If you want to get to know the island in detail, the best way to get around is by bicycle or motorbike. As well as being very economical, it is a fun and sustainable way to get around, apart from the fact that you don\’t have to depend on anyone and can manage your own time. motorbike hire in Bali is an increasingly widespread custom among tourists, although traffic is chaotic and infrastructure is limited, it is possible to make a motorbike ride an adventure.
Something to keep in mind is that in Bali is driven on the left, as in other Asian countries, although the truth is that motorcycles slip through any space where they fit, so it is sometimes impossible to identify who should go where.
The most important thing is that you wear a helmet and that you learn to blend in with your surroundings, don\’t give way and don\’t expect them to give way to you.
Bali by motorbike
Although you will realise yourself, as soon as you step on Balinese soil, how messy the traffic is on the island. We leave you some advice that may be useful in case you decide to ride through Bali on a motorbike :
- Remember that we drive on the left, although I have already mentioned above, we are so used to circulate on the right that it is difficult to assimilate.
- Always wear a helmet and respect the rules, wearing your international driving licence is part of this, the police will look for any reason to stop you, so you better save yourself a bad time.
- Use the horn, Indonesians are not used to respecting pedestrians and even less other vehicles, they don\’t always look when they get on a road or at a crossing, so if you have a horn at least you can warn them.
In addition to those cares when driving, a recommendation for you, if you are going to be driving for a long time. wear long sleeves, that covers your body completely and sunscreen in the visible parts, you will appreciate it when the night comes. A raincoat is also a good option, especially during the rainy season.
Renting Quads in Bali
Motorcycle rental is common on the island, and even in most Asian countries, however Renting quads in Bali is not such a widespread activity. You may find some spots, but is not as much of a choice as by bike or motorbike.
There are some quad tours, which already have a pre-arranged route and it is still a package deal: hotel pick-up, quad ride, lunch and little more.This is more of a solo tour than a quad tour, which can be a lot of fun in some environments. quads are usually for two people so if you are alone you better find a companion or you might end up paying double.
Where is the best place to rent a bike in Bali? approximate prices
If you have already decided to ride around the island on a motorcycle, you can choose to rent the motorcycle in advance or, once on the island, rent it directly there. In where it is better to rent a motorcycle in Bali is not a question you can answer, since in the end it will depend on many factors. The approximate prices are a little bit higher if you hire the motorcycle over the internet than if you hire it once there, but in the end in these cases what matters is the small print.
Anyway, it is possible to hire a motorcycle for only about 5 or 7 euros a day. My recommendation is that under no circumstances should you hire it without insurance, because when you return it, they will look for even the smallest detail as long as you end up paying too much.
Scooter Rental in Bali
Some recommendations to keep in mind to proceed with the scooter rental in Bali :
- Even if you travel with your own travel insurance and covers you when driving abroad, also hire an insurance for the motorcycle. I assure you that even if you think you\’re paying too much, you\’ll end up saving.
- No one will ask you for your international driving licence when you rent a motorcycle, but if the police stop you and you don\’t have your licence, they will fine you or ask you for tickets to continue.
- Take a map with you, either on your mobile phone or on paper, it is always useful to have a guide to move around in places we don\’t know.
- Don\’t risk renting a motorcycle if you have never driven one before, I assure you it is not the best place to experiment.
- Otherwise, enjoy the ride!
Bali by bike
The best thing you can do in Bali by bike are the scheduled tours (whether you hire them as tours or you do them on your own).What I mean is that these types of routes, through the rice fields or through the mountains, are already mapped out and usually follows safe roads with little car traffic, so you should not find too much danger, and you will be able to really enjoy the route as well as the landscape.
You can also book your bike online or directly there, you will find a lot of options in all cities and even in most hotels offer the service.
Bike Rental in Bali
If you have never driven a motorcycle or if you have not managed to get your international driving license the Bike Rental in Bali is another option for touring the island. However, I do not recommend the bike anywhere, since the traffic there is quite complicated and if you do not know the routes well can even be dangerous.
To move around the city is a good option, or even to go through quiet areas without so much traffic, however, to go from one town to another, on roads with a lot of movement, it is best to have another type of transport. The good thing about the bike is that the rent is very cheap, being more or less between 2 and 4 euros a day.
Motorcycle and bicycle routes in Bali
Whether you decide to go on the motorcycle or bicycle routes in Bali , the best thing to do is to take a map with you. Google Maps is the typical option that always saves us when we do not know where to shoot, however, if we do not have connection, no matter that we have downloaded the maps, will not be of great help.
There is an application that works very well, that is called Maps.me, that allows you to download maps, check routes, view sites of interest and all offline. The application is free, so I recommend that you take a look at it.
What do they ask you to rent a motorcycle in Bali?
The international driving license is not something that they ask you to rent a motorcycle in Bali , however, it will be necessary to circulate since if you stop the police and you catch without the permission you will have to pay a fine.
So, in order to process your international driving license in Spain, you can apply online or in person, in the latter case, the requirements are :
- Request an appointment at the nearest DGT office.
- Fill in the following application form
- Pay the corresponding fee of 10.30 euros (fee 4. 5)
- Have valid original documentation to prove identity and residence (ID card or passport)
- A current front view photo (plain and colour background) of 3.2 by 2.6 cm
Remember Make an appointment in advance to ensure that your permit will arrive before you start your journey. This document is valid for one year.