It's difficult to get around Bali without personal transport. Yes, there are great online taxi services that can provide either a bike or a minivan, but they don't always want to travel long distances (especially scooter drivers), and there are some places you just can't call them to (for example, a remote waterfall). So if you want to feel free, explore non-touristy locations on the island conveniently, and avoid spending a fortune on renting a car with a guide, you'll have to choose between renting a bike or a car.
It's difficult to say definitively whether a bike or car is better for traveling around the paradise island. Firstly, if your family consists of more than two people, you'll most likely have to rent a car. It's more comfortable and safer, especially with a child.
However, experienced travelers in Southeast Asia often choose a bike and have no problem riding it with a child. In general, the police in Bali tend to turn a blind eye to this. Nonetheless, if you're not very skilled in the local traffic and lack good two-wheeler skills, it's better not to take the risk.
For elderly people, a car is also more suitable. It has air conditioning and shields you from the scorching sun, which can be relentless in Bali.
It's better to choose a car if you're going to Bali during the rainy season and don't want to get soaked. No matter how well you wrap yourself in a raincoat on a bike, the Balinese downpours will show you who's boss on the island. It's not life-threatening, and many people even enjoy feeling the fresh elements, but riding wet through the mountains is an acquired taste.
Bikes are cheaper. By far. They're also easier to learn to ride, especially if you've only ever ridden a bicycle before.
Bike Advantages:
✅ Maneuverability
✅ Parking
It's much easier to park a bike at a popular café somewhere in Canggu than a car. In central Ubud, for instance, there are only a few large parking lots where you can leave a car without the fear of another police raid.
✅ Route freedom — you can visit small villages, waterfalls, and beaches that are inaccessible by car. Many shortcuts can only be navigated on two wheels.
Atmosphere — a bike provides an incredible sense of freedom and allows you to truly experience the world around you. The wind, the smells, the views, and greetings from locals are much more vibrant than from behind a glass.
Disadvantages:
⛔️ Safety
Traffic in Bali is chaotic, and while locals are generally kind and won't 'teach' you a lesson for a risky maneuver due to inexperience, the stress can be intense at first. There are almost no rules. Everything is intuitive. Sometimes you have to think not just for yourself but also for that Balinese guy who forgot to signal and suddenly decided to turn left.
⛔️ Weather
Besides likely getting wet when it rains, you'll need to reduce speed on a slippery road. Riding becomes more challenging, there are no wipers on your helmet, and constantly wiping the visor isn't convenient. Without one, it's even worse.
⛔️ Less luggage space
If you plan to move constantly with suitcases to different parts of the island, someone will have to take them by taxi while the other follows. And although bikes like the NMax or even more so the XMax can hold some things under the seat or a bag from the supermarket, it can't compare to even a small car's capacity.
The main advantage of a car is comfort and safety. Driving with air conditioning, in a cabin shielded from noise and dust, is certainly more pleasant. And let's not forget that in case of an accident, the chance of being injured is much higher for bikers. But everyone who has ridden a bike around the island will tell you that it's an incomparable experience. If you hit the Balinese roads with your wits about you, staying cautious, and ideally having undergone some basic training, you'll be in for some vivid emotions. That's why many fall in love with the island.
Find out more and rent a car or bike on our website 👉 Balimotion.pro
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