Tips How to visit Bali

Bali may be small in size – you can drive around the entire coast in one long day – but its prominence as a destination is huge, and rightfully so. Ask travellers what Bali means to them and you’ll get as many answers as there are flowers on a frangipani tree. Virescent rice terraces, pulse-pounding surf, enchanting temple ceremonies, mesmerising dance performances and ribbons of beaches are just some of the images people cherish.

Small obviously doesn’t mean limited. The manic whirl of Kuta segues into the luxury of Seminyak. The artistic swirl of Ubud is a counterpoint to misty treks amid the volcanoes. Mellow beach towns like Amed, Lovina and Pemuteran can be found right round the coast and just offshore is the laid-back idyll of Nusa Lembongan.

As you stumble upon the exquisite little offerings left all over the island that materialise as if by magic, you’ll see that the tiny tapestry of colours and textures is a metaphor for Bali itself.

And those are just some of the more obvious qualities. A visit to Bali means that you are in the most visitor-friendly island of Indonesia. There are pleasures of the body, whether a massage on the beach or a hedonistic interlude in a sybaritic spa. Shopping that will put ‘extra bag’ at the top of your list. Food and drink ranging from the freshest local cuisine bursting with the flavours of the markets to food from around the globe, often prepared by chefs and served in restaurants that are world class. From a cold Bintang at sunset to an epic night clubbing in Kuta, your social whirl is limited only by your own fortitude.

Travel Alert: High level terrorism-related warnings have been issued by Western governments concerning travel in Bali. Travellers are advised to check their local consular information and monitor the situation in Bali closely before making travel plans. Check out Safe Travel.

Bali Rental Car and Traffic car in bali

Cars Rental in bali
If you are flexible with your time and schedule you may want to rent a car. Click here to rent a car in Bali
When driving on the road make sure you are aware that;

* it can be very congested at times
* some roads start out wide but turn into narrow lanes
* police may stop you and you will be required to produce your international license.
* if fined, you may have to pay a fee (bribe) then and there
* ceremonial processions are frequent and roads may be closed for periods of time

Buses and Bemos
The buses and Bemos can take you anywhere in Bali. They are very cheap (from 3000 Rp.) but they are usually overcrowded and difficult to know where they are going. To catch a Bemo just wait at the edge of the road and raise your hand, there bus stop is where the passenger is standing!

Taxis
There are taxis everywhere in Bali and usualy they will toot there horn to get your attention. If using a taxi, please make sure that;

* you state your destination and get a price.
* the taxi uses the meter
* the taxi is part of a registered company
* you have change, as the drivers (for convenience sake) rarely seem to have change!

Bicycles
Bicycles are readily available but beware that there are many holes in the footpath and road and traffic conditions can be quite heavy in areas such as Kuta, Legian and Denpasar.
Bicycles are ideal in country areas like Ubud. There are several companies that offer mountain bike excursions.

Motorbikes
If you are feeling brave you may want to hire a motor bile. Please note you require an international license and a special permit from the police statnion for renting a motorbike ( the rental agency can assist you with this).
Helmet are compulsary, but make sure you pick out a sturdy helmet (full face) as most tend to look like skate board helmets.

Driving in Bali

Characteristics;

* Get use to bikes and cars swerving into your lane without indicating.
* Watch out for large holes in the road or obstacles such as small trees to indicate where holes are.
* Many food carts and salespeople operate off the side of the road.
* Merging traffic only give way if they are smaller than you.
* Every man for himself when entering a round-a-bout.
* There are many one lane roads and you may have to go quite a distance to return to the same location.
* Balinese are not use to drivers driving with there parking or head lights on during the daytime.
* Watch out for drivers, including trucks and buses overtaking on busy roads.



Car Rentals

Bali is not a large island, but a car comes in handy when you are want to plot your own course and see what Bali has to offer.

When it comes to rental cars in Bali, - 'you get what you pay for!'. The age of the car tends to be between 1-5 years depending on the rental agency. If you are looking for a budget priced rental, make sure you check the brake and clutch pedals and the hand brake!

Insurance is not necessarily included, so don't forget to ask the rental agency about their insurance policy.

Driving in Bali is a 'real experience' we advise you to check out our driving tips before you adventure on to the roads.
Agung Rent Car CV.
Nusa Dua Tel. 772 275
Hertz
The Grand Bali Beach, Sanur
Arca Cottages Arcade 50
Telp : 288 511. Ext : 1341
Fax : 286 967
Hotel Putri Bali, Nusa Dua
Telp : 771 020. Ext 7186

Alex Company
Sanur Tel. 288 611

Kuta International CV
JL. Legian Kuta
Tel. 751 002
Ardisa Rent Car CV.
Jl. Jempiring No. 1, Denpasar Tel. 224 064
Mega Jaya Rent Cars
Kuta Tel. 753 760


Bali Trip Car Rental
Jalan Raya Sayan No. 1X, Ubud Tel. 976 640


Norman's
Sanur Tel. 288 328


Bagus Car Rental
Sanur Tel. 287 794


Opel/Eklimo Prima PT.
Jl. Raya by pass I Ngurah Rai 2 Jimbaran
Telp : 755 . 836

Bakta Rent Car CV.
Denpasar Tel. 223 498


Sindhu Merta (Rent Car & Taxi Driver)
Jl. Danau Tamblingan 20 Telp : 288 354

Bali Beringin Car Rental CV.
Jl. Raya Airport, Tuban Tel. 751 282

Star Rent Car Tour & Travel
Jl. Legian Belakang Goa 2001 Telp : 730 565 Surya Rent A Car Jl. Ksatria 10 Telp : 754 020

Bali Happy Rent Car
Jalan Raya Kuta 72X, Kuta Tel. 751 954


Toyota Rent A Car
Sanur Tel. 755 003


Bali Sapta Pesona Car Rental
Kuta Tel. 754991

Wirasana Rent A Car
Jl. By Pass Ngurah Rai 545 X Sanur 286 066 Jl. Danau Tamblingan 126 Telp : 288 706

Bali Setia Rent A Car CV.
Denpasar Tel. 288 979

Golden Bird Bali
Jl. By Pass Nusa Dua 4 Telp : 701 621
Jl. Pulau Batanta Gg III a/1 Telp : 264 073

Candra Kencana Rent Car CV.
Nusa Dua Tel. 771 858


Garlic Car Rental CV.
Kuta Tel. 730 196


Darma Guna Car Rental
Kuta Tel. 758 179



Fantastic Bali
Sanur Tel. 289 171