Riding a Motorbike or Scooter in Bali: Driving Safely in Paradise

Bali’s winding roads, full of endless banana trees, rice fields, ocean vistas and charming cafes make for the ultimate motorbike adventure. However, before you start cruising across the island, it’s important to know how to stay safe and legal while riding a motorcycle or scooter in Bali.

The most common mode of transport in Indonesia - a motorbike.

Getting Your License

If you plan on riding a motorbike in Bali legally, you’ll need a valid license. Whilst many rental companies won’t ask you for a valid license when you rent out a bike, if you’re stopped by the police, you are likely to face some difficulties which could really ruin your trip. Similarly, if your travel insurance covers you for driving a scooter or motorbike, it won’t be possible to claim anything from them in the unfortunate case that you get into a crash.

For tourists, the easiest way around this is having an international driving license along with your home country’s license. However, if you plan on sticking around, it’s a good idea to get an Indonesian driving license. Whilst we are known for being one of Bali’s premier visa and business consulting agencies, we also assist with plenty of other services, too, such as getting you a driving license in Bali. The process is straightforward and stress-free, which means you’ll be driving around the island in no time. Feel free to drop by our Pererenan office or contact us via Whatsapp for more information.

Safety First

Be smart and protect your most important asset - your brain. Make sure you wear a helmet! Whilst you may have visions of the wind blowing through your hair, wearing a helmet keeps you safe and is in line with Indonesian law. If a police officer sees you, you’ll probably be stopped and charged a fine for driving without one. If you are able to stand the heat, wearing long sleeves, trousers and proper shoes will protect your skin if you fall.

Road Conditions

If you’re not used to them, Bali’s roads might be a little tricky. Think potholes, dust, narrow streets, barking dogs that nonchalantly walk out in front of your bike and busy traffic. Try to keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you so you have plenty of time to stop if necessary, and keep your focus on uneven roads. 

Severe traffic congestions are very common in Indonesia.

Weather 

Weather in Bali is notoriously unpredictable. Make sure you bring a raincoat in your boot if it's the rainy season - a big, plastic poncho is every Bali resident’s protection of choice when it comes to heavy rain. If it starts raining exceptionally hard, it’s wise to pull over to the side of the road and wait until it passes, as visibility and road conditions can be dangerous.

Renting a Motorbike

If you need to rent a motorbike, make sure you check it carefully before making a payment. You can always ask the person renting it out if you can take it for a test drive to make sure the rear and front brakes are working well. Check that the tires have grip, the bike drives evenly and is not leaning to one side, and that the lights/horn are working. Make sure that you have good insurance that covers you, and rent from a trusted place or a place with reviews. If something stops working on the bike and it wasn’t your fault, you can usually ask the company to come and repair or trade the motorbike or scooter for you. 

Finding Your Way

While Google Maps has helped even the most rural and remote regions of the island become accessible, it’s not always correct. Double-check the directions with locals and stick to main roads if you don’t know where you are going. On long drives, you may find that Google Maps suggests jungle roads or unpaved tracks that could be risky for inexperienced drivers. 

Riding Tips

Pack light if you’re new to driving, as extra weight can change the way your bike moves. The same goes for having a passenger, so make sure you are comfortable driving by yourself before you offer someone a lift. It goes without saying - but don’t drink and drive. 

Learning to Ride

If you have never driven a motorbike or scooter before, Bali could be a challenging place to start. Take lessons from someone who knows how to drive well and practice on quiet roads where people drive slowly and there aren’t many pedestrians. Driving in certain areas on the weekends could be intimidating, since the traffic can be heavy, so it’s better to avoid Denpasar, Canggu, Sunset Road, Kuta and Seminyak during rush hour when you’re starting out.  

Practice makes it perfect - practice how to ride on quiet roads.

Final Thoughts

If you follow these tips and stay aware of your surroundings, you’ll undoubtedly be able to see the beauty that Bali has to offer. If you need help or assistance with getting a license or a visa to start your Bali motorbiking adventure, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team at Bali Solve. Happy riding!

Written by Team Bali Solve