Should You Hire a Driver or Scooter in Bali? Our Honest Advice for First-Time Visitors 🙂🚗🛵
- Jayne Keating
- Jul 23
- 6 min read
One of the biggest decisions you'll make when planning your Bali holiday is how you'll get around the island.
Should you hire a scooter like so many visitors do?
Or is a private driver the better option?
The answer depends on your travel style, experience and what you want from your holiday.
While scooters are incredibly popular in Bali, we've personally found that hiring a trusted private driver allows us to enjoy the island far more. Instead of worrying about traffic, directions or parking, we simply relax, enjoy the scenery and discover places we'd never have found ourselves.
Here's everything you need to know before deciding.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you book through my links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend stays and experiences that suit the style of travel shared on Island Escapes Bali & Gili.
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Quick Summary
🚗 Best for Couples: Private Driver
🛵 Best for Experienced Riders: Scooter
💰 Most Affordable: Scooter
❤️ Most Relaxing: Private Driver
🌴 Island Escapes Recommendation: Hire a trusted driver for day trips and transfers.
Why Transport Matters in Bali
Unlike many holiday destinations, Bali doesn't have an extensive public transport system.
Most visitors choose one of four options:
Private driver
Scooter
Taxi
Ride-sharing services such as Grab or Gojek
For most couples, your choice of transport will shape your holiday experience.
Option 1 – Hiring a Private Driver
For us, this is easily the best way to explore Bali.
We've been fortunate to build a wonderful friendship with our trusted driver, Roy, who has looked after us on multiple trips.
Instead of simply taking us from A to B, he shares local knowledge, recommends hidden places to visit and makes every journey part of the holiday.
Having someone you trust removes so much stress from travelling.
Advantages of Hiring a Driver🚗😍
Relax and Enjoy the Journey
Bali's scenery is beautiful.
Instead of concentrating on traffic, you can enjoy:
Rice terraces
Volcano views
Traditional villages
Temples
Coastal roads
The journey becomes part of the experience.
Local Knowledge
Good drivers know:
The best restaurants
Hidden beaches
Quiet viewpoints
Local cafés
The best time to visit attractions
These recommendations often become some of the highlights of your holiday.
Door-to-Door Convenience
Your driver collects you from your accommodation and returns you safely afterwards.
No parking.
No navigation.
No stress.
Flexible Itineraries
Want to stop for coffee?
See a waterfall?
Visit a local market?
Most private drivers are happy to customise your day.
Great Value
Many visitors are surprised by how affordable a private driver can be, especially when travelling as a couple.
When you compare the cost with fuel, parking, scooter hire and convenience, it often represents excellent value.
❤️ Meet Roy – Our Trusted Bali Driver 🚗
"We've trusted Roy on multiple trips to Bali, and over the years he's become much more than our driver—he's become a friend. His local knowledge, warm personality and genuine care for our holidays are why we're proud to recommend him to our readers."
Having a reliable driver makes your trip so much easier. Roy is friendly, professional, always on time and most importantly, incredibly safe on the roads. Whether you need airport transfers, day trips, or help exploring hidden gems around Bali, Roy makes everything easy and stress-free. Roy can help with:
Private airport transfers
Full day or half day tours
Custom itineraries
Local knowledge and recommendations
Comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle
Can organise a van/s for larger groups
📲 Contact Roy directly on WhatsApp:👉 https://wa.me/6287760331198
Booking directly via WhatsApp is quick and easy — just send him a message and he’ll organise everything for you.
Roy is also on Email, Facebook and Instagram:
Email: yudianarai460@gmail.com
Facebook: Roy Bali Driver
Instagram: roy.bali.driver
Roy's Price Guide 🙂
Airport to Kuta | 200,000K |
Airport to Legian | 250,000K |
Airport to Seminyak | 300,000K |
Airport to Canggu | 400,000K |
Airport to Uluwatu | 450,000K |
Airport to Sanur | 300,000K |
Airport to Ubud | 500,000K |
Airport to Padang Bai | 600,000K |
Airport to Amed | 850,000K |
Airport to Lovina | 850,000K |
All Day Tour - Starting price | 600,000K |
Option 2 – Hiring a Scooter 🛵
Scooters are everywhere in Bali.
