GETTING AROUND BALI
A reliable taxi cooperative operates from the airport with fixed
rates to Kuta Beach for Rp25,000; Legian Rp27,500; Sanur, Nusa
Dua and Denpasar Rp35,000, Tanjung Benoa Rp40,000, Pecatu Rp4o,000,
Ubud Rp90,000. Pay at the desk located just outside the terminal
near left luggage, and give the coupon to your driver.
If you don't have much luggage, you can walk out of the airport
(turn right) to the main road and catch a public bemo minibus
to Kuta (Rp2,000), or Denpasar (Rp2,500).
Many hotels rent taxis and minibuses with English-speaking driver/guide.
Nusa Dua's resort hotels have taxi counters. Expect to pay a minimum
of $15 for 2 hours and $40-50 or more for day trips. Rates from
Nusa Dua are higher.
The Praja Taxi and Bali Taxi companies have metered vehicles with
'set government prices." Praja Phone 289090, Bali Taxi Phone
701111. These AC cabs are blue and yellow or blue and have a taxi
sign on the roof. Most drivers are friendly, but usually speak
little English. Always insist that the meter be switched on and
don't agree to a fixed price. "It's up to you" means
it's getting really expensive and possibly nasty. Flag fall is
Rp3,000, plus Rpl,500/every additional km. Minimum pay for calling
a taxi by phone is Rp6,000. Most trips within Kuta/Legian are
around Rp10,000-Rp15,000. if you go from Kuta to Sanur and Ubud,
let the car wait and use it for 4-6 hours. The meter fare should
be about Rp25,000/hour. Due to local monopolies, taxis from outside
cannot pick you up at the airport or in Nusa Dua.
Bali Shuttle Buses
A regular shuttle service operates between Ubud, Kuta, Candidasa
and various other destinations. For those who want quick fixed-price
transportation without the hassles of the local berno, check with
CV Ganda Sari Transport on JI. Legian, Kuta, Phone 754383; or
Perama Tourist Service in Kuta, Phone 751875, 751170. In Ubud
try Cahaya Sakti Utama Tour and Travel, Phone 975520, or Perama,
Phone 974772.
Private Minibuses in Bali
Arguably the best way for small groups to travel around, as these
vehicles are generally big and comfortable with large windows
for sightseeing. Charters cost between $30 to $40 per day with
AC, excluding fuel. Minibuses are widely available on the street.
You'll be offered "transport" everywhere you go. These
drivers are open to negotiation. To avoid the negotiation process,
ask for assistance at your hotel or any one of the abundant travel
agent desks.
Public Bemos in Bali
Except on the cross-island routes, public buses are non-existent
in Bali. The most efficient form of transport is the bemos (minibuses),
which are marked on the back fender: "Angkutan" (transport)
and the name of the area they serve. They ply every major road
in Bali at regular intervals. They can also be chartered for almost
any kind of trip, or just for the day, by simply asking the driver
(see below).
Denpasar has several bemo terminals, on the outskirts of the city
for destinations beyond. The fares for normal passage (not charter)
are listed below. Individual drivers may charge more. |
