Is it better to hire a driver or rent a scooter in Bali?

A scooter can be about three times faster than a car in traffic, but this requires confidently filtering through narrow gaps between vehicles. If you are not comfortable doing that, do not risk it; beginners should first practise in a quieter area.

If riding your own bike is not essential, you can rent a scooter in Bali inexpensively for a couple of days, avoiding the hassle of transporting your own vehicle.

When planning routes in Bali, pick the car-route option on Google Maps rather than the scooter one — scooter routes can lead onto roads only locals (who've ridden mopeds since childhood) can handle comfortably. Also add about 15% extra time to Google Maps' estimate, since actual driving time always runs longer.

If you do not want to rent a scooter yourself, a Grab motorbike taxi can work even for longer rides: one traveler used it from Nusa Dua to Ubud. For longer trips, it helps to plan short stops for coffee, snacks, or restrooms.

The car route from Ubud via Sekumpul waterfall to Uluwatu was brutal — even non-motion-sick travelers felt ill, and 3 km in Ubud or Bukit could take 30 minutes. The same roads on a scooter are far more comfortable and faster.

Skip group tours and hire a private driver instead — you set the itinerary, stop wherever you want, and turn back anytime. Local drivers know the best spots and can suggest a Plan B if the weather changes.

If your main route is by car, keep Ubud day trips low-key — opt for walking or a scooter for short outings rather than adding more car time in congested streets.