Everything you need to know about renting a scooter in Bali, managing luggage and staying safe on the road
Driving a scooter in Bali means freedom. Whether you’re still planning your next Bali holiday or have already arrived and can’t wait to explore this beautiful island, there are two ways to do it. Option 1: Travel from destination to destination by taxi and rent a scooter locally for a day of sightseeing each time. Option 2: Rent a scooter right after arriving and keep it for your entire trip, giving you the ultimate freedom to explore Bali at your own pace. Going all in and renting a scooter for your entire trip sounds like your kind of adventure? Then keep reading.
We’ll show you:
– How to start and where to rent your scooter for a longer trip
– What you can expect from the traffic in Bali
– How to manage your luggage
– How to prevent scams
– Additional FAQ
QUICK FACTS
Scooter: 125cc recommended
Luggage: Small backpacks recommended – That’s how you travel just with hand luggage
Road conditions: Mostly paved
Traffic: Bali’s roads can be busy, especially in popular tourist areas; traffic can feel chaotic at first, so avoid rushing and adapt your speed to the road conditions
Best for: Adventure, road trips and independent travel
Best time to explore Bali: April to October
Rent a Scooter in Kuta
First of all, after arriving in Bali, you could take a taxi to your first accommodation on the island and rent a scooter there. Alternatively, if you arrive late in the evening or, like us, prefer to save money on your first taxi ride, you can spend your first night in Kuta. There are many accommodations within around a 10-minute walk of the airport, and you can rent a scooter here the next morning.
We once rented a scooter at Asta House and stayed there after arriving at 10 p.m. However, there are also plenty of other accommodations and scooter rentals you could check out. Just make sure to choose the right scooter, such as a Honda Scoopy or Vario, as these models have enough space to fit a hand-luggage-sized backpack between your legs.
Not Sure What to Expect from the Traffic in Bali?
Don’t worry, driving in Bali can be really enjoyable, especially in many of the quieter areas, and you’ll be rewarded with beautiful views along the way, from long coastlines to endless green rice terraces. And if you’re feeling more adventurous, you can even take the mountain roads through Central Bali.
That said, Bali’s roads can get busy. You’ll share the streets with plenty of scooters and cars, and things can feel chaotic and unfamiliar at times, though nowhere near as intense as in cities like Hanoi or Bangkok. If you’re a confident driver, you shouldn’t have too much trouble. Just take it at your own pace: distances in Bali are relatively short, so there’s no need to rush. Sit back, relax and enjoy the ride, soak in the views and feel the freedom of exploring Bali by scooter. Still, be responsible and always drive safely! We always wear helmets and avoid riding in just flip-flops.
Bring Just Small Backpacks on the Scooter
We managed perfectly fine on our scooter trips together by both only bringing hand luggage, meaning a small backpack, around 20 – 25 liters in size. Joshua has a simple Decathlon backpack that he can fit between his legs, while Sophia travels with a comfortable Osprey day pack that she keeps on her back while driving. For this, make sure you have a scooter where you can fit one of the backpacks between your legs, such as a Honda Scoopy or Vario. If you mainly bring clothes and essentials, it won’t feel heavy on your back, and if you have heavier items, you can put them in the backpack between your legs or in the scooter’s storage compartment. The same goes for solo travelers, you can easily manage with one small backpack between your legs or then even one on your back as well.
Now you might be asking yourself: what’s essential to bring? Read here how to pack hand luggage for Southeast Asia.
Rent Storage for the Rest of Your Luggage
If you’re traveling long-term, chances are high that you’ll have big luggage with you, which is less suitable for riding on a scooter, especially with two people. However, in Bali, you can store your big luggage in a locker first, so you’re ready to continue with smaller luggage on the scooter.
At first, we were hesitant to store our stuff for a longer period, but we found the perfect option! Bali Safe Storage in Kuta rents out lockers for both short and long term. For one month, we paid just 60 euros, a small price for full freedom. We repacked our luggage at our first accommodation in Kuta, then rented the scooter. Joshua drove the scooter to the locker, while Sophia took a Grab taxi there with all the luggage. We used this same storage trick for our road trip through Flores. Curious about Flores? Read more about how to explore Flores by scooter.
Take Photos & Videos of the Scooter to Prevent Scams
Even that we had good experiences with renting scooters, its of course always good to be careful. One of the best ways to prevent scams is to take pictures and videos of the scooter before you get on it, right in front of the person renting it to you. This way, it’s clear that no damage can be blamed on you afterwards. They might ask you to leave your passport as a deposit, but never do that! It’s better to leave a less important card with your name on it instead. And of course, check the lights, brakes, tires, and mirrors.
FAQ
Is it worth renting a scooter for the entire Bali trip?
Yes, if you are a confident scooter rider and want the freedom to explore Bali at your own pace. Renting one scooter for your entire trip can be more convenient than taking taxis between destinations and renting a scooter separately for day trips. However, if you are not comfortable riding in Bali’s traffic or are traveling with a lot of luggage, and can’t use storage, renting locally for individual day trips may be the better option.
Can I take my rental scooter to Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan?
Rental scooters generally cannot be taken to the other islands. It is easier to rent a scooter locally on Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan.
Note: If you want to follow the Bali complete in 30 days itinerary by scooter, you’ll need to return your scooter in Denpasar/Kuta or at the location where you rented it after leaving Sidemen. On the same day, you’ll then need to take the shuttle provided by the ferry service to Sanur Harbour to catch the ferry to the Nusa Islands. This doesn’t change the number of days in the itinerary but adds some extra travel time to your travel day.
