Alright, let’s talk about one of the best decisions I made while visiting Bali—renting a private car with a driver. If you’re like me and have ever been stuck in the middle of a foreign city, staring at a map or awkwardly trying to navigate public transport, you’ll know how quickly that can sap the fun out of your trip. Bali, as beautiful as it is, has some pretty chaotic traffic and winding roads that, quite frankly, had me rethinking my own driving skills. That's when I decided to look into the whole private car rental with a driver thing. And let me tell you—it changed the game.

Why a Private Driver is a Lifesaver in Bali

When I first arrived in Bali, I thought, “Hey, it can't be that hard to rent a scooter and get around, right?” Well, I quickly realized that scooters aren’t for everyone. Not only is Bali’s traffic intense, but there are some rules (and unspoken codes) that tourists often don’t get. I had a friend who rented a scooter and within two days, they ended up in a minor accident. No one was hurt, but it was enough to convince me that I needed a different solution.

Now, if you’re not used to driving on the left side of the road (which Bali follows), or if you’ve never had to navigate a roundabout with 20 scooters all zipping by from different angles—renting a private car with a driver is your best bet. The great thing is, in Bali, this option is super affordable. Honestly, I was surprised at how reasonably priced it was, especially considering the comfort and convenience.

Let me break down some of the reasons why hiring a private driver makes so much sense:

Stress-Free Travel: You don’t have to worry about directions, traffic, or parking (which can be a nightmare in busy areas like Ubud or Seminyak). The drivers know exactly where to go and have shortcuts for days.

Local Knowledge: Drivers are like unofficial tour guides. The driver I hired, Made (which, fun fact, is a super common name in Bali), gave me insights I wouldn’t have gotten otherwise. He pointed out hidden beaches, temples, and even told me the best time to visit certain spots to avoid crowds.

Custom Itinerary: This was probably my favorite part. I didn’t have to stick to some pre-set tour. I could say, “Hey, let’s hit Uluwatu Temple first, then stop at a local warung for some authentic Balinese food,” and it happened. Plus, if I wanted to stay longer somewhere, no problem! There’s no rushing or sticking to a rigid schedule.

Avoiding Scams: Bali’s taxi scene can be tricky, and I’ve heard horror stories about tourists being overcharged. By hiring a private driver for the day, the price is agreed upon beforehand, so no surprises.

How Much Does it Cost to Rent a Car with a Driver in Bali?

Here’s the big question I had: How much is this going to set me back? Turns out, it’s more affordable than you'd think. On average, you’re looking at around IDR 500,000 to IDR 800,000 for a full day (that’s roughly $35 to $55 USD). This typically includes about 8-10 hours of service, and yes, gas is included.

There are some things that can affect the price, though:

• Where You’re Going: If you’re planning on going up into the mountains, like to the rice terraces of Tegallalang or to Lovina for dolphin watching, expect to pay a bit more. The longer the drive, the more you’ll be charged.
• The Type of Car: If you’re going solo or as a couple, a smaller car is fine. But if you’re in a group or want a little extra comfort, you can upgrade to a van or SUV, which costs more.
• Special Requests: I found that some drivers are open to helping you plan an entire day’s activities, which may come at an extra cost, especially if you’re doing something like a long hike or a visit to a remote waterfall.

How to Find a Reliable Driver

This part can be a bit tricky, especially since not all drivers speak fluent English. While many do, it’s always good to clarify beforehand. Here are a few ways I found drivers (because trust me, you want someone reliable):

• Recommendations from Friends or Other Travelers: If you’re staying at a villa or hotel, ask the staff for a trusted driver. They often have someone they regularly work with who can take good care of you. I got Made’s number from the villa I stayed at in Ubud.
• Online Reviews: I’m a big fan of using TripAdvisor or other travel forums to see who’s been recommended by past travelers. There are also Facebook groups like “Bali Travellers” where people share their experiences and contacts.
• Pre-Book via a Service: If you’re more comfortable with having everything sorted before you arrive, there are several websites where you can book private cars with drivers in advance. One I used was Klook. It gave me peace of mind knowing everything was arranged, and I could read reviews from other travelers.

What to Expect from Your Driver Experience

Bali drivers are some of the friendliest people I’ve ever met. Most of the drivers I encountered went out of their way to make me feel comfortable. There was this one time when Made stopped at a roadside stall and got me some fresh salak (snake fruit)—I had no idea what it was at the time, but he insisted I try it. It was amazing, kind of like a cross between an apple and a pear.

