Driving in Bali

Markit

Germans are famous for a couple of things (and infamous for a couple too) their love of roads-autobahns and their love of regulations. Once upon a time they did a study there to see what difference good road regulations had on road safety and found to everyone's surprise that the fewer regulations there were on road usage the safer it all was! The reason they came up with was that when people drove thinking they were in the right, regulation wise, they paid considerably less attention to what was actually going on on the road and conversely the fewer rules there were about who was in the right and who wasn't focused everyone's attention marvelously and everyone took responsibility for his or her own actions = safer roads. Go figure. I see Bali a little like that. But if you do end up hitting someone just don't get out of your car and start arguing that you were right and had the right of way. You're liable to get your bell rung by a crowd of pissed off locals.

Zimbo

The main problem seems to be that people here know how to operate a vehicle, but don't know how to drive!

PERtoDPS

There is definitely a small % of kids, people just not paying attention at all or otherwise but it's not that bad. But ironically enough the dickhead pulling in front of me from out of nowhere not looking wtf they're doing most recently is a bule girl :rolleyes:

SamD

There is a lack of good quality instruction here, that is all. After sitting beside my Brother in Law and listening and smelling him turn the manual gearbox into a lump of scrap metal, I took over the wheel and showed him how to change gears properly, the bule way. At least when he is with me he still drives the car properly now. I am not the greatest driver but I was taught how to do it correctly right from the start. I have the greatest respect for the Balinese ability to learn. My wife learned how to live with me, a monumental accomplishment.

RossM

Tezza71 wrote [B]Well guys I've been [/B]driving in[B] Bali now for the last 6 months and here are couple of [/B]observations[B]. Traffic lights: If the light is red this only [/B]means[B] stop if you want to otherwise continue on. The biggest culprits are motorbike riders. Lane markings: These are only for decoration. Moving between lanes can be undertaken at any time and with no requirement for indication. Parking: Stop wherever it suits even if you block traffic. Motorbikes are an absolute menace. The number of times [/B]I[B] have almost wiped one out I have lost count of. Joining traffic on a motorbike seems to be a sport. See if they can get across the line of traffic without any indication and causing as much potential grief as possible. Bali is no different from a number of other countries in the SE Asian sphere. It terrifies me that one day i will wipe out a motorbike and it may be carrying a whole family. I bloody hope not!!!!![/B]

It's actually much simpler than driving at home, wherever home is. There is only ONE rule. And that is.....there are NO rules.

Balifrog

Have driven enough in "exotic" countries in my professionnal life. Thailand, Egypt (Cairo), Myanmar being good examples. Retired in Bali now, I dont need this shit anymore. Grab, GoCar and Bluebird are perfect for me.

Tezza71

Balifrog wrote L Last time I rode a moped I was 15 ! Arriving here 4 years ago I thought it would be "cool" to buy an old Vespa. But the Missus reminded me about my age and suggested that it was maybe not such a great idea to learn driving one at my age .... And indeed she had a point.

Yeah my lady said I can have a motorbike as long as it's got 3 wheels. Been thinking about a 3 wheeled Harley but the bank balance tends to preclude that idea.

Balifrog

Tezza71 wrote Yeah my lady said I can have a motorbike as long as it's got 3 wheels. Been thinking about a 3 wheeled Harley but the bank balance tends to preclude that idea.

Yep, had a look at those 3 wheeled things. 45 Million on Tokopedia :(not sure about the A/C !) ![](https://balipod.com/uploads/attachments/3598-3841488f1191a9bfcb6890e06ef4cbb6.jpg Double wheel front or rear ? ![](https://balipod.com/uploads/attachments/3599-46fdb480ee59c449e535bee5e6c3b949.jpg ![](https://balipod.com/uploads/attachments/3600-311bb7475c8dc92ad49f656a2d531366.jpg Or the Batmobile version ? ![](https://balipod.com/uploads/attachments/3601-253aaa51c7a65fd7a6652b92e89ddd78.jpg

chrisgj

RossM wrote It's actually much simpler than driving at home, wherever home is. There is only ONE rule. And that is.....there are NO rules.

There IS a rule: TRY not to hit anything. No there are two. If you can't see anything coming the other way, it's safe to overtake (applies especially on blind bends)

chrisgj

The first thing I learned when I came to Indonesia was 'acceptance'. Arguing, I found, is a pointless waste of energy. Just getting on with life instead is much more pleasant.. As for driving, my awareness skills are off the scale now compared to when I used to drive in the UK. In terms of experiences here: [LIST] [*]I too had a woman on a scooter reading her phone run into the back of me while I was stopped in a traffic queue (no damage or injuries). I first asked to see her licence ("I don't have it with me") and then her KTP ("I don't have that either"). "OK where do you work, perhaps we can check it all later, or shall we get that policemen over there to deal with it?" (She actually answered that time). I never took it any further. I considered a day or two of anguish on her part was punishment enough. [*]On another occasion when a motorbike parked himself horizontally under my front bumper, the local onlookers rallied around and assured him it was his own fault. (No one was hurt, I guess the bike had a scratch or two) [*]On being stopped for a traffic violation (I hadn't), I accepted guilt for sake of a quiet life but insisted on the relevant blue slip. After about 15 minutes where the policeman strongly suggested that money would fix it, that I wold have to hand over my license or that I would have to go with him to the police station, he gave up, not even writing out the blue slip. Probably pretty grumpy as at least ten motorcyclists without helmets had passed by while he was 'negotiating' with me. Word must have got around -- I never got stopped in that car again. [*]I was once run into intentionally by a bike (doing no damage as far as I could tell). Sensing danger, I drove off and was chased for about 2Km before the female rider (and her male accomplice who followed her) gave up. That WAS scary. [/LIST]

Tezza71

Balifrog wrote Hell, you sure have fully recovered from Covid, I see ....

