Following our article on driving in Bali. Looking for a means of transport? What are your options?

The Scooter

It's the fastest and most practical mode of transport for navigating cities. For Balinese residents, for whom it's the primary vehicle, a scooter can accommodate up to five people or carry incredible quantities of goods (see our "Bebek" photo section). A scooter is recommended if you don't have long distances to cover—it's actually a fun experience! Plus, in the midst of the "hive," you'll feel a bit like a local.

Scooter rental prices vary depending on rental duration, with decreasing rates for longer periods. For one to two weeks, you can find rentals around 50,000 rupiah per day (1,000,000 rupiah/month). Prices differ depending on whether the scooter has automatic or manual transmission (we recommend automatic).

Helmet use is mandatory, as it should be, and you'll be fined if you or your passenger isn't wearing one. The rental company will provide one or two helmets for an additional fee. Check their condition. Avoid the decorative helmets sold at bargain prices here and there—they look nice and fun, but they don't meet safety standards and won't help much in case of an accident.

Get comprehensive insurance for the scooter, but be aware that it usually only covers the vehicle itself. Make sure your insurance covers personal injury accidents (if you have a premium credit card, use it for payment!). Check the condition of the bike's tires, brakes, and the functioning of lights and horn (the horn is important in Bali!); taking a short test ride before leaving the rental shop is a good idea.

You must also carry your license while riding a scooter. If you have a motorcycle license, verify that the official in France properly noted motorcycle driving privileges. If you don't have a motorcycle license, you're not legally allowed to ride a scooter in Bali. The only option is to pay a 25$ fee at the main police station in Denpasar.

The Bicycle

Why not a bicycle? It's eco-friendly, silent, and ideal for a genuine immersion in rural Bali. It's not suitable for all areas, particularly mountainous regions where roads are sometimes very steep. However, for exploring rice paddies, cycling is a great option.

One caveat: given Balinese driving habits and road conditions, it can be dangerous or simply stressful on busy routes. In Ubud especially, some agencies offer guided bicycle tours.

The Car

Renting a car is easy and affordable. If there are more than two of you, or if you plan to explore further, and if driving on the left in Bali doesn't intimidate you and you have a good road map, it's worth considering. Options range from small 4x4 Suzuki Katanas (locally called a "Jimny")—Bali's version of the Citroën 2CV—to more impressive and sophisticated models. The Jimny is very practical because it's narrow, relatively short, and well-suited to Bali's roads and streets. It's not particularly powerful (which is fine—you don't want to accelerate recklessly in Bali!) and may not suit everyone's comfort standards, but it's also inexpensive and durable. Five people can fit inside, though the back seats are rather cramped. Models from before 2002 lack air conditioning and are often near the end of their lifespan.

A monthly rental can drop to 100,000 rupiah/day with comprehensive insurance for material damage and a 500$ deductible. Again, it comes down to negotiation and the rental shop. In some shops with more "reassuring" storefronts, a newer Jimny rents for between 200,000 and 250,000 rupiah/day, likely with better-maintained vehicles. Shop around. You'll also find a variety of more conventional and pricier models, often Japanese (4,000,000 rupiah/month for a proper five-seater).

Before signing, carefully check the condition of the tires, brakes, lighting, and of course the horn. Some rental companies can be careless about these "details," which can become critically important on a mountain road during rainy season or simply amid the chaos of city traffic. Also verify the presence of a spare tire in good condition and a jack. Roadside assistance isn't readily available on Balinese roads!

Here too, consider paying for the rental with a premium or gold credit card (not all rental shops accept them, and if they do, they'll charge a 3% surcharge) to benefit from personal accident insurance, or make sure your travel insurance covers such accidents.