Bali Great Escape
Hiring a Bali private driver for sightseeing or for daily transportation to markets, beach clubs, and restaurants is a great idea. This article covers how to hire a private driver, what to pay, and how to make a booking.
1. Why hire a Bali private driver?
If you are staying within walking distance to the beach, shops, and restaurants, you might only need a driver for occasional day tours. However, if you plan to travel further daily, hiring a private car and driver for your entire stay is highly recommended. This eliminates the hassle of constantly getting taxis and ensures a smoother holiday experience. A local driver is also a much better navigator through Bali’s traffic conditions.
2. How much should you pay for a private car and driver for the day?
The cheapest rate for a private car and driver for a day is IDR600k for a small compact car. For a 6-seater SUV, expect to pay between IDR800k – 1000k for South Bali. For a larger Toyota Innova, the cost ranges from IDR900k – 1.200k per day. Tours to North Bali cost an additional IDR200k – 400k per day.
3. Book a private car and driver online.
I have a secure online booking system for my trusted, English-speaking drivers. They text me upon picking you up and dropping you off, and I email their details beforehand for your safety and confidence.
4. Can I book a car and driver for just half a day?
Yes, you can hire a private car and driver for a 5-hour period. This is perfect for shopping, moving hotels, or short trips to spas or restaurants.
5. Understand the basic geography of Bali.
Travel to North and East Bali costs more than within South Bali due to longer distances and higher fuel consumption.
Attractions in South Bali:
- Bali Bird Park
- Bali Safari & Marine Park
- Bali Swing Park
- Garuda Wisnu Kencana
- Goa Gajah
- Gunung Kawi
- Kanto Lampo Waterfall
- Tanah Lot
- Tegalalang Rice Terraces
- Tegenungan Waterfall
- Tibumana Waterfall
- Tirta Empul
- Tukad Cepung Waterfall
- Ubud Art Market
- Ubud Monkey Forest
- Ubud Royal Palace
- Uluwatu Temple
- Waterbom Theme Park
- All beaches from Canggu to Uluwatu
Attractions in North Bali:
- Aling-Aling Waterfall
- Bedugul Market
- Danu Beratan Temple
- Gitgit Waterfall
- Handarah Golf Course Gates
- Jatiluwih Rice Terraces
- Lovina
- Mount Batur – Kintamani
- Nungnung Waterfall
- Sekumpul Waterfall
Attractions in East Bali:
- Lempuyang Temple
- Besakih Temple
- Amed
- Virgin Beach
- Tirta Gangga Temple
5. Shopping expeditions can be awesome with a car and driver.
Going on shopping trips in Bali is a major draw for many visitors. Beyond souvenirs, there’s a treasure trove of homewares, textiles, and artworks unique to Bali. It’s especially enticing if you know where to go. Bali offers a mix of shopping malls, supermarkets, local markets, and specialty streets for homewares and larger artworks.
If you’re the kind of person who views shopping as a sport with bargains as trophies, hiring a private car and driver makes perfect sense. Loading up the back of an SUV while the driver waits for your next purchase is a joy. In contrast, trying to hail a taxi with a bunch of shopping bags or large artworks is less fun.
Investing in a private car and driver can significantly reduce the hassle of getting around Bali for your shopping adventures.
6. Booking a driver from your hotel.
Hotels in Bali offer booking services for private cars and drivers, especially for day tours. However, be aware that they often charge a significant markup. Short trips from the hotel to local restaurants or other nearby destinations can be particularly expensive, as hotels do not allow taxis or ride-sharing providers on their property.
To avoid overpaying, I recommend not spending more than IDR 100k for a local ride from a hotel. For a full day tour booked through a hotel, expect to pay upwards of IDR 1 million for 8 hours, with a substantial commission going to the hotel.
If you do book through your hotel, ensure that your driver speaks passable English, knows your destination, and understands the expected waiting time and total hours needed. The most common mistake is assuming the hotel will provide the best driver, but often they provide the cheapest one, which might not meet your expectations.
7. Be really clear about the time frame and how much you will be paying.
Before starting your journey, discuss and agree on the duration and total cost with your driver. For example, a trip to a waterfall in northern Bali might require a 12-hour day. Typically, daily hire is for 10 hours, with an additional charge per hour beyond that.
Confirm the driver’s availability and set a specific time to return to your hotel or villa. This avoids misunderstandings and ensures a smooth experience.
8. Waiting time is built-in to the cost of a private driver.
When hiring a private driver, remember that their waiting time is included in the hire cost. Effective communication is crucial, and using WhatsApp can help manage this. Inform your driver if you plan to extend your stay at a location or skip the next stop. This way, they can adjust their plans accordingly.
9. Connect with your driver using WhatsApp.
WhatsApp is widely used in Indonesia and allows you to stay in constant contact with your driver. It helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures you’re always in the right place at the right time. You can share your location and even send photos to clarify your whereabouts, making it easier for your driver to find you.
10. Plan your toilet breaks and communicate with your driver.
Discuss toilet breaks with your driver in advance to avoid being caught without access to clean facilities. A good driver will know the best spots for a break, whether it’s a well-known restaurant or a hidden gem with clean restrooms. Always communicate your needs at least 20 minutes ahead of time.
11. How much to tip your driver.
Tipping in Bali varies, but here are some guidelines. For a full day’s service (8-12 hours), a small tip would be around IDR 50k. A more generous tip ranges from IDR 100k to 300k, especially for excellent service. A tip of IDR 500k to 1,000k is highly appreciated and reflects great service. This can make a significant difference for drivers, considering the local wages.
