YES! An international motorcyclists’ license is mandatory to ride a motorbike in Bali. If you did not arrange one in your home country you can click here to get a digital version that will be processed online and emailed to you in less than 2 hours. This IDP is accepted by the police in Bali. Tried and tested by myself numerous times!

I think you really do, yes. Public transportation is non existing in Bali, the roads are congested more often than not and so narrow that ones you are stuck in a proper jam in a taxi or driving a car half your day goes to waste, easily. If you are not comfortable riding a bike (yet) get a few lessons and enjoy Bali to its fullest extend! For more information on scooter lessons click here.

If you choose to discover on a rented scooter mostly by yourself and are not going for day length road trips you can get a Honda Scoopy (110cc) or Honda Vario (125cc). 

If you are planning to ride together and go out of town and on road trips I recommend the Yamaha Nmax, Honda PCX, Honda CB 150X or the Yamaha XSR.

If you are not willing to spend hundreds of repair dollars when you get into an accident  or a few thousand dollars when your scooter or motorbike gets stolen, yes you do. Personally I never rent a scooter or motorbike in Bali that does not at least covers theft as it does occur in Bali, just like anywhere else in the world. 

Cheap Motorbike Rental companies in Bali will tell you it never happens but when you ask what they expect from you when your bike gets stolen you will hear that it is you who needs to pay for the bike when it gets stolen. If you rent an Nmax or Honda PCX you are looking at a USD 3000 tab and there is little to no chance of getting out of it!

I think it is quite safe yes. Although Bali traffic is unorganized, congested and pretty unclear on “how it exactly works” the pace is quite slow and so should you be. Take it easy, ride slow, keep a smile on your face and you should be good to go. Watch out for children, dogs and yes chickens 😉

Some of the traffic rules that you should be aware of when riding your rented motorbike or scooter in Bali include:

1. Drive on the left side of the road

2. Maximum speed limit: The maximum speed limit on Bali’s smaller/typical roads is between 40-60 km/hour.

3. Traffic signals: Please always obey traffic signals, including stop signs, traffic lights, and yield signs.

4. Using headlights: You are required to use headlights at night and during times of low visibility, such as during heavy rain or fog. Most of the bikes have “always-on” head and tail lights nowadays.

5. Using helmets: You are required to always wear a helmet. Also if you are a passenger.

6. No drinking and driving: It is illegal to drink and drive in Bali and there are strict penalties for offenders.

7. No using mobile phones while driving: Drivers are prohibited from using mobile phones while driving, except for hands-free devices such as a smartphone holder.

8. Yielding to pedestrians: You should yield to pedestrians at designated crossings and when they are crossing the road.

9. No overtaking: Overtaking is not allowed in certain areas, such as near intersections, bridges, and narrow roads. Besides it not being allowed be very cautios at night as street lightning is non existing and not all road participants are “bright-lighted”.

All the above said, traffic enforcement in Bali can be lax in some areas, so you should exercise caution and be aware of you surroundings at all times.

YES!

If you get into an accident on your rented scooter in Bali, the absolute first thing you should do is make sure that you and anyone else involved in the accident are safe! Get medical attention if necessary. You can always call 112, which is the general emergency number to contact the police, fire department and ambulance services. 

In addition to 112, there are several other emergency numbers in Bali that you can call:

110: This is the emergency number for the police.
118: This is the emergency number for the fire department.
119: This is the emergency number for ambulance and rescue services.

It is important to note that these emergency services in Bali may not always have English-speaking operators. Try to have a local (or someone who speaks Indonesian) to help you communicate in case of an emergency!

Once you made sure that everyone is safe, you should contact your motorbike rental company and report your accident. They will send someone to the scene of the accident to look at the damage(s) to the scooter and may contact the police to report your accident.

If there are no injuries and the damage to the scooter is minor, you may be able to work out an agreement with the rental company to pay for the damage. However, if the damage is extensive or in case of injuries, you will be held liable for the cost of the damages.

You should be aware that in Bali (and Indonesia as a whole) driving without a valid license, International Drivers License and insurance coverage is illegal! This could impact claims and legal proceedings that may arise from your accident. 

I do highly recommended that you have a valid International Drivers License and proper motorbike insurance coverage before operating a rented scooter in Bali (or anywhere else in Indonesia). Ask yourself honestly if you would operate a car or motorbike without the proper license and insurance in your home country!

No there are no 50cc motorbike or scooters in Bali. The smallets engine size you will find belongs to the Honda Scoppy which is 110cc.