Following our article on driving in Bali. Looking for a means of transport? Here are the main options available on the island.

The scooter

It's the fastest and best-suited mode of transport for cities. For Balinese locals, for whom it's the main vehicle, a scooter can accommodate up to 5 people or carry incredible quantities of goods (see our photo section "Bebek"). A scooter is recommended if you don't have long distances to cover—it's actually a lot of fun! Plus, in the midst of the "hive", you'll feel a bit "Balinese".

Scooter rental prices vary depending on rental duration, with discounts for longer periods. For one to two weeks, you can find them around 50,000 rupiahs per day (1,000,000 rph/month). Prices vary depending on whether the scooter has automatic or manual transmission—we recommend going automatic.

Helmet and safety

Wearing a helmet is mandatory, as it should be, and you'll be fined if you or your passenger isn't wearing one. The rental company will rent you one or two helmets—check their quality. Avoid decorative helmets you can buy here and there at rock-bottom prices: they're very attractive and fun, but they don't meet safety standards and won't be of much help in case of an accident.

Get comprehensive insurance for the scooter, but be aware that it usually only covers the machine itself. Make sure your personal insurance covers bodily injury (if you have a Premier card, settle with that). Check the condition of the tires, brakes, and proper functioning of the lights and horn—the horn is particularly important in Bali! Taking a short test ride before leaving the rental shop is a good idea.

Driving license

When riding a scooter, you must have your license with you. If you have a motorcycle license, verify that it was properly noted in France to cover motorcycle riding. If you don't have a motorcycle license, you're not permitted to ride a scooter in Bali. The only alternative is to pay a 25 $ fee at the main police station in Denpasar.

The bicycle

Why not try a bicycle? It's eco-friendly, silent, and ideal for a genuine immersion into rural Bali. It's not suitable for all areas, particularly mountainous zones where roads can be quite steep. On the other hand, for exploring the rice paddies, it's a mode of transport worth recommending.

One drawback, though: given Balinese driving habits and road conditions, it can be dangerous or simply stressful on busy routes. In Ubud especially, some companies offer guided cycling tours, which is a great option to enjoy this mode of transport with peace of mind.

The car

Renting a car is easy and affordable. If there are more than two of you, if you plan to explore the island, if driving on the left in Bali doesn't scare you, and you have a good road map, it's a serious option to consider.

Vehicle options range from the small Suzuki Katana 4x4—the "Jimny", nicknamed Bali's 2 CV—to larger and more sophisticated models. The Jimny is very practical: narrow, relatively short, and well-suited to the island's roads and alleys. It's not a powerhouse (which is just as well—you don't step on the accelerator in Bali!), and it won't meet all comfort requirements, but it's inexpensive and sturdy. Five people can fit in it, though the back seats are rather uncomfortable. Models from before 2002 don't have air conditioning and are often past their prime.

Rates and negotiation

A month-long rental can go down to 100,000 rupiahs per day with comprehensive material damage insurance and a 500 $ deductible. It's primarily a matter of negotiation and shop choice. At rental agencies with a more reassuring storefront, a recent Jimny rents for between 200,000 and 250,000 rps/day, for vehicles that are likely better maintained. Shop around. You'll also find all sorts of more conventional and pricier models, often Japanese (4,000,000 rph/month for a proper 5-seater).

Checks before departure

Before signing, carefully check the condition of the tires, brakes, lights, and of course the horn. Some rental companies are sometimes careless about these details, which can become crucial 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: tow trucks aren't abundant on Balinese roads.

Consider settling the rental with a Gold or Premier card (not all rental companies accept them, and if they do, they may add a 3% surcharge) to benefit from personal accident coverage. If not, make sure your travel insurance covers such accidents.