With six years of driving experience under my belt—but no right-hand drive or motorcycle expertise—I embarked on an unforgettable journey. From the airport 🚙 to Lovina, onward to Amed, and finally a scooter-fueled 🛵 round trip to Nusa Penida before returning to the airport, this was truly a tale of courage triumphing over narrow roads (of course, with rock-solid skills).
🍠 While guides for self-driving in Bali are few and far between, this article dives deep into the realities of car rentals, road conditions, and expenses—exclusively for those who cherish the freedom of the open road 💪.
After scouring recommendations on various platforms 🍠, I landed on the local car rental company Twins Rental. I connected with them via WhatsApp ahead of time. The contact details and price list are conveniently displayed in the image below. To secure your vehicle, simply select your preferred car and specify the pick-up and drop-off locations in advance.
Cash payments require a deposit 💰, typically in US dollars, though I used Canadian dollars—and I suspect Renminbi would work just as well. Pro tip: filming the entire car during pick-up can help sidestep most potential issues down the line.
1⃣ There are two routes from the airport to Lovina; opt for the one passing Gitgit Waterfall (as seen in Figure 6⃣) to bypass the other, which is rumored to be steep and perilous.
2⃣ The stretch from Lovina to Amed is nothing short of breathtaking, with the sea 🌊 sprawling out to your left and the majestic Mount Ijen 🏔 towering on your right. This serene route is mostly populated by local villagers, offering a glimpse into authentic Balinese life with minimal tourist interference.
3⃣ The road linking Amed to Sanur Port 🛳 is predominantly mountainous and frequently congested. Vehicles are not permitted on the ferry and must instead be parked (public parking at the port costs 100k IDR per day, while private options go for 80k IDR per day 💰). It’s highly advisable to travel light 🧳 when heading to Nusa Penida.
Once on the island, you’ll find two primary ways to get around: hiring a car or renting a motorcycle. I opted to lock my suitcase in the car and park it at the port—a decision that proved remarkably convenient.
4⃣ Upon arrival on Nusa Penida, I rented a motorcycle for 90k IDR per day 💰. Equipping your bike with a phone holder is non-negotiable, given the challenging road conditions riddled with potholes. Despite one minor mishap where I accidentally veered into a roadside ditch, riding the motorcycle was undeniably exhilarating. The eastern route of Nusa Penida earned top honors for this self-driving adventure 🏝 (Figures 8⃣9⃣)—a destination that deserves a spot on everyone’s lifetime bucket list.
5⃣ From Sanur Port to Nusa Dua, the highway features a toll booth. You can purchase a card here for 100k IDR cash, including a 32k IDR processing fee and 68k IDR credit. Word has it that this card also works at certain parking lots and convenience stores.
Expenses 💰: Over ten days, the total cost for car rental, fuel, and parking came in at just RMB 1500+ (including the motorcycle rental).
Here are a few extra tips to keep in mind:
1. At regular gas stations, opt for the Pertalite green nozzle—it typically costs around 10k per liter and is best paid for in cash.
2. When exiting an intersection, always remember to check to your right—confusing the windshield wipers with the turn signals is surprisingly common!
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3. Most restaurants provide parking spaces, but if there’s a security guard overseeing the area, you’ll likely need to pay for parking.
4. In traffic jams, stay calm and just keep moving forward. Motorcycles rarely cut in aggressively, and many drivers will kindly signal with a wave before changing lanes.
5. Make it a habit to frequently check your rearview mirror and give enough space for vehicles behind you, especially motorcycles, to overtake safely.
6. For navigation, it’s essential to grab a SIM card from Telkomsel to use Google Maps. Mine cost 290k for 20GB and was purchased at the Galeria Mall.
7. Don’t forget to bring your own phone holder—it’ll make navigating much easier!
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