Travel and Transit Information for Bali

Getting There

By Air

The Ngurah Rai Airport (DPS) (+62 361 751 011 http://www.angkasapura1.co.id) lies 13 kilometers (eight miles) south of Denpasar between Kuta and Sanur (do not look for Bali on airline information flight boards for it is listed as Denpasar). Its two terminals accept the following major airlines:

Air Asia (+603 8660 4343/http://www.airasia.com)

Air France (+1 800 237 2747/http://www.airfrance.com)

Cathay Pacific (+1 800 231 0856/http://www.cathaypacific.com)

China Air (+1 800 227 5118/http://www.china-airlines.com)

Continental (+1 800 221 1212/http://www.continental.com)

Garuda International Airways (+1 800 342 7832/http://www.garuda-indonesia.com)

Singapore Air (+1 800 742 3333/http://www.singaporeair.com)

Public transportation options f rom the airport are limited. Your best bet is to arrange to be picked up by your hotel in advance. You can also reserve a taxi through the official taxi window (+62 361 751 011, extension 1155) near customs. They charge set rates to most of the island's main tourist centers. Use every ounce of common sense to avoid taxi drivers that directly solicit you at the gate. They are cheap, smiling swindlers who navigate a living from scamming tourists with overpriced cab fares. Rides to Kuta and Sanur last 15 minutes while a trip to Ubud could be 55.

Rental Cars

Blue Bird (+62 361 701 111/http://www.bluebirdgroup.com)

Hertz (+1 800 654 3131/http://www.hertz.com)

Toyota Rental Car (+62 361 753 744)

Be aware that in order to rent a car an international driver's license is required.

If all else fails and your baggage is light, Kuta is but a 1.6-mile walk along the beach.

By Sea

Boats from Ketapang in Java to Gilimanuk in northwestern Bali connect daily. Rides take 35 minutes. And from Bali's eastern side, out of Padang Bai, ferries usher passengers every few hours around the clock to Lembar on Lombok's west coast.

Getting Around

Renting a car is not suggested because the roads are poorly marked and local driving culture can be overly assertive. Plus, regardless of fault, you will probably be held responsible for all damages in the event of an accident.

Blue and brown vans known as "bemos" serve as the island's bus system. They hold up to 10 passengers and provide a true feel for the island. Sharing a seat with a local's farm animal is not uncommon. Fares can be sketchy and subject to the driver's mood. The stops are unmarked and seemingl y only locals who swore with vows of blood to keep their exact locations secret are privy to this knowledge.