One thing to note is that while most drivers have decent English skills, don’t expect full-on conversations in every case. Some drivers are more comfortable with just basic exchanges, and that’s totally okay. Just make sure to communicate your itinerary clearly, and if there’s something specific you want, write it down or show them on your phone. It’s amazing how much you can communicate with a few hand signals and smiles when language barriers exist.

Also, tipping is appreciated but not expected. However, if your driver goes out of their way to make your day special (like mine did with the fruit stops and extra time at certain places), a small tip goes a long way.

My Top Tips for Hiring a Driver in Bali

Now, after using a Bali private driver multiple times, here are some things I wish I’d known from the get-go:

• Always Discuss the Price First: This avoids any awkward situations later. Agree on the total cost upfront, and don’t forget to confirm if gas and parking fees are included (sometimes they aren’t).
• Have Small Change Ready: Whether it's for tolls or small snacks along the way, it’s helpful to have local currency on hand. Some areas in Bali don’t accept cards, and it’s just easier to have cash.
• Be Flexible: Your driver might suggest stops you didn’t plan for, like a scenic overlook or a traditional village. Go for it! Some of the best memories I have from Bali were those spontaneous stops that weren’t on the itinerary.
• Check Reviews and Testimonials: If you’re booking online, don’t skip this step. See what others have said about the driver or service, especially regarding punctuality and reliability.
• Bring Water and Snacks: Bali’s heat can be draining, especially on longer drives. Stock up on water and some light snacks so you’re not caught off guard during the trip.

What to Look for in a Driver and Car

After a couple of rides with different drivers during my trip, I started to notice that not all drivers—or their cars—are created equal. Some cars were pristine, with good air conditioning (trust me, this is a must in Bali’s tropical heat), while others were older and had that "well-traveled" look. There were a few things I learned to check or ask about before committing to a driver:

Car Condition: Don’t hesitate to ask what kind of car it is and how old it is. It might sound picky, but comfort matters when you're driving for hours, especially if you're heading to far-off spots like the Bali Swing or the waterfalls near Ubud. When I first started out, I hopped into a car without checking much, and halfway through the day, I realized the aircon was barely working. Let me tell you, that was one sweaty ride!

English Proficiency: Depending on your comfort level with navigating in a foreign language, this can make or break the experience. As I mentioned earlier, not all drivers speak fluent English, but it’s definitely worth confirming how well you’ll be able to communicate. One driver I booked through a hotel spoke great English and even gave me a crash course in Balinese culture. We spent half the day talking about Hindu rituals, rice offerings, and local legends. Another time, I had a driver with limited English, and while we got where we needed to go, I missed out on those fun conversations and cultural tidbits.

Wi-Fi in the Car: Believe it or not, some drivers offer free Wi-Fi in their vehicles! This was a pleasant surprise during one of my rides. It’s not a dealbreaker if they don’t have it, but if you’re planning on staying connected to social media or checking maps frequently, it’s a nice perk.

Licensing and Insurance: This is a boring but important part. Make sure your driver is licensed and insured. Most of the drivers I came across were registered with local transport services, but it’s always worth confirming. Bali’s roads can be unpredictable, and having a licensed driver just gives you that extra peace of mind.

Must-Visit Spots with a Private Driver

Now, here’s where the fun comes in. Having a driver isn’t just about getting from Point A to Point B; it’s about making the most of your Bali experience. With a private car and driver, you can hit some of the most iconic and off-the-beaten-path places without worrying about parking, getting lost, or the dreaded tourist trap zones.

Here’s a little breakdown of some incredible spots I visited with my driver and why having one was such a lifesaver:

Tegalalang Rice Terraces: This is one of the most photographed spots in Bali, and for good reason. The terraces are stunning, but they’re also in a more rural area. Having a driver meant I didn’t have to navigate the narrow, winding roads leading up to the terraces. And, Made (my driver) knew the perfect spot to park that avoided the overly crowded tourist areas.

Uluwatu Temple: Perched on a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean, this temple is a must-see. The roads leading to Uluwatu can get super busy, especially near sunset when everyone flocks there to catch the traditional Kecak dance. Thanks to Made’s local knowledge, we arrived early enough to avoid the worst of the crowds, and I got a prime seat for the performance. Plus, he waited with the car ready when the show ended—a huge win because taxis are hard to find in that area after dark.

