In Bali, motorcycles are a common mode of transportation for locals, especially in places like Ubud, where you’ll often see them weaving through the rice fields. Many tourists, upon seeing this, might be tempted by the idea of renting a scooter as an economical and convenient way to freely explore Bali.
Is it safe to ride scooters in Bali?
Short answer: It depends. If you’ve never ridden a scooter before and are only here for a short vacation, we don’t recommend trying it. However, if you’re an experienced rider and feel confident, go ahead and give it a try!
Riding a scooter in Bali offers a unique enjoyment, cruising through rice paddies, feeling the breeze, and admiring the surrounding scenery—it’s unparalleled. But don’t forget, Bali’s traffic conditions are entirely different from other places, especially in busy urban areas. Locals and vacationing foreigners often drive by instinct, leading to precarious situations. You might also encounter traffic jams or sudden heavy rain. Be mentally prepared!
Even when rain interrupts your Bali trip, the island offers plenty of alternative activities to ensure you can still experience its wonderful culture and natural wonders. Through the 60 alternative plans shared in this article, we hope to provide solutions that allow you to fully enjoy your time and explore Bali’s beauty, even on rainy days!
How much does it cost to rent a scooter?
Scooter rental costs in Bali vary depending on the model, age of the vehicle, and location.
Short-term Rental Costs
- Scoopy or Vario 110cc: 70,000–110,000 IDR (approximately $6) per day
- Vario 125cc: 100,000–150,000 IDR (approximately $7) per day
- NMax: 100,000–200,000 IDR (approximately $8) per day
Long-term Rental Costs If planning an extended stay in Bali, opting for long-term rentals is usually more cost-effective.
- Scoopy or Vario 110cc: 1,100,000 IDR (~$70) per month
- Vario 125cc: 1,500,000 IDR (~$95) per month
- NMax: 2,000,000 IDR (~$125) per month
Fuel Street vendors in Bali often sell gasoline in old vodka bottles, priced at around 10,000 IDR per liter (approximately USD$0.6).
Reasons Not to Recommend Riding Scooters in Bali 🚫🏍️
However, for foreign tourists, riding motorcycles in Bali carries significant risks. Here are several reasons why we don’t recommend choosing motorcycles as the primary mode of transportation:
1. Heavy Traffic and Complex Rules 🚦
Bali’s traffic environment is far from relaxed, especially in popular areas like Kuta, Jimbaran, and Seminyak, where severe traffic congestion is common. Additionally, Bali follows right-hand driving, which differs from Taiwan or China. For tourists accustomed to left-hand driving, adapting to local traffic flow can be quite challenging. Factors such as vehicles coming and going, rare traffic lights, and drivers switching lanes during traffic jams add to the higher risks of riding motorcycles.
2. Unpredictable Driving by Foreign Tourists 🌍
Bali’s roads are shared not only with locals but also with many foreign tourists, some of whom may have never ridden motorcycles in their home countries. Their lack of experience and unstable driving can lead to reckless behavior, significantly increasing road safety hazards. Even if you’re skilled, encountering these unpredictable drivers can still pose risks.
3. International License and Safety Gear Requirements 📄
When riding a motorcycle in Bali, an international driver’s license is required. Otherwise, you may be stopped by local police and fined. Additionally, Bali mandates helmet use for motorcycle riders, but many tourists overlook this due to unfamiliarity, which is both unsafe and could result in fines.
4. High Medical Costs 💰
According to the owner of Mr. Lobster, who runs a restaurant in Bali, he frequently encounters tourists injured in motorcycle accidents. Due to their injuries, they are unable to participate in other activities and can only rest and dine at his restaurant. It’s important to note that medical expenses in Bali are extremely high. If you’re unfortunate enough to get injured, the medical costs could significantly increase your travel budget, putting a damper on your trip. (Personal experience: A friend once suffered an ankle fracture, and a simple cast/bandage cost 12,000,000 IDR, equivalent to approximately NT$24,000/USD$800.)
5. Road Conditions and Natural Factors 🌧️
Road conditions in Bali are unpredictable, especially in Ubud and rural areas where roads are narrow, muddy, and can quickly deteriorate with changing weather. During the rainy season, weather changes rapidly, and sudden downpours can make roads slippery. Combined with Bali’s mountainous terrain, this poses a risk for tourists unfamiliar with the area, who may easily slip or lose balance. Bali’s climate is also highly variable, so even on seemingly sunny days, sudden storms or strong winds can occur.
6. Affordable Alternatives 🚖
Bali offers many affordable transportation options, such as private car hires, ride-hailing motorcycles, or ride-hailing cars. Compared to renting motorcycles, these options are safer and more convenient, making them a more reliable choice for tourists unfamiliar with local traffic.
Further Reading: The Complete Guide to Private Car Hire in Bali – Costs, Booking Methods, and Advantages
Further Reading: Real-Life Example of Using a Ride-Hailing App for Motorcycles: Save Time and Effort!
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Key Safety Tips for Renting Motorcycles
If you still insist on using a motorcycle as your primary mode of transportation, be sure to keep the following tips in mind:
- Always Wear a Helmet! No matter how it looks or feels, wearing a helmet is a must! Many accidents occur due to overconfidence or drunk driving.
- Drive on the Left: Remember, Bali follows right-hand drive/left-side driving!
- Avoid Hanging Bags: Bag snatching is common in the area.
- International License Required: While many shops don’t check, you might be fined by the police if caught without one.
