Heading To Bali? Don’t Be THIS Guy On A Moped. Must-Read Before You Drive

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Yet another video of a foreigner driving illegally in Bali has emerged online.

Footage of foreigners driving intentionally recklessly or unknowingly dangerously get posted online almost every day as local people become increasingly frustrated with the situation. 

In the most recent case, a foreign man can be seen driving a moped around the barrier to the Mandara Toll Road.

Not only this, but he is not wearing a helmet, is dressed in a singlet and shorts, and is driving wearing flip-flops.

The most significant violation is that motorcycles are not permitted to use the Mandara Toll Road. 

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The caption reads, “A video circulated by netizens on TikTok social media shows a foreigner riding a motorbike without wearing a helmet, allegedly breaking through a sign in the car lane on the Bali Mandara toll road. At the end of the video, the officer is seen trying to chase the foreigner.”

The Communications Manager for the Mandara Toll Road, I Wayan Purwajaya, confirmed the situation to reporters after the video continued to circulate online.

He explained, “The incident occurred on Sunday 17 March 2024 at around 18.00 WITA at the Benoa Toll Gate. The motorist using the toll road was stopped by our Mobile Customer Service Officer at KM 1+400 B and evacuated using a tow vehicle to get off the toll road.” 

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He noted that the security team had trouble communicating with the man, who was believed to be Russian.

Purwajaya continued, “To avoid similar incidents, Mandara Toll Road reminds all road users to always pay attention to and obey traffic signs, follow officers’ directions, and ensure that their electronic cards have sufficient balance.”

He added “We express our gratitude for the attention and cooperation of all parties in maintaining the safety and comfort of traffic on the Bali Mandara Toll Road.”

@prettithang The traffic is a small price to pay #foryoupage #fyp #bali ♬ original sound – Lleeahh

Tourists intending to drive in Bali must be up to speed with local traffic laws. It is regarded by law that all motorcycle drivers and passengers wear a helmet and suitable protective gear.

Drivers must have full international driving licenses that clearly state they are legally capable of driving a motorcycle. Remember that most car driving licenses also automatically cover drivers using a 50cc motorcycle.

However, most basic mopeds in Bali are 125cc, meaning many tourists using their car driving licenses are not only not licensed to drive a scooter but will also not be covered by their medical, travel, or health insurance in the event of a collision. 

Citizen journalism accounts on Instagram and satirical social media accounts focused on Bali all regularly show footage of tourists driving incredibly dangerous in Bali.

Some videos show tourists doing wheelies, driving far too fast through busy (and even empty) streets, and, in one shocking video that emerged in the last few weeks, even setting off fireworks as they drive motorcycles through residential areas. 

This kind of unruly and wild behavior is what led the Bali Provincial Government to introduce the ‘Do’s and Don’ts of Bali’, a list of basic rules for tourists to adhere to while on the island.

Tourists are urged to honor Indonesian traffic laws and obey the rules of the roads.

Bