Getting around on the tiny island is never a real problem, and there are plenty of modes of transport available to the traveler. Walking is the most basic way of getting around villages, beaches or resort areas. However, to travel elsewhere- for instance from Kuta the beach town into Ubud, the cultural center of Bali located in the jungle, travelers will need to find a way to travel.
The good news is there are many options. Most travelers are satisfied with either a bemo (chartered vehicles with driver) or taxi (metered). Travelers will hear the world "Bemo, bemo, bemo" or "Transport transport" all over Bali. If the vehicle has a taxi meter, travelers should insist that the meter must be turned on. Otherwise, the driver will offer a fixed fare, or say the meter is broken. A short trip across town could cost about Rp.5,000 to 10,000. If the vehicle is a "private" bemo, and has no meter, it is typical to bargain for the cost of the charter before taking the ride.
A Bicycle is an economical and scenic way to travel through Bali. Many villages have a place to hire a bike for about Rp.8,000 to Rp.15,000 per day. When exploring the backroads in places like Ubud and around Lovina, travelers may find a bicycle an ideal form of transport. However, bikers should keep on the smaller roads and plan out each trip since Balinese road conditions are not always suited to long bike rides, with its steep hills and thick traffic on some of the main roads. A good map such as the "Bali Pathfinder", available in Ubud, is helpful. Also, travelers should note to ride on the left side of the road.
For adventurers, a motorbike is a quick but often dangerous way to get around town. Travelers need to purchase insurance premium and must have an international drivers license. Wear a helmet at all times and keep your drivers license on you. The police will often trawl for scootering tourists at major intersections. Failure to produce a license will result in an on the spot "fine". Keep in mind, motorbike accidents are one of the leading causes of injury to foreign tourists on Bali and Balinese drivers can be crazy!
Unless you speak the language, you need to look at transportation as being far more than just getting from A to B. Sure hiring a driver is not the cheapest option in Bali (but is really cheap by Western standards) - but what you can learn about the country, people and customs from an experienced driver, make the cost well worth while. There are plenty of drivers with good English available, and they have their own web pages, so you can plan your holiday with them begining with your airport pick-up, and then relax into a fantastic, stress-less escape, into the magic which is Bali.