Information on Touring Bali Area

Bali can be navigated on two or four wheels, while other visitors explore the island by boat, stopping at various ports on the east, north and west coasts. The urban areas of Bali are easy to explore, and even quiet Ubud is laid out in a rough grid pattern of dusty streets. Since all roads lead either to Denpasar or Kuta, it’s impossible to get too lost for too long.

A lot of visitors arrange a driver for the duration of their stay in Bali. This can be an air-conditioned car or small mini bus for a group, or a motor cycle with friendly driver and battered helmet. Though accidents are unpredictable and possible, and though the Bali road traffic may intimidate new arrivals with its ad-hoc approach to road rules and white-knuckle speeds, the local drivers seem to have a knack of safely navigating the streets.

The normal procedure, if booking after arrival, is to negotiate a price that is satisfactory for all parties, and agree on terms such as length of service and availability of driver – will they wait by the vehicle, or return to collect passengers at pre-arranged times, for example. Also, it is generally expected that regardless of the price, a tip will be given at the completion of the contract.

More intrepid visitors hire or bring their own mountain bikes and set off into the magical rice fields and terraces that make up the curving topography of the island. Bali is an excellent place for bicycle touring since the quieter rural roads, away from the hustle and bustle of the main tourist centres, are free of heavy traffic. Strategically-placed villages mean that a good day’s riding can be broken up with breaks for lunch and accommodation overnight is easy to find before setting off for another day of pedal power.

Bali is not really suited for exploring on foot since it is too large for walking between urban centres to be practical or comfortable. The walk for Kuta up the steep hill to Ubud, for example, would take even an experienced walker about five hours. However, walking and trekking tours from base camps and villages are great ideas and trekkers can set off on their own following well-trodden paths through leafy foliage and into misty mountains.

Touring Bali by boat is increasingly popular and there are a number of operators who have restored traditional Balinese boats and refitted them with luxury cabins and the latest navigation technologies. Other visitors arrive in Bali on their own yachts, on sailing tours around the region. At the other end of the scale, kayaks can be rented for one or two person paddle journeys from place to place.