So, you've rented a bike or car in Bali, you're about to hit the main road, and you're frantically trying to figure out which of these speeding drivers will let you pass? (Spoiler: none).
And just one week later, you begin to realize that the traffic here is chaotic, nobody follows traditional traffic rules, but if you understand the unspoken laws of this traffic and join the flow, you can truly enjoy driving on the island. We’ve gathered the unwritten rules of Bali traffic for you.
Don't Trust Your Eyes!
Many local drivers, especially those on bikes, prefer not to use turn signals. But there are those who not only give you a chance to guess their next move but make it a real challenge. It's unlikely even a local could explain why they turned on the left signal and then turned right – just always keep this possibility in mind and be prepared.
By the way, besides the left and right indicators, you'll see some drivers using hazard lights at intersections. This means the driver intends to go straight.
Who'll Blink First?
In Bali, flashing high beams at intersections is also common. But not because they’re letting you go, rather, the driver is warning that they intend to go first, and everyone else should figure out their own order.
Balinese also flash headlights at oncoming vehicles that have moved into the opposite lane to overtake but can't finish in time. In such cases, it's better not to try to squeeze through but to return to your lane and try later. Locals have a better sense of distance and speed—don't take risks.
Green Doesn't Always Mean Go, Red Doesn't Always Mean Stop
Traffic lights in Bali work just like anywhere else. But there’s a catch.
A freshly turned green light is still red for about 5 seconds, and a newly turned red light is green for about 5 seconds. So at a controlled intersection, always brake lightly; don’t tempt fate by speeding through.
Also, some locals sometimes turn on red (similar to the 'green arrow'). If you decide to follow suit, be extremely cautious. At some intersections, turning left is legal even with a red light - look for the sign "Belok kiri, jalan terus."
I'll Beep at You Now!
In Bali, honking isn't as constant as in India or some Arab countries. However, drivers use the horn more actively than in Europe, but don't be alarmed. Honking here isn't aggression, unless it’s a long, hysterical honk. A short "beep" is often used by bikers when they're overtaking in traffic at high speed—it's like saying, "I'm here, be cautious." So you don't suddenly decide to change lanes.
A long honk. That's likely a car whose lane you invaded on your bike, preventing it from overtaking. Don't make sudden moves. Choose a good moment, and if possible, move to the left.
Drivers often give a short beep when approaching blind turns to make their presence known. You can do it too—approach a turn and can't see what's behind it? Give a light honk.
Be Like Water, My Friend
In Bali, there’s no concept of obstruction from the right or left. If you need to turn or make a U-turn through a stream of traffic and there’s no light, pick a moment when traffic slows down and start the maneuver smoothly. They will go around you. Inch by inch, just keep moving forward. No one will anxiously honk or shout from the window. Make no sudden moves. The 'water' rule applies when exiting a secondary road. Don't expect the traffic to stop and let you pass kindly. No one will even slow down. You have to blend into the flow smoothly, finding a ‘window’ in the traffic. The same algorithm applies when backing out of a parking spot through the median or opposite lane.
Look Me in the Eyes!
Some call this rule 'the one who needs it more goes first.' In reality, it's a highly intuitive interaction among all road users. If you make it clear to other drivers that you're going now and don't care about the rest, they will let you pass. Meanwhile, try to make eye contact with other drivers. In Bali, at small yet busy intersections, people often 'agree with their eyes.' If you meet eyes, it means they've seen you and are accounting for your maneuver.
The main thing when driving on the island is smoothness and patience. Bali thrives on calmness, relaxation, and friendliness, including on the roads. Aggression and abruptness, the desire to teach someone a lesson, are a direct route to an accident.
🚦 Safe travels on Bali!
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