7 Benefits of renting a car for your bali trip

Here's Your Sign to Rent a Car in Bali

considering renting a car in bali? let's look into it!

You're planning your trip to Bali, and you have all the fun stuff already booked- you've got your flight, you've got that beautiful Airbnb or hostel, and now you're ready to look into transportation options. There are four main transportation options in Bali: renting a scooter, renting a car, hiring a private driver, or opting for public transportation. While each option has its own benefits and can be a great choice depending on a visitor's goals, today we're going to dive into learning about what makes renting a car in Bali so great.

1. COmfort & convenience

In comparison to all the other options (besides hiring a private driver), renting your own car rental guarantees you the most space and comfort. This means that each person in your group will have room to stretch their legs, take up their own space, and get super comfortable on rides where as on public transportation or a scooter that isn't possible. There's also a ton of accessibility that comes with renting a car, since you can leave whenever you want. It takes out the factor of having to look up times or use an app and wait for someone to come pick you up. You can just go when you please, come home when you please, and be completely in control of your schedule! If things change on a whim, it barely affects the transportation factor of your day.

2. ideal for group travel

Have four or more people in the group you're traveling with? The same happened to me, which is why we chose a car rental as one of the options we utilized. We had 6 people in our group so finding a car that could accommodate six was great for us because then we were all able to arrive to our destinations at the same time together and simply split the cost. This is also an ideal option for families with smaller kids who want to make sure they're together at all times during the trip.

3. enhanced safety & security

As I write this benefit, there's one specific method of transportation I'm thinking of that's less safe than car rentals, and that's scooters. Don't get me wrong- I myself love a good scooter rental and my group had a great time riding around the island short, safe distances to the beaches or on paths through rice fields. But on the other side of the coin, we didn't rely on just scooters. We knew that we wanted to try out scooters, but none of us had ever ridden one on a main road before, let alone on roads like the narrow, unpaved ones in more rural areas of Ubud. That led us to decide on renting a private driver during the day to drive us further distances to tourist spots where we didn't feel safe navigating on a simple scooter, and to use the scooters for shorter distances and trips we were taking on a whim. With a car rental, you know you're safe because you're in a bigger, more spacious vehicle. If something happened on a scooter, you would likely fall off the scooter and can get seriously hurt. With a car, you've got seat belts on and would likely stay in the car during an accident.

4. flexibility in exploration

Want to explore the island before the sunrises? With a car rental it's easy to come and go whenever you please. All you have to do is pick up the keys, make sure you have enough gas, and pile everyone in and you're ready! You can also drive wherever you please because you're in control of the vehicle. So while you might have a hard time finding drivers or public transportation during certain times of the day or to certain areas, with your own car rental, you are in control of all factors.

5. no weather worries

If you're opting for public transportation or to travel via scooter, there are definitely some weather concerns. With public transportation, not every waiting area is covered so you might be stuck out in the rain waiting for your bus to come and then sitting soggy on the bus waiting for your next stop. With a scooter, not only are you going to get wet while driving in the rain but there's also a huge safety factor that comes into play if you're driving on roads that are slippery. If you don't have a lot of experience driving a two-wheeled vehicle on a wet road, your chances of getting in an accident can definitely increase. Driving a car in the rain, on the other hand, doesn't affect that method of transportation much. Yes, you should still be driving more cautiously in inclement weather but you still stay dry and comfort and you are protected from the elements.

6. ease of navigation

One of the key benefits of renting a car in Bali is the ease of navigation it provides. With your own vehicle, you have the flexibility to explore the island at your own pace and convenience. You can easily access more remote and "off-the-beaten-path" area that may be challenging to reach if you opt for a different type of transportation. The only thing you have to remember is that Bali drivers drive on the LEFT side of the road, so if you're a driver from the US (like me) or another area, you're going to have to get used to that.

7. ample storage space

Need to bring a few suitcases with you? Transportation with larger items comes easy when you have a car rental but definitely is a bit harder if you are taking public transportation or only rented a scooter. If you are traveling with a big group or your family and you are consistently bringing a lot of items out with you every day, a car rental is probably best.

Car Rental Options in Bali

When it comes to car rental options in Bali, you'll find a variety of choices to suit your needs. From reputable international rental companies to local providers, you can select from a range of vehicles, including compact cars, SUVs, and even motorbikes. For a detailed guide on how to navigate the car rental process in Bali and find the best deals, check out my blog on car rentals in Bali.

THE CAR RENTAL PROCESS

Renting a car in Bali is a relatively straightforward process, especially if you have the required documents such as a valid driver's license, passport, and a credit card for the security deposit. Most rental agencies offer online booking, but you can also find numerous rental kiosks at airports, major tourist areas, and hotels. It's advisable to thoroughly inspect the vehicle before accepting it, noting any existing damage on the rental agreement. Additionally, familiarize yourself with local traffic rules and driving conditions to ensure a safe and enjoyable driving experience in Bali.

IT'S TIME TO EXPERIENCE RENTING A CAR IN BALI FOR YOURSELF!

Renting a car in Bali offers a multitude of benefits that can enhance your travel experience. Whether you're seeking extra space, comfort, flexibility in your schedule, or the convenience of keeping everyone together in one vehicle, a rental car provides the freedom to explore Bali at your own pace. If you're eager to learn more about car rentals in Bali, including tips and recommendations, be sure to check out my Ultimate Guide to Car Rentals in Bali. Don't forget to subscribe to my blog to stay updated on future podcast episodes and blogs related to Bali!

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You Ask & I Answer

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is it safe to drive in Bali?

    Driving in Bali can be safe if you exercise caution and adhere to traffic rules. However, road conditions and traffic can be challenging, especially in busy areas like Denpasar and Kuta.

  • Do I need an international driver's license to rent a car in Bali?

    Yes, it's recommended to have an international driver's license along with your domestic license when renting a car in Bali. This ensures you're legally allowed to drive in Indonesia.

  • Are there any age restrictions for renting a car in Bali?

    Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with some companies having a minimum age requirement of 23 or 25. Additionally, some companies may charge extra fees for drivers under 25.

  • What type of insurance is recommended when renting a car in Bali?

    It's advisable to have comprehensive insurance that covers accidents, theft, and third-party liability. Check with your rental company to understand the insurance coverage included in your rental agreement.

  • Are there any specific traffic rules or customs I should be aware of in Bali?

    In Bali, drive on the left side of the road, and be cautious of motorbikes, which are a common mode of transport. Additionally, be prepared for heavy traffic, especially during peak tourist seasons and in popular tourist areas.