Last Updated on August 8, 2026
Driving a scooter is one of the best ways to explore Indonesia and experience the country like a local. And trust me, I’ve had plenty of practice! I lived in Bali for seven months, traveled around Asia for a full year, and spent countless hours on scooters, navigating everything from busy city streets and winding mountain roads to tiny village lanes.
During my time in Bali, I rode my scooter almost every day. I rode to work, restaurants, the beach, and everywhere in between. Along the way, I learned a lot about driving in Indonesia: what to look out for, which local traffic habits might surprise you, and how to stay safe when the roads get a little… chaotic.
Whether you’re renting a scooter for a few days in Bali or planning a longer adventure through Indonesia, I believe that these tips will help you feel more confident and prepared. I’ll cover everything from renting a scooter and understanding the traffic rules to dealing with police checkpoints and figuring out why Indonesians honk their horns so much.
Welcome to driving in Indonesia!
What you’ll find in this article
Estimated reading time: 16 minutes
Renting a scooter and costs
Scooters and motorbikes below 125cc are commonly available to rent in Indonesia. Most rental scooters are automatic, so you don’t have to worry about changing gears. These are perfect if you’re not used to riding a motorbike.
Before signing your rental agreement, give the scooter a proper inspection. Check the paintwork, brakes, lights, horn, alarm, lock, and fuel tank. Make sure everything works properly and take plenty of photos or even a short video of the scooter before you drive away. That way, you have proof of its condition when you rented it and can avoid any awkward discussions about pre-existing damage later.
In Bali, scooter rental companies are easy to find in most tourist areas. During my 7-months stay, I rented a scooter from a company in Denpasar and paid around 600,000 IDR (€42 or US$46) per month. In popular tourist areas, daily rental prices are generally around 60,000–150,000 IDR (€3.50–9 or US$4–10) per scooter, per day, depending on the type of scooter you rent.
A few things to check before you sign a scooter rental contract
Before you sign the rental contract, check the entire scooter carefully:
- Paintwork and existing scratches
- Brakes
- Lights
- Horn
- Alarm and lock
- Fuel level
- Number plate and registration
- Registration papers
Take photos or a video of the scooter from different angles, so you have a record of its condition when you rented it.
Also check that the scooter has a number plate with a valid registration date. You should receive the blue registration papers that belong to the scooter as well. These are usually kept underneath the seat. Keep them with you, as you may need to show them if you are stopped by the police.
Tip: don’t rent a scooter if the required registration documents are missing. And always keep the rental company’s name and phone number somewhere easily accessible.
10 Important traffic rules in Indonesia
Tourists can get into serious accidents when riding scooters in Indonesia, and unfortunately, some accidents are fatal. That’s why it’s important to understand the local traffic situation before jumping on a scooter.
Here are 10 important traffic rules and things to keep in mind when driving a scooter in Indonesia.
1. Wear a helmet
Always wear a helmet!
You’ll probably see plenty of people riding without one, and yes, wearing a helmet in Bali’s tropical heat can feel pretty uncomfortable. But please don’t copy them. Your head is worth protecting!
In Bali, wearing a helmet is required, although you may notice some exceptions in small villages or during traditional ceremonies. No matter what the locals are doing, my advice is simple: put your helmet on and buckle it properly.
2. Drive on the left
In Indonesia, traffic drives on the left-hand side of the road. This means you should generally keep to the left and follow roundabouts counterclockwise. When passing another vehicle, pass on the right. It might take a little getting used to if you normally drive on the right, but after a few rides, it will start to feel natural.
4. Make sure you have the right driving license
You need a valid driving license to rent and ride a scooter in Indonesia.
Your regular national driving license may not be sufficient, so check the requirements before your trip and make sure you have the appropriate international driving permit if required. These are generally valid for one year.
There’s another important point for Dutch travelers: a scooter above 50cc is considered a motorcycle in Indonesia. If you only have a Dutch car driving license, this may not provide the correct authorization or insurance coverage for riding a scooter. In other words, just because a rental company is happy to hand you the keys doesn’t necessarily mean you’re properly licensed or insured. That being said, make sure you have travel insurance that specifically covers you when riding a scooter or motorbike in Indonesia.
