If you want to drive a 'sepeda' (motorbike), there's plenty you can get from. I've been renting from these two Balinese guys, Made and Made (the Balinese love their heirarchical names), who also have a stable of 'mobil' (car) for rent (contact details below). They're honest, nice, and won't rip you off. Their bikes are well-maintained and they make sure to check on them regularly. They're around for help and repairs and even bring the bike to the shop for you.
They're both based in Kerobokan. I trust them highly and my friends get their bikes from them too.
The usual rate is IDR 500-600,000 ~$50-60/month depending on type - automatic (scooter), semi-automatic, or manual. The automatics being more pricey.
For the surfers, they put surf racks on the bikes too free of charge, if you need it.
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| Jimny / Katana |
The usual vehicles rented are the Suzuki Karimun and Jimny/Katana which are about 1.7 mil ~$170-180/month.
For medium-sized vans, it's the Toyota Avanza or Daihatsu Xenia, goes about $200-300/month.
For more information call:
Made 1: 081-3384-63266
Made 2: 081-2394-4652
*These two may also be hired for your day or week trips around Bali. The going rate is ~30-35 / 10 hours with driver.
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Getting connected
CELLPHONES
Surely you need a cellphone and internet to stay in touch with family and friends.
If you have an Iphone or Samsung or any of those upgraded brands from your country, you can have them jailbroken there or at Rimo (RMC) Elektroniks in Denpasar to make it work compatibly with the networks providers here. This will cost about ~$20.
Or, you can just buy a cellphone. They have almost everything anyway from the cheaper Nokias ($15-20) to all the smart phone providing companies.
Regarding Network Providers: Which is the best? Cheapest?
Bali has many companies that you can choose from: Telkomsel, XL, Mentari, 3, etc. The most popular being Telkomsel and XL. They're all the same but the important thing about choosing a provider is regarding where you live or stay. You want to get the best one for your area or where you'll be spending the most time in. Example, here in the Bukit, the company that provides the best service (reception) is XL.
The SIM Card packets are cheap at about IDR 5,000-10,000 (50 cents-$1). The 'pulsa' (credits) come in values of Rp 5,10,20,25,50, and 100 -- loaded either manually (scratch-off card) or electronically (cellphone).
The SIM cards are all also internet-ready. You just need to buy the 'pulsa' for this to use on your phone, about IDR 50,000-100,000 ($5-10) / 1.5-2 Gb or unlimited / per month .
Calling abroad cheaply: How??
1) Use your network provider.
To make cheap international calls, each network provider has their own special numbers to punch in before the cell-phone number of the person you're calling.
They use VOIP Technology so rates are significantly cheaper than direct dialing.
Here's a partial list of the codes:
TELKOMSEL = 01017
INDOSAT/MENTARI = 01016
XL = 01000
3 = 01089
AXIS = 01012
SMART = 01033
How to use?
Just dial the VOIP code+ country code + area code+ number you're calling.
Ex. calling the US using XL: 010001346xxxxxx
2) Use the internet.
In this day and age of technology, calling aborad is easier and cheaper. If you have internet on your phone, just any of the "free talk" apps available -- viber, skype, tango, etc...
INTERNET
How to get internet service for your laptop and home??
There are 2 companies that offer the economical and portable "plug and play" modem-type internet service.
One is SMARTFREN. It is a reliable internet service provider on the island. This is the one I use and so far, I am usually pleased with its speed. Well, I mostly access my emails, social sites, blog, some websites, and Youtube. Meaning, I only do minor internet surfing.
To purchase a modem, go to its main office on Sunset Road, on the right of Carrefour, if facing it.
The other is Telkomsel. My friends use it and have good things to say about its speed and reliability. It is pricier than Smartfren though.
*Modems are similar style to smartfren's above.
Telkomsel has many office branches that you can go to and purchase its products.
Buying Internet Pulsa:
Like the cellphone, both work on 'pulsa' basis as well. So loading up, one can simply go to any cellphone shop, elektronik center, or the network branches.
If you do more heavy internet work, you may want to get something more reliable and efficient like a Cable Internet connection.
It's more expensive but has better internet service and speed. One may get this from the TV/Cable companies like Indovision, TelkomVision, etc. Know that one needs to purchase the cable box, pay for installation and servicing fees, plus it's monthly of about $100-200.
Previously: Setting Up in Bali: Part 1 -- Accommodations, Furniture, and Appliances
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