The upcoming UNFCCC (UN Framework Conference for Climate Change) starting December 4th 2007, will attract over 10,000 delegates from around the world. The conference will be held in Nusa Dua where most delegates will be staying, but some will have to stay in other locations such as Sanur, Kuta and Jimbaran. For someone who has never been to Bali here is a quick guide to getting around in these areas.
Nusa Dua has its own network of high quality roads and sidewalks, probably the best on the island. You can walk safety around Nusa Dua without fear of accidents, crime or any other unfortunate thing happening to you. Security during the conference will be at an all time high so safety is assured.
Nusa Dua is directly connected to the airport / Kuta area by the 4 lane Bypass Ngurah Rai. During normal hour a trip to the airport will take 15 minutes. During rush hours traffic will be heavier but gridlock is rare. Kuta will take around 20 minutes from Nusa Dua.
Bali has a selection of taxi companies, the best being Bluebird, which has modern AC cars with a 24 hour dispatcher. Reservations can be taken and they are reliable. When taking a taxi make sure you have plenty of small bills as many taxi drivers will tell you they have no change. When taking a taxi from one developed area to another, for example Nusa Dua to Sanur / Kuta / Seminyak etc. there is no problem finding one to get back. Simply flag one down in the street. More obscure locations such as Uluwatu / Dreamland, etc. will be more difficult.
For people who need reliable transport on a daily basis, the best option is to hire a car with driver. Generally arranging this is quite easy. The Kuta / Legian / Seminyak / Sanur / Nusa Dua areas have many local car rental places, offering an assortment of vehicles. A 4 door SUV / family van such as a Toyota Kijang or Taruna will go for 150,000rp a day for a older model, to 350,000rp per day for a newer one. During the UNFCCC transport may be at a premium, so prices will rise, but you should be able to arrange a driver from the car rental place for 100,000r per day extra. Generally a driver will work 8-10 hours a day and be very happy if you buy him lunch / dinner.
Geographically Bypass Ngurah Rai connects Nusa Dua with Kuta and Sanur, passing the airport on the way. An offshoot of the Bypass, known as the Sunset Rd, connects with Legian / Seminyak and should be taken if one is heading to Kerobokan / Canggu / west Denpasar. The area of Denpasar where foreign consulates is located is called Renon, in SE Denpasar. Renon can be easily accessed by driving towards Sanur and following Jl. Raya Puputan (across from Jl. Hang Tuah). The US and Australian consulates are among those found in Renon.
There is no train service / subway / public bus or monorail in Bali. Locals use a combination of motorbikes, bemo buses (small privately operated vans) and ojeks (motorbike taxis).
If you are arriving in Bali and do not have a pre-arranged pick up, simply head right after you exit the building to the taxi office. There you will be able to purchase a voucher for an airport taxi. These are slightly more expensive than regular taxis but guarantee you will not be excessively over charged. You might pay around 70,000rp from the airport to Nusa Dua. Prices are posted at the airport taxi office.
