In Reply to: To those with a lot of driver experience posted by nyc_to_bali on Wednesday, 22. June 2005 at 10:19 Bali Time:
Having a driver that waits for you is pretty normal in Bali. They don't mind waiting around as they are getting paid and the majority of them don't actually get jobs so they will not mind being 'on call' at all. The only trouble I think you would have is if the driver is available - even if you do pay them for the whole week you are there, these people (as you know) are sometimes desperate for money, so you may find that he may send somebody different if your personal driver is not available.
My advice to you would be that if you do ever get stuck after making an arrangement with a driver (for example, he is unable to take you out for the day), and he is unable to turn up, then jump into a Bluebird metered taxi - there are heaps of them all over Bali - especially Poppies Lane II. It is just as cheap to travel in one of these and the majority of the time, the driver will wait with his meter off while you go and explore - this guarantees him a fare back to Kuta and he will make more money than what he would have if he hung about Kuta. If you do decide to do this if you get stuck, then just buy the taxi driver a drink or something to eat while he waits. You won't have any problems.
I don't think you will have any problems finding a driver though that would be willing to 'be on call' for you throughout your trip. Have a look through the archives for recommendations on who to go with. I always hear that 'Scooby' is very good and honest. He also has a website and contact details which a customer of his did up for him so that says something! You could email him before hand and ask him if he would be interested in your proposal. Of course, you could do this with any of the drivers that have their contact details supplied on the Forum - Scooby was just a driver who popped into my head straight away as I have read MANY good reports about him.
I hope this helps!
Good luck and have a great holiday!