Bali by Road Trip - How to Do it and Where to Go
Plan It!
Here are a few that come highly recommended:
- You should be able to rent a car for around USD 10 per day, plus USD 2.
50 for insurance.
Get the insurance, if only for piece of mind - you don't want to end up with a massive bill for a smashed up car if the unspeakable happens.
If you don't feel like driving you can also get a Car with a Driver for about USD30 per day. - If there are only a few of you get a Suzuki Jimny or Karimun.
If you have four or five people you will need something bigger like a Toyota Avanza.
Any more and you will need the massive Toyota Alphard. - Take pictures of the car with your own camera while the owner renting the car to you is with you.
Go over any damage to the car with him or her, and write everything down.
Be sure to get their name, their company name, their phone number, and a copy of the insurance papers. - Take down the car's license plate number and store it on your phone, in your purse or take a pic with your camera.
- Bali road maps are available, since most of the roads have different names than indicated on the map.
However, it's still a good general reference if you don't mind spending USD 13.
If you have a phone with GPS this is a better option.
- Don't forget that you'll be driving on the left-hand side of the road, so those of you from the US or Europe may get confused.
It's actually not as scary as it sounds, you'll get used to it quite quickly.
To make things easier, get yourself an automatic car. - Be aware that road signs on Bali are often covered by all kinds of obstructions.
There's nothing you can do in this situation but continue and pray there will be another sign, or pull over and ask someone. - Gas is really cheap on Bali, but do make sure you aren't the victim of a gas scam.
Stick to gas stations on the main roads and keep an eye on the gas meter as they're filling up your tank. - Always keep a bit of cash on hand - 100,000 rupiah (about USD 10) should be enough in case of emergencies.
This is important in case you need to deal with Police or anyone else. - Bali can be challenging to navigate, but it's all part of the fun.
Just try and keep your bearings and watch for the big signs.
Here are a few that come highly recommended:
- Uluwatu, in the south, is a surfer's heaven.
But even if you don't surf, the gorgeous beaches, gorgeous people, and not-so-touristy feel, make it worth the two-hour drive from Kuta - Ubud is Bali's cultural centre, and the road signs are relatively well-marked from Kuta, which is about two hours away.
Parking can be difficult to find during high season. - Sanur on the east is great for eating and all kinds of outdoor and beach activities.
- Seminyak on the west is the upmarket boutique shopping district, with great stores, cafes and bars.
Unlike the loud excitement of Kuta, it's a nice and quiet area to relax and shop. - Lovina beach in the north, is a great place to spot dolphins and relax on the black sand beaches.
It's a bit of a couple's escape.
It takes about three hours to get here from Kuta.
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