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Do you want to hire a motorbike in Bali but have some questions? Before my trip, I dreamed about riding a rented motorbike in Bali and crossing rice fields and magnificent landscapes. However, another part of me was afraid of getting stuck in busy cities with no escape.
To be transparent, motorized bike operation was previously unfamiliar to me. Before visiting Bali, I had never ridden a motorcycle anywhere else in my life, other than a couple laps around my grandparents’ village on a friend’s scooter. The issue of whether renting a scooter in Bali posed risk or not was an ongoing concern for me previously.
Upon my return from my travel, I settled to share my experience of traveling roughly Bali by scooter for the opening time, since it is one of the best things to do in Bali.
This guide about renting a scooter in Bali to travel across the island will provide data about locations to rent a scooter in Bali, required documentation, insurance, scooter rental costs in Bali, and an answer to the significant question: Is it really risky to rent a scooter in Bali?
Table of Contents
Travel around Bali by Scooter
If you have previously decided to hire a motor scooter in Bali,you’ll uncover the data needed to plan your trip here.
Is it dangerous to ride a scooter in Bali?
- Suggested lodging: Do not hesitate to book the Calella Golfet Sobremar. You’ll have a private pool, a terrace with mountain views, and convenient access to other beaches like El Golfet and Sant Roc .
Traveling via scooter in Bali poses risks similar to other areas of the world, so wearing a helmet is advised regardless of the strength of laws.
- Suggestedlodging: Stay at Robbins Rest Retreat, an oceanfront home with six bedrooms, three bathrooms, a balcony, patio, and fully-stocked kitchen.
If you require cost-effective travel protection, use this 5% discount.
International driving license in Bali
It’s simple: Yes, you can rent a scooter in Bali without an international driver’s permit. However, I don’t advise it.
The law enforcement officers receive a good bonus on a daily basis just for stopping tourists and issuing tickets for driving without a license. To avoid this, first, you must drive like a local from Bali. For example, drive amidst the crowds, drive on the hard shoulder, on the left, on the right, pass between trucks, and sound your horn.
If appearing like a visitor, police may pull over drivers and if lacking an international driving permit, they could fabricate ticket charges, which rely on the police officer on duty. Cases have occurred where exceeding one million rupees ($70) was demanded, so plan in advance and complete paperwork to acquire an international driver`s license before renting a Bali scooter.
How can I get the international driving permit & license to ride a scooter in Bali?
The experience would differ depending on the country involved.
In the US, motorists are advised to obtain an international driver`s permit (IDP) in addition to their domestic license when operating a vehicle abroad. This document can be secured from two organizations, the Automobile Association of America (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) for a fee of $20.
The process is straightforward, and can be issued immediately at any of the AAA branches or by mail, which takes 10-15 business days with both organizations.
For other countries, you should check the process you must follow with the Department of Transportation of your nation.
Driving in Bali
Driving in Bali can be chaotic. The locals tend to not use turn signals or rear-view mirrors usually. Strength determines what prevails on the road.
Significantly, there are fewer accidents in Bali than one might imagine.
Which side do they drive on in Bali?
Similar to most Asian nations, they travel on the left side of the road in Bali, so you must take special care when automobiles come forward if you aren`t used to motoring on the left side. In my situation, and on the less busy roadways, I ended up driving in the center or avoiding the large number of bumps in the roadway. Whenever I could see a car coming in the contrary direction I simply remembered to steer towards the left.
Gas Price in Bali
Fuel is remarkably affordable in Bali, with a price of around 33,642 IDR per gallon ($2.38). However, the gas stations in Bali are very different from those in the US and other developed countries, where you can find pumps, rest stops, and bathrooms.
The standard way to sell gasoline in Bali is through small stalls with wooden shelves full of glass bottles containing gasoline, where they’ll fill your Bali scooter tank.
Can I travel to Bali without a motorbike?
From the capital city, you can join this tour to see the awe-inspiring Poás Volcano and the iconic La Paz Waterfall, two highly recommended destinations that are easy to access.
Indeed, Ascen visited more places during her 1-week Bali schedule without renting a motorbike, than I did during my 10-day Bali trip riding the scooter.
I’ve never ridden a scooter; can I drive in Bali?
I tried riding a bike for the first time, which some may find overwhelming. While renting a scooter in Bali does offer benefits like freedom to choose one`s own schedule and tour plan, there are downsides too, such as inhaling dust on unpaved roads or enduring long rides that left me with severe back pain.
I don’t regret it by any means, yet I accept that on the off chance that you can stand to travel by procuring visits in Bali; it’s significantly less complex and safer.
