If you plan on taking a trip anywhere in Southeast Asia, it is absolutely worth your while to spend some time in Bali. Probably the most well-known island in Indonesia, Bali is home to natural beauties such as volcanoes, picturesque rice fields, colorful coral reefs, and incredible beaches. There’s something for everyone: breathtaking views from temples in the clouds, plenty of places for yoga and meditation, and some of the wildest parties you can imagine. Accommodation in Bali is affordable on any budget. You have cheap hostels for the fresh-out-of-college backpacker, but you also have five-star resorts for wealthy honeymooning couples. Regardless of what you hope to get out of your trip to Bali, this island has such a wide range of things to do that there’s no chance you’ll be disappointed. However, because there are so many incredible experiences to be had on this Indonesian island, it’s hard to even scratch the surface of what Bali has to offer if you’re only staying for a week or two. So, to maximize your time on the island and get around from site to site easily, the best move is definitely to rent a motor scooter. Rentting a scooter gives you the freedom to explore Bali on your own terms, and cut out all that time waiting for taxis and buses. There’s really only one way to properly explore the island of Bali, and that’s by renting a scooter.
Where should you go for scooter rental in Bali?
Luckily for you, renting a scooter in Bali is super cheap and super easy. There are rental shops all over the place, no matter what part of the island you plan on staying in. At Riderly we have partner with some of the most reliable motorbike rental companies in Bali. The prices vary depending on the model and power of the bikes, however, no patter your budget there surely will be an option that suits your needs
What should you know if you’re riding a scooter for the first time in Bali?
Driving in Bali can be dangerous at times, with certain roads that are in need of repair, areas of high congestion, and a fair number of reckless drivers. So if you’re riding a scooter for the first time in Bali, it’s better if you start in a quieter area. For instance, it’s better if you take a scenic drive through Ubud to see the iconic rice paddy fields before you drive into the heart of a congested traffic circle in Kuta. Wearing a helmet while driving anywhere in Bali will greatly reduce your risk of suffering a serious injury. And purchasing travel insurance could end up saving you a ton of money if you do end up in a road accident.
Do you need a license to scooter in Bali?
While laws all throughout Bali are pretty relaxed in regards to everything, including the operation of motor vehicles, you are technically required to have an International Driving Permit to drive a scooter in Bali. That being said, there’s probably not a single rental shop on the whole island that would turn you away if you didn’t have one. But in this regard, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Should you be pulled over in Bali without an IDP, you could be subject to a rather large fine. If you’re a USA citizen and you want to apply for your IDP, you can fill out the application on AAA’s website and then submit it to your nearest AAA office.
Is it dangerous to scooter in Bali?
Compared to other parts of the world, motor accidents happen in Bali very frequently. There are areas on the island that are very congested, road conditions that often aren’t up to snuff, and unfortunately, some drivers on the road that aren’t sober. If you plan to drive in Bali, it is best to practice extreme caution, especially in areas of high tourist traffic. Of course, you shouldn’t let this discourage you from having an incredible adventure in Bali on your scooter, but just be sure to take the proper safety precautions. Don’t drink and drive, wear a helmet, respect the speed limits, and always stay alert. Check out this article from GEICO for more tips on how to properly operate a motorbike.
What’s the best Bali scooter itinerary?
Now that you know all you need to know about how to rent a scooter in Bali, you probably want to know what to do once you have it! Here’s a quick little 3-day itinerary to get you started:
Day 1:
- Head from Ngurah Rai Airport over to the stunning Nusa Dua Beach, a white sand beach with beautiful blue waters completely surrounded by palm trees and resorts built out of bamboo.You can also have fun with a wide range of water sports from parasailing to flyboarding to snorkeling.
- Check out the quaint little town of Uluwatu and Uluwatu Temple. This is one of the most important temples in Bali, and it's filled with ornate statues and incredible architecture.
- If you plan on going to Uluwatu Temple, try to go on a day when you can catch the Kecak Fire Dance performance. Fire dancing is an important part of Balinese culture, and it’s a whole lot of fun to watch!
Day 2:
- For your second day, head over to Seminyak, the more upscale area of Bali, and pay a visit to Petitenget Temple. This temple was built back in the 16th century and is also a very important religious site for the Balinese. Visitors can enter the temple for a fee and admire the amazing architecture within.
- Next, check out Seminyak Beach, a popular beach where you can go swimming, lounge out on the lucious golden sand, or rent a surfboard and take to the waves!
- For dinner after a day on the beach, pop into Alchimiste Restaurant. They offer interesting fine-dining takes on dishes from all over the world as well as traditional Balinese dishes. It’s a gustatory experience you won’t want to miss out on.
Day 3:
- On your third day in Bali, you have to make your way to Ubud and check out Tegenungan Waterfall, one of the most gorgeous waterfalls on the whole island. You do have to pay an entry fee to access it, but once there, you can swim in the water and hang out as long as you want!
- Ready for some more nature? Check out the Ubud Monkey Forest! Just be sure not to bring any food in your bag with you, or the monkeys will most definitely jump on your back and try to steal it!
- If you drive about 20 minutes north of Ubud, it will lead you to Tegalalang Rice Terrace, one of the most iconic spots in Bali. This place is perfect for snapping that perfect picture to show the folks back home!
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