Why Renting a Car with a Driver is the Best Way to Explore Bali

Why Renting a Car with a Driver is the Best Way to Explore Bali
Affordable Bali Tours
23 May 2025
News & Articles

Bali, the enchanting “Island of the Gods,” is known for its stunning beaches, lush jungles, ancient temples, and vibrant culture. While Bali’s beauty is undeniable, getting around can be tricky, especially if you're unfamiliar with the island. With narrow roads, busy traffic, and local customs to navigate, the best way to explore Bali in comfort and style is by renting a car with a driver.

Renting a car with a driver isn’t just about convenience; it offers numerous benefits that make it the ideal option for tourists looking to make the most of their Bali experience. Whether you're exploring the cultural landmarks of Ubud, relaxing on the beaches of Seminyak, or visiting the volcanic landscapes of Kintamani, a driver can enhance your journey, ensuring a smooth, hassle-free trip. Here’s why renting a car with a driver is the best way to explore Bali.

1. No Stressing Over Navigation

One of the most obvious benefits of renting a car with a driver in Bali is the elimination of the stress of navigating the island. While Bali is small, its roads can be challenging, especially for tourists. Traffic in tourist areas can be congested, and local road signs might not always be easy to understand.

Hiring a driver takes away the need to focus on directions, allowing you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey. With someone who knows the island’s roads, you don’t have to worry about getting lost or taking the wrong turn. Your driver will know the best routes to take, helping you avoid traffic jams and ensuring you get to your destination in the quickest time possible.

Additionally, Bali’s streets can be narrow and winding, and the local driving culture can seem daunting. Navigating these roads as a tourist can be overwhelming. A driver with local knowledge not only ensures you travel safely but also helps you avoid stress, giving you more time to appreciate the beauty of Bali.

2. Comfort and Convenience

When traveling in a foreign destination, comfort plays a major role in making the experience enjoyable. Bali's public transport system is not as extensive or reliable as those in larger cities, and taxis can be uncomfortable, expensive, and hard to find, especially in more remote areas.

Renting a car with a driver gives you the comfort of a private, air-conditioned vehicle, which is perfect for escaping the island's hot and humid weather. Whether you’re on a long drive to Kintamani or simply heading to Ubud for a day of sightseeing, having your own comfortable car means you can travel in style and enjoy a more relaxing journey. You won’t need to share a cramped ride with strangers or wait around for a taxi or public transport.

Moreover, having a private driver means you can travel on your schedule. You won’t be restricted by taxi availability or fixed public transport times. With your own vehicle and driver, you have the freedom to adjust your itinerary as you please, whether you want to linger at a temple, stop for photos, or take a detour to a hidden beach. This flexibility adds a level of convenience that other modes of transportation simply can’t offer.

3. Insider Knowledge and Expert Guidance

A local driver does more than just transport you from one location to another. They also act as your personal guide, providing you with valuable insights into Bali’s culture, history, and hidden gems. A well-informed driver can offer recommendations for places to visit, restaurants to try, and activities to experience—things that you might not find in a guidebook or on a typical tourist website.

For example, when visiting Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud, a driver can provide you with information about the temple’s history and its significance to the Balinese people. Similarly, when exploring Tegallalang Rice Terraces, your driver can tell you about the traditional subak irrigation system, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the history behind it. These local insights can enhance your travel experience, giving you a deeper appreciation of the places you visit.

In addition, a driver can give you recommendations for local eateries and authentic spots to experience Bali’s culinary culture, ensuring that you taste the best dishes away from the typical tourist traps. Whether you’re interested in exploring Bali’s art scene, seeking out the best Bali spas, or learning more about local customs, a knowledgeable driver can guide you beyond the typical tourist attractions, making your Bali trip feel more personal and immersive.

4. Flexible and Personalized Itinerary

One of the greatest advantages of renting a car with a driver is the flexibility it offers. With a private driver, you can design your own itinerary based on your interests, schedule, and pace. Whether you want to spend a few extra hours at a particular attraction or skip a stop altogether, the choice is yours.

For example, if you’re visiting Mount Batur for a sunrise trek, you may want to have the flexibility to adjust your pick-up time based on weather conditions or your energy levels. A driver can easily accommodate these changes, ensuring that you don’t feel rushed or pressured to stick to a strict schedule.

In contrast, when booking a traditional group tour, you're often stuck with a rigid itinerary that might not suit your preferences. With a driver, you can stop for lunch in the best local restaurant, take a detour to a secluded beach, or visit a hidden temple you’ve read about, all while enjoying the freedom to explore Bali on your terms.

5. Cost-Effective for Groups

Renting a car with a driver is not only a convenient option for solo travelers or couples but also a cost-effective solution for groups or families. When traveling in a group, the cost of multiple taxis or public transport rides can quickly add up. Renting a car with a driver allows everyone to travel together in one vehicle, making it a more economical choice for families, friends, or small groups.

The cost of renting a car with a driver is often shared among the group, making it significantly more affordable per person compared to hiring individual taxis or booking separate transport for each member of the group. This way, everyone can travel together, making the experience more enjoyable and hassle-free.

Moreover, you don’t have to worry about dividing costs for fuel or dealing with the confusion of navigating multiple transportation methods. Your driver handles everything, including fuel costs and parking, making the trip more organized and easier to manage.

6. Safety and Peace of Mind

Bali's roads can be challenging, particularly for those who are not familiar with the island’s driving conditions. Renting a car with a driver provides an added layer of safety. Your driver is trained in navigating Bali’s roads, knowing the safest routes and how to deal with local traffic conditions.

Furthermore, Bali’s weather can affect driving conditions, with frequent rainstorms causing slippery roads or poor visibility. By hiring a local driver, you can rest assured that you’re in good hands. Your driver is familiar with how to handle the roads in various weather conditions, ensuring your safety during your travels.

Additionally, traveling with a driver means you don’t have to worry about the stress of parking in busy areas. Finding parking in popular tourist spots like Ubud or Seminyak can be difficult, but your driver will handle all the parking logistics, allowing you to relax and enjoy your time in Bali.

7. Experience More of Bali's Hidden Treasures

While Bali is famous for its top tourist spots like Uluwatu, Kuta Beach, and Mount Batur, it’s the hidden gems that often make for the most unforgettable experiences. When you rent a car with a driver, you have the opportunity to explore places that are off the beaten path.

Your driver can take you to secret beaches, lesser-known temples, and hidden waterfalls that many tourists miss. If you’re interested in visiting Bali’s lesser-known treasures, your driver will know exactly where to go. From tranquil spots like Virgin Beach to unique places like Tukad Cepung Waterfall, Bali’s hidden gems are waiting to be discovered.

These lesser-known spots offer a more peaceful and authentic Bali experience, away from the crowds. Your driver can take you to these hidden locations, where you can enjoy the serene beauty of Bali’s unspoiled nature.

Conclusion: The Ultimate Way to Experience Bali

Renting a car with a driver is undoubtedly the best way to explore Bali. It provides convenience, comfort, and flexibility, allowing you to experience the island’s beauty without the stress of navigating its roads or dealing with public transportation. With a local driver by your side, you can gain insider knowledge, visit off-the-beaten-path locations, and create a personalized itinerary that suits your interests.

Whether you’re traveling alone, with a partner, or in a group, renting a car with a driver ensures that your Bali experience is seamless, enjoyable, and stress-free. So, why wait? Book your Bali tour with a driver today and let Affordable Bali Tours show you the magic of this incredible island!