Tirta Empul Temple: This water temple is known for its sacred spring, where locals and tourists alike can participate in a purification ritual. I wouldn’t have known the right way to approach the ritual if it weren’t for my driver. He explained the process, how to properly enter the water, and even pointed out the stalls where I could rent a sarong (required for entry).

Mount Batur Sunrise Trek: If you’re into hiking, Mount Batur is famous for its sunrise trek. You have to leave super early (around 2 AM) to get to the base, and having a driver meant I could snooze in the backseat until we arrived. Plus, once you’ve completed the trek and are tired, having a private driver to whisk you back to your hotel is a blessing.

Secret Beaches: Bali has no shortage of gorgeous beaches, but not all of them are crowded with tourists. Some of the most beautiful beaches I visited were ones Made suggested. For example, Nyang Nyang Beach was nearly empty, with its long stretches of sand and rolling waves. It’s not the easiest place to get to, and without a local to guide me there, I would’ve missed it entirely.

How to Make the Most of Your Time with a Driver

One thing I realized pretty quickly was that while having a driver gives you freedom, it’s also important to plan a bit. Here’s how to make the most of your experience:

Pre-Plan Your Key Stops: I didn’t want to be tied down by an exact itinerary, but I did have a general idea of where I wanted to go each day. Communicate that to your driver upfront. Bali is bigger than you think, and traffic can eat into your day. If you want to visit multiple locations, discuss the best routes with your driver. They’ll often know shortcuts or the best times to visit certain attractions.

Be Open to Suggestions: Some of the best places I visited were recommendations from my driver. The trick is to be clear about what kind of experience you want. Are you more into cultural experiences or adventure? Do you want to see hidden spots or stick to the tourist favorites? A good driver will adjust the day based on your interests.

Factor in Traffic: Bali’s traffic, especially in areas like Kuta, Seminyak, and Denpasar, can be brutal. What looks like a 30-minute drive on Google Maps can easily turn into an hour or more during peak times. Your driver can usually anticipate this, so make sure to leave some buffer time in your schedule.

Bring Snacks and Water: While many of Bali’s tourist spots have cafes or local warungs (small restaurants), some of the more remote areas don’t. If you’re heading to places like the waterfalls near Munduk or exploring the northern part of Bali, having snacks and water on hand is a lifesaver. One time, I was on my way to a temple that wasn’t near any big towns, and we didn’t pass a single place to grab food for hours. Thankfully, I had some energy bars packed in my bag.

Know When to Rest: If you’re anything like me, the excitement of a new place can make you want to cram as much into a day as possible. But Bali can be exhausting, especially with the heat and humidity. After a couple of jam-packed days, I started to feel a bit burnt out. So, I took a day off from sightseeing, had my driver take me to a quiet beach, and just relaxed. That break recharged me for the rest of the trip.

Should You Drive Yourself in Bali?

Now, if you’re thinking, “Can’t I just rent a car and drive myself?” Sure, you can—but, would I recommend it? Probably not.

Driving in Bali isn’t like driving in most Western countries. The roads can be narrow and winding, and traffic rules seem more like loose guidelines at times. Add in the fact that Bali’s roads are often shared with scooters, pedestrians, and random livestock, and you’ve got a recipe for stress. I actually rented a scooter for a short trip, and while it was fun, I realized I spent most of the ride hyper-focused on not getting run over by a car or crashing into another scooter. I couldn’t relax and enjoy the sights around me.

For me, the comfort, safety, and peace of mind that came with hiring a private driver outweighed the independence of driving myself. Plus, having a driver allowed me to fully immerse myself in the experience without the worry of getting lost or dealing with road stress.

A Stress-Free Way to See Bali

To sum it up, hiring a private car with a driver in Bali was one of the best choices I made on my trip. It gave me the flexibility to explore the island at my own pace, without the headaches of driving or navigating unfamiliar roads. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or coming back for a second or third visit, having a driver can make your Bali experience smoother, more enjoyable, and more relaxed.

It’s worth the investment, and for anyone who’s wondering if they should go this route—do it. You’ll thank yourself later when you’re sipping a coconut on a beach, stress-free, knowing you’ve got someone else taking care of the road ahead.

Feel free to share your own experiences or ask any questions in the comments.