Renting a Bike in Bali- It is easy and convenient

Pro-surfers and people looking for adventure find motorbikes quite convenient and easy to navigate through the busy narrow lanes of Bali. You can choose to rent a motorbike for the entire duration of your stay, at a fraction of the cost you would pay for renting a car and driver. However, there are some legal and safety guidelines you will need to follow when Renting a Bike in Bali. Most rented motorbikes in Bali are the ‘underbone’ and scooter type,mostly Hondas and Yamahas. Popular models amongst them are Honda’s user-friendly models with automatic gears, like the Vario, BeAT and Scoopy scooters. 

You have the option to choose daily rentals at an agreed upon return time and date, or even a convenient rendezvous drop off at your hotel. Hotels are usually able to arrange a bike through the concierge, or you can walk into a warung (local roadside cafe) offering rentals and ask. Major beach resort areas like Kuta, Sanur and Jimbaran all have rental stalls run and owned by locals. You need to look out for parked bikes with signs hung over their number plates or handlebars reading, “Motorbikes for Rent” or “Car and Motorcycle Rental”, 

as most of these places offer both. Renting a Bike in Bali is fairly easy and inexpensive and hassle free.

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Things to remember before Renting a Bike in Bali

• An international driver’s permit is a must to ride a motorbike in Bali. If you do not have one, you can easily apply for a temporary tourist motorcyclist permit from a nearby Bali police station. Getting your documents in place and carrying them while on your vacation saves you a lot of time and lets you enjoy your holiday relaxing and unwinding. You will definitely not like the experience of interacting with the local police.
• Most motorbike rentals are owned by locals and are small businesses hence they do not have such added facilities along with the Renting of Bike in Bali. However, with time and more tourists interaction, some western style managed bike rentals have come up which noticed this gap and they offer premium insurance options upon booking. In any case, personal travel insurance is always recommended while travelling overseas which comes in handy in the case of any untoward accidents.

Cost of Renting a Bike in Bali

While choosing a bike rental shop, it’s important to consider their location too.It is always better if it is located at a convenient place for you to pick up and drop off the bike, and that the shop is easily accessible from your hotel or AirBNB or preferred biking route. You may also want to check if the shop offers delivery and pick-up services.

Local rentals offer Honda Varios from Rp 50,000 to 100,000 per day, and less for lower-powered bikes such as the Scooty models. 

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Some tips and advice

• Check your bike for any visible damage, including scratches – ensure the owner acknowledges them. Avoid being a victim of a scam where you are blamed for minor damages. Even consider snapping photos as proof.
• Familiarise yourself with the bike and its controls. Examine the bike’s safety: effective brakes, responsive throttle, working headlights switches, etc. Turn them all on, including revving the engine. Note that most rental bikes have automatic gears – referred to as ‘matic’ – with front and rear brakes being handle lever brakes. It’s much safer to use them together at the same time, or applying the back brake before the front. Get a proper helmet with a strap that fits well.
• It is always recommended to wear a helmet and protective clothing. Ensure you follow the road rules and respect the Law.
• Traffic in Bali can be very frustrating and hence it is recommended to keep your cool always and follow the traffic rules. For your own safety’s sake, follow the signs and be a sensible rider at all times.
• Riding with the help of a GPS or GPS-enabled smartphone can be a great help while travelling in Bali.
• Always remember to check your fuel levels while on the road. Automatic gear scooters tend to drain faster than manual gear types.

Conclusion

Renting a Bike in Bali has made several headline news in Bali over the past couple of years.This is due to the increasing number of traffic violations and accidents involving foreigners. Which, as a result, the governor wants to impose stricter rules about renting scooters in Bali.

However, this is all in the talks and there are currently no bans for tourists Renting Bikes in Bali.

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