5. Use your indicators
Even though you’ll notice that local drivers don’t always use their indicators, you should!
Use your turn signals to let other road users know what you’re planning to do. If someone is riding on the back of your scooter, they can also use their hand to indicate which direction you’re turning. It may seem like a small thing, but clear communication is especially important when the traffic around you is already busy and unpredictable.
Travel insurance
Don’t forget travel insurance for your Indonesia trip. Heymondo or Safetywing are among the cheapest travel insurances for travelers and cover medical emergencies, theft, delays, cancellations, lost luggage, and more. As a reader of Girlswanderlust, you’ll receive a 5% discount on your next Heymondo travel insurance.
5. Understand how left turns work at some intersections
At some intersections, you’ll find traffic lights even when you’re turning left onto a road immediately on your left. In certain situations, you may be able to make the turn without waiting for the traffic light because your turn doesn’t interfere with the traffic coming from the other direction.
However, pedestrians may still be crossing the road, so never simply turn without looking. Slow down, check your surroundings, and make sure the road is clear before turning.
6. Get comfortable with the horn
If you’re used to European roads, you might initially think Indonesians have a serious obsession with their horns. They do! But don’t worry, the horn isn’t necessarily a sign of anger or road rage. In Indonesia, honking is often simply a way of communicating with other road users.
For example, when you’re waiting at a traffic light and it turns orange, you may suddenly hear a chorus of horns behind you. Don’t panic! It’s often just a friendly reminder that the light has changed.
You’ll also hear people honking when passing cars, bicycles, or other scooters. In this situation, the horn is usually a warning: “I’m coming past you!” On small roads with blind corners, honking can also be useful. A quick beep lets anyone approaching from the other direction know that you’re there.
I also used the horn when someone was about to cross the road in front of me. A quick beep was my way of saying, “Hey, I’m coming!” rather than waiting until they were already in my path. Once you understand how the horn is used, the constant beeping suddenly makes a lot more sense.
7. Be aware of traffic coming from the right
In some situations, traffic coming from the right has priority, but Indonesian traffic doesn’t always follow the rules as strictly as you might expect.
There’s also a strong “whoever gets there first goes first” mentality in some situations. Don’t be surprised if someone squeezes into a queue at a traffic light or intersection.
The most important thing is to stay alert and expect other road users to make unexpected moves. Never assume someone will follow the rules simply because they would at home.
8. Pay attention to flashing lights
At night, drivers often use their headlights to communicate with other road users. For example, a car or scooter approaching from behind may flash its lights to let you know it is coming up quickly and intends to pass. So keep an eye on those headlights, especially after dark.
Budget tip
Traveling to a country with a different currency? Avoid ATM transaction fees and pay in local currency with a Wise Visa Card or Revolut Maestro Card. I have been using these cards for several years and have saved a lot of money as a result. I recommend bringing both bank cards with you when you travel.
9. Never drive under the influence
Just like anywhere else in the world, you should never ride a scooter after consuming alcohol or drugs. Even if enforcement may feel different from what you’re used to at home, your safety (and from others) should come first.
Heading out for drinks? Leave the scooter behind and take a taxi or another form of transportation home. Taxis are relatively inexpensive in Indonesia, so there’s really no reason to take the risk.
10. Don’t feel the pressure to drive fast
The traffic in Indonesia can be quite different from what you’re used to at home, and you may notice that scooters and cars drive at very different speeds.
The average speed on main roads such as the Jl. Bypass is around 60–70 km/h, while speeds on smaller roads are often closer to 40 km/h. Many scooters can reach around 80 km/h, but that certainly doesn’t mean you need to! If you’re not comfortable driving fast, don’t feel pressured to keep up with everyone else. Drive at a speed that feels safe for you.
If you’re driving slower than the surrounding traffic, keep to the left, so others can pass you safely on the right. However, don’t hug the very edge of the road, as this is often where you’ll find potholes, bumps, loose gravel and, of course, the occasional dog.
10 Useful tips for driving scooter in Indonesia
Now that I’ve covered some of the important traffic rules, here are ten practical tips that can make your scooter adventures around Indonesia a whole lot easier.
