In Reply to: driving in bali posted by lynda_victoria on Tuesday, 25. April 2006 at 20:29 Bali Time:
It's a bit of a pain if only because it's hard to get detailed maps showing all the villages (we have the Periplus and that's tricky to navigate from). The sign posts often show small villages en route rather than the big town at the end, so it can be confusing.
Hubby & I always get on very well, except when driving around Bali and I am a hopeless navigator. If you self drive, just cruise, stay calm. Stop regularly if you get a bit lost - it's often delightful stopping by the roadside and asking directions & having a chat (guys just won't tho - a guy thing). Plan short trips.
It IS very good to have your own transport, to be able to do whatever you want whenever you want especially if you are spending a week or 2 cruising around the island and just want to go at your own pace. And much as we both love the Balinese, having a driver just doesn't suit us. We like be on our own without having to be concerned about someone else, I guess that's what it boils down to, we prefer to be alone. Just our opinion and as you can see, very many people here are happy to use drivers for lengthy trips. For us, having a driver for the 2 hours from the airport to Candi Dasa was more than enough and he was a delightful, well-informed, mostly silent guy. Horses for courses. A Jimny is about $10A/day for weekly rental. Just be sure everything works and the driver's seat is comfy.
If you're very new to Bali you might well appreciate a driver to provide you with information but our first trip was in '83.
In Medewi there are only very basic losmen and one hotel, Medewi Beach Cottages - it's about $35-40A for a double - it's OK, but what could be a wonderful view of the surf break is spoiled by a security fence. If you decide to stay there, bargain. Eat at the restaurant attached to the losmen just along the beach - ate the best fish I have ever eaten there in Sept 2005.