Renting a Scooter — Bali's Most Important Means of Transport
The scooter is by far the most popular means of transport in Bali — for locals and tourists alike. Without a scooter, you rely on expensive taxis or a private driver. With a scooter, you are free.
Prices
| Scooter Type | Price/Day | Price/Week | Price/Month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honda Vario 125 (Standard) | 60,000–80,000 IDR (3.43–4.57 €) | 350,000–500,000 IDR (20–29 €) | 1,000,000–1,500,000 IDR (57–86 €) |
| Honda PCX 150 (Comfort) | 100,000–130,000 IDR (5.71–7.43 €) | 600,000–800,000 IDR (34–46 €) | 1,800,000–2,500,000 IDR (103–143 €) |
| Yamaha NMAX 155 (Premium) | 100,000–150,000 IDR (5.71–8.57 €) | 650,000–900,000 IDR (37–51 €) | 2,000,000–2,800,000 IDR (114–160 €) |
| Honda Scoopy (small, light) | 50,000–70,000 IDR (2.86–4.00 €) | 300,000–400,000 IDR (17–23 €) | 800,000–1,200,000 IDR (46–69 €) |
What You MUST Know
- International Driver's License: You need an international driver's license (IDP) with motorcycle class A/A1. Apply at the road traffic office in Germany for ~15 €. Without an IDP: police fines of 500,000 IDR (~29 €) during checks — and they are frequent, especially on the main roads in Canggu, Ubud, and Kuta.
- Insurance — the Most Important Thing: Without a valid international driver's license with motorcycle class, no German travel insurance will pay in the event of a scooter accident. Medical costs for a serious accident in Bali can easily amount to 50,000–100,000 €. This is not a theoretical risk — scooter accidents are the most common cause of injury among tourists in Bali.
- Helmet: Helmet requirement! Police fine without a helmet: 250,000 IDR. But more importantly: your head. Rental helmets are often inferior — those staying longer buy their own at a helmet shop (from 200,000 IDR / ~11 €).
- Do NOT Hand Over Your Passport: Many renters require the passport as collateral. Never hand over your passport! Instead, offer a copy and a cash deposit (500,000–1,000,000 IDR). Serious renters accept this.
- Take Photos: Photograph every scratch and dent before taking over. Otherwise, "old damage" is often charged upon return.
- Refueling: At gas stations (Pertamina, 10,000 IDR/liter) or from Absolut Vodka bottles on the roadside (12,000–15,000 IDR/liter). Fuel type: Pertalite (green) is standard.
- Left-Hand Traffic: Indonesia drives on the left! Be especially careful at intersections and roundabouts. Drive very slowly for the first few kilometers.
Traffic Situation
Traffic in South Bali (Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, Denpasar) is chaotic and often unbearable. Hours-long traffic jams on the main roads are normal, especially during rush hours (7–9 AM, 5–7 PM). Ubud is becoming increasingly congested. East Bali and North Bali, on the other hand, are relaxed and free. On Nusa Penida, the roads are narrow, steep, and often unpaved — only for experienced drivers!
The Best Scooter Routes
- Sidemen Valley: Through country roads amidst rice terraces with views of Mount Agung. Bali's most beautiful ride.
- Munduk → Lovina (Coastal Road): Serpentines through coffee plantations and cloud forest with views of the north coast.
- Uluwatu Cliff Road: Along the cliffs of the Bukit Peninsula to hidden beaches.
- East Coast Amed → Tulamben: Coastal road with volcano views and stops at deserted beaches.
💡 Tipp
The Honda Vario 125 is Bali's standard scooter: light, automatic, economical, available everywhere. For the steep roads on Nusa Penida or the mountain routes in the north, take the more powerful NMAX 155.
Achtung
Bali has one of the highest traffic fatality rates in Southeast Asia — most victims are scooter riders. ALWAYS wear a helmet, ride sober and defensively. On Nusa Penida, the roads are particularly dangerous: steep, narrow, and often unpaved. Without experience, it's better to hire a driver there.