5 Tips for Riding Scooters in Bali

Everyone seems to want to hire a scooter when they holiday in Bali. These are my tips to anyone - especially schoolies heading there - that is planning to ride a scooter in Bali. For eight years I rode a motorbike in Bali, a real one, not a scooter. In that time I had three accidents, one of them bad, and I know plenty about the roads and conditions, so please consider my advice.

Bring your own helmet and expect the unexpected!

1. Don't ride one

There is no real reason to ride a scooter in Bali. Around town, taxis are cheap and the driver will wait for you if you need to stop and do a bit of shopping. Also most places are within walking distance. Think of all the things you will miss and the people you won't meet if you zip by on a scooter. 

If you want get out of town and go to that legendry surf break, or to go on a tour, pool your money with a few friends and hire a car and driver. The driver will wait for you if you are surfing or touring. They will also help with translation and they may know a few secret surf spots or scenery. Hiring a car and driver is relatively cheap. And it can be a lot of fun. Think of it as a road trip, you will have a lot more laughs and you will see a lot more of the sights.

One more thing, remember to barter when organising the price.

2. Bring a helmet

OK. You have decided to totally ignore my first bit of advice and you have your heart set on riding a scooter around Bali. Then go out and buy yourself a proper helmet, built to the proper safety standards, before you leave home. Yes, they are expensive, but how much is your life worth?  The motorbike helmets that you get in Bali are cheap copies. They will not save your life if you come off at speed. A friend of mine had his helmet split in two when he was involved in an accident. Another friend died when his helmet's visor snapped off and pierced his brain. Maybe you should think about this when you are looking at the price tag for motorbike helmets in your own country. 

You will be able to bring a helmet through Bali airport. Little tip: do not bring it in a box and make sure it looks second-hand. Scuff the helmet up and place a few stickers on it. Customs will try and charge you if you bring in a sparkling new one.

3. Keep your eyes in front and don't be afraid to use your horn and your lights

If you are riding in Bali, keep your speed down and your eyes in front. This is how Indonesians ride. Indonesians have a tendency to ignore their mirrors - I don't recommend you do this, but make sure your main focus is on what is going to pull out in front of you. Cars, trucks, and other motorbikes will pull in front if they see a gap in the traffic. Get ready to give them full blasts on your horn if they do. At night, use your headlights and flicker your high beam. 

Don't be afraid to use either of these tools. Other drivers/riders will expect it.

4. Expect the unexpected

If you ride a scooter in Bali, you can expect cars, trucks, buses, other motorbikes, dogs, cows, people, chickens, horse and carriages, engine parts, and low-flying airplanes to distract you or get in your way. I have experienced all of these. The airplanes come in to land over the bypass and I once had part of an engine come flying down the road towards me. 

At all times keep your wits about you, stay focused and expect the worst.

5. Do not ride drunk

The golden rule of Bali is this: if you do not do it in your own country, then don't do it in Bali. This goes for all things. Bali is a lot more dangerous than people believe. 

Would you really get on a motorbike while drunk in your own country?