Getting Around Bali — Scooters, Drivers, and Gojek (2026)
Bali's road infrastructure and traffic patterns make a scooter the practical default for most residents and longer-stay visitors, with ride-hailing apps and private drivers filling in the gaps for anyone not comfortable riding, or for longer trips across the island.
Renting a scooter — the default for daily independence
Scooter rental is cheap, widely available, and the fastest way to get around Canggu, Ubud, or Uluwatu without depending on ride-hailing wait times. Most longer-stay visitors end up renting one within their first week.
The legal requirement — an International Driving Permit valid for motorcycles, obtained before arriving in Indonesia — is widely ignored in practice but genuinely matters if you're stopped at a checkpoint or, more seriously, involved in an accident, where lacking proper licensing can affect insurance claims and legal standing. Traffic in Bali has also become noticeably heavier and more dangerous in high-traffic areas like Canggu, and scooter accidents involving tourists are common enough to take seriously.
Gojek / Grab — ride-hailing and delivery
Gojek and Grab both operate widely across Bali, covering rides, food delivery, and even some errand services, and are the practical option for anyone not renting a scooter or for late-night trips after drinking. Pricing is low by most visitors' home-country standards.
Availability and pricing shift with demand and area — busier tourist zones are well covered, more remote spots less reliably so.
Private drivers — longer trips and day tours
For day trips to temples, waterfalls, or across the island, hiring a private driver for the day is the standard approach rather than self-driving a rental car, and it's commonly arranged either through a hotel/villa or directly through drivers found via Facebook groups and word of mouth, often at a better rate than a booked tour.
Side by side
| Scooter rental | Gojek / Grab | Private driver | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Daily independence | Short trips, no license needed | Day trips, longer distances |
| License required | Yes, legally | No — you're a passenger | No — you're a passenger |
| Cost | Low, per day/week/month | Low, per trip | Moderate, per day |
Pricing and availability vary by area and demand, mid-2026 — always confirm current terms and licensing requirements before renting or driving.
The gap nobody covers
The International Driving Permit requirement is genuinely under-communicated relative to how many visitors rent a scooter without one — it's rarely enforced in casual daily riding but matters significantly the moment there's an accident or a serious checkpoint stop, at which point insurance and legal complications can be considerably worse for someone riding without the correct permit.
What actually works, in practice
- Staying more than a couple of weeks: rent a scooter, and get an International Driving Permit valid for motorcycles before you arrive — it's a small step that matters a lot if anything goes wrong.
- Not comfortable riding, or after drinking: Gojek or Grab, reliable in the main tourist areas.
- Day trips to temples or waterfalls: a private driver, arranged through your accommodation or a local Facebook group, is the standard and usually better value than a packaged tour.
- Traffic in Canggu specifically: budget extra time — congestion has worsened noticeably as the area has grown.
FAQ
Do I need a license to rent a scooter in Bali?
Legally, yes — an International Driving Permit valid for motorcycles, obtained before arriving in Indonesia. It's often not checked in daily riding but matters significantly if you're stopped at a checkpoint or involved in an accident.
Is it safe to ride a scooter in Bali?
Traffic has gotten noticeably busier in high-traffic areas like Canggu, and tourist scooter accidents are common enough to take seriously. A helmet, caution, and proper licensing all meaningfully reduce risk.
How much does a private driver cost for a day in Bali?
Pricing varies by route and negotiation, but it's generally considered better value than a packaged day tour for the same route. Arranging through your accommodation or a local recommendation is the standard approach.
Alex Turner is a travel blogger who has covered long-stay and digital nomad destinations across Southeast Asia, including Bali's coworking and visa-run scene.