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In this article we are going to share the BEST ways to get around in Bali in 2025. We absolutely love Bali. But it can be very challenging to get around in Bali. In this article we are going to share FULL details, top tips and recommendations to help you plan the best way to get around in Bali.
Bali is a beautiful and fascinating destination with a lot to offer. However it is also a big island that takes several hours to drive across. Whether you’re looking to explore the island’s stunning beaches, ancient temples, or lush rainforests – you need to find the best way to get around in Bali. In this guide, we’ll explore the best ways to get around Bali, including the advantages and disadvantages of each method.
Don’t miss our amazing 10 day Bali itinerary – What to do, how to do it -step by step
Summary of the best ways to get around in Bali
| Advantages and disadvantages | How to book | Price | |
| Rent a motorbike | Cheap, fun, convenient and versatile but risky | Rental shops & guest houses around Bali | 100,000IDR – 200,000IDR per day (£5 – £10 or $6 – $12) |
| Take a taxi | Convenient, reasonable prices and comfortable. Not the cheapest way to get around | Use the Grab app or flag a taxi at the side of the road | 20,000IDR – 400,000IDR (around £1 – £20 or $1.20 – $25) |
| Take a shared minibus | Can be cheap, easy to book and convenient. Less flexible | Book with Perama tours | 100,000IDR – 250,000IDR (£5 – £14 or $6 – $16) |
| Book a private car | Comfortable, convenient, flexible but expensive | Book a private tranfer on Klook | £30 – £40 or $35 – $50 |
| Rent a car and drive | Fun, free, flexible and relatively cheap (especially for long journeys). Traffic & parking can be challenging | Book a car with a local tour operator for the best prices | 200,000IDR – 400,000IDR (£10 – £20 or $12 – $24) per day |
| Take a tour | Great way to meet people and learn about attractions from a local guide. Can be expensive and less flexible | Get the best price tours on Klook | £10 – £30 or $12 – $35 |
Why visit Bali?
Bali is an enchanting and captivating destination. This beautiful island is known for its stunning beaches, lush tropical forests, and vibrant culture. Bali is a place where ancient temples stand alongside modern resorts, and traditional art forms are celebrated alongside cutting-edge fashion and design. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or cultural enrichment, Bali has something for everyone.
One of the main reasons to visit Bali is its natural beauty. The island is home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, with crystal-clear waters and white sand that stretches for miles. Bali’s forests and rice paddies are also breathtakingly beautiful, and offer opportunities for hiking, biking, and exploring. Bali’s stunning natural scenery is complemented by its rich cultural heritage, which is celebrated through colorful festivals, traditional dances, and intricate artwork. From the intricate carvings on Balinese temples to the intricate patterns on traditional textiles, Bali is a place where art and culture are an integral part of everyday life.
1 Rent a motorbike
Don’t miss our full guide to bike rental in Bali
Renting a motorbike is the cheapest way to get around Bali, and it’s also a fun and convenient option. There are many rental places around Bali, including small shops, tour operators, and guest houses. The cost is typically around 100,000IDR – 200,000IDR per day (£5 – £10 or $6 – $12), but it can be cheaper for longer rentals.
Before renting a motorbike, make sure to check the bike for damage, check the brakes, lights, tyres, and check the contract and fuel level at the start. Always keep the contact details of your rental dealer with you. Be aware that you will be limited by the size and number of bags you can carry on a motorbike. So this is not the best option for a road trip (unless you’re traveling light).
Renting a motorbike in Bali can be a great way to get around, but it’s important to be aware of the risks. Always wear a helmet, and be aware that some motorbike accidents in Bali can be caused by potholes or other road hazards. If you’re not an experienced motorbike rider, consider taking a taxi or using another mode of transportation instead. It’s important to ride carefully, as the roads can be crowded in Bali.
Don’t miss our detailed guide on Bali by bike – four amazing route maps and things to do
2 Take a taxi
Taking a taxi is a convenient and relatively cheap way to get around Bali. Most taxis operate on Grab, and short 5-minute journeys cost around 20,000IDR (around £1 or $1.20). Longer inter-city journeys can cost around 200,000IDR – 400,000IDR (around £10 – £20 or $12 – $25).
Learn how to use Grab in Bali with our FULL GUIDE
To use Grab, buy a local SIM with data, download the Grab app, register for an account using your local number, and allow Grab to use your location. When you want to get a taxi, enter your destination and check that your current location is correct. Select the taxi option, and you will be shown the price. Book the journey and wait for your driver.
You can communicate with your driver on the app and see their location, and you can also cancel the journey. Grab offers good prices, transparency, and safety. However, you may struggle to use Grab in more remote destinations where there are no drivers nearby or no signal.
3 Take a shared minibus
Taking a shared minibus is another option for getting around Bali. You can book these online in advance, and the Perama tour is a good option. Minibus prices vary from 100,000IDR – 250,000IDR (£5 – £14 or $6 – $16) depending on the distance.
Minibuses are reasonably comfortable and can normally take larger bags. If you experience travel sickness we recommend sitting towards the front of the mini bus. If you’re traveling with others, sharing a Grab taxi may be more convenient and cheaper than minibuses.
4 Book a private car
Booking a private car is a luxurious and expensive way to get around Bali, but it’s also convenient and low-stress. Before booking, agree in advance on where you would like to go and agree on wait times. Expect to pay around £30 – £40 ($35 – $50) for a private driver for the day. You can book private cars on Klook.