For experienced riders, they offer flexibility and are a popular way to explore.
However, they're not the right choice for everyone.
Advantages of a Scooter
✔ Inexpensive
✔ Easy parking
✔ Good for short trips
✔ Freedom to explore independently
Things to Consider
Bali's traffic is very different from many Western countries.
Roads can be:
Busy
Narrow
Congested
Unpredictable
You'll also encounter:
Dogs crossing roads
Heavy rain
Steep hills
Large trucks
Thousands of other scooters
If you're not already a confident rider, Bali is probably not the place to learn.
Safety First 🪖
If you choose to ride:
Always:
✔ Wear a helmet.
✔ Hold the correct licence.
✔ Check your travel insurance.
✔ Never ride after drinking alcohol.
✔ Drive defensively.
Which Option Is Better for Couples?
In our opinion...
A private driver.
Here's why.
You're on holiday.
The last thing you want is to spend the day concentrating on unfamiliar roads or worrying about finding parking.
Instead, imagine sitting back in an air-conditioned vehicle while someone else takes care of everything.
You can enjoy the scenery, chat together and simply enjoy the day.
For us, that's what a Bali holiday is all about.
When a Scooter Makes Sense 🛵
A scooter may suit you if:
You're an experienced rider.
You're staying in one area.
You're confident in busy traffic.
You're travelling light.
You enjoy independent exploring.
When We'd Always Recommend a Driver 🚗
Choose a driver if you're:
Visiting Bali for the first time.
Travelling as a couple.
Exploring multiple destinations.
Planning full-day sightseeing.
Visiting Ubud.
Travelling with luggage.
Wanting a relaxed holiday.
What About Grab and Gojek?
Ride-sharing apps are excellent for shorter trips.
They're often inexpensive and easy to use.
However, for full-day sightseeing or airport transfers, we still prefer arranging a trusted private driver.
Our Experience 🌈
Over the years, we've discovered that some of our favourite Bali memories happened during the drive between destinations.
Stopping unexpectedly at a viewpoint.
Finding a tiny café we'd never have discovered.
Learning about Balinese culture.
Chatting with Roy about local life.
Those moments become part of the holiday.
That's something you simply don't experience when you're concentrating on riding a scooter.
Frequently Asked Questions ❓
Is it cheaper to hire a scooter?
Usually, yes.
However, remember to include fuel, insurance, parking and the potential cost of accidents or damage.
Can beginners ride scooters in Bali?
We wouldn't recommend it.
Traffic conditions can be challenging for inexperienced riders.
Are private drivers expensive?
Not at all.
Many visitors are surprised by how affordable private drivers are, particularly for couples sharing the cost.
Can drivers recommend places to visit?
Absolutely.
Some of our favourite restaurants and hidden spots have been recommended by locals.
Island Escapes Verdict 🌴
🥇 Best Overall
Private Driver
❤️ Best for Couples
Private Driver
🛵 Best for Experienced Independent Travellers
Scooter
💰 Best Budget Option
Scooter
🌴 Best Relaxed Holiday Experience
Private Driver
✨Final Thoughts
There's no right or wrong choice when deciding how to get around Bali.
If you're an experienced rider and enjoy complete independence, hiring a scooter may suit your travel style.
However, if you're visiting Bali for the first time—or simply want to relax and enjoy every moment—we genuinely believe hiring a trusted private driver is one of the best investments you can make.
For us, travelling isn't just about reaching the destination.
It's about enjoying every part of the journey.
🏝️ Island Escapes Tip
Some of our favourite Bali memories weren't planned at all. They happened because our driver suggested stopping at a quiet temple, a hidden café or a scenic viewpoint we'd never heard of. Those spontaneous moments have become some of the highlights of our trips, and they're one of the reasons we continue choosing a private driver whenever we return.
🏆 Island Escapes Awards
🥇 Editor's Choice: Private Driver
❤️ Best for Couples: Private Driver
💰 Best Budget Option: Scooter (for experienced riders)
🌴 Best Overall Experience: Private Driver
⭐ Best for First-Time Visitors: Private Driver
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