DRIVING IN BALI

If you want to know more about driving in Bali. Here goes:

The first thing that you need to know about driving in Bali is that you need a drivers licence - that is an International one that you can organise at home or a licence that you can do a test for in Bali. If you choose to do the test in Bali, you will need to be prepared to go into Denpasar and be patient in filling in forms and waiting to do a driving test. Our suggestion is to get an International licence before you leave!

There are many places to hire a car or motorbike in Bali, there are small local businesses through to International companies, such as Budget. The price of a car at the bigger companies is set and at the smaller local companies you can ‘ discuss price’, this seems to be very much the case with motorbikes. Make sure that you get insurance and that it is real and that you know what the excess is. There can be major problems in Bali if you have an accident and hurt a local, and in negotiating with the car hire company for compensation for damage.

But many people prefer the freedom of having their own transport when in Bali and would never travel without hiring a car or bike.

So what are some of the road rules –

• Have patience – the roads can be heavily congested and you can even get caught behind ceremonial processions, just enjoy the experience.
• The larger your vehicle the more influence that you have when driving – size is king!
• Cars and bikes will swerve in front of you – do not get flustered this si a normal part of sharing the road in Bali.
• Traffic lights are sometimes seen as a ‘suggestion’ rather than a rule. Don’t panic if you are in traffic that goes through a red light , this is not uncommon if traffic is flowing…
• Remember to sound your horn, if you are planning to turn or change your position on the road. Also when travelling in the mountains and you approach a corner, to warn oncoming unseen traffic.
• Be careful when driving at night. In fact it is often better to avoid it unless you are very confident and experienced. This is an issue in the North of the Island on the road to and from Gilimanuk. Trick drivers coming from Java are notorious for driving like cowboys!
• Most of the car hire companies ask that you fill your car with fuel from the government owned petrol stations – Pertamina . The quality is better than the small roadside fuel retailers.
• Hati – Hati is often seen on signs – it means be careful – take note!
• Carrying surfboards on or in cars can be a wealth hazard. I have been stopped by the police and fined for having my boards both on and in the car??? The general rule is that 20,000 Rph alleviates the problem.