Ride the Bemo in Bali

Ride Like a Local in Bali's Minibuses
If you're tired of air-conditioned Bali transportation, and if you want to travel like a local, then it's time you tried riding a bemo. "Bemo" is the generic name for Bali's ubiquitous open-air minibuses, also called "angkot". Bemo are small enough to negotiate the narrow roads that connect Balinese villages, and are cheap enough to accommodate locals on a regular basis.

A bemo is a van or a microbus with all the seats taken out; in place of the seats, a double row of bench-like seating is arranged on either side of the van. Passengers sit facing one another. Passengers can get in and out at any point of the route. The bemo travel on a set route dictated by the local government, and are colour-coded according to their assigned route.

Don't expect even a modicum of luxury when riding a bemo. Passengers from all walks of life bring livestock and other market goods with them on the bemo, so you might find yourself seated next to a live chicken or two.

How to Ride a Bemo in Bali
You can ride a bemo straight from the airport to your hotel in South Bali. To do that, you'll need to walk out of the airport, head in the direction of the Domestic Terminal and exit to the airport road. Bemo outside of the airport head to Kuta, then end up at the bemo terminal In Denpasar (Tegal Terminal).

Riding a bemo is simple. When you see one coming down the road, raise your hand. It'll stop for you and you can get on. It's that easy.

Once on board, tell the driver where you want to get off. You'll then pay your fare. Balinese locals pay IDR 4,000 and up to ride a bemo; if you're an obvious foreigner, it will cost you more. Bule (foreigners, generally white foreigners) are routinely charged more for services in Bali. Luggage also costs extra, unless it can fit comfortably on your lap.

Bemo routes are incredibly complicated and reach into most towns in Bali. For starters, let's look at three major bemo terminals in Denpasar, and the destinations each terminal services.

Ubung Terminal is the busiest terminal in Denpasar, and runs bemo that head to points north and west of the Balinese capital. Start out at Ubung Terminal if you're headed to any of these points in Bali:

Batubulan Terminal, Tanah Lot, Mengwi, Tabanan, Antosari, Lalang Linggah, Bedugul, Medewi, Negara, Gitgit, Sukasada Terminal (Singaraja), Gilimanuk Terminal (for ferry to Java)

Batubulan Terminal heads to points north and east of Kuta, running brown bemo bound for Ubud and dark blue bemo bound for Padangbai and Candidasa. This terminal also runs buses bound for Singaraja and Amlapura. Start out at Batubulan Terminal if you're headed to any of these points in Bali:

Sukawati, Mas, Ubud, Candi Dasa, Gianyar, Klungkung, Bangli, Padangbai (ferry to Lombok), Amlapura, Penarukan Terminal (Singaraja)

Tegal Terminal heads to points south of Denpasar, running bemo that arrive at Legian, Kuta, Jimbaran, Ngurah Rai Airport. Start out at Tegal Terminal if you are headed to any of these points in Bali:

Ubung Terminal, Kereneng Terminal (Denpasar), Kuta, Sanur, Ngurah Rai Airport, Nusa Dua

Bemo generally start running very early in the morning, and start signing off in the late afternoon; the last bemo head back to their garages at 8pm (20:00 hrs)

Bemo Tips
Before hailing your first bemo, do keep the following tips in mind.

If you are just travelling near Kuta or Denpasar, get a taxicab instead. Reserve your bemo trips for visits outside South Bali. Bemo drivers ask for a much higher rate from tourists.

Beware of pickpockets. Keep your valuables on your person at all times; you might not be able to see your bag throughout the trip as it may be stacked on the roof or elsewhere if size does not permit it being inside.

Check if you need to transfer bemo at a certain point in your trip. Ask at the bemo terminal before you ride.

New Kuta – Legian – Seminyak Shuttle Service

Tired of bumping your head in the Bemo? Got a sore butt from the hard seats? No need for this!  Now you can travel in comfort around Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, and soon Nusa Dua, Jimbaran, Sanur and Ubud. No parking problems near the beach. Travel there and back in luxury. Air-conditioned, comfortable and with WiFi.
 
Look for the green and yellow bus and the friendly wave.

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