When you’re planning a trip to Bali, you have a couple of options for getting around: you can hire a driver to take you on a guided tour, or you can take the wheel and explore Bali on your own.
Both options have their pros and cons, but we think the self-drive road trip is the better option for a few reasons. Keep reading to find out why we think self-driving is the best way to see Bali!
What Is a Self-Drive Road Trip and How Does It Differ From a Guided Driver Road Trip?
A self-drive road trip is exactly that: you driving yourself around Bali, with complete control over your itinerary, where you stop and for how long. This level of flexibility is one of the biggest advantages of a self-drive road trip; you can change your plans at the last minute if something catches your eye, or if you hear about a cool place to check out from a local.
A guided driver road trip, on the other hand, is exactly what it sounds like: you’re being chauffeured around by a local driver, who will take you to all the popular tourist spots as well as some hidden gems that only a local would know about. The big advantage of this option is that you can simply sit back and enjoy the sights; you don’t have to worry about navigating or looking for parking.
However, there are a few downsides to consider as well. First and foremost, guided driver road trips are often more expensive than self-drive road trips. Second, because your driver is also acting as a guide, you may not get to know as many locals as you would if you were driving yourself. Finally, you don’t have as much control over your experience; for example, if there’s something you want to see but your driver doesn’t have time for it, tough luck.
Planning Your Bali Road Trip
When it comes to Bali, there are two main ways to explore the island: guided or self-drive. And while a guided tour has its perks, we think a self-drive road trip is the better way to go. Here’s why:
For starters, a self-drive road trip gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. You can choose the areas you want to visit, and spend as many (or as few) days as you like on each one. Plus, you have the flexibility to undertake any activity you like, whether it’s swimming in the ocean, touring a temple or enjoying a cultural performance.
What’s more, Bali offers an amazing array of cultural experiences that you simply won’t find on a guided tour. From learning how to make traditional Balinese offerings to witnessing an exorcism ritual, the possibilities are endless. And if you’re looking for a more relaxing experience, why not take some time out for a yoga or meditation class?
All in all, we think that a self-drive road trip provides the perfect balance of freedom and flexibility—not to mention unbeatable value for money. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!
Advantages of a Self-Drive Road Trip
When it comes to a road trip, there’s nothing better than being in control. With a self-drive road trip, you get to travel at your own pace, taking in the sights and sounds (and smells) that interest you the most. You can choose your own route, make sudden changes if something catches your eye, and even explore places that you wouldn’t normally get to see on a guided tour.
Best of all, you’re not restricted by anyone else’s schedule but your own. If you want to spend an extra hour at a destination, no problem! If you want to take a break from driving and explore the town you’re in, go for it!
A self-drive road trip is the perfect way to see as much of Bali as possible on your own time and terms.
How to Choose the Best Route for Your Bali Road Trip
Choosing the best route for your Bali road trip will depend on a few factors, like how many days you want to spend on the island, what your interests are, and whether you’re traveling with kids.
If you’re short on time, you can still see a lot of Bali by focusing on one or two regions. For example, if you want to spend time on the beach, you could start in the east and work your way up the coast. Or, if you’re interested in exploring Bali’s temples and rice terraces, you could begin in Ubud and then head north to Lovina.
If you have more time, you can take your time and travel at a leisurely pace, spending a few days in each region. This is a great option if you want to really get off the beaten path and explore all that Bali has to offer.
No matter which route you choose, try to leave yourself some flexibility in your itinerary so that you can spontaneously stop and explore if something catches your eye.
Unique Experiences on a Self-Drive Road Trip
One of the best things about a self-drive road trip is that you can have unique experiences that you wouldn’t otherwise have on a guided tour.
For example, let’s say you’re driving along and you see a sign for a coffee plantation. You can pull over and visit the plantation, learn about how coffee is grown and processed, and maybe even buy some beans to take home with you.
Or let’s say you see a sign for a temple. You can stop and explore the temple, take some photos, and learn about the history and culture of the Balinese people.
On a self-drive road trip, you have the freedom to stop and explore whenever you want. You’re not tied to someone else’s schedule, so you can make your own tour and see the things that interest you.
Essential Tips for Driving in Bali
Now that you know what to expect, here are a few essential tips for driving in Bali:
– Drive on the left side of the road. This may take some getting used to, but it’s important to remember when you’re behind the wheel.
– The rules of the road are different than what you’re used to in most western countries. For example, in Bali, it’s common for motorbikes to weave in and out of traffic. And while you might be honked at from time to time, it’s not considered rude like it is in other parts of the world.
– The average speed on Balinese roads is low, about 30 km per hour. This is due to the narrow roads and the fact that there are a lot of pedestrians and motorbikes sharing the road.
– Only the south of Bali is busy with traffic. If you’re driving in the north or east of the island, you’ll find that the roads are much quieter.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, it’s clear that a self-drive road trip is the way to go on Bali. It gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, and to see the things that interest you most. You’re not restricted by a schedule, and you can take the time to really explore all that Bali has to offer.
Plus, it’s a lot more affordable than a guided tour, and you can make your own food and drinks, which can be a lot cheaper and more enjoyable than eating out all the time. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your road trip today!