What you should know before hiring a car in Denpasar
| Denpasar city centre | ||
| Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS): 13 km from city centre | ||
Practical information
Where to rent a car in Denpasar?
Denpasar is the capital city of Bali, an island province of Indonesia. Located on the southern tip of the island, Denpasar is known as a gateway to Bali, and is served by the island's principle airport of Ngurah Rai International Airport. There is plenty to see in Bali, however getting around the island can be challenging due to the limited number of transport options. Tourist shuttle buses will transport visitors to popular sites, however to see as much of the island as possible, with as few limitations as possible, renting a car is a great way to travel. Car rental companies such as Avis and Rent a Car can be found in Denpasar, with desks at Ngurah Rai International Airport.
Driving in Denpasar: parking and other tips
Driving in Denpasar and the rest of Bali can often be an adventure – but it pays to be aware of the rules of the road before renting a car in Bali! Visitors wishing to rent a car in Bali will need an International Driver's License; in Bali, drive on the left and always pay attention to the road ahead. Road conditions can vary and traffic can be unpredictable, so always be alert. Avoid drinking and driving in Bali and abide by the speed limits. These are usually 50km/h in urban areas; 80km/h on open roads; and 100km/h on the highway.
When it comes to parking in Denpasar, a number of hotels will offer guest parking spaces. There is also parking available at the airport, and a good option is to explore Denpasar before renting a car to discover the rest of Bali.
Road trips from Denpasar
Explore Bali by rental car and enjoy the freedom of traveling around the island at your own pace. These three road trip destinations from Denpasar include beaches, culture, religious sites and traditional villages.
Ubud
Around 15 miles north of Denpasar by road, the town of Ubud is located amidst rice paddies and rainforest and is a popular destination for visitors to Bali. Popular attractions in Ubud include the Ubud Monkey Forest; the Goa Gajah 'Elephant Cave'; and the Puri Lukisan Museum art museum. Ubud is the perfect place to relax and learn more about Balinese culture and traditions.
Seminyak and the southern beaches
A popular resort area, Seminyak is located just a few miles from the center of Denpasar. Filled with cafes and overlooking the Bali Sea and Indian Ocean, its beaches are popular for sunbathing and water sports, while the area is also known for its nightlife. From here, drive 11 miles east to the town of Sanur to relax on its white, sandy beach and visit attractions such as the Pura Blanjong temple.
A Road Trip To East Bali
To explore another part of Bali, drive out of Denpasar and head east along the coast. Around 50 miles away, the Amed area of the island can be found. A collection of traditional, peaceful fishing villages overlooking the Bali Sea, this is a peaceful region in which to escape the crowds of southern Bali. The stretch of coastline known as Amed is comprised of seven villages, including Amed, Jemeluk and Lipah, and is a brilliant option for a road trip in Bali which is off the beaten path.
