta, travel first to Surabaya for the connection to Banyuwangi, where you board another bus for the final passage to Denpasar.

Hydrofoil services operate from Benoa harbour in Bali to Lembar.

By Rail on the island is not possible, but coming from Jakarta, Bandung or Yogyakarta it is. Travel first to Surabaya's Gubeng Station. A first-class train, Mutiara Utara, connects Jakarta with Surabaya everyday. This train departs from Jakarta's Kota Station in the late afternoon and arrives in Surabaya early the next morning. From Surabaya, you can choose between two daily departures from Gubeng Station for the 8-hour trip on the Mutiara Timur, a non-air-conditioned train headed for Banyuwangi, and later catch the ferry to Bali. A bus will then take you across the straits on the ferry and over to Denpasar.

By Bus It is true that you cannot actually travel to/from Bali by bus, but there are plenty of buses that link Bali with the rest of Indonesia by using the public ferry - the cost of which is included in the bus fare. With improved roads, the bis malam or night bus from Java to Bali is now faster than the train, although one cannot deny its dangers. There are air-conditioned buses from Surabaya to Denpasar, which take about 10 to 12 hours, and from Yogya to Denpasar, which is a 15 to 16 hour trip. Most Indonesians travel this way, but you must be prepared to tolerate cigarette smoke and noise. Non-smoking buses are not available and the volume of videos are usually at their highest (yes, they have VDO's on the buses). Look up the Lorena buses, which are suppose to be the best in Bali; it will cost you a little more but deluxe services and a toilet is included. Buses usually depart from Jakarta at 9 a.m., 1.30 p.m. or 2 p.m. and arrive in Denpasar 24 hours later.

Public Transport on the Island

The main forms of public transport on Bali are the cheap buses, minibuses and bemos that run on somewhat set routes within or between towns. Having your own transport can be arranged; there are bemos, cars, motorbikes, and bicycles for rent. Tourist shuttle buses that run between major tourist centres are more expensive than public transport but are definitely more comfortable and convenient.

Bemo is a generic term for any vehicle that is used as a public transport, which is normally a minibus or van with a row of low seats on each side. It is a great way to meet the locals, even though it is hot, dusty and full of diesel exhaust. The exciting part is that you do not have to get to a bemo stop to board a bemo, just extend your arm and flag one down! The fares are cheap but beware of pickpockets.

Car Rental Driving in Bali is potentially hazardous and therefore it's generally not advised. Petrol is generally not included in the price and although insurance is, it is advisable to buy extra cover. Test-drive the car before paying in advance.

Charter Vans or Mini Buses can be rented at a reasonable cost including petrol and a driver/guide. These are great for parties of 6 or more and certainly cut costs if you are in a large group.

Taxi Hire is possible on the island and reasonably cheap by international standards. At the airport there are fixed rates for air-conditioned and non-air conditioned taxis that are displayed at the airport counter while payments can be made at the desk. A coupon will then be handed to you to be surrendered to the driver. It is worth noting that you can only share a prepaid airport taxi with those who are heading for the same destination, as drop-offs along the way are not be allowed.

Ignore and refuse offers from informal 'guides' who may be loitering within the airport. To save on fares, you can walk out to the main road, which is about one km away, and hail a local bemo to your destination. There are also 'wild taxis' in the parking lot, which will take you to your hotel for a bit less than the airport taxis, although bargaining is a must.

Motorcycles are a popular way to get around Bali but it's not really advised as several tourists are killed in motorbike accidents each year and many spend time in hospitals. If you do decide to rent one, drive slowly and defensively. It is a convenient and inexpensive way to get around the island, helmets are required by law and the ones provided by rental agencies more for 'police protection' than head protection. Bring your own helmet from home if you know that you'll be using a motorcycle in Bali. The cost of hiring a motorcycle is negotiable and varies according to the condition of the machine, length of rental and time of year. Buying insurance is a good idea to avoid being responsible for damages, but be sure to test-drive the motorbike to see that everything is in good working order. A valid International Driving Permit is required or if you forget it you can spend a morning at the Denpasar Police Office to obtain a temporary permit, which lasts for three months, but the process can be a huge hassle. It would be wise to get an International Driving Permit in your own country before you leave home.

Bicycles Seeing Bali by pushbike has become increasingly popular in recent years and the quality of rental bikes have improved. Some airlines will carry your own bike for free if you would prefer to bring one with you. The most common bikes offered are mountain bikes as their low gear ratios and softer tyres are better suited to Bali.

Horse Drawn Carts For something different hop on a traditional dokar. These small horse-drawn carts are still available in Kuta and Denpasar and a shore ride costs next to nothing. It's a novel, if somewhat slow way to view the passing scenery and is always popular with children.

By Helicopter This has got to be the experience of a lifetime and what better way to fully appreciate every contour, mountain and valley on this wonderfully picturesque tropical island than from the air. Trips vary from long to short and it's a good way to transverse the island rather than wind one's way up, down and across the rugged terrain by road.

On Foot The most pleasant way to see Bali is by foot as it is a small island. It is possible to traverse the entire island by foot and many people do day hikes in and around Danau Batur, Danau Bratan, West Bali National Park and around Ubud.

NOTE: The above information is subject to change and meant as a guide only.