By Private Car -- Given how cheap and easy it is to hire someone to drive, many folks just avoid the headache of driving themselves. Private taxis are the most common choice of transport and can get you to any destination for a reasonable price. A driver and car should be around US$30 (£17), plus gas charges, for an 8-hour day. A reputable agency is Amertha Dana (tel. 361/735406), which can arrange transport in most of southern Bali. Otherwise, guys offering "transport" and pantomime-steering a car will be at your heels wherever you go and, depending on your luck, can be pretty helpful. Be specific about destination and price (and check for seat belts) before setting out.
Note that, if you do drive yourself, you will need an international driver's license or a locally issued tourist driving license; 1-month licenses are issued on the spot for Rp150,000 (US$17/£9.15) at the Foreign License Service (Jalan Agung Tresna 14, Renon, Denpassar; tel. 361/243939). Traffic is on the left side, and "third-world rules" apply: The more aggressively honking, larger vehicle goes first. Traffic police are just bribe collectors.
By Public Transportation -- Blue and brown vans called bemos operate as buses in Bali. They have regular routes, but these aren't really written down. Most tourists save the headaches and go for private transport. Bemos are better for short hops (around town, for example) than long distances. Metered taxis, if you can find them, are your best bet. Be sure that the driver turns on his meter (you might have to insist more than once). One other option is to ask at your hotel or a travel agent about the tourist shuttles that connect the main destinations on the island.
By Motorbike -- Riding a motorbike on Bali is a dangerous proposition; on even the briefest visit to the island, you will see your share of crashes. Renting a scooter or motorbike, however, is a cheap (from US$3/£1.65 per day) and fun way to see the island. Keep in mind that riding is safer and more beautiful in remote areas. The same driver's license requirements for cars apply to motorbikes and scooters.
By Boat -- Several companies offer diving and snorkeling day trips, sunset or dinner cruises, and connection to the nearby islands of Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan. Both Bounty Cruises (tel. 361/726666; www.balibountycruises.com) and Bali Hai Cruises (tel. 361/720331; www.balihaicruises.com) run regular high-end tours from Bali's Benoa Harbor. Sail Sensations (tel. 361/725864; www.bali-sailsensations.com) offers day and overnight sails. The Wakalouka (tel. 361/484085), a luxury catamaran, transports you in style to its exclusive property on Nusa Lembongan.
A Note on Addresses -- Street addresses in Bali can be as vague as "on the main street." In some areas, that's all that passes for an address. Don't worry -- most are easy to find.
