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                                                                      Indonesian Railroad:
   Trains (Kereta api) in Indonesia are restricted to Java & Sumatra.
   On Sumatra not only are the rail lines not fully connected but the lines they have are of poor quality. Distance travel is best done by bus.
   Java on the other hand has a good rail system that runs from the ferry from Sumatra to the ferry to Bali. (The full length of Java.) and serves most of the major cities. Fares and quality of service vary from poor/slow & cheap to excellent/fast & expensive. Pick your poison. I however, if say going to Yogya' from Kuta or Ubud (Round trip), would rather hire a driver for a few days. In fact on my next trip to Bali I've already talked with my driver about going to Mt. Bromo for a day. However if I was going for an extended period of time, I'd probably choose the train.
                                                                            Bus (Bis)
   Buses are the mainstay of transportation in Indonesia & you can catch a bus to almost anywhere on the Islands. They, like the trains, run the gambit from Fantastic to down right ugly. 1. Ekonomi buses run routes between cities and will stop anywhere to pick up passengers and their animals (Goats, Pigs, etc.) A very cheap way to get around, though not very comfortable. O. K. for short distances. 2. Patas (express) these buses only pick up passengers at selected stations. (Not from the side of the road.) On these your guaranteed a seat. Cost: a little more but well worth the difference & you'll be able to hold a better conversation with the Indonesians you meet (Without the Oink, Oink, Baa & cackle of the birds & animals bothering you.) 3. The luxury buses are air conditioned and some go as far as having an on board Kamar Kecil (bathroom), Karaoke, T. V. s, reclining seats & may even sell snacks. Most expensive but still very reasonable. You should make reservations for these & as with all buses (Because of limited space.) pack light.
                                                                           Bemo (minibus):
   These minibuses service the most out of the way villages and are also used as local transportation. At one time/& still to a small degree today the Bemo was/is a pick-up truck with seats on both sides of the back. Very crowded, but in a strange way fun. (If you want to experience the real Indonesia, a ride in/on a bemo is a must do.) Be careful, if a Bemo is empty, you may inadvertently end up chartering it. Bemo drivers are well known to overcharge the uninformed, check with other Indonesians i.e. your hotel staff, etc. what the going rate is.
                                                                            Taxi: (Taksi)
   On unlicensed taxies you'll have to barter with the driver for the best rate. Licensed taxies have a fixed price with a meter but the driver will expect a tip. Cheaper then hiring a driver but not as convenient. WARNING: Make sure the meter is set to zero. A common scam is to preset the meter, you'll go 4 miles and be charged for 7 because there were 3 miles already on the meter when you started. If you ask him about it, you'll get. "Oh! I forget to change it after last  person, Ma'af."
                                                                            Hire a driver:        
   A very reasonable way to get around, not only are you getting a driver but also a guild, a translator, and if you get really lucky, as I was, a friend. (I liked Noyman from the start & even though I realized that he was getting a commission on everything I purchased & I was paying him above the average rate, he was so diligent, prompt and friendly, that  I decided to keep him for the time I was working out of Ubud.  He was so pleased that he invited me to dinner at his home. His wife spent most of the day, while he & I went to Besakik, roasting a suckling pig. It was a fantastic meal & I fell in love with his family, he had four daughters.) (He recently had a son). If you need a good driver/guide in the Ubud area Call Noyman at: 62 0361 979379 and tell him, his American brother, Al Grove sent you.
                                                                             Rental Car:
   Good if your doing business, because if your buying and hire a driver he will be getting a commission on all of your purchases and while attending meetings you'll be paying him to wait around. Just remember they drive on the left hand side of the road, The roads leave a lot to be desired, and worst of all (it's a lot like driving, during rush hour, in N. Y. City.) If you have a choice, hire a driver. Remember your there to enjoy yourself and see the sites and this can best be done if you don't have to (Watch the road.)
                                                                            Motor bike:
   Cheapest way to get around but believe me (I came close to having a Heart Attack more then once while riding on the back of a Balinese friends bike) unless you've done a lot of cycling back home take it easy. The road conditions aren't the best and the Balinese seem to loose their sanity when they climb onto a motor bike or into a car.
                                                                      Horse & Carrage:     
   The same as in Phila. or Central Park in N. Y. City: Just for the romance.
                                                                             Bicycle:
   A great way to see Bali. You can rent bicycles almost everywhere on Bali and the experience of biking Bali is a fantastic one. If you have the time, rent a bike and have a driver drop you off at Besakih or Batur then ride down from the mountains. You'll not only see some of the most beautiful scenery you'll ever get a chance to see but you'll meet a lot fantastic people and since you'll be staying over night in a lot of small villages probable be invited to some religious ceremonies that other TOURIST will never get the chance to attend, see dances they'll never get a chance to see, etc. An added bonus is the exercise. However, don't think that because your going from the mountains to the sea, it's all downhill, you'll have valleys to cross etc. but it's still better then going in the other direction. So if you have the time BIKE BALI.
                               Hint: If you know your going to BIKE BALI, or even think you may, 
                                  take some time to do some riding at home. Get in shape.   Al
                                                                            On foot:   
   The only slower way to see Bali and the only way to see the top of the volcanoes and some of the small Temples (A Balinese friend & I hiked down a trail, into a valley, to a very old, very beautiful Temple that very few tourist ever get to see. I thank Ketut for that experience.) is to hike it. Their are some gorgeous trails, not only in the rainforests, on the volcanoes, or along the beaches but also through the rice fields. Don't miss the thrill of discovery you can get, only by HIKING BALI. However, remember when hiking in the rice fields or rainforest, that Bali has poisonous snakes, leeches, and some nasty insects. Dress accordingly. i.e. High Boots and a good insect repellent, etc. and be careful where you step.
                           No matter how you travel, be assured your going to love BALI.     Al