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03/04/2020

13 most important tips for driving a bike in Bali safely


A scooter in Bali has long been an important attribute of everyday life.

Today we will give some of the most important tips so that your bike driving is safer and brings only positive emotions.

1. In Bali, left-hand traffic

If you already have driving experience in right-hand traffic countries, you must definitely “switch your brain” to driving on the left.

Be extremely focused on the road.

2. Bali traffic is mostly guided by "the code"

In Indonesia, and in Bali in particular, there are no set traffic rules that everyone would follow. The traffic here is rather "chaotic" and is guided by local "internal" rules.

Locals can suddenly turn, pull out on the road, not looking around and not letting others pass. They can suddenly make a U-turn right in front of you, simply because they need to go this way :)

That's why when you start riding in Bali, you have to forget the traffic rules you followed in other countries and try to "feel" the local traffic.

When you ride, try to "think ahead" and "feel" the other drivers on the road. This also applies to turning from side roads to the main road. Expect that someone may pull out from there out of the blue. You need to be ready for that.

Remembering that Balinese drivers follows the local "code", on road crossings and difficult junctions look into other drivers' eyes. This way it will be easier to understand their intentions and foresee whether they will let you go or not.

Lifehack: before actually beginning to ride, it's a good idea to sit in a roadside cafe and observe the traffic, trying to understand these informal rules.

You could also spend a couple of days riding as a passenger with an experienced friend.

3. Fines exist

"They have no rules, but there are fines? - ask you.

Yes! The rules do exist and so do official fines, and violations can lead to punishment.

Here are the most important violations of traffic rules in Bali, for which there are fines in place:

  • Driving without an international driving license (for a motorbike you need an “A” category license, for a car - a “B” category);
  • Riding a bike without a helmet;
  • Having more than two people on the same bike;
  • Driving past the stop line at a traffic light.

In more detail about all the fines, what penalties are prescribed for them and how to behave with the police, we wrote in another article - "Fines in Bali: what are fined and how to avoid".

4. Local drivers using sound signals, not because you interfere

Locals are actively using sound signals. You can even say that it is very active :)

You need to listen to them. They do not mean that you are disturbing someone. As a rule, drivers give a warning signal simply to indicate maneuvers if they want to overtake, or if they are going to warn a pedestrian on the side of the road or a driver driving onto the main road.

5. Do not use phones while riding a bike.

Most frequently you ask about holders for mobile phones that fixes on a scooter. We don't lease such holders and we don't advise you to use such gadgets, because there are cases when mobile phones are just picked up. Also, you shouldn’t keep in hands your mobile phone when you ride a scooter; if you use a navigator, it’s better to wear headphones and put your mobile into the pocket (it should be the pocket from which is difficult to reach the phone).

6. Be careful in the evening and at night.

Firstly, we do not recommend girls to ride alone when it is dark outside. If you need to go, it is better to wear more closed clothes - a closed windbreaker and a long skirt or sarong. It is better to drive along the most lighted and crowded streets.

You should always keep your stuff in the trunk especially when it’s dark; don’t put the bag over your shoulder or your head; also you’d better put bag packs in the trunk.

7. If you have no motorbike experience we suggest you take motorbike riding lessons with an experienced instructor.

The first thing we suggest to those who can't ride motorbikes is to rent a car.

If you have no motorbike experience, but you, for example, can drive a car, it's better to rent a car. This will be easier and safer for you.

If nevertheless, you decided to saddle up the two-wheeled friend, we suggest you take motorbike riding lessons with an experienced instructor.

Riding a motorbike is a special skill, and riding it in Bali is an even more special skill) The instructor will teach you how to ride a motorbike, not be afraid and feel confident. He'll tell you all the riding tips and answer all the important questions. Don't try to save money and risk your health and safety.

For your first motorbike riding trips make sure you wear thick clothing (trousers, a long-sleeved top) and proper shoes (don't learn to ride in flip flops!)

Don't take any passengers before you get a good riding experience!

Another really crucial advice for everyone, regardless of whether you can or you can't ride - take out medical insurance!

8. Keep your bike “healthy”

Listen and pay attention to the work of your two-wheeled friend. Whether the wheels are pumped up, whether the brakes work well - at the slightest suspicion it is better to contact the service or your rental.

Also, try to refuel the bike only at official gas stations. Gasoline from bottles on the road is often of poor quality or diluted, and you can simply not reach the destination after such refueling.

9. Wear closed clothing if you are going on a long trip.

We strongly recommend that you use long-sleeved sweatshirts, gloves, and pants if you do not want to get burnt after several hours of driving a bike.

Yes, the sun is insidious and traveling around the island can be easily sunburned if you do not follow the minimum precautions. In addition, if you ride a bike for a long time in sunny weather in shorts and a T-shirt, you will get a “worker-peasant tan,” which will then have to be leveled for a long time.

10. Do not drive on unfamiliar roads at night

Or in conditions of poor visibility, for example, in the rain. At night on an unfamiliar road, you can miss an important sign of a sharp turn, a hole or a bunch of gravel. Not all roads in Bali are well repaired. It sometimes happens that puddles flooded with water mask well serious potholes. But for a bike, they can become a nuisance.

