Bali Transport Guide: Getting Around in Bali Smartly

The first time I landed in Bali, I expected beach vibes, chill cafes, and maybe a Grab to zip me straight to the hotel. But getting around in Bali turned out to be trickier than I thought. No MRT, no train lines, and not every ride-hailing app works where you need it.

Compared to Singapore, Bali’s transport can feel messy. No fixed schedules, no tap-and-go cards. But once you settle into the pace, it’s not that bad. You’ll find affordable options, and if you’re okay asking a few questions or using a bit of trial and error, it works.

From airport transfers and scooters to private drivers and local minibuses, each option fits a different type of trip. Some are better left to the locals. Others are surprisingly convenient once you figure them out.

Here’s what I learnt after trying it all, so you can move around Bali without stress.

Taxis & Ride-Hailing in Bali

Source: Wikipedia

If you're used to the convenience of Grab in Singapore, Bali might throw you off a little. Yes, Grab and Gojek exist here but they don’t work everywhere.

In tourist-heavy spots like Seminyak, Ubud, and Canggu, you’ll notice signs that say “no online transport.” These are local taxi zones, where ride-hailing apps are restricted to protect the traditional taxi trade. So even if you book a Grab, your driver might ask you to walk a few hundred metres away from your pickup point.

That said, the apps still work well in less restricted areas or for longer trips. I used Gojek a few times to get from Ubud to the airport. It was affordable, and the driver arrived within minutes. Just don’t expect the same smooth experience as back home.

Bluebird taxis are the most reliable if you’re hailing from the street. Make sure it’s a real Bluebird (they're light blue, with a bird logo). Some look similar but charge more and don’t use the meter. Always ask to use the meter before getting in.

Price-wise, rides are cheap by Singapore standards but always check the fare estimate in your app before confirming. And if you're travelling late at night or with luggage, booking through an app or arranging a hotel pickup is often safer and smoother.

Hiring a Private Driver in Bali

For me, this was hands-down the easiest way to explore Bali without stressing over directions or figuring out which app works where. If you’re travelling with family, in a group, or planning to hop across different towns in one day, booking a private driver just makes sense.

Most hotels or villas can help you arrange one, or you can book ahead online. Full-day hires are common (usually 8–10 hours), and prices are reasonable. It’s an excellent choice if you’re splitting the cost. Expect to pay around IDR 600,000 to 800,000 (roughly SGD 52 to 70) per day, depending on your itinerary.

The best part? The flexibility. You can go from Ubud’s rice terraces to a beach club in Seminyak, stop for lunch, and still squeeze in a sunset temple… all without worrying about transport in between. Many drivers double up as informal guides, offering tips or adjusting the route based on traffic.

I recommend confirming the price, whether it includes fuel, and how long the “day” lasts. Most drivers are easygoing, but it helps to be clear upfront.

For trips packed with multiple stops, this is still the most hassle-free way to get around.

Scooter Rentals & Motorbike Taxis

If you’re comfortable on two wheels, renting a scooter in Bali gives you the kind of freedom taxis just can’t. You’ll see locals and tourists weaving through traffic in areas like Canggu and Uluwatu where distances are too far to walk but too short to keep booking cars.

Daily rental rates range from IDR 60,000 to 100,000 (about SGD 5 to 9) depending on the type of bike. Helmets are usually included but check their condition. You’ll need an International Driving Permit (IDP) with a motorbike endorsement if you want to ride legally. Not every rental shop will ask for it, but the police might.

Source: Bali Holiday Secrets

That said, Bali roads aren’t always beginner-friendly. Expect potholes, sudden turns, and lots of unpredictable traffic. If you’re new to scooters, this may not be the best place to learn. Rain also makes roads slippery, so take extra care during wet weather.

If you like the speed of a scooter but not the idea of driving, Gojek and Grab also offer motorbike taxi options. You book through the app, and a driver shows up with a helmet for you. It’s cheap, fast, and great for short rides. Just avoid it if you’re carrying a big bag or travelling far.

Use this only if you’re confident balancing on the back of a bike. Otherwise, private cars or drivers are the safer bet.

