If you want to drive in Bali, pay attention to these tips. They could save your life.
First tip: don’t drive in Bali.
I’m serious.
That’s the best and safest option. Especially if you can’t ride a motorbike.
I live in Bali with my husband. Driving with a motorbike is our daily life activity. There were times—at the end of the day—when my husband would tell me that he’d had enough and that he wouldn’t drive the motorbike anymore. It’s that stressful!
But if you insist to drive in Bali, then keep reading for your own safety.
1. Get an International Driving Permit
Before you even arrive in Bali, you must ensure you have an IDP (International Driving Permit). You can obtain this easily at your local government office. You just need to bring your driving license.
You will need this permit when you’re renting a vehicle in Bali, and when the police on the road are doing a check.
If you don’t have an International Driving Permit, you would have to pay a fine and probably are not allowed to drive in Bali anymore.
For more info about what to prepare before coming to Bali, click here.
2. Expect the unexpected
Driving in Bali is chaotic.
It seems like there is no rule. People, cars, and motorbikes can come from anywhere.
You should stay alert. You should also beware of potholes and narrow roads.
As I always said to my husband: always expect the unexpected.
I’m more afraid of driving in Bali than in Europe. In Austria, the cars would wait before entering a main road, because the ones driving on the main road have priority. Meaning they should go first. You are on the smaller road, so you should wait.
But there is no “priority” on the roads in Bali. Indonesians would say something like,” The faster, the winner”.
So expect the cars and bikes to come out to the main roads anytime, sometimes without looking.
3. Don’t drive on the pedestrian walk
Bali traffic can be heavily congested, particularly in popular tourist areas.
You would see the locals (and probably tourists) drive on the pedestrian walk with their motorbikes, hoping to escape the traffic jam.
I always think this is a bad idea. It’s a pedestrian walk. It’s not for your motorbike to drive through.
If you’re unlucky, sometimes there could be a huge tree in the middle of the pedestrian walk and you’ll get stuck there.
4. Don’t trust Google Maps 100%
I told this to myself a hundred times. But still, Google Maps fooled me.
Once, we were driving to Karangasem, looking for this new hotel, when Google Maps told me to turn into a small alley.
My husband and I looked at each other. He asked me, “Are you sure?”
I just answered that Google said so.
So we followed the road right into someone’s terrace. I looked around, there wasn’t any other road.
It was a mountain behind the house. No sign of our hotel.
Luckily, the men who were sitting there helped us give the right direction. We had to turn around and hoped that they were right. And they were.
It was about 2 km further. I realized that we would never find it without asking anyone.
5. Always Choose the Car Route
I use Google Maps a lot, even if I don’t trust it 100%.
When you drive in Bali, especially out of Denpasar city, use the car route on Google Maps. Always use this option even if you’re driving a motorbike.
Trust me, this is a safer and better option.
I got lost a few times and ended up in someone’s backyard when following the motorbike route on Google Maps.
6. Wear a Helmet
You would probably see some people don’t wear them on some roads, especially small roads or in villages.
I would recommend wearing the helmet whenever you’re driving a motorbike. Even if it ruins your hair. (Yeah, I hate the helmet hair too!)
It was invented for safety reasons. That helmet might save your life.
Secondly, you will get a fine if the police see you driving with no helmet.
7. Use the horn (often)
I know it’s rude to use the horn in the West, but it’s not considered rude in Bali.
In fact, it’s very common to use it on the road whenever you’re overtaking another vehicle or driving on a curve.
The horn is used mostly for safety reasons. And I suggest you use it and use it often.
8. Avoid Peak Times and Rush Hour
As in any other city, the peak times in Bali are early morning and early evening. Between 7 am to 9 am is the worst traffic in some areas like Jimbaran and Canggu.
People are going to work, tourists going for breakfast, and everything else that tourists normally do.
The traffic gets worse in the late afternoon til early evening. The locals going home from work are mixed up with tourists going for sunset or returning from their day trip.
I would suggest avoiding peak times when you drive in Bali if you don’t want to get exhausted and overwhelmed by the traffic.
9. Cover your clothes
Wear a cardigan or a light jacket when driving the motorbike. Or a pashmina (this is my favorite option).
Yes, I know it’s hot in Bali. So, why should you wear a cardigan or a jacket?
Because your clothes will stink.
After half an hour of driving, your clothes will stink from the dust and the smoke on the road.
Maybe it’s okay for you, but it’s embarrassing for me when I enter a nice restaurant smelling like a rat.
10. Road closure? Stay calm!
The Balinese are religious people. They often have ceremonies and religious events and you won’t always know about it.
Which means, sometimes they close the roads.
Don’t be mad. Don’t even argue. Just turn around and find alternatives to your destination.
Remember: you are a guest in their home. Always be respectful to the host.
11. Use GoJek instead
If you’re going to Bali, the Gojek App is a must-have on your phone.
From ordering food delivery, and refilling your local sim card, to buying some stuff from the supermarket without leaving your hotel room, it’s a magic app that does it all.
But Gojek started as a taxi app, and it’s the best alternative if you don’t want to drive on your own.
You can order a motorbike if you’re traveling solo or you can order a car taxi. It’s affordable and easy.
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Is it safe to drive in Bali?
Driving in Bali can be safe as long as you follow the traffic rules and stay alert. Make sure to always wear your helmet when riding a motorbike.
Do I need an international driver’s license to drive in Bali?
Yes, you need an International Driving Permit or license. You are not allowed to drive without this and the police in Bali will be happy to give you a fine for not having a license.
Can I rent a vehicle in Bali without a driver’s license?
No, you can’t rent a vehicle in Bali without a valid driver’s license. Make sure to obtain an international driver’s permit or have a valid driver’s license from your home country.
Are the roads in Bali well-maintained?
The major roads in Bali are generally well-maintained, but the rural roads may have potholes and uneven surfaces. Always be cautious when driving, especially during the rainy season.
Are there any toll roads in Bali?
Yes, Bali has one toll road called Bali Mandara Toll and it connects Denpasar city to Ngurah Rai International Airport and Nusa Dua.
What’s Next?
Before you leave for Bali, check out this article about Bali Entry Requirements to make your arrival smooth.
