Who it’s for: Seasoned drivers familiar with the winding county and township roads of the countryside, as well as those with packed schedules who need to seamlessly transition between multiple destinations like Lovina, Ubud, and Nusa Dua.
Process:
1. Begin by downloading Traveloka, then navigate to the Car Rental section. Choose your preferred vehicle and pay for it. If space permits, opt for a more compact model—this will come in handy when overtaking or maneuvering through narrow roads.
2. Once payment is confirmed, you’ll receive the contact details of the car rental company, typically via WhatsApp.
Save their number and send them your passport, domestic driver’s license, and a translation of your license (while an international driver’s license isn’t strictly necessary in practice, it might technically be required depending on the rental company’s policies—so double-check!).
3. After landing, collect your car.
During pickup, I was handed a prepaid card for the airport parking lot and instructed to top it up with 150k cash. This came in handy when exiting the airport and crossing the sea bridge, though I neglected to verify how much was actually deducted. [Keep an eye out!] Fellow travelers are welcome to chime in with additional tips in the comments below.
4. Car usage advice: On one occasion during my journey, a nail pierced the tire, causing it to lose air. Thankfully, with some assistance from a parking lot attendant (for a small fee), I managed to replace it. Always be prepared for such scenarios. Additionally, gas stations after 8 PM seem to operate in a mysterious state of uncertainty—don’t make the same mistake I did by worrying about running out of fuel late at night while returning to the hotel.
Should this happen, don’t panic; bottled gasoline is readily available at roadside shops in Bali.
5. Damage considerations: I accidentally scratched the left door entering a village and the punctured tire went unrepaired. I’ll wait for the final damage assessment upon returning the car at the airport and update accordingly.
In summary, this car rental experience was highly rewarding, drastically enhancing the flexibility of my trip. For instance, on the very first evening, I drove straight from the airport to Lovina, enjoyed six hours of rest, and then headed downstairs to catch a boat for dolphin watching at sunrise. Following that, I promptly made my way to Deer Island for an exhilarating snorkeling adventure 🤿 That’s all for now!
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