How to Adapt to Bali’s Local Riding Style

Who agrees that the best way to explore Bali is on a scooter? Renting a scooter gives you the freedom to explore hidden waterfalls and skip the lengthy traffic jams. 

However, the local riding style is unique, it’s fluid, dynamic, and might feel chaotic if you’re used to strictly enforced road rules.

To truly enjoy your Balinese adventure, you must learn how to adapt to the local riding style and blend in safely. 

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This comprehensive guide is specifically for international tourists ready to hit the road. By understanding and respecting the local "code of the road," you'll not only enhance your safety but also your overall experience.

Preparation Before You Ride

Before your hands even touch the throttle, there are essential steps to ensure you’re legal, insured, and ready to go.

1. Get Your Documents Sorted

Riding legally in Bali starts long before you board your flight. You must secure an International Driving Permit (IDP) with a motorcycle endorsement. 

This is a non-negotiable legal requirement in Indonesia. Police frequently set up checkpoints, and riding without your original home country driver’s license and IDP risks a hefty fine and, crucially, can invalidate your travel insurance. 

Make sure your IDP is organized before you leave home.

Read our articles here to make sure you’re not “lost” when it comes to documents for riding a scooter in Bali:

How to Get a Bali Driving License? Complete Guide 2025

Can I Drive a Scooter in Bali Using an Australian License?

Can I Drive a Scooter in Bali Using an Indian License?

2. Secure Proper Insurance Coverage

Standard travel insurance often excludes coverage for motorbike accidents, or denies claims if you weren't properly licensed (i.e., you didn't have your IDP). 

Medical bills from a serious accident in a foreign country can be financially devastating. 

Call your provider and verify that your travel insurance policy explicitly covers you for riding a motorbike, and that you meet all the licensing criteria they require.

3. Choose a Reputable Rental Partner

Your safety starts with your bike. Avoid the temptation of a questionable bargain and choose a trusted rental provider. 

A quality scooter rental service, like Cinchy, provides well-maintained and safe scooters that are regularly serviced, ensuring you're not let down by worn brakes or tires.

Cinchy makes the process easy with their quick and easy rental process. They require a Valid ID (Passport or KTP), a Valid Driving License (International or SIM C), round-trip flight tickets, and hotel bookings for the duration of the rental. 

Their pricing is also incredibly competitive, starting from just IDR 95,000/day for automatic scooters like the Honda Scoopy or Yamaha Fazzio.

4. Always Wear a Helmet

This is your most critical piece of safety gear and a legal mandate. Your rental shop should provide a helmet. 

Cinchy always prioritizes your safety, offering a quality helmet with every rental, along with handy additions like disposable hair nets for hygiene. 

Ensure your helmet is properly fitted and securely fastened before you leave. Riding without one is dangerous and, again, will likely void your insurance coverage.

Tips for Riding Like a Local

Understanding the local mindset is the key to successfully navigating Bali’s roads and knowing how to adapt to the local riding style.

1. Drive on the Left

This is the standard rule in Indonesia: you must drive on the left-hand side of the road. This may feel awkward at first if you're from a right-hand driving country, but you'll get used to it quickly, especially when you follow the flow of traffic.

2. Understand the "Code"

Forget the strict right-of-way rules you learned back home. Bali’s traffic operates on a fluid, cooperative system. 

Instead of expecting others to follow formal rules, you must anticipate their moves. 

Traffic tends to flow into any available gap, operating on a principle sometimes called "the no-rules, just flow mentality."

The secret is eye contact. Use it to communicate your intentions at intersections. 

Hesitation is seen as a major cause of confusion and accidents; blend into the traffic, assert your presence calmly, and keep moving.

3. Use Your Horn Wisely

In Bali, the horn is not a sign of aggression or anger; it’s a communication tool. 

Locals use short, friendly taps, a simple "beep", to notify others of their presence when overtaking, approaching a blind corner, or coming out from a narrow lane. 

Using your horn in this friendly manner is crucial for preventing accidents and helps you adapt to Bali’s local riding style like a pro.

4. Ride Defensively

Bali’s traffic is inherently unpredictable. Assume that others might not see you, especially when you are smaller than a car or truck. 

Ride defensively by maintaining a safe following distance. 

Be vigilant for sudden U-turns, cars pulling out of driveways without looking, pedestrians stepping onto the road, and stray dogs darting across your path. 

Defensive riding gives you the precious seconds you need to react to the unexpected.

To help you navigate, Cinchy equips most scooters with a phone holder, allowing you to follow GPS and navigation apps hands-free.

Essential Considerations on Bali's Road

Beyond the mechanics of riding, there are cultural and environmental factors that every responsible tourist must consider.

1. Be Weather Aware

Bali is a tropical island, and sudden tropical downpours are common. Even the sunniest day can turn into a torrential rainstorm within minutes. 

Always carry a rain poncho and be extremely cautious on wet roads, as they become slick and slippery.

A sudden downpour won't ruin your day if you rent a scooter from Cinchy, as they provide a free raincoat/poncho with every booking!

2. Never Drink and Ride

This is a non-negotiable rule. 

Driving under the influence is not only illegal but is a leading cause of serious accidents and fatalities involving tourists. 

Never compromise your safety or the safety of others for a drink.

Read our article here to know how strict DUI laws in Indonesia: Here's Bali Drink Driving Laws You Should Be Aware Of.

3. Respect Local Ceremonies and Traditions

Bali’s Hindu culture is deeply integrated into daily life, including the roads. (Respect local ceremonies and traditions is paramount:

• Canang Sari: These small palm-leaf offerings are placed on the ground everywhere. Never run them over. Carefully steer around them; it is a sign of respect for the local belief system.

• Pura and Holy Sites: Dress modestly and appropriately, especially if you are passing by a temple (Pura) or a sacred area.

• Religious Processions: If you encounter a large religious procession (like Ngaben, for example) stop and wait respectfully until the procession passes. Locals will often guide you to an alternative route or patiently wait alongside you. Your patience and courtesy are always appreciated by the local Banjar (community council) members and residents.

Ride with Confidence, Ride with Cinchy

Explore Bali with scooter

Mastering how to adapt to the local riding style is about attitude, a blend of assertiveness and patience. 

When you ride with respect for the culture, awareness of your surroundings, and proper preparation, you'll find the freedom of two wheels in Bali is unmatched.

To ensure your journey starts right, choose a reliable partner. 

Cinchy not only offers competitive prices and free delivery and pickup service in major urban areas, but their easy requirements and 24/7 service mean you’re fully supported throughout your trip.

Ready to explore Bali the right way? Get your documents ready and start your adventure with a quality scooter you can trust.

Check out Cinchy’s easy rental process and book your safe, well-maintained scooter today!