How to prepare for, and enjoy, traffic in Bali
I recently got home from Bali. As usual I spent some time in traffic on the amazing island of Bali. There are a lot of complaints going around about the traffic situation on the island. But I’ll show you how to enjoy it a bit more. Stay with me 😉
When I travel in Bali, I stay at different locations and explore the local attractions in that area. That way I spend less time on the road. There are so many people complaining about the traffic in Bali. And it’s true, it’s horrible in some places. So, in order to avoid spending half my day in traffic, I stay at one place that’s close to what I want to explore. And then move on to the next destination.
Traffic in Bali is also beautiful. Especially around festivals or other celebrations and religious ceremonies, then you get to see local people dressed in their finest clothes traveling on the roads.
I took these photos while waiting for the Ogoh Ogoh to appear, and frankly, I love the photos because I had a chance to really capture what you get to see every day on the roads. People are just not going to one place, they sort of hang out and socialize with each other while on the roads.
But I’ll give you some insights and tips about navigating Bali’s traffic if you are planning a visit. Bali’s traffic can be both enchanting and challenging, with its bustling streets and scenic routes. Here are some things you need to know to navigate Bali’s traffic smoothly.
- Understanding Bali’s Traffic Patterns:
Bali’s traffic is characterized by a mix of motorbikes, cars, and pedestrians weaving through narrow streets and bustling intersections. While some areas experience heavy congestion, especially during peak tourist seasons, others offer smoother rides along scenic coastal, and mountain, roads. Actually, Google Maps works quite good on Bali so you can check, and change, your route while on the road. Opting for less-traveled roads can lead to delightful discoveries and memorable experiences off the beaten path. - Peak Traffic Hours:
To avoid getting stuck in traffic jams, plan your travels outside of peak hours. Generally, mornings and late afternoons witness the most congestion as commuters head to work or return home. There is also construction work going on at many parts of the island, Bali is busy again, and you just have to understand that. Construction materials are being transported during most parts of the day. Midday and evenings are comparatively quieter, offering a more relaxed driving experience. As in other places, around 6 pm, that’s the time when everybody is in the wrong location. It happens everywhere. At 6 pm, everybody is on the road going some other place, maybe it’s to get home from work or go and watch the sunset. 6 pm is busy wherever in the world you are.
- Embrace Two-Wheeled Transport:
Embracing Bali’s iconic mode of transport, the motorbike, can be a game-changer in navigating its traffic. Renting a scooter provides flexibility, agility, and the thrill of weaving through traffic with ease. Just remember to prioritize safety by wearing helmets and adhering to traffic rules. And remember, you have to have an international drivers license in order to drive in Bali otherwise your insurance doesn’t cover accidents. My best advice is to use apps like Gojek and Grab for scooter taxis. It’s fun, the drivers are experts at navigating the narrow paths, and it’s very affordable. - Walking and Cycling Options:
For shorter distances and exploration within towns and villages, why not walk or go by bicycle. Bali offers scenic walking paths and dedicated cycling lanes in some areas like Sanur, allowing you to immerse yourself in its natural beauty while avoiding traffic congestion. Sanur has a long and beautiful biking, and walking, path along the sea where you have the sea on one side and restaurants, shops and temples on the other. I enjoyed it fully during my recent visit.
- Plan Ahead for Major Events:
Keep track of major events, festivals, and ceremonies happening in Bali, as they can significantly impact traffic flow. Plan your itinerary accordingly, allowing extra time for travel and considering alternate routes to navigate around event-related road closures and increased congestion. But, it’s not always easy to plan ahead since there are so many ceremonies going on. You just have to accept that you can’t plan everything in advance and instead enjoy the scenery because you get to see something that not everybody have experienced. - Sustainable Transport Choices:
Consider eco-friendly transport options such as electric scooters or bicycles to reduce your carbon footprint while exploring Bali. Many rental services now offer environmentally conscious alternatives, promoting sustainable travel practices on the island.
To sum it up, Bali’s traffic may present challenges, but with careful planning and a sense of adventure, navigating its bustling streets becomes part of the wonderful experience. Embrace the island’s unique rhythm, explore its hidden gems, be a part of the amazing, and rich, culture and history on the island and savor the journey as much as the destination.
Keep these tips in mind, or make a bookmark to this page, so you can make the most of your travels while immersing yourself in the beauty, history and culture of this enchanting island paradise.
5 responses to “Traffic in Bali”
Love these images, the people look to be having a great time, bit different from UK road users!
Thanks 🙏 I love them too 😉 and I was a bit surprised when I looked at them and saw how happy almost everybody looked! It’s a bit different from your everyday commute. And the Balinese and Indonesian who work at the hotels, restaurants and other places that cater to us visitors, travel too. It’s not unusual for a hotel receptionist that works in Ubud to travel from Denpasar for work. That’s an hour on the road but they seem to enjoy themselves then too.
Another thing about the smiling Balinese people, there’s a lot of smiling in Bali. Even when I returned to Bali in March 2022 when the island opened up for tourists the people where smiling, not just at me, but they seemed to enjoy each others company even if they had been through a tough time during the two years that the island had been closed to tourists. Since 80% of the islands income comes from tourism many people had no money and had started trading food between them, if you did some fishing you could trade with somebody that grew rice. But still, they were smiling. So nice to see.
Amazing to see the women riding on the bikes in their best clothes. Interesting post.
Thanks! Those clothes are so beautiful, but the skirts are very tight, fortunately nowadays you can get the blouses in stretchy material so there’s a bit more room to move about in them. In some hotels and restaurants the female staff are dressed in this traditional wear too. It’s lovely to see!