1. Keep your tank at least ¼ full
Make sure you always have at least a quarter of a tank of fuel left before heading out. There are plenty of places to buy petrol in Indonesia, but if you’re heading into a more rural area, you might not come across a proper petrol station for a while.
The national petrol station chain in Indonesia is called Pertamina, and petrol is relatively cheap compared with prices in many Western countries.
You’ll also see small local shops selling petrol in glass bottles, often reused vodka bottles. This fuel, known locally as bensin, may not always be the best quality, so I recommend filling up at a proper petrol station whenever possible.
Still, those little bottles can be a lifesaver when your fuel gauge is almost empty and there isn’t a petrol station anywhere in sight!
2. Be prepared for police checks
Police checkpoints are something you may encounter while driving in Indonesia, especially in tourist areas. You may be asked to show your driving license and the relevant registration documents for your scooter. Always carry the required documents with you and stay calm and polite if you’re stopped.
During my time in Indonesia, I always carried two wallets with me. One contained only a small amount of cash, while I kept the rest of my money safely in my second wallet. If I was stopped by the police and asked for money, I would show them the wallet with the small amount of cash and explain that it was all I had with me. This helped me avoid being asked for a large amount of money.
Of course, the best way to avoid problems is to make sure you have the correct driving license, scooter registration documents, and insurance. Keep these documents easily accessible so you can show them quickly if you’re stopped.
Most importantly, don’t let stories about police checks scare you away from exploring Indonesia by scooter. Stay calm, be respectful, carry the correct documents, and be prepared for the occasional unexpected interaction along the way.
3. Bring a raincoat on every scooter trip
Put a raincoat under your scooter seat and leave it there. Seriously! The weather in Bali can change quickly. One minute you’re cruising along in the sunshine, and the next you’re standing in a tropical downpour wondering why you ever thought you could outrun the clouds. A lightweight rain jacket or poncho takes up very little space and can save you from arriving at your destination completely drenched.
4. Be prepared for road closures and processions
Culture plays a huge role in everyday life in Indonesia, and especially in Bali. You may occasionally find roads closed because of a traditional procession or ceremony. Instead of getting frustrated because your route suddenly comes to a stop, take it as part of the experience. Be patient, respect the local traditions, and follow the instructions of the people managing the road.
5. Keep your bag under the seat or between your feet
Avoid wearing a bag loosely over your shoulder while riding. Not only can it slip off while you’re driving, but it can also be easier for someone to grab.
Whenever possible, store your bag underneath the scooter seat or securely between your feet. Keep your valuables safely tucked away and avoid leaving anything hanging from the scooter.
6. Wear closed shoes
Flip-flops might be the unofficial uniform of tropical destinations, but I think they aren’t the best footwear for riding a scooter. Closed shoes offer your feet more protection and are much less likely to fly off while you’re driving. If you absolutely want to wear flip-flops, at least make sure they fit securely.
7. Don’t ride at night if you’re inexperienced
If you’re not comfortable riding a scooter yet, I recommend avoiding riding after dark. Driving at night can be more challenging because visibility is lower, some roads aren’t well lit, and potholes, pedestrians, animals, and other vehicles can be harder to spot.
If you’ve only just started riding in Indonesia, give yourself some time to get comfortable with the traffic during daylight before venturing out at night.
8. Practice before tackling busy roads
If you’ve never ridden a scooter before, don’t make your first attempt on a busy road in Bali! Before heading into heavy traffic, find a quiet street or open area where you can practice starting, stopping, turning, braking, and making U-turns. Get comfortable with the scooter and its controls first. Once you feel confident, gradually work your way up to busier roads.
9. Download an offline navigation app
Don’t rely entirely on mobile data when riding around Indonesia. Before heading out, download an offline map of the area you’re visiting. Google Maps allows you to download maps for offline use, while apps such as Maps.me are also useful for navigating without an internet connection.
This is especially handy when you’re exploring rural areas, heading into the mountains, or simply run out of mobile data. I always recommend downloading your route or map before you leave, just in case your connection suddenly disappears.
And don’t forget to save important places, such as your accommodation, petrol stations, and your scooter rental company, so you can easily find your way back.
