Rent a scooter
We always rent our scooter from our accommodation. The price for one day is usually between 50,000 and 60,000 IDR. One thing you should be adamant about, is that a good and well-fitting helmet is included. The majority of what gets handed out here is a joke when it comes to safety.
Important to know: Officially, you are only allowed to drive scooters in Indonesia with a motorcycle license (class A). When you rent a scooter, they often don’t ask you to show your license but just want to know that you have one. Many people make the mistake of thinking that scooter riding laws are universal and that a simple driver’s license will do. So it might happen that you get stopped at a police check and end up being fined for not having a Motorcycle (Class A) Driver’s License.
It may be worth getting an international driver’s license (not a requirement for renting), but in case they catch you without a Motorcycle License, they might take this into consideration – however, they usually try their best to fine tourists.
Police Checks
We have often read that the police around Ubud carry out regular checks and inspections – their main targets being tourists and tourists almost always end up getting fined due to these police checks.
Despite having been on the scooter for multiple days and even made it all the way to Denpasar, we were never stopped or controlled once. This could be because we actively tried to avoid the main roads – primarily for safety reasons – but we also prefer to drive on the secluded, less travelled roads.
Road conditions & driving on Bali
In Indonesia, you have to get used to left-hand traffic, so it’s best to practice on low-traffic roads before venturing out on longer routes. There is not much traffic once you get out of the city centre, but the traffic situation in the centre itself is very different! Best to get out of the city as soon as you can.
The road conditions are usually not bad, but definitely prepare yourself for the odd pothole and rough gravel or sandy roads. In case of doubt, it’s safer to drive too slow than too fast – this is especially true when it starts raining, as the road becomes slippery when rainwater mixes with dust. The corners are where it’s most fatal.
We usually ride with long sleeved clothing. Apart from the fact that the wind gets rather cool and breezy if you’re out riding too long, it also acts as an extra layer of protection in case of small accidents. Always best to have a raincoat/rain jacket with you as the weather is can be very unpredictable here.
Insurance
Most importantly, never assume that any damage is covered by insurance. Most scooter rentals in Bali do not include insurance. When something happens, you pay. Of course, this becomes problematic if you get into any major accidents.
It is also important to realise that your travel or health insurance will not cover you in case of any claims made if you don’t have a proper legal license to drive a scooter here (ie. no motorcycle license).
There is always risk associated with riding a scooter in Bali – it’s a consequence you have to be aware of!
