In my experience, getting around in Bali can be frustrating if you don’t know the ropes. Here’s the deal. There are many small towns and villages that are joined by windy, narrow roads. These are accessed by beemo’s or small Toyota vans. You will have no trouble locating the beemo’s as they have familiar stopping places. Locals and tourists alike will pile on but you should always bargain a price before boarding, otherwise you leave yourself open to being taken advantage of.
I usually ask how much (Barapa?) and then offer 10%. I’ll settle on 15% maybe 20%. Remember, the drivers will ask for 10 times the usual fare if they think they can get it. There’s no reason for you to pay this if you have some patience. If the driver wants too much I pretend to show no interest and offer to wait for the next one. They will pretend to move off, but will always jump out and renegotiate. Don’t worry, it’s all about bluffing!
To get around this constant problem there are a couple of things you can do. One of these is to learn Bahasa (Indonesian). Knowing the local lingo definitely helps to get across that you know how much things should cost.
In my opinion there are four levels of charging in Asia . The lowest level is for locals, they know the prices, speak the lingo and get pissed if charged too much. Next level is the foreigner who speaks the language, he’s not going to get local prices, but he’s not going to be robbed either. Above him is the foreigner who doesn’t speak the local language. He might get taken depending on his attitude and where he’s from. Top of the heap are Japanese and Korean tourists…..close the store mama, it’s Christmas! Known to be packing money and with a dislike of bargaining these folks get stiffed at every opportunity.
The best you can do is to learn the lingo and have local friends to help you.
The problem with beemo’s is that you have to wait for them, then haggle, then get chucked in with 15 other people and have no chance to get out and sight see until you reach your destination.
Another way of getting around the transport question is to rent or buy a scooter, depending on how long you’ll be in Bali. Many of Kuta’s alleys and smaller streets are only accessible by bicycle or scooter and if you want an efficient way to get around this is it. Be careful though because in this part of the world traffic can be a free-for-all and a person or animal can run out in front of you at any moment.
Read an article about Motorbike Mayhem in Bali
Jeep’s are available for rent at around $10 a day.
PRINT 
{ 3 comments }
I visited Bali in August of 2002. I stayed at Kuta and spent a wonderful time exploring the island. I would like to recommend my driver. Indy spoke excellent English. His personality and knowledge helped us have a perfect Balinese experience. I Nyoman Indy can be contacted by phone (0361) 971823, by pager (0361) 239135 Ext. 361, or by e-mail indypuspa@yahoo.com
I look forward to visiting Bali again and soon. It is one of my most favorite places.
Sorry Zelda, I have to disagree with you. We just came back from Bali on June 7th for a 8 days holidays. We had a day trip with Indy which we contacted him by email after reading yours comment above. We were not satisfied at all, and that makes our holiday nearly perfect except choosen Indy for our driver. My husband is from France living in Taiwan, we have travelled almost all the countries in Asia, and had encountered many day tour drivers during our travelling in different countries, and I must said we REGRET very much of hiring him, and will never hire him again if we return. There are lots of good drivers in Bali willing to provide much better service with reasonable price and speak much better English than him. We had chance to hire another driver through our travel agent office in our hotel to visit a temple in Bali the next day, and the driver (also the tour guide) speaks much better English, with more knowledge on the site we visit because he has the tour guide licence for both English and Spanish. We just don’t think Indy deserves any credit being recommended. However, we still pay him 5USD tips at the end of the day even we regret so much of hiring him.
Hi Nick,
How r u Nick? I hope the best for u. Nick,i already at jakarta righgt now and i think bali is the best place to stay coz jakarta is very opposite from Bali. Here very hot and too crowded for me.
Anyway Nick, i need ur help and i hope u can help me. I work freelance for travel agents and my friend ask me to arrange study tour to Bali on December and i need to know about the transportation like bus for 40 seats and the cheap hotel. I need to know about the price or maybe u can give me the contact person who i can talk about this.
I really really appreciate ur help and i need ur help nick coz i know u know bale well than me altough im the indonesian
.
Nick,thank u very very much bout this.
Love
Marcelina Kopa
Comments on this entry are closed.