In Reply to: bimo's posted by caris on Monday, 6. November 2006 at 14:51 Bali Time:
Now the Sanur Bemo rate depends.......are you a local.....are you a tourist.....are you an ex-pat. If you are the latter then you probably wouldn't be seen dead in a bemo in the first place old china.
Now the prices can vary, anywhere from 2000RP - 5000RP per person. I think the local villagers slip the drivers 1000RP. As a family of 5 whenever we felt game for it we would catch a Bemo from the Sanur Beach Hotel up to say Griya Santrian for 15,000 for all 5 of us. (That's only around AU$2.00 and it sure beats walking). If you're quoted anymore than 20,000 you are better off bartering a driver to take you.
Every year when I go back to Bali I usually notice some changes....particularly in my 2nd home of Sanur, but in the case of Bemos I am sure that the ones that I jumped into way back in 1980 are the same bemos on the road today.... only kidding (I think).
Bemos for the uninitiated are a very small van (and I use that term very loosely), that usually run on a set route like a bus. Unlike back in the 80's where you entered from the rear (thats the van I'm talking about here caris) todays vans have sliding side doors I should say doorways because most have either had their doors torn off or are permanently left open and have no aircond being ventilated only by windows (oh and the rusty holes in the floor) .
There a bench seats along each side of the van for the passenger and a seat in front next to the driver but usually this is always taken by the drivers mate who rides shotgun all day.
There are no set stops you just hail them and then let them know where you want to get off. It's an adventure....but it's Bali and it's fun
Cheers
Don