Walking in Bali

Walking sounds like a good idea until you try doing it along a road with no pavement, bikes zipping past, and stray dogs eyeing you from the side. Not all areas in Bali are made for walking.

That said, some pockets are surprisingly pleasant on foot. Ubud’s town centre, for example, is compact enough to explore by walking. Same with parts of Seminyak or Canggu, where cafes, shops, and spas are clustered. You’ll still need to cross busy roads, but it’s doable if you’re alert.

Sidewalks vary. Some are smooth and shaded. Others are cracked, narrow, or suddenly disappear. Unlike Singapore, you can’t always rely on traffic lights or pedestrian crossings so stay sharp when crossing wide roads.

It’s also hot. Really hot. The weather in Bali can drain you quickly, so bring water, wear a cap, and plan walks in the morning or late afternoon.

If you’re staying near the beach or in a walkable zone, exploring on foot is a nice way to slow down and discover things you’d miss by car. Just don’t expect the same walkability as home.

Bemos & Local Buses

If you're the kind of traveller who likes to do things the local way, you might be tempted to try a bemo. These are Bali’s version of mini-vans that operate like informal buses, usually used by locals to get around town or between villages. They’re cheap and fares can be as low as IDR 10,000 to 20,000 (about SGD 0.90 to 1.80). But you’ll need some patience and a sense of adventure.

There’s no fixed timetable. Bemos leave when they’re full. Routes aren’t always marked, and most drivers won’t speak English. You flag them down by the side of the road and hop off whenever you’re close to where you need to be.

Source: Wikivoyage

There are also a few proper bus services, like Trans Sarbagita, which runs air-conditioned buses across major areas like Denpasar and Nusa Dua. Tickets cost about IDR 3,500 (less than SGD 0.30), but coverage is still limited and not very tourist-friendly. Don’t expect clear signage or English announcements.

If you’re on a tight budget and not in a rush, it might be worth trying once. But for most travelling with families or those staying outside the main towns, bemos and local buses are more hassle than they’re worth.

Car Rentals & Driving in Bali

If you're thinking of renting a car to explore Bali on your own terms, here’s the deal… it can be convenient, but it’s not for everyone.

Rental rates for small cars start from around IDR 250,000 to 400,000 per day (SGD 22 to 35), not including fuel. You’ll need an International Driving Permit (IDP) and a valid Singapore licence to drive legally. Most rentals are manual, so if you need automatic, make sure to specify in advance.

Driving itself? It’s a mixed bag. Roads in Bali can be narrow, chaotic, and filled with unexpected turns, potholes, or animals. In town centres, traffic jams are common, and parking is limited or confusing. If you're used to Singapore’s neat roads and strict rules, this might feel like organised chaos.

That said, if you’re staying in more remote areas or planning a countryside road trip, say around Sidemen or north Bali, it might be worth it. Some travellers also rent a car with a driver, which removes the stress of navigating while still giving you flexibility.

Petrol is affordable, tolls are minimal, and GPS usually works well with mobile data. However, don’t rely entirely on Google Maps for road conditions or small laneways.

If you're confident behind the wheel and comfortable with Southeast Asian driving habits, it’s a viable option. If not, stick with a hired driver or ride-hailing.

Moving Around Bali: Lessons Learnt

Getting around Bali isn’t always straightforward, but once you understand the options, it becomes part of the experience. Don’t expect it to run like Singapore. It’s less structured, a bit unpredictable… but that’s also what makes it feel different.

If you're here for a short holiday, stick to private drivers or Grab where it works. They’re convenient, fairly priced, and take the guesswork out. For those feeling a little more adventurous, scooters can be fun but only if you're confident on the road.

Most travellers end up using a mix of transport depending on the day and where they're heading. And honestly, that’s the best way to do it.

Having mobile data makes everything easier with maps, translations, bookings. If you haven’t sorted that out yet, check out the best eSIM for Bali before you go.

If you’re eyeing the best time to visit Bali, typically from April to October when the skies are clear and the island is at its liveliest.

Remember to check out these amazing travel promotions on flights and hotels in Bali right now while you’re planning.