5 Rent a car and drive
Renting a car is a cheap, convenient, and fun way to get around Bali, especially for families. The cheapest way to get a rental car is to book with a local rental company, and the cost is typically around 200,000IDR – 400,000IDR (£10 – £20) per day.
However, make sure you are qualified and insured to drive in Bali, and use an international license. Watch out for one-way systems in Kuta and Ubud, and note that parking in Ubud is restricted.
6 Take a tour
Taking a tour is a convenient and easy way to explore Bali, and most tours include hotel pick-up and drop-off. Tours typically cost £10 – £30 or $12 – $35, depending on what is included.
The amazing website Klook offers some of the best itineraries and prices. Taking a tour is a great way to see several awesome destinations in Bali, without the hassle of planning and navigating yourself.
Challenges of traveling around in Bali
While Bali is a popular destination, there are some challenges to consider when getting around. The island lacks a comprehensive public transport system, which can make getting around difficult. Additionally, some roads in Bali are narrow or steep, and traffic can be congested in popular areas like Denpasar, Kuta, and Ubud.
There are also some one-way systems to watch out for, and parking can be challenging in some places, especially Ubud. Finally, local taxis can be intense and scammy, particularly in places like Padangbai harbor town. Additionally, there are some local restrictions on Grab taxi drop-offs, which can limit your options for transportation. You may need to be dropped off a short walk from attractions in Bali due to these local restrictions.
Tips for navigating Bali’s traffic
Bali’s traffic can be quite congested, especially in popular tourist areas like Denpasar, Kuta, and Ubud. To navigate Bali’s traffic more easily, consider traveling outside of peak hours (usually from 7am to 9am and from 5pm to 7pm). Additionally, using navigation apps like Google Maps can be helpful in finding alternate routes and avoiding traffic jams. Where possible try to travel further north in the island – the north is much more tranquil and less busy. We also use Maps.Me for amazing offline maps. This helps us find shortcuts and backroads in busy traffic and you don’t lose the map if you drop out of signal.
How to stay safe traveling around in Bali
Safety should always be a top priority when traveling, and there are some specific considerations to keep in mind when getting around Bali. When renting a motorbike, be sure to wear a helmet at all times. Additionally, some cars in Bali may not have seatbelts available, so be sure to check before you get in. Finally, it’s always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings and use common sense when traveling, especially at night or in unfamiliar areas.
When is the best time of year to visit Bali?
The peak season in Bali runs from July to August and around Christmas and New Year’s, and during this time, prices can be higher and popular areas can be more crowded. The shoulder season, from April to June and September to November, offers good weather and fewer crowds. The low season, from January to March, can be wet and humid but offers lower prices and fewer tourists.
Eco-friendly transportation options in Bali
Bali is making some efforts to promote eco-friendly transportation options, including electric scooters and bicycles. If you’re looking to reduce your environmental impact while getting around in Bali, consider using one of these eco-friendly options. Additionally, walking and hiking can be great ways to explore Bali’s natural beauty while getting some exercise.
Find out about amazing places to stay in Bali
Don’t miss these Dreamy Bali Villas with private pools
Find out some of the BEST luxury 5 star hotels in Ubud
Find out about the BEST beach hotels in Bali
What are the BEST tours in Bali?
| Trip | Description | Price |
| Tegenungan Waterfall, Butterfly Park, Monkey Forest, & Petulu Village | Private Day Tour to some of the BEST attractions in the Ubud area. Includes guide, admission, transport, pick up and drop off. | £25 – £30 |
| Tirta Empul and Ubud Tour | Includes a visit to Tirta Empul, the Tegalalang rice terraces, Monkey Forest and Tegenungan waterfall. Includes pick up, drop off, admission, transportation & guide. | £35 – £40 |
| Lovina Dolphin Watching and Snorkeling tour | Amazing value for money. Include boat, guide, equipment rental. May also include snorkeling. No pick up or drop off included. | £3 – £5 |
| Bali Hidden Waterfalls Trip | Visit some of Bali’s intrepid hidden waterfalls such as Tibumana, Aling Aling waterfall and Sekumpul. Includes pick up, drop off, transportation and guide. | £20 – £25 |
| Lempuyang Gate of Heaven Tour | Lempuyang Temple and the Gate of Heaven and a choice of some other amazing attractions in East Bali or Ubud. | £10 – £15 |
Some amazing things to do in Bali
Don’t miss our FULL GUIDE on amazing things to do in Bali
Bali has no shortage of amazing things to do, from exploring ancient temples to lounging on beautiful beaches. Some of the best things to do in Bali include:
- Visit the iconic Tirta Empul temple
- Explore the beautiful rice terraces in Ubud
- Visit the Ubud Monkey forest
- Go scuba diving or snorkeling in the clear waters off Bali’s coast
- Take a dolphin watching tour in Lovina
- Visit hidden jungle hot springs
- Experience the colorful culture of Bali through dance and music performances
- Visit the stunning coffee plantations in Bali
- Take a Bali cooking class
- Learn to surf
- Check out some of the epic waterfalls such as Tegenungan waterfall and the Golden Valley waterfalls
- Hike to the top of Mount Batur for breathtaking views of the sunrise
You may also be interested in taking a trip to the stunning Gili islands. You can get to the Gili islands by boat from Bali. There are loads of amazing things to do in the Gili islands including unique snorkeling trips. The Gili islands also offer some amazing superlative accommodation.