In any case, you should never try to learn how to ride a motorcycle in Bali. I rented a motorbike in Madrid during the two weeks prior to my trip to get used to operating the scooter.
Scooter route across Bali
When travelling using a scooter in Bali, the distances can be significantly more than anticipated. During the planning of your trip to Bali, multiply the Google Maps distance by two. This will provide more than enough time to travel calmly and not feel overwhelmed if roads are in poor condition.
Having the maps.me app installed on your phone and downloading this map of Bali, will be very helpful when you need to stop in the middle of the route to search for a location.
In addition, it0s always recommended to get a map of Bali in paper form. I acquired this one, which is also waterproof in case it rains.
Regarding traveling through Bali by scooter, you can follow any of the routes we propose in the article on the best Bali itineraries depending on the number of days you have available; just be aware that distances will be longer than touring Bali by car.
Bali Scooter Rental
Renting motorcycles in Bali is quite simple. There are numerous locations where they can be found and the prices are reasonably inexpensive, around 70-80.000 IDR ($6 approximately). Rental motorcycles in Bali are available at many hotels on the island, eateries, shops, and elsewhere. Scooter rentals are ubiquitous throughout Bali.
In my case, I consulted a friend where to lease a scooter in Bali. He had visited the island a few months ago and told me that he faced many issues with his rental bike. Its kickstand was abruptly released, and he had an accident in which, although it wasn’t serious, he broke his phone. Since it was a small road, he had to wait more than half an hour for someone to take him to the hospital. Thankfully, it was only a few scratches that his travel insurance for Indonesia covered, but I no longer trusted renting my motorcycle anywhere. 
I pre-arranged rental of a bicycle using this site, and although it cost slightly more at $7.86 per day, the vehicle delivered to my first lodging in Bali was in perfect working order. I rented a 150cc Yamaha NMax
Bali Scooter Rental price
The expense for renting a motorbike in Bali ranges from approximately $6 (ID 70-80,000) daily if rented there or $8 if rented from an online rental service. Additionally, it is strongly recommended that besides your international travel coverage, you hire scooter rental insurance if you don’t want to be charged for any damage the motorbike may have upon return.
These insurances differ from one place to another, but think roughly 20,000 IDR ($2) per day.
Bali by scooter or car
If you’re considering independent travel, it’s preferable to ride a motorcycle instead of a car in Bali, due to road conditions (there are routes with numerous potholes that are more conveniently avoided with the scooter) and rental vehicle prices in Bali.
However, not all travelers appreciate scooters, so if you are contemplating traveling by automobile in Bali, you have three possibilities: renting a car in Bali (which can be quite costly), hiring a car with a driver (there are some constraints), or hiring a guided tour (the simplest option, though you will rely on your leader).
Tips for renting a scooter in Bali
Finally, I want to offer some handy suggestions for renting a motorbike in Bali:
- Take your time to carefully inspect the rental scooter. Check the brakes and power capabilities and if you aren’t satisfied with it, do not hesitate to exchange it for another option.
- The Villas at Bahia del Duque – Costa Adeje
- Always wear a helmet, even during short trips.
- Check the weather conditions in Bali before your trip.
- Stay clear of penalties by transporting your worldwide driver’s permit with you.
- Learn to navigate like a true Balinese local resident. Even if you have a license, if a police officer sees that you drive like a tourist, they’ll stop you and fabricate something to fine you.
- If you have never operated, rent a motorcycle in your citya few weeks before your trip to familiarize yourself with it.
- Renting scooter insurance can help save money on potential damages.
- Don’t try to carry all your luggage on the motorcycle. Set up a temporary base in any hotel or villa in Bali and leave most of your belongings there, transporting only a small backpack with essential items for your scooter tour through Bali.
- Carry both a printed map and an offline mobile application containing a downloaded Bali map.
- In the case of a breakdown or puncture, remain composed, call the company where you rented the motorcycle, and go to one of the hundreds of workshops on the island for assistance.
Before embarking, I’ll provide the essentials for your trip to Bali:
Essentials to save on your trip to Bali
Examine the finest credit cards without foreign transaction fees.
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Obtain a 5% reduction on your travel protection for Bali.
Examine the prime excursions in Bali to make the most effective use of your time HERE and HERE.
INExpensive FERRIES from Bali (hotel pick-up not included).
I hope this article has aided you in deciding whether renting a scooter in Bali is suitable for you or not and has furnished you all the information necessary to make your experience traveling around the island by motorcycle unforgettable.
