Most visitors to Bali have had at least one experience (either out of necessity or sheer curiousity) of traveling in a bemo.
What are they?
Basically, it’s a wee van that seats between 8 (in theory) and 18 people (in practice!) and has a hold cut in the side of it where you get in. They come in a variety of colours. There is one driver and on the bigger bemos (there are two sizes) a ticket collector who kind of hangs out the door waving down potential commuters.
Where and at what time can I catch a bemo?
Bemos follow routes around most villages and all cities and have designated terminals and waiting points. Some of the more well known ones are in Batubulan, Kereneng and Tegal in Denpasar, and at Bemo Corner in Kuta. Depending on the area, bemos will run from as early as 5am through till around 7pm.
Do bemos have designated stops?
No, you just call out “Stop Pak!” when you want to get off and then pay at the end. If you don’t know where you’re going, you can ask the driver first if his route goes that way and to tell you when you get there.
How do I catch one and how much do I pay?
If they don’t honk for you first, just wave one down as it passes. Payment is a tricky one because even the locals get charged different prices according to their age, “bemo experience”, and disposition. One thing is certain – there is a tourist price and it’s hard to battle for a local one. If it’s still within one region, say Sanur, locals only pay a thousand rupiah. Have the correct money ready and say “terima kasih” as you hop out and pop it in his hand.