10. Always pay attention!
I can’t stress this enough: stay alert. Traffic in Indonesia can be unpredictable, and almost anything can happen on the road. People can suddenly cross the street, scooters can pull out unexpectedly, and animals can wander onto the road without warning.
Keep an eye out for potholes, loose stones, bumps, pedestrians, scooters, cars, and pretty much anything else that might appear in front of you. And be extra careful after rain. Some roads can become surprisingly slippery, especially during or immediately after heavy rainfall.
Conclusion
I believe driving a scooter in Indonesia (or anywhere else in Asia) is an adventure in itself! It’s one of the best ways to explore a destination like a local.
I hope this guide helps you stay safe, feel confident, and enjoy the ride. Yes, the traffic can be chaotic, unpredictable, and a little intimidating at times, but with the right preparation, a good mindset, and a little bit of courage, you’ll quickly get the hang of it.
Once you do, you’ll have the freedom to cruise through villages, discover hidden beaches, stop at local warungs, and explore the island at your own pace.
Just remember: always put safety first, respect the local culture and traffic rules, and embrace the little surprises that come with every ride.
Ready to hit the road in Indonesia like a pro? If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment bellow. Safe travels!
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Responses
You are much braver than I am for riding a scooter in Indonesia! I was really afraid to ride a scooter anywhere in Asia (except Koh Lanta in Thailand in the low season… no other vehicles on the road lol). It’s interesting- and a good tip- that you need to have the international drivers license for a scooter… I know some places only require it for motorcycles/cars/trucks/etc…
Thank you! Well, I was afraid in the beginning too, but because I really had to drive scooter to reach my internship place everyday, I had to get used quickly to the chaotic Indonesian traffic and I did! =)
These are absolutely great tips! I’m headed to Bali late next year for the second time and I feel like I really want to rent a scooter this time around. Would you mind passing on your recommendation? Also, did you use a particular site to get your international driver’s license? Thanks for so many great tips! Cheers!
Thank you! Yes, sure I can pass on the recommendation. Can you provide your email, so I can send you an email with the contact details of the rental guy. You can also send us an email with the request: info@girlswanderlust.com.
Since, I live in the Netherlands, I could easily visit a Dutch company (ANWB) that sells these international driver’s licenses. I suggest you search on the internet for a company like this in your country (if you are not Dutch).
Kudos to you for braving the roads by scooter! I was in Bali in August and was almost afraid to walk due to the narrow roads. I only rode shotgun on scooters, I couldn’t even fathom driving one on my own hahaa.
Well, in Bali sometimes driving scooter is safer than walking or cycling haha!
Bali is still on the bucket list! I attempted to ride a scooter in Koh Samui, Thailand when I was younger. These are great tips and I think quite relevant for many Asian countries, esp the last one. ;P
Thank you! Yes, it is a pity that there still exist corruption in some countries. But indeed, it is good to know how to handle situations like that.
Thanks for these tips! I don’t know if I fully trust myself to be able to safely navigate Balianese roads on a scooter lol my driving skills in Australia are sometimes questionable 😀 But thankyou for promoting the obligation to wear a helmet. I cringe everytime I see someone riding without one. Safety first!
Haha, yeah safety first! I also definitely recommend to wear a helmet =)
Thanks! Your article is still useful and relevant!
I would like to add about the crucial points to consider when choosing a motorbike.
Driving experience: this is probably one of the most important things to think about. If you’re a newbie and are just planning to learn, take a simpler and lighter motorbike. Honda Vario 125 is a good choice.
If you’re an experienced driver, you may choose a motorbike that’s heavier and more comfortable. Consider NMax 155.
Your height, weight and how athletic you are. This is an obvious one: if you are a skinny girl, we recommend motorbikes like Honda Vario 125, 150 or Scoopy. For taller drivers it’s better to pick something like Lexi 125 – it has a higher seat and is more comfy.
Planning long journeys around the island? Then it’s best to choose NMax 155, as it’s the most comfy motorbike for travelling on Bali.
Will you have passengers? If yes, take something more comfortable: Aerox 155 or, again, NMax 155.
And about fines in Bali: here is a very detailed article on this topic – https://balimotion.pro/en/blog/fines-in-bali-what-are-fined-and-how-to-avoid – for some fines imprisonment
Thank you for the useful information!! 🙂