11. Keep a minimum first aid kit in the boot

Carry a minimal first aid kit (hydrogen peroxide / rivanol, bandage, adhesive tape, antiseptic powder nebacetin / baneocin) and a printed insurance policy in the trunk.

12. Be careful at the parking.

Always fasten your helmet on a special hook in the trunk when you leave the scooter at the parking.

Don’t leave your helmets just lying on the scooter even on the paid secure parking.

Don’t forget also to grab all your bags and stuff from the trunk, when you leave the scooter on the parking.

13. Always use a helmet!

This is perhaps one of the most important and simple rules: even if you are driving to the nearest store or beach, always wear a helmet!

Be sure to fasten it.

Believe me, this little habit sometimes really saves lives.

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Reviews from our clients

  • Comfort, safety and the best bikes We rented a bike for two weeks and were completely satisfied. BaliMotion friends advised us and we did not regret it. We booked a bike in advance, wrote to WhatsApp, we were given detailed information and helped with the choice of model. Booked on the site and made an advance payment of 10%, the remaining amount was paid on the spot (you can pay everything immediately online). They brought us a bike and wrote that they were waiting for us near the hotel. All showed, told and answered all questions. Everything without pitfalls in the contract is clear, clear and understandable. We sent recommendations with all the nuances on the island, and we also asked for help with driving and we were advised who to contact (a young man arrived and taught the basics of driving and gave recommendations, for which many thanks. I didn’t manage mainly on previous trips bike, so we decided to remember with a professional.) The bike itself, helmets - everything was working properly and without any nuances! Our black beast has never failed :) Picked up at a clearly agreed time! We were not in Bali for the first time and we know what troubles you can encounter when renting, so we recommend BaliMotion with confidence. The guys are ready to help and answer all your questions! Next time only to them!
    10/04/2020 review link
    Dariya
  • Things are good! Great bikes!! They brought the bike and then also took it! Technical Support 24/7
    26/03/2020 review link
    Camper366823
  • Everything is super! Great service, new bike, new helmets. I'm glad I contacted this company. Everything is clear, fast and without problems. They brought and took the bike at the appointed time! 24-hour support, everything you need for a great vacation! I will definitely use it next time!
    19/03/2020 review link
    Eugene
  • A cool bike rental company. I ordered a bike for 10 days. Everything went super, we brought in a hotel at the time, great new bikes, nice prices, you can order extended insurance and not be afraid for your bike. They also took the time, bike condition for 5 +. I advise everyone.
    16/03/2020 review link
    Makarov_Alex
  • Great service, fresh, amazing motorbikes We were amazed by how the service works. Especially, the support team, which responds with the lightning speed, it was great! I also liked the presence of two types of insurance, which we actually purchased) The motorbike delivery option is awesome. We also liked the motorbike very much - Honda Vario, but for the second time, we will book something more powerful, Nmax, for example. Though, Yamaha Xmax is my next go-to goal!
    13/03/2020 review link
    Nestor S
  • The best place to rent the bike on Bali. Bike was in good condition almost brand new, with low mileage. No issues were faced during rental. Highly recommend
    15/01/2020 review link
    Kirill Shchurenko
  • Loved it We rented a scooter for 5 days at first but soon came to the conclusion we wanted to extend our rental period. I just send them a message on WhatsApp asking to add a few more days, not a problem! The bike itself was great: we rented the Lexi. Powerful an a bit bigger than the Vario, great for 2 people. They also sent a detailed list of things to pay attention to when driving in Bali. Conclusion: great service, great bike and great price.
    21/08/2019 review link
    AClance
  • We rented a bike for 10 days. Everything was cool! They delivered a bike to the hotel early in the morning as we asked, picked it up from another place, did us a favor and let us keep the bike till the evening! The bike was in excellent condition, we had no complains about its exterior and technical parameters! The price was good, better than in other rental places. Guys are always in touch and easy to deal with. I am very happy with the service, highly recommend!
    29/03/2019 review link
    Irina Barinovskaya
  • Hello, everybody! We spent in Bali 17 days – it is a paradise there, guys.. It is important to rent a bike, that's what we did, otherwise you will not see all the beauty of the island and will not feel its local atmosphere..We rented a bike for 14 days, they have a hotel delivery, the price and quality are great! We had a pleasant experience)) highly recommend to everybody!)
    29/03/2019 review link
    Prudnikov Alex
  • We rented a bike in April for 19 days. They delivered it on time and picked it up without any problem from a convenient location. Guys were always fast with the answers to our questions. Bike was inexcellent condition (we have what to compare with). Helmets were also in good condition. Russian speaking manager was a big advantage for us. Recommend to everybody!!! Book in advance.
    29/03/2019 review link
    Natali
  • We rented a bike from the guys in early May! Everything was accurate, they delivered to the right place on time, a new and beautiful, insured and fully fueled bike with two helmets, guys instructed us on therules of operation but it didn't help us. We are sorry for a headlamp. Guys stayed in touch 24/7 and answered all our questions! We are going to come back at the end of August, now we know where to rent a bike (if they will give it to us)
    29/03/2019 review link
    Dr. Tsivareva
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