Are you tired of being overcharged by airport taxis every time you arrive in Bali? Fortunately, there is a way to avoid this common problem. Instead of taking a taxi from the Bali Airport, you can walk outside and use a ride-hailing app like Grab or Gojek to call a driver from a nearby hotel. This will save you money and make your transportation experience better. In this blog post, we’ll show you how to do just that.
Why You Should Avoid Bali Airport Taxis
First, let’s talk about why you should avoid taking taxis from the Bali Airport. These taxis are notorious for overcharging tourists, and the prices can be as much as double or triple what you would pay with a ride-hailing app. This is because the taxis have a monopoly on transportation from the airport and can charge whatever they want. Moreover, many taxi drivers will try to negotiate a higher price with you, especially if your destination is far away, which can be annoying and time-consuming. Even if the taxi counters display a list of “fixed prices”, you might still be quoted a higher rate for no apparent reason.
Grab Lounge
There is a green Grab Lounge located just outside the Arrivals area near the car park. Some people use it as a pickup point when booking a Grab, but keep in mind that the fare for hailing a Grab from the airport is calculated differently than hailing one outside.
We did a price comparison between Grab rates within the airport and outside. A ride from the airport to Grand Hyatt Bali would cost Rp233,000 while a ride from HARRIS Hotel Kuta Tuban Bali to the same destination costs only Rp87,000, resulting in a Rp146,000 difference or approximately S$13. ?
How to Walk Out of Bali Airport to HARRIS Hotel Kuta Tuban Bali
The good news is that you can easily avoid overpriced airport taxis by walking to the nearby HARRIS Hotel Kuta Tuban Bali.
Image source: Google Maps
After you exit the Arrivals area, ignore the taxi drivers and touts and head towards the car park ahead. Walk through the car park until you reach a crossing.
Image source: Google Maps
Cross the road and turn left, and keep walking until you reach the end of the sheltered walkway.
Image source: Google Maps
Exit through the doorway on the right and turn right again.
Image source: Google Maps
Walk along the side of the road until you reach the second left turn.
Image source: Google Maps
Turn left onto that road (Jl. Dewi Sartika) and you’ll see HARRIS Hotel Kuta Tuban on your left.
Image source: Google Maps
Using Grab or Gojek from HARRIS Hotel Tuban
Once you reach HARRIS Hotel Kuta Tuban, you can use the Grab or Gojek app on your phone to book a ride. These apps are like Uber or Lyft in other countries, and they show you the price upfront and let you pay through the app. You don’t have to worry about bargaining with the driver or carrying cash.
To use Grab or Gojek, you need to download the app and create an account. Turn on your location services so the app can find you. Then, enter your destination and choose the type of vehicle you want, such as a car or scooter. The app will show you the price upfront, so you know how much you will pay before getting in the car.
When you want to be picked up, make sure to tell the app your exact location at HARRIS Hotel Kuta Tuban, like by the main entrance. This will make it easier for the driver to find you. You can also use the app to talk to the driver if you have any requests or need to give them more directions.
Other Tips for Getting Around Bali
Ride-hailing apps are a good option for transportation in Bali, but they might not suit everyone. If you’re comfortable riding a scooter, renting one can be a fun and cheap way to explore the island. Remember to wear a helmet and follow traffic laws.
You can also book a car through a trusted platform like Klook. You can choose a half-day or full-day charter and specify the areas you’ll be visiting in Bali. This way, you won’t have to worry about finding a taxi at each destination and you can take your time sightseeing or shopping.
If you need to hail a taxi on the street, look for Bluebird taxis as they are the most honest and reliable. The drivers will automatically turn on the meter without you having to ask.
Conclusion
In conclusion, getting around Bali can be a bit of a challenge, but with the right information and tools, you can easily navigate the island and have an enjoyable transportation experience. Whether you choose to use ride-hailing apps, rent a scooter, or book a car rental, there are plenty of options available to suit your needs and budget. By following the tips outlined in this guide, you can save money and time while getting to your destination safely and comfortably. So go ahead and explore Bali with confidence, and have an unforgettable trip!