Every new country has its peculiarities that you learn over time. This also applies to road traffic, including parking. To save you the hassle of figuring out the local parking features by trial and error, we have written a small useful guide for you.
Officially, the rules state that you can park in designated signposted areas on the roadside or in special parking lots. In reality, parking tends to be quite spontaneous. It is advisable to avoid striped curbs, as parking is prohibited there. Generally, motorbikes in Indonesia are often parked on the sidewalk, blocking the path for the occasional pedestrian, but not obstructing the road, even though it’s against the rules. If the road is not busy, you can stop on the roadside as well, and nobody will object.
Stopping on the Road and Sidewalks
- If you want to park, look for a place where there are already several bikes and simply park next to them.
- Try not to block gates, doors, and narrow passages, which are abundant in Bali.
- If you end up doing so, make sure not to block a bike completely so it can be moved slightly.
- Be prepared to be asked not to park in a specific spot. Simply move your bike without arguing. It's much better than returning to a bike with flat tires. An alternative parking spot will surely be pointed out to you.
Parking
Every Indomaret, Alfamart, or any other shop or restaurant has parking. They can be both free or paid. The paid ones have a parking attendant, who is quite common on the island. Paying them is normal, and bargaining is not advisable. It's an official job; attendants wear orange vests and have tickets, although they rarely issue them. Also, you can often tell the attendant which way you want to head and have them turn your bike around. This can be helpful for girls; don't hesitate, it's part of the attendant’s job.
- The usual cost of parking a motorcycle is 2,000 rupiahs.
- Your bike may be reparked or turned around, which is normal.
- If you lose your bike in a parking lot, use the key fob button to make it sound off. It's also a good idea to remember your bike's number (take a photo or write it down and keep it in your wallet).
- If you see your bike could be in someone's way while you're not around, don't block it.
- If your bike gets blocked by others and you're unable to move it yourself, call for a parking attendant.
- Paying to park at a beach entrance is the norm.
Automatic Barrier Parking
These are found in large malls and airports. Typically, payment depends on how long you stay in the parking area.
- The entry in Indonesian is called Masuk. Look for this sign, as entries can be somewhat elaborate.
- Parking lots often have separate entries for cars and bikes—pay attention to the signs or labels, 'Motor' for bikes.
- To raise the barrier, press the button and take a ticket. Keep it until you exit. Sometimes buttons are touch sensors, so wave your hand in front of the sensor. A COVID-era echo.
- In a large parking lot, remember where you left your bike by looking for a landmark, like a numbered pole, a tree, or a sign. Sometimes parking lots are so big that even the search button doesn't help locate it.
- If you have a good helmet, place it in the trunk or fasten the strap under the seat using special pegs, which many bikes have.
- Occasionally, such parking lots might require an STNK—a bike registration document, but this is rarely needed. Keeping an STNK with you is useful anyway.
- Do not rely on the trunk's security—avoid leaving valuables in it or the bike's 'pockets'.
- To exit the parking lot, follow the floor arrows and signs labeled Keluar or Exit.
Where Not to Park
- Don't park along curbs painted in black and white.
- Under no-parking signs.
- Where it says dilarang Parkir.
- In places where parking is reserved for a specific establishment, if you're not going there.
- You must not park near intersections and traffic lights.
In general, parking in Bali is quite simple, with plenty of designated areas and spots next to already parked bikes. Numerous 'Parkir Sepeda Motor' signs and polite local residents will tell you if you're parking incorrectly and show you the right way. Police don't usually conduct operations to remove improperly parked bikes, but there’s no guarantee that your bike won't end up at a station. So, park in designated spots, be friendly to parking attendants, and everything will be fine.
Remember, to park your bike, you first need to rent it. It's convenient to do with us at 👉 Balimotion.pro, with delivery all over the island.
To learn more about rental, get information about delivery, and additional accessories, visit our website or contact us via messengers.
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