I did the snorkelling activity and it was simply incredible! Debobo, a very good driver, collected us from our hotel and took us to the east of Bali. We were picked up and went to 2 spots where you can see a huge variety of fish and coral. Once we got back we were able to eat as it was included in the price, and it was very good. Then the same driver as on the outward journey took us back to the hotel. We had a great time and I'd definitely recommend this activity!
H8092QXsharons
28 May 2024
My husband and I had 10-day vacation in Bali. I would like to share experience with travellers regarding Bali transportation. Our lesson is, anytime you have deal with travel agency, and anytime you order a car via Gojek or Grab. Don’t take TAKSI taxi.
1, in Ubud – car with driver – Remember: to have deal with travel agency
I booked an airport pick-up service via xxxxx travel agency. The driver waited us in the airport arrival and picked us on time. On the way to hotel in Ubud, he said he can be our driver for next days program. I asked him the fare, he said the same as the travel agency offered. By directly make deal with us, he can earn a bit more as there is no travel agency’s service charge. I want to help him, so I agreed and tell him the date. I gave him IDR 20k as tips after he dropped usoff at hotel lobby.
To my surprise, on the very day, he was late. 5 mins before the pick-up time (9:30am), the driver sent me Whatsapp message, say, it is a bit traffic, he will be late for 10 mins. After 10 mins, I asked him where he is, he said still traffic.
Finally, I cancelled the service with him and called the travel agency to arrange a car and driver for me.
Thanks to the travel agency, they arranged a driver for me but we have to wait until 11:30 am. The driver arrived on time, we caught up our plan.
2, in Nusa Dua beach – car with driver – Remember: Anytime order a car via Gojek or Grab
I ordered a car via Gojek to transfer us from Seminyak hotel to hotel in Nusa Dua beach. The driver speaks good English, he asked our plan, then he offered his service to transfer us from hotel to Airport on our last day. I even agree to pay him the amount IDR150k which equals to the distance from Seminyak to Nusa Dua.
Driver and car no show happened again. 5 mins. before the agreed pick-up time 8:00am, I called this driver, sent him message, he did not reply and did not answer the call. I looked around at hotel lobby and entrance, I did not see the driver and his car. I then immediately ordered car via Gojek. After we arrived at the airport, I paid IDR100k total, saved IDR50k. Thanks to Gojek, I did not miss my flight.
The driver sent me message say he arrived at the hotel lobby 7:50am. Actually, I read it is 8:15am he sent the Whatsapp message. He was late and he was cheating us.
---- Conclusion: Don’t be so kind hearted want to help the driver. You have no control power over him. It is the only way to order a car via Gojek, Grab, with which the driver is under control.
3, in Seminyak – TAKSI Taxi --- be careful with TAKSI taxi
The day before, we hired a Bluebird taxi on the street near by Beachwalk Shopping center back to Courtyard by Marriott Bali Seminyak Resort. It was around 4:40pm, a bit traffic. We paid IDR45k per Taxi meter for 4.3km.
The following day around 8:10pm, Gojek shows no car available at Beachwalk shopping center, neither Bluebird taxi. We were waiting there, and we saw a TAKSI taxi arrived, the guests get off the car. I approached the driver, he confirmed ‘meter’. We get in, I show him the Gojek order page which is IDR38K, I tell him the price I paid yesterday was IDR45k. He said, I have meter.
I saw the initial rate IDR7,000 on the meter. Same route, the road traffic was a bit smooth than yesterday afternoon. I think it shall be at most IDR45k because the driving distance is even a bit short than yesterday.
1.5km away from our hotel, I read the meter IDR93K. It is already doubled. I asked the driver, he said yes this is the price. The meter is still ticking. I realised that this TAKSI taxi driver tampered on his meter. I said I will only pay you IDR45k. The driver stopped car, forced us to walk 1.5km back hotel. I want to take picture of his meter, the driver covered the meter by his hand palm
-- conclusion: be careful with TAKSI taxi, the driver is out of company control.
I have pictures of above mentioned bad stories, car plate number, driver’s whatsapp screen shot, etc.