Yeah I thought that too. A very succinct reply Markit and very much an indication of your full recovery

JackStraw

chrisgj wrote The first thing I learned when I came to Indonesia was 'acceptance'. Arguing, I found, is a pointless waste of energy. Just getting on with life instead is much more pleasant.. As for driving, my awareness skills are off the scale now compared to when I used to drive in the UK. In terms of experiences here: [LIST] [*]I too had a woman on a scooter reading her phone run into the back of me while I was stopped in a traffic queue (no damage or injuries). I first asked to see her licence ("I don't have it with me") and then her KTP ("I don't have that either"). "OK where do you work, perhaps we can check it all later, or shall we get that policemen over there to deal with it?" (She actually answered that time). I never took it any further. I considered a day or two of anguish on her part was punishment enough. [*]On another occasion when a motorbike parked himself horizontally under my front bumper, the local onlookers rallied around and assured him it was his own fault. (No one was hurt, I guess the bike had a scratch or two) [*]On being stopped for a traffic violation (I hadn't), I accepted guilt for sake of a quiet life but insisted on the relevant blue slip. After about 15 minutes where the policeman strongly suggested that money would fix it, that I wold have to hand over my license or that I would have to go with him to the police station, he gave up, not even writing out the blue slip. Probably pretty grumpy as at least ten motorcyclists without helmets had passed by while he was 'negotiating' with me. Word must have got around -- I never got stopped in that car again. [*]I was once run into intentionally by a bike (doing no damage as far as I could tell). Sensing danger, I drove off and was chased for about 2Km before the female rider (and her male accomplice who followed her) gave up. That WAS scary. [/LIST]

we're going to need some expansion on that final bullet point! Sounds like a good story....

AuroraB

My (Indonesian) wife awarded me a lifetime driving ban after an incident (lucky escape) in Jakarta a few years ago. This was after sunset and I was attempting a left turn into a supermarket parking. I used my left turn signal, checked mirror, slowed down and turned the wheel less than a half turn when a ‘motor’ at 'top' speed tried to undertake me (left side), touched the front wheel of my car and immediately disappeared into an open drain. The driver luckily came crawling back up from the drain, a bit angry though as it turned out his ‘motor’ sustained some damage. I parked on the side and the usual commotion ensued with big crowd and demand for me to pay for damages to the unfortunate ‘motor’ driver. I argued that the maneuver by the ‘motor’ driver was reckless and that I would report this to polisi. Eventually I handed over (out of good will) a 50,000 bill to the ‘motor’ driver and case closed. That was the last time behind the wheel in Indonesia.

Markit

I find driving a car here a major pain and do as little of it as possible. Now driving a scooter/motorcycle is entirely another thing and I just love that to pieces! Those of you that haven't embraced cruising along with the warm wind in your hair/helmet the smiles and smells of the local environment in your nose and a warm sun on your pelt just haven't enjoyed half of what it is to live in the tropics and are poorer for that in my opinion. Yeah, yeah I know all about how dangerous it is and the other drivers on the road are fecking crazy but you gotta die from something, and until I do I hope to be able to drive my Nmax all over the place. Admitted driving in DPS environs is not the height of pleasure but at least on a scooter you're in and out again pretty quickly!

Balifrog

Markit wrote I find driving a car here a major pain and do as little of it as possible. Now driving a scooter/motorcycle is entirely another thing and I just love that to pieces! Those of you that haven't embraced cruising along with the warm wind in your hair/helmet the smiles and smells of the local environment in your nose and a warm sun on your pelt just haven't enjoyed half of what it is to live in the tropics and are poorer for that in my opinion. Yeah, yeah I know all about how dangerous it is and the other drivers on the road are fecking crazy but you gotta die from something, and until I do I hope to be able to drive my Nmax all over the place. Admitted driving in DPS environs is not the height of pleasure but at least on a scooter you're in and out again pretty quickly!

Last time I rode a moped I was 15 ! Arriving here 4 years ago I thought it would be "cool" to buy an old Vespa. But the Missus reminded me about my age and suggested that it was maybe not such a great idea to learn driving one at my age .... And indeed she had a point.

