Besides the daily trip to university, there is so much to discover in Bali and beyond. For most rides on the island, the scooter is the students’ first choice, with apps like Gojek and Grab close behind. To explore Asia and the neighboring islands, you hop on a plane, a speedboat or a ferry.
Exploring Bali
Stay flexible and enjoy the freedom.
Scooter
Scooters are by far the most popular way to get around Bali. You set your own schedule instead of depending on public transport, it is very affordable, and you feel the Bali vibe as you weave through the busy streets.
Apps and taxis
Gojek and Grab are app-based motorbike and car taxis. Their prices are among the lowest in Asia, which makes them another easy and safe way to get from A to B. If you prefer a classic taxi, Bluebird is the most reliable choice, and its app even lets you book your pick-up in advance.
Experiencing Asia
Make your Bali adventure even bigger.
By plane
Flying around Indonesia and Asia is common and, thanks to low-cost airlines, very affordable. Many GoBali students use the mid-semester break to visit nearby countries, and plenty stay on after their exams to travel before heading home.
By boat
Indonesia has around 17,000 islands, so sooner or later you will take a boat. The Gili Islands and Nusa Lembongan are student favorites and only reachable by sea: by speedboat, or for the real adventure, by traditional ferry.
Which ride for what?
| Option | Best for | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Own scooter | Daily ride to campus, flexibility | Rented by the month; license and helmet required |
| Gojek / Grab bike | Quick solo rides | Cheap and fast through traffic, helmet provided |
| Gojek / Grab car | Rainy days, going out, luggage | Fixed price in the app, air conditioning |
| Bluebird taxi | Rides without data or from hotels | Metered, reliable, bookable in advance in the app |
| Private driver | Day trips with friends | Split the cost, the driver waits and knows the island |
Riding a scooter safely
- License: your home license with the motorcycle category plus an International Driving Permit.
- Helmet, always, and closed clothes on longer rides.
- Insurance: check that your travel health insurance covers scooter accidents.
- Take it slow at first: traffic flows differently in Bali. Keep left, expect the unexpected and use your horn to say “I’m here”.
- Rainy season: roads get slippery and flood quickly, so ride carefully or take a car.
- Never ride after drinking. Take a ride-hailing car home instead.
Arriving in Bali
From the airport
Ngurah Rai International Airport is only 15 minutes from the Jimbaran campus and about 45 minutes from the Ngurah Rai campus. Use the official taxi counter or the app pick-up areas.
Apps to install
Gojek and Grab for rides and food delivery, the Bluebird app for taxis, and an offline map. Get a local SIM card at the airport so everything works from day one.
Renting a scooter
Most students rent a scooter by the month. Check brakes, tires and lights before you ride off, and take photos of any existing damage.