I just returned from Bali last week and Im brimming with enthusiasm over all my experiences there but Ill try to keep this short and informative.I got lots of good tips on TT and Im trying to pass on the favor. Its very easy and rewarding to base yourself in Ubud and take daytrips all over the the east and south. At the moment its pretty slow in Ubud and you will be endlessly annoyed by guys lining the streets offering "transport". Many of these guys are great fellows Im sure as Balinese men tend to be charming and enjoyable to be around but I have to say some are better choices to spend the day with than others. I went on day trips just about everyday for 11 days . A few times I joined in a trip organised by some fellow traveler and their driver and never had a bad time. One young guy ( like 27 or so ) stood out and I ended up with him for 5 or 6 days sometimes alone and sometimes shared. He casually chatted me up on the street for an hour ( without making any sales pitch) before I found out he was a driver. The remarkable things about him were his authenticity as a person and his obvious enjoyment of his job as a driver. He loves his own culture, is quite knowledgeble and enjoys sharing his knowledge. He is also knowledgeble and curious about other cultures and people and is currently learning French and finding ways to branch out from being a driver.He is extremely trustworthy and even remarkably punctual ( and patient with other's tardiness). He once took a friend of mine on an early long day trip to Lake Bratan and Tanah Lot on her way to the airport and dropped her there at exactly 2:30 as promissed then continued on some 1.5 hours and picked me up in Padang Bai at exactly 3:59pm for a 4:pm pick up.One has to be impressed, no? He was always great company, friendly , informative and never imposing.He was a great service provider but at the end Id have to say he has become a friend a as well. He basically charges the going rate or even a little less. At the moment any trip of 5 or six hours and less than 2 hours from Ubud seems to go for something between 30 and 40 USD( of course, as usual, that varies with fuel costs, time, distances, demand ect.). His price was always cheaper than that quoted to me by the hotel driver and right in line with what I would hear on the street.He will come and get you at the airport ( I know its 180,000 from the airport at the moment) or take you on a day trip and leave you somewhere and pick you up another day. His name is I Nyoman Suba or simply "Titak". His Cell number is +62 81-8056-28326; email komang_titaku@yahoo.com. His "Stand By" spot for his white minivan is in front of Warsa Bungalows acrosss from Ubud Bungalows on Monkey Forest Road in Ubud. Like I said business is slow right now and its nice to be with someone you can count on and enjoy so give him a call or an email and I assure you you wont be disapointed. Feel free to PM me or ask me any questions to ascertain Im not some tout or agent :) ---maybe I should be eh?
We have benefitted so much in the past from other Lonely planet recommendations I feel I must share our recent, unforgettable trip to Bali due to our driver Putu Sudiana. You can visit his website at http://www.yourbalidriver.com/ or email him at sudiana_goazonk@yahoo.com . Our first trip to Bali we were so fortunate to have Putu serve as both our driver & guide everyday. We are primarily indendent travellers, but really felt that our limited 2 weeks in Bali would be best spent with the company of an honest, knowledgeable guide. Not only does he speak great English, have extensive knowledge of the entire island, extremely reasonable, but he truly has a way to make you feel so comfortable and at home- honestly his primary purpose is to make sure you are having the best time you can. He has years of experience working with a reputable Bali company and has started his own transport & guide business. Happy to share our itineray photos, and any other questions if you'd like. bali driver/guide
Dewa Marco.
Dewa was recommended to us by a friend living in Bali. He lived up to every expectation.
He is an exceptional driver, good humoured, punctual, very flexible and nothing is too much trouble. His sound command of the English language, as well as experience in driving multinational tourists, enables him to communicate with, and place, all visitors to Bali at ease. He will not take you to places to get a commission, he takes you where you want to go. He is happy to make suggestions if required.
He has excellent driving skills from his years of experience in driving tourists in Bali. His vehicle is comfortable and Dewa is available for short journeys, day trips and overnight stays of 1 or more nights, all at very reasonable rates.
In addition to the qualities outlined above, Dewa comes highly recommended for his invaluable experience and knowledge of every aspect of Bali . He will promptly respond to your emails, telephone calls and SMS messages.
Email: dewamarco@hotmail.com
mobile: +62 8123918718
"Let's see all the Nature and the hidden place in Bali" with Dewa Marco - Bali tour guide and driver.
Dewa's Blogspot.
i totally agree with Mr. Adran.thanks for trusting balinese people 'cause i also do same job as your friend did,, and i always do all my best to give the best service.
hi everyone ..
i come to bali many many time, for a business trip and some vacation with my special friend too..
i have a good bali driver , his name is KRISHNA
he is a humble and patience driver , he is very helpful he help me before and during the trip , he has a good driving skill, and good knowledge in tourism because he learned a tourism management before ...and a friendliest guy i ever met , i can guarantee in 5 minutes he can be your best friend
his price is very cheap than others only 35 USD for the whole day trip
his site : http://balitourdrivers.webs.com
email : krishna.bali.driver@gmail.com
some tips from me to get a good "bali driver"
- better that you get a bali driver ON LINE booking before and discuss your tour plan with him
-find some reviews on the internet of your driver , because if you find a bad one , you just wasting your wonderful holiday time
-compare the price
-find the good driver , we can see from the details information that he provide , from his web site or from the correspondence email that he gave to you
good luck
trusted partner