Markit

My Nmax will do 120/kmh and you really, really don't want to go any faster than that on these roads. Not that the roads are bad - Bali has the busiest roads I've encountered in Indonesia (and many of you will know I've done a few of the islands here) but the state of the roads on most of the islands is fantastic. Thing is the Nmax may be spoken of in derogatory terms as just a "scooter" but it's the easiest AND most comfortable way to get from A to B - forget your Vespa, your ass will need ICU care after the first hour. On my Nmax I can cruise in comfort for 2 hours with no trouble. Just get on turn it on and give gas - no fecking gear changing or clutching to worry about, just point it and go. At what stage of your lives did you freely hand your shriveled little testicles to the missus? They will have convinced you that they really really care for your welfare and good health BUT I suggest it's the easy life without costs you represent that they are worried about. Put yourselves in their place - they don't want to ride around looking at the young ladies, smelling the fresh air, enjoying the spectacular views (particularly the local girls, Oh another volcano, yawn, ditto jungle, waterfall, etc that's all normal for them). Suggest you beg them for the loan of your goolies back and get on an Nmax for a test ride before you die. Oh 3 wheelers are the worst of both worlds - no maneuverability, wide as a car without the rain protection, slow as only a tricycle can be and the brunt of every joke.

Balifrog

Markit wrote My Nmax will do 120/kmh and you really, really don't want to go any faster than that on these roads. Not that the roads are bad - Bali has the busiest roads I've encountered in Indonesia (and many of you will know I've done a few of the islands here) but the state of the roads on most of the islands is fantastic. Thing is the Nmax may be spoken of in derogatory terms as just a "scooter" but it's the easiest AND most comfortable way to get from A to B - forget your Vespa, your ass will need ICU care after the first hour. On my Nmax I can cruise in comfort for 2 hours with no trouble. Just get on turn it on and give gas - no fecking gear changing or clutching to worry about, just point it and go. At what stage of your lives did you freely hand your shriveled little testicles to the missus? They will have convinced you that they really really care for your welfare and good health BUT I suggest it's the easy life without costs you represent that they are worried about. Put yourselves in their place - they don't want to ride around looking at the young ladies, smelling the fresh air, enjoying the spectacular views (particularly the local girls, Oh another volcano, yawn, ditto jungle, waterfall, etc that's all normal for them). Suggest you beg them for the loan of your goolies back and get on an Nmax for a test ride before you die. Oh 3 wheelers are the worst of both worlds - no maneuverability, wide as a car without the rain protection, slow as only a tricycle can be and the brunt of every joke.

Hell, you sure have fully recovered from Covid, I see ....

SamD

Balifrog wrote L Last time I rode a moped I was 15 ! Arriving here 4 years ago I thought it would be "cool" to buy an old Vespa. But the Missus reminded me about my age and suggested that it was maybe not such a great idea to learn driving one at my age .... And indeed she had a point.

I bought my first bike (a Beat Street) on my 65th birthday in 2020. Taught myself how to ride around the Covid19 quiet streets of Seminyak/Legian. 8 months later upgraded to a ADV150. Like Markit, love riding the bike and use the car only at night or when it is raining. Never ride at night.

RossM

Markit wrote I find driving a car here a major pain and do as little of it as possible. Now driving a scooter/motorcycle is entirely another thing and I just love that to pieces! Those of you that haven't embraced cruising along with the warm wind in your hair/helmet the smiles and smells of the local environment in your nose and a warm sun on your pelt just haven't enjoyed half of what it is to live in the tropics and are poorer for that in my opinion. Yeah, yeah I know all about how dangerous it is and the other drivers on the road are fecking crazy but you gotta die from something, and until I do I hope to be able to drive my Nmax all over the place. Admitted driving in DPS environs is not the height of pleasure but at least on a scooter you're in and out again pretty quickly!

Yep, there is NOTHING quite like riding a motorcycle in Bali, once out of the south coastal strip. A ride north from Kuta, up through Bedugul to Lovina is most pleasant, little traffic and the ride for the last 15 kms into Bedugul, and then down the mountains to the north coast is an exhilirating experience, the road bordered by rainforest, frequent sightings of monkeys cadging food, occasional warungs for a Bali Kopi or fruit juice, and wind under the helmet. I'm a very cautious rider, but just occasionally, very occasionally, when there is no traffic front or back, I give it a handful, as much of a handful as I can on a 125 cc!! Some years ago, not far from the top of the climb between Banyuatis and Munduk, I was having one of those days, sunny, clear sky, and I felt like giving it a bit of a twist. I was going about as fast as I dared, into a hairpin bend, and I heard a screaming Honda outside me. I caught a glimpse of a young Balinese guy, built like a matchstick, girlfriend on the back, both without helmets, his right foot up on the cowl, a cigarette in his left hand, as they went by me at what appeared to be the speed of light. I felt sure I'd see them in a heap further up, but not so. Maybe they went over the edge?? A real bonus is motorcycling in the mountains during the clove drying season, a sensory experience I look forward to from about July onwards. I'll be doing it all again from 19th, 6 days off!!

Markit

I'm beginning to see the start of a Balipod motor/scooter/cycle Bali Tour...? We all come from different parts of the island and surely know our bits the best? What say a weekly/biweekly/monthly tour to the various parts of the island represented by the various members? I'll try to be nice.

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