karusoto's Blog
:
September 2024
Car Rental in Bali with a Driver: My Personal Experience and What You Need to Know
POSTED ON
09/21/24
So, you've made it to Bali. First off, congrats! You're in for an unforgettable experience. But here's the thing about Bali: getting around can be tricky. You’ve probably heard the roads are narrow, traffic can be chaotic, and, let’s be honest, unless you’re really comfortable riding a scooter, you’re going to need a reliable mode of transportation.
Now, renting a car in Bali sounds simple enough, right? But what I quickly learned is that driving here as a foreigner isn’t as easy as you might think. Let’s just say I learned this the hard way when I tried driving myself during my first trip and ended up lost, stuck in traffic for hours, and almost having a nervous breakdown while navigating the narrow streets of Ubud. (Side note: I somehow ended up on a dead-end street surrounded by rice paddies). Trust me—don't make my mistake.
That’s when I discovered the golden secret of Bali travel: renting a car with a driver. It’s probably the single best decision I made on my next trip.
Why Renting a Car with a Driver in Bali is a Game Changer
Let me paint a picture for you. Bali’s traffic can be—how should I say this?—completely unpredictable. One minute you’re cruising down a quiet street, the next you’re bumper to bumper with a group of motorbikes, street vendors, and a family of ducks crossing the road (yep, ducks). The locals? They’re pros at this, weaving in and out of traffic like it’s no big deal. Meanwhile, you, the foreigner, are gripping the steering wheel for dear life.
So, when I heard about renting a car with driver in Bali , it felt like the travel gods had answered my prayers. You get the comfort of having your own private vehicle, plus a local driver who knows the ins and outs of Bali’s roads like the back of their hand. And here’s the kicker: it’s super affordable. Like, more affordable than you’d think.
What I Paid (And Why It Was Worth Every Penny)
When I rented my first car with a driver, I expected the price to be sky-high, especially compared to renting a car on my own. But to my surprise, it was shockingly reasonable. For about $40 to $50 USD a day (sometimes even less, depending on where you book), I had a private car and driver who stayed with me the entire day, taking me wherever I wanted to go. And I’m talking about a full 8-10 hour day, not just a quick airport transfer.
My driver, Wayan (side note: it feels like every other person in Bali is named Wayan), was incredible. He not only knew the best routes to avoid traffic, but he also acted as a bit of a tour guide. Want to stop for lunch at a warung (local restaurant)? Wayan knew the best spots. Interested in hidden temples? He had suggestions. Need to make a detour to buy souvenirs? Done. He even waited patiently while I spent an hour shopping for sarongs at the Ubud market (sorry, Wayan!).
Tips for Renting a Car with a Driver in Bali
Here’s where I’m going to give you a few tips, based on my own experience and a couple of mistakes I made along the way.
Is It Really Better Than Driving Yourself?
Okay, I get it—some people are adventurous and want to tackle Bali's roads on their own. And if that’s you, more power to you. But for me, the convenience of having a local driver who could get me where I needed to go, without the stress of navigating and parking, was unbeatable. Plus, parking in Bali can be...well, let’s just say it’s a bit of a nightmare. The streets are often narrow, and finding a good parking spot in busy areas like Kuta or Seminyak? Forget about it.
Now, renting a car in Bali sounds simple enough, right? But what I quickly learned is that driving here as a foreigner isn’t as easy as you might think. Let’s just say I learned this the hard way when I tried driving myself during my first trip and ended up lost, stuck in traffic for hours, and almost having a nervous breakdown while navigating the narrow streets of Ubud. (Side note: I somehow ended up on a dead-end street surrounded by rice paddies). Trust me—don't make my mistake.
That’s when I discovered the golden secret of Bali travel: renting a car with a driver. It’s probably the single best decision I made on my next trip.
Why Renting a Car with a Driver in Bali is a Game Changer
Let me paint a picture for you. Bali’s traffic can be—how should I say this?—completely unpredictable. One minute you’re cruising down a quiet street, the next you’re bumper to bumper with a group of motorbikes, street vendors, and a family of ducks crossing the road (yep, ducks). The locals? They’re pros at this, weaving in and out of traffic like it’s no big deal. Meanwhile, you, the foreigner, are gripping the steering wheel for dear life.
So, when I heard about renting a car with driver in Bali , it felt like the travel gods had answered my prayers. You get the comfort of having your own private vehicle, plus a local driver who knows the ins and outs of Bali’s roads like the back of their hand. And here’s the kicker: it’s super affordable. Like, more affordable than you’d think.
What I Paid (And Why It Was Worth Every Penny)
When I rented my first car with a driver, I expected the price to be sky-high, especially compared to renting a car on my own. But to my surprise, it was shockingly reasonable. For about $40 to $50 USD a day (sometimes even less, depending on where you book), I had a private car and driver who stayed with me the entire day, taking me wherever I wanted to go. And I’m talking about a full 8-10 hour day, not just a quick airport transfer.
My driver, Wayan (side note: it feels like every other person in Bali is named Wayan), was incredible. He not only knew the best routes to avoid traffic, but he also acted as a bit of a tour guide. Want to stop for lunch at a warung (local restaurant)? Wayan knew the best spots. Interested in hidden temples? He had suggestions. Need to make a detour to buy souvenirs? Done. He even waited patiently while I spent an hour shopping for sarongs at the Ubud market (sorry, Wayan!).
Tips for Renting a Car with a Driver in Bali
Here’s where I’m going to give you a few tips, based on my own experience and a couple of mistakes I made along the way.
- Book Ahead, But Not Too Far Ahead. You don’t need to book weeks in advance—trust me, there are plenty of drivers available. But if you wait until the last minute, you might not get the best deal or availability, especially in high season (July and August). I usually recommend booking 2-3 days before you need the car. This gives you some flexibility without missing out on a good price.
- Ask About Fuel and Extra Fees. Some car rental services will quote you a price, but it won’t include the cost of fuel. In my experience, it’s always better to clarify this upfront. I’ve had drivers include the fuel in the price (which, honestly, makes life easier), while others asked me to cover it separately. Either way, it’s important to know so you’re not caught off guard later. Also, if you’re planning to travel far (like from Seminyak to Uluwatu and back), let your driver know—there might be an extra charge for distance.
- Choose a Driver Who Speaks English (or at least basic English). This might seem obvious, but trust me, communication is key. My first driver spoke little English, and while he was kind and knew the roads well, it was a struggle when I needed to make specific requests (like finding an ATM or asking to stop for photos). Most of the drivers you’ll find in Bali speak decent English, but always check before booking.
Is It Really Better Than Driving Yourself?
Okay, I get it—some people are adventurous and want to tackle Bali's roads on their own. And if that’s you, more power to you. But for me, the convenience of having a local driver who could get me where I needed to go, without the stress of navigating and parking, was unbeatable. Plus, parking in Bali can be...well, let’s just say it’s a bit of a nightmare. The streets are often narrow, and finding a good parking spot in busy areas like Kuta or Seminyak? Forget about it.
