Bali - Finding a driver

Let's resume with Bali. (Refer to Bali tab for all related posts!)

While i only went for a 3D2N trip in Bali, I wanted to explore other parts of Bali because i may not return anytime soon (i have too many wanderlust) Therefore, I wanted to arrange for a day trip and get ourselves out of town.

There's lots of recommendation in the internet for you to book a driver to bring you to various parts of Bali. Lots of them. Tripadvisor, various travelling platforms. Too many. Too confusing. i dk how to choose as well.

I reckoned one can find those high ratings drivers in Tripadvisor. (Well, its quite difficult to find soooooooooooooo many reviewers from all over the world to make false reviews. It should be trustworthy.)

I shortlisted a few drivers from forums, although i prefer to find a driver from blog travelogues. 

Well, they give me a more complete picture than a few sentences in forums. Not that blog travelogues will say anything more, i just feel safer. HAHAHA. - My theory

Its not just the money factor, it about feeling safe in the touristy Bali.

So i was blog hopping and came across a travelogue who had highly recommended a driver called Esa. 

I added Esa  (search Bali Friend Esa) on Facebook and found out that one of my friends actually engaged his service before. (YAY!!) At least, i will have an unbiased review.

I immediately asked her for recommendations because I need to know if Esa is indeed a good driver. Well, i read too many horrendous stories online and i honestly don wanna take risk.

My friend said he is really good and is someone who is able to make your trip in Bali memorable. Thats it. I went to msg him and was really excited to know that he was available during my Bali stay. Hooray! HAHA.

In any case, he has a website and you may take a look for more details:

http://esabali.blogspot.sg/

http://www.baliexcitingtour.com/

Esa has a driver team called "Drivers with Distinction". One of his colleague, named Dean, is exceptionally funny and takes really nice photos.

I saw him during one of our sight seeing attractions, you guys may wanna consider looking for Dean instead! (oops) I am a sucker for anyone who can take nice photos. HAHA. He may just take some really nice photos for you. If anyone is interested, you may find him on Facebook: Dean- Bali-Dude.

Dean took these pictures for us!




Else Esa is reallyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy a good choice too.
He is really honest and trustworthy.
I would highly recommend him as well!

Positive:
- The car is v new and clean.
- No need deposit to book your dates.
- Just msg him on Facebook.
- Let him know your flight and hotel details.
- He is punctual and really niceeeeeeeeeeee.
- He will also help you take many MANYYYYYYYYYYYY photos.

Negative:
I cant think of any.

Price:
One day tour price (10 hours) - IDR 500 000/ USD 45
Half day tour (5 hours) - IDR 300 000
Airport transfer from Seminyak - IDR 150 000



Okay, now the burning question. Where to go in Bali?


Drivers in Bali will recommend a itinerary for you. But first, you will have to inform them the places where you wanna go and they will try their best to accommodate to your needs by giving you a personalised itinerary.

Bali is v big, and i suggest you follow the recommendations given by your driver. They knows Bali well and will be able to tell you if the places that you wanna go are capable of fitting into the 10 hours schedule. (You can always pay more if you exceed the 10 hours!)

I did my own research and shortlisted the places that i wanna go. However, i realised that some of the attractions that i wanna go seems to be quite a distance from one another. Its just impossible to go all.

So i told Esa that  I only wanted to go the following places:

1. Tanah Lot for sunset


2. Ulu watu (Its highly recommended for sunset viewing too! But i don have the time as I only have 2 nights in Bali. I only have 2 sunsets to view; One for Tanah Lot and the other for The breeze restaurant.

3. Visit 1 temple.
4. Rice terraces.


Esa told me that its impossible to visit Tanah Lot and Ulu watu on the same day. Therefore, he suggested that i take a 1.5 days trip and advised me to consider the Bali North Coast tour. (i cant afford a 2 days trip because i am flying back the following day afternoon)

Well, he told me that Tanah Lot and Ulu watu are kind of far from one another. I will be wasting alot of time travelling when i could have saved the time to visit other places. Therefore, i am advised to take a 1.5 days trip.

Anyway, Esa's website on the "Bali Tour" tab is v comprehensive. Depending on where you wanna go, the attractions found in the various routes will maximise you 10 hours, 1 day trip.