- Purchase Health Insurance: Medical costs are high locally; insurance ensures coverage in case of accidents.
- Provide Only a Copy of Your Passport: Never hand over the original passport to rental shops.
Inspecting the Scooter
Devil in the details (pre-rental inspection)
Don’t just take the keys and ride off! Before starting the engine or leaving the shop, take out your phone, start recording, and carefully inspect the following points while keeping video evidence.
1. Exterior Condition (Are You the Scratch King?)
- Walk Around: Carefully inspect the front, side panels, rear, and mirrors for any scratches, paint chips, dents, or cracks.
- Pay Special Attention: Check if the screws on the body show signs of tampering or looseness, which might indicate previous accidents.
- Recording Tips: While recording, point out each flaw with your finger, preferably with the owner or staff in the frame giving a thumbs-up to confirm these are pre-existing damages.
2. Basic Functionality Test
- Rearview Mirror: Is it securely fastened? Is the view clear? Many local vehicles have loose mirrors, which would never pass inspection in Taiwan but are common here. It’s recommended to tighten it or switch to another vehicle.
- Lighting System: Have a friend stand in front and behind the vehicle to test the headlights (high/low beam), turn signals, and brake lights. In Bali, driving without lights at night is dangerous, and non-functional turn signals can easily lead to rear-end collisions.
- Horn: Give it a press. In Bali, honking is usually a “reminder” rather than a “provocation,” so the horn must work.
3. Mechanics and Tires (Safety Critical)
- Brakes: Test both the front and rear brakes. Do they feel too loose or too tight? Are there any unusual noises?
- Tires: Check the tread depth. If they’re worn flat, you’ll definitely skid on wet roads! Insist on switching vehicles.
- Dashboard: After starting the engine, check if the speedometer and fuel gauge are functioning normally.
4. Vehicle Interior and Accessories
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Helmet: Typically, a half-shell helmet is provided. Check if the straps are intact and if the inner lining is clean. If hygiene is a concern, consider bringing a lightweight helmet liner from Taiwan or purchasing an inexpensive shower cap at a local convenience store to use as a liner.
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Ignition: Does it start smoothly? Can the handlebar lock be engaged?
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Ignition: Does the engine start smoothly? Can the handlebar lock be engaged?
Essential Documents (Getting These Wrong Could Lead to Extortion)
1. International Driving Permit (IDP) — Most Important!
- Taiwan Driver’s License: You must first obtain an International Driving Permit (available at the Motor Vehicles Office, usually issued within a day for distances under 100 km). Note that the small pink booklet issued by the Motor Vehicles Office must be used alongside your original Taiwan car or motorcycle license.
- Important: A simple translation of your Taiwan driver’s license is not valid here! Make sure you have an “International Driving Permit.”
- Category A: Ensure that Category A (motorcycle) is checked on your International Driving Permit.
2. Passport and Visa
- Important: A simple translation of your Taiwanese driver’s license is not valid here! Make sure to prepare your ‘International Driving Permit.’
3. Rental Agreement
2. Passport and Visa
Insurance Verification Steps (So You Don’t Cry Later)
Many people think the insurance that comes with rental cars is all-encompassing, but that’s not the case! Renting a car in Bali typically involves three main insurance components:
1. Understanding the English on the Contract
- Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) / Theft Insurance: How much would you have to pay if the car is stolen?
- Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) / Collision Insurance: Would you have to pay the deductible if the car is damaged in a collision?
- TPL (Third Party Liability) / Third Party Liability Insurance: This is the most important! If you hit someone or damage someone else’s property, the insurance company will compensate the other party. Make sure this clause is in the contract.
2. What is a ‘Deductible’?
- Usually, car rental insurance has a so-called deductible (Excess/Deposit). For example, if the policy states a deductible of 2 million Indonesian Rupiah, it means that if the repair costs 3 million, you only need to pay 2 million, and the insurance company pays 1 million.
- Ask the Rental Shop: Always ask, “If I crash, how much do I pay?” If the amount is outrageously high, consider whether it’s worth paying extra for “zero deductible” full coverage.
3. Take Out Your Phone and Photograph the Insurance Sticker
- In Bali, legally rented motorcycles usually have a government-mandated compulsory insurance sticker on the windshield. Take a photo of it! It contains the policy number and validity period. If something happens, this number can help you check basic coverage at the hospital or police station.
Conclusion
While renting a scooter is indeed the most economical and convenient way to explore Bali, safety should always be your top priority, especially when traveling abroad. If an unfortunate accident occurs in an unfamiliar place, not only will you be in a difficult situation, but you may also face exorbitant medical costs, making it not worth the risk. We recommend considering safer transportation options when exploring this beautiful island so you can truly enjoy Bali’s scenery and culture without worries.
Remember, safety first! This isn’t meant to scare you, but to remind you of the preciousness of life. It’s not worth risking it to save a small amount of money!
More About Private Car Hire
- Must-Have Bali Travel App: Complete Gojek Guide
- Bali Ride-Hailing Driver Scams: How to Avoid Grab/Gojek Traps
- Find Your Perfect Bali Driver: Real Traveler Reviews
- Bali Motorbike Rental Safety Checklist
- Nusa Penida Transport Guide: Taxi, Gojek, Car Hire & Scooter
- Motorbike vs. Private Car in Bali: Which Should You Choose?
- Complete Gojek & Grab Ride-Hailing Guide with Screenshots
- Private Car vs. Ride-Hailing: How to Choose the Best Option for Your Trip
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