Driving in Bali: Rules and Tips
The key thing to know about traffic in Bali is that driving is on the left. It may feel unusual at first, but most drivers adapt within the first couple of hours. Roads are busy, especially around Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, and Ubud.
Local drivers tend to be fairly calm, though they rely more on eye contact and the general flow than on strict rules. The roads are full of scooters that often overtake cars on both sides, so always check your mirrors carefully when changing lanes or turning. Lane markings are mostly informal — vehicles and scooters form extra rows whenever traffic gets heavy.
Speed limits in Bali are generally as follows:
- 50 km/h (about 30 mph) in built-up areas;
- 80 km/h (about 50 mph) on rural roads;
- up to 100 km/h (about 60 mph) on highways.
In practice, dense traffic and narrow roads often keep the actual speed well below these limits, especially in tourist areas.
Things that may seem unusual in Bali:
- The horn is used as a warning signal, for example before overtaking on a narrow road.
- Motorcycles and scooters weave between cars, particularly in heavy traffic.
- On smaller streets you may encounter speed bumps that are hard to spot.
In villages you are likely to share the road with pedestrians, scooters carrying multiple passengers, and small cargo mopeds. Stray dogs and other animals sometimes wander onto the road as well.
Fuel Stations in Bali
Most petrol stations in Bali belong to the Pertamina brand, and they are the ones drivers use most often. You will find them in towns and along the main roads, so locating a fuel station in tourist areas is straightforward.
Many stations have attendants who will come to your car, ask which fuel type you need, and fill the tank for you. They typically pump the fuel first and then you pay at the counter inside the station.
Fuel stations are fairly common across the island, especially in popular tourist zones. However, if you plan to drive beyond the main tourist areas, fill up in advance rather than waiting until the fuel gauge drops into the red.
Parking in Bali
Parking in Bali can be either free or paid. At tourist spots, markets, beaches, and attractions there is often a parking attendant wearing an orange vest. They will direct you to an available space and collect a parking fee.
Shopping centres, large malls, and the airport use automated barriers. The entrance is marked with the word Masuk. You receive a ticket on entry, and the fee depends on how long you stay. There are often separate entrances for cars and motorcycles — the sign Motor means the lane is for bikes only.
In residential areas and on quieter streets you can usually find free spaces as long as there are no signs restricting parking. Note that some spots may have temporary restrictions, so always check the signs.
Do not park next to kerbs painted in black-and-white stripes. Parking is also prohibited under no-parking signs and in areas marked dilarang parkir. Avoid leaving your car near intersections and traffic lights.
How to Book a Car in Bali
The easiest way to book a car in Bali is online — you can choose the right vehicle in advance, compare rental terms, and complete the booking without any rush. Here is how:
- Enter your rental dates and, if needed, select a pickup location.
- Use Localrent’s handy filters to narrow the search and display only the cars that match your needs.
- Open the listing of the car you like and review all the details. If it suits you, proceed to booking. Don’t forget to add any extras you may need, such as a child seat or an additional driver.
- Enter the driver’s details and contact information.
- Make the prepayment.
Once confirmed, you will receive a voucher. Simply arrive at the chosen location at the agreed time to collect your car.