Bali's roads are generally manageable, but three things catch first-time riders off guard: dense urban traffic, sudden tropical showers, and steep mountain roads with hairpin turns. Here's how to handle each one calmly.
Handling dense traffic
Traffic in areas like Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu or central Ubud can feel chaotic at first: scooters weaving between cars, few marked lanes, and horns used as a simple 'I'm here' rather than a sign of anger. The key is to stay predictable — signal your intentions early, keep a steady speed, and avoid sudden lane changes. Rush hours (roughly 8–9am and 4–6pm) around Denpasar and the southern beach towns are worth avoiding when possible; our itineraries generally route around the densest urban stretches.
Riding in the rain
- Slow down significantly: wet asphalt combined with road paint and metal drain covers gets genuinely slippery.
- Increase your following and braking distance — wet brakes take longer to bite.
- If a downpour is heavy, it's often faster overall to pull over under a warung awning and wait it out — most showers pass within 20–30 minutes.
- Pack a light rain poncho in your under-seat storage; it's the single most useful item during rainy season.
Tackling mountain roads
Routes like Munduk → Singaraja or Ubud → Sidemen → Besakih climb through tight hairpin bends, sometimes with fog at higher elevation and locals driving quickly on familiar roads. Keep well to your side of the road on blind corners, use your horn lightly before sharp bends to signal your presence, and don't try to keep pace with local traffic — there's no reason to rush a route built for taking in the view.
What to do after an accident
- Get yourself and others to safety first, off the road if possible.
- For any injury, call for local emergency help — ask your accommodation or a nearby business for the fastest local contact if needed.
- Photograph the scene, both vehicles and any documents exchanged, before anything is moved.
- Contact your travel insurance and the vehicle rental company as soon as possible to start the claims process.
This is general guidance, not emergency medical advice. In a genuine emergency, prioritise calling local help over following any checklist.
Before you go: safety checklist
- Helmet properly fastened, for rider and passenger
- Closed shoes rather than sandals for riding
- Rain poncho and phone waterproofing on hand
- Travel insurance covering two-wheeler riding confirmed
- Avoid riding after dark outside well-lit urban areas
Before hitting the road
Getting a quote for international Heymondo travel insurance suited to Bali is the simplest option. Check the essential cover: medical expenses abroad, 24/7 assistance, repatriation, luggage and a cancellation option, depending on the contract terms and plan chosen.
If you're renting a scooter, check precisely the exclusions, the required licence category, the allowed engine size and the conditions related to two-wheelers.
This presentation is informative and does not constitute personalised insurance advice. Read the cover, limits, excesses, exclusions and terms directly on the contract before subscribing.
Related mountain routes
❓ Frequently asked questions▾
Is traffic in Bali dangerous for a scooter beginner?
Traffic is dense and sometimes disorganised, but manageable by staying alert, avoiding main roads at rush hour, and starting with a calm itinerary.
How do you ride safely in the rain in Bali?
Slow down, increase your braking distance, avoid puddles and slippery road markings, and don't hesitate to pull over under shelter during heavy showers.
Should you avoid riding at night in Bali?
It's recommended to avoid night riding outside well-lit urban areas, due to limited road lighting and animals or potholes that can be hard to spot.
Is riding a scooter in Bali dangerous?
It calls for care: France's foreign ministry describes two-wheelers as a "very high-risk" way to travel in Indonesia. A fastened helmet, no night riding outside lit areas, and a valid licence and insurance cut the risks considerably. If you've never ridden a two-wheeler, choose a driver instead.
📚 Sources▾
Sources consulted on 8 October 2026. Rules change: always check official sources before you travel.