Ngurah Rai International Airport is situated in the south of the island, not far from the resorts of Kuta, Nusa Dua and Sanur. It is about 15km from Bali’s capital city of Denpassar.

There are a range restaurants and shops, including duty-free and souvenir, in the airport. Several banks and currency exchange is also available, but do not offer great rates, better to visit one in town. Information desks are located on the first floor of the international arrivals terminal.

It is recommended to use the airport taxi service, located to the left of the terminal exit. This service charges a fixed price, while other taxi’s fares will have to be bargained. The prices for airport taxis are on display outside the terminal buildings.

If you are travelling on a restricted budget, you can flag down a Blue Bird Taxi from outside the airport or stand in the corner of the International Departure side near the ATM and catch them once they drop off a passenger. Blue Bird Taxis are safe and reliable. Flagging down another taxi company (other than the licensed airport taxis), is not recommended.

The state-run passenger line PELNI operates weekly sailings between Bali and Jakarta, Makassar and Balikpapan. Not luxurious but comfortable, the ship offers an alternative to flying and is a more leisurely form of travel. There are regular schedules and routes, all touching in at Jakarta as their main base.

Foreign cruise lines operate in Indonesian waters, though not regularly. A 40-passenger luxury cruise ship, the MV Island Explorer, offers trips to the eastern Indonesian islands from Bali part of the year and from Jakarta to Sumatera the rest of the year. There are also ferries between islands, though comfort may not be as desired.

For adventurous travellers, a ride on a Pinisi Bugis schooner is exciting,

Ferry Bali is connected to Java by a regular ferry service running between Gilimanuk and Banyuwangi. If you are taking the train or night bus from Jakarta, Bandung or Yogyakarta, travel first to Surabaya for the connection to Banyuwangi, where you board another bus for the final passage to Denpasar.

The main forms of public transport on Bali are the cheap buses, minibuses and bemos (a general term for any vehicle that is used as a public transport which is normally a minibus or van with a row of low seats on each side). They normally run  on somewhat set routes within or between towns. Having your own transport can be arranged; there are cars, motorbikes, and bicycles for rent. Tourist shuttle buses that run between major tourist centres are more expensive than public transport but are definitely more comfortable and convenient.

Charter Vans or Mini Buses can be rented at a reasonable cost including petrol and a driver/guide. These are great for parties of 6 or more..

Motorcycles are a popular way to get around Bali. If you decide to rent one, drive slowly and defensively. The cost of hiring a motorcycle is negotiable and varies according to the condition of the machine, length of rental and time of year. Buying insurance is a good idea to avoid being responsible for damages, but be sure to test-drive the motorbike to see that everything is in good working order. A valid International Driving Permit is required or if you forget it you can spend a morning at the Denpasar Police Office to obtain a temporary permit, which lasts for three months, but the process can be a huge hassle. It would be wise to get an International Driving Permit in your own country before you leave home.

Seeing Bali by bicycle has become increasingly popular in recent years and the quality of rental bikes has improved. Some airlines will carry your own bike for free if you would prefer to bring one with you. The most common bikes offered are mountain bikes as their low gear ratios and softer tyres are better suited to Bali.

For something different hop on a traditional dokar. These small horse-drawn carts are still available in Kuta and Denpasar and a short ride costs next to nothing. It’s a novel, if somewhat slow, way to view the passing scenery and is always popular with children.

A helicopter ride is the experience of a lifetime. What better way to fully appreciate every contour, mountain and valley on this wonderfully picturesque tropical island than from the air. Trips vary from long to short and it’s a good way to transverse the island..