Bali Driver/guide Nengah Polos
 

I found his website mentioned by someone posting on the Lonely Planet forum and wondered if anyone is familiar with him or has used him. If so, would you recommend him?

What I would really do is wait until you get there. Get to whatever hotel you are staying at and see what you feel like doing. I wouldn't plan any excursions or days ahead of time, because Bali time has a way of slowing you way down, and interesting things have a way of happening along the way without planning.

If you wait, too, you will be able to meet the driver in person, see the vehicle in person, and talk about what you want to do/see, and work out a price agreeable to both of you. It is a very good idea to see the car before agreeing, as some of the vehicles are very poor.

Also know that many who drive tourists around are not properly licensed to do so, and will be stopped at roadblocks to pay the police. It's not a big deal, but wastes time and takes a bit of money, though not much. Dewa from Alam Sari is definitely licensed, as is a driver that you arrange through a good hotel. If a driver is using the property's vehicle, the license is OK. I don't know if Putu is licensed to transport tourists, but I would suspect so from the prices he charges.

I've ridden plenty of times with licensed and unlicensed drivers...they are the same really. Some are good and suit us, some are good but don't suit us so well, and some are just not good.

You can so easily arrange a driver through your hotel, or just pick one of the hundred on the street in Ubud. It is something you should not be worried about, as it will surely and definitely not be a problem at all.

Wait until you get there. It's easy to find a driver on Bali. Happy Travels!

All good advice from the others . There are drivers all over when you walk the street looking for business and eager to talk price. Ask to see their cars as some will be old and others quite new with better air conditioning etc .Offer a third to half and see what happens . Just smile and be polite and bargain . If there are a few of you think about a mini van with more leg room if doing a longish tour.

personally i was glad i arranged my driver in advance and had at least one personal reference on him from this board....why wasted vacation time seeking out a driver after you are there?? and then have to plan what you intend to do....do it in advance and maximize your stay

rhkkmk-
do you remember who you had and whether you'd recommend him? I figure it would be good to book at least one day, and then you can always book another driver if you see someone you think would be good.

We use Nengah Polos last November and it was great, very good english, fun, reliable, knowledge and reasonable price only 200,000 Indonesian rupiahs (US $22) for half day tour (5 - 6 hour) and full day only 300,000 Indonesian rupiahs (US $33)for full day tour. He also came to airport to pick us up with cheaper price than airport taxi cost. He very knowledge in Balinese cultures, life and excellent in service. Finally contact him at www.bali-driver-polos.com or www.bali-day-trip.com/balidriver-guide.html

Trust him for your Bali driver to make your Bali trip memorable one!