Bali Local Buses
The major advantages of these rattling buses is that they are
extremely cheap, run every few minutes between major towns, and
can be picked up at the terminals or any point along their routes.
This is also their biggest disadvantage: they stop constantly
to pick up passengers.
If you depart from a terminal, find a seat near a window that
opens. Try not to share this breeze with passengers behind you;
they are likely to have a strong aversion to wind for fear of
masuk angin (the wind which enters the body and causes a cold).
The seats are very small, both in terms of leg room and width.
You and your bag may take up (and be charged for) two seats. This
is fair. But be sure you're not being overcharged. Ask someone
what the proper fare is to your destination before getting on.
A few words of Indonesian are indispensable for asking directions.
People are generally very eager to help you.
Buses depart throughout the day from Ubung terminal in Denpasar
for Yogyakarta, Surabaya, Jakarta, and many other destinations.
Bus company agents are located on JI.Diponegoro in Denpasar. Lorena
and simpatic Transport, JI. Diponegoro, has tickets to all destinations.
Bali Express Minibus
Called either mikrolet or travel, these come in two varieties:
old and hot (sit by a window and keep it open) and the newer,
much revered, L300 van with air conditioning. Even the L300 gets
a lot of engine heat and at midday can still be sauna-like, especially
if the air conditioning is broken and the windows shut.
These 8 to 11 passenger vans connect major cities and deliver
you right to your destination. Sometimes they also pick you up.
They usually travel during the day, though on longer routes they
travel at night like the bis malam. Express minibuses are slightly
more expensive than bis malam but more convenient. Buy tickets
at the mikrolet / travel office; they do not pick up passengers
along the way.
Chartering a Car or Minibus in Bali
This can be the best way to handle a land tour as you have the
freedom to stop whenever things look interesting and the flexibility
to try out some less traveled routes. This can also be an economical
alternative if you can fill up a van. The minibus can take up
to 7, but you need extra space if you are to be in it for a few
days, so 5 passengers is generally maximum.
The quality of both the driver and the vehicle will figure heavily
in the pleasure of your trip so don't be shy about checking both
out before striking a deal. Your driver should be responsible
and have a personality that won't grate on you in the long haul.
If he knows the area you will be driving through and can speak
some English, so much the better.
The air-conditioning should work well enough to overcome the midday
heat and the vehicle should be clean and comfortable.
Travel agents and services can arrange these charters. For going
to and from Bali count on paying between $30-$40 a day for an
AC van, excluding fuel. You also pay for fuel, so distance is
a major factor. Most of the rest goes to the owner of the vehicle,
and only a tiny percentage left for the driver. It is understood
that you will pay for the driver's meals and accommodation both
while he is with you and on his journey back home. If the driver
is good, a tip of Rp 10,000 per day is appropriate. |
