Driving Hints

In Bali, always expect the unexpected, always keep your eyes open and your mind on driving. BEWARE OF MOTORBIKES. It is best rent a car with full insurance as this will save time and money if you are involved in an accident. It is not unusual for cars or bikes to swerve into your lane without indication. A system of "sharing lanes" has developed because there are often obstacle on the sides of the road, such as parked cars or the frequent procession of bakso trolleys and paraphernalia salesmen.

That's okay if you're used to it but can be quite a shock to a new driver in Bali! Be aware that drivers from side streets often don't look when joining a main road and the larger vehicle is king of the road.

Quite often, red traffic lights are considered "as suggestion" and there are a few place where traffic in the left lane may turn or continue straight through whilst the light is red.

Remember to sound the horn when going around curves on mountainous roads as driver commonly drive in the middle of the road. There are a lot of one-way roads in Bali (meant to help traffic flow but it hasn't  really turned out the way). If you miss your turn off, you may have to drive quite a distance before being able to turn back. This has resulted in motorbike riders riding a few hundred meters in the wrong direction as a shortcut rather than following traffic flow. So be alert!

It is recommended to drive at night especially on the road to Gilimanuk where the ferry to Java island commences. Truck drivers to and from Java are notorious for overtaking on corners.

Only a leafy tree branch often marks obstacles such as pot holes or road construction. By the time you think, "What is that for?" you could well be in a porthole!

You can fill up at any of the many government owned petrol stations or in more remote areas at stalls by the side of the road displaying bottles of clear liquid. The quality may not be as good as at the patrol station.

Hope that you will find this word of advice useful and thank you has chosen Bali as your holiday destination. Have a nice and relaxing holiday in Bali!

ATTENDING CEREMONIES:
Remember these are serious occasions and should be treated as such. Religious guideline:
1. Always wear a sarong and sash.
2. Do not walk in front of people that are praying.
3. Do not use a flash camera or point your camera into the priest' s face!
4. Never sit higher than the priest or the offerings.
5. At ceremonies. do not get in the way of the attendees- however important that photographic opportunity.
6. Women are not allowed  to enter temples during menstruation.
N.B. When attending special ceremony or anniversary celebrations as a guest or onlooker, small donations are gratefully received. Your donation will help in paying for the offerings and upkeep of the temple. 

What to do and not to do

1. In many places cattle's e.g. cows and dogs are often crossing the street, just speed down and be careful.
2.Religious ceremonies and cultural festivals may occupy the road - if you are caught behind it, enjoy the experience and do not horn.
3.As developing country, during peak hours, roads especially in the towns are quite busy, please be patient.
4.It is not unusual for cars and motorbikes to swerve into your lane especially in around traffic light or where obstacles on the sides of the road exist e.g. parked cars or trolley procession.
5. Drivers (often motorbike) from side streets sometimes do not look the situation when joining the main road, please be aware.
6.There are several places where traffic in the left lane may turn or continue straight through while the light is red with a sign "Belok kiri jalan terus" or "Lurus Jalan terus"
7.Remember to "toot" your horn when going around curves on mountainous roads as drivers sometimes drive in the middle of the road, especially when they think it is quite.
8.There are a lot of one way roads in Bali (meant to help traffic flow but it has not really turned out that way). If you miss your turn off, you may have drive quite a distance before being able to turn back. This has resulted in motorbike riders riding a few hundred meters in the wrong direction, as a shortcut rather than following traffic flow. Be alert!