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Bali Safe Drive

Exploring Bali: The Best Way to Visit Multiple Attractions

The most efficient way to experience several attractions in a single day in Bali is by hiring a private car with a driver. While alternatives like taxis and buses exist, taxis can become prohibitively expensive if you need them for an entire day, and buses typically cover only a limited number of attractions, often with slower travel times and multiple stops.

Finding a private car and driver in Bali is relatively straightforward, but ensuring that you choose someone trustworthy, reliable, and honest requires careful consideration. If you decide to hire a driver, it’s essential to be vigilant about potential issues.

Be Cautious of Drivers Pushing Commission-Based Stops

Many travelers have reported experiences where their drivers pressured them to visit locations that would earn the driver a commission.

For instance, a driver might casually ask, “Do you like coffee?” If you respond affirmatively, you could find yourself unexpectedly taken to a random coffee farm in Ubud, where you’re offered free samples and then pressured to buy a bag of luwak coffee for $100. This kind of situation is misleading and should be avoided.

Tips to Avoid Unwanted Stops

Here are some strategies to ensure you visit only the places you want:

  1. Plan Your Itinerary: Create a detailed daily itinerary before your trip and communicate clearly with your driver about your preferences and any places you wish to avoid.

  2. Research Recommendations: If your driver suggests a location or activity not included in your original plan, approach it with caution. Use Google to check reviews and gather information about the place, trusting your instincts on whether to go.

  3. Maximize Your Day: Typically, you can visit 4-5 attractions in the same area in one day. If you want to stick strictly to your itinerary, be prepared to spend extra time. Daily car and driver hires in Bali usually include a 10-hour service, with an additional charge of 10% for each extra hour.

These tips are most effective if you start with a reliable and honest driver.

Good vs. Bad Drivers

All drivers in Bali, regardless of their quality, will have their recommended places for various activities, from dining to tours. However, a good driver will:

  • Ask for Your Preferences: They will inquire if you have specific places in mind that you’ve researched.
  • Provide Information: They will recommend places while giving you the name and location, allowing you to check their reputation and prices online.

A good driver respects your choices and will never pressure you into visiting a specific location. In contrast, a bad driver may try to coerce you into accepting their suggestions, knowing that you cannot easily leave them mid-journey.

Good drivers understand the importance of maintaining their integrity, especially in today’s digital age, where one negative experience can tarnish their reputation.

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Finding Reliable Drivers

The easiest way to find a trustworthy driver is to check reviews on Tripadvisor. Many companies and private drivers are listed there, and they take their reputations seriously.

However, not all drivers are created equal. Factors such as communication skills, knowledge of the area, and driving comfort can significantly impact your experience. A skilled driver can make a ride in a standard Toyota Avanza feel as luxurious as one in a high-end Lexus sedan.

When reading reviews, focus on the driver rather than just the company. The relationship between travelers and their drivers can be strong, often leading to lasting connections even years after the trip.

I recommend reading 30-50 reviews of a highly-rated company to identify the driver mentioned most frequently. You can then request that specific driver for your trip, or ask for other highly-rated drivers if they are unavailable.

Pricing Insights

The price you pay for a driver can also indicate their reliability and principles. I believe in the saying: “If you pay peanuts, you get monkeys.”

Based on my experience, aim to pay between IDR 590,000-650,000 (approximately $39-$44) for popular areas and IDR 690,000-750,000 ($47-$52) for more remote locations.

Breakdown of Car Hire Costs in Bali

To help you understand the ideal price range for hiring a car and driver in Bali, here’s a cost breakdown:

  • Monthly Car Loan Payment: For a Toyota Avanza, the monthly installment is around IDR 7,000,000, translating to about IDR 233,000 per day.
  • Fuel Costs: Fuel is approximately IDR 10,000 per liter, leading to daily costs of IDR 100,000 – IDR 250,000 depending on travel distance.
  • Driver Salary: Daily wages range from IDR 100,000 – IDR 150,000 ($7-$14). Ethical companies tend to pay their drivers fairly, especially for remote trips.
  • Vehicle Maintenance: Estimated at IDR 5,000,000 – IDR 6,000,000 annually, or about IDR 14,000 – 17,000 per day.
  • Legal Fees: Yearly vehicle tax and legal fees amount to IDR 4,000,000, or IDR 11,000 per day.

 

In total, the daily cost for a driver/company is at least IDR 440,000 (or IDR 490,000 for higher wages). At Get Bali Driver, we charge IDR 550,000 (USD 36) for a day of travel in popular areas using a Toyota Avanza. The remaining amount covers company profits and employee salaries.

Beware of Low Prices

Be cautious of agents or travel apps offering significantly lower prices for car hire, as this often leads to negative experiences. While the temptation of a cheap rate is strong, it’s essential to remember that such prices can indicate poor service or vehicle quality.

A low price means the driver may earn less, leading them to prioritize commission-based stops to make up for their income.

Need Help Finding a Reliable Driver?

Look no further! At Get Bali Driver, we have a team of highly reputable drivers who have received excellent reviews on platforms like Tripadvisor. Our vehicles are no more than four years old, regularly maintained, and adhere to a strict no-smoking policy.

We also offer flexible booking options, allowing you to reserve a car up to two hours before your pickup time. However, for the best experience, it’s advisable to book at least a day in advance.

Click here to book our private car and driver service now!

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