Our recent Bali trip was all about experiencing the island in style, especially for our planned Ubud temple visits. We opted for a luxury car rental with a driver, and it was a decision we didn’t regret. The roads in Ubud, particularly around the temples, are surprisingly narrow and often quite steep. Having an experienced local driver navigate these conditions in a comfortable vehicle made all the difference. We considered a few options, weighing the pros and cons of each.
For those looking for a premium yet practical experience, a Toyota Alphard with a driver for a 10-hour day typically runs between $120 and $180 USD. This is a fantastic choice if you prioritize spaciousness and comfort for a small group. We saw many families using Alphards, and they seemed perfectly suited for the terrain. If you’re aiming for a more upscale feel, a Mercedes or BMW with a driver for the same 10-hour duration would set you back between $200 and $350 USD. This provides an elevated level of luxury and prestige, ideal for special occasions or if you simply prefer that extra touch of sophistication.
Self-driving a luxury SUV, like a Land Cruiser or similar, is also an option, costing roughly $150 to $300 USD per day. However, we quickly realized that navigating Bali’s roads, especially after dark in areas like Uluwatu where roads can be poorly marked, would have added unnecessary stress. Having a private driver allowed us to truly relax and soak in the scenery. For the ultimate indulgence, exotic cars like a Ferrari or Lamborghini are available for a staggering $800 to $2,500 USD per day. While tempting for a photo opportunity, these aren’t practical for temple hopping in Ubud, given the road conditions.
It’s worth noting that pricing for all these options can increase significantly during peak season due to higher demand. We travelled during a slightly off-peak time, which likely helped us secure better rates. When it comes to tipping your driver, a good service tip of 50,000 to 100,000 IDR (approximately $3-$7 USD) is common and greatly appreciated. Our driver was incredibly knowledgeable and attentive, making our temple visits not just comfortable but also enriching. For anyone planning extensive temple tours or exploring areas with challenging roads, investing in a luxury car with a professional driver in Bali is, in our opinion, money well spent.
For arrangements, a specialist offering Bali luxury transport can coordinate this end to end.
More on Baliluxurycarrental.
Notes compiled and verified by the Baliluxurycarrental team from on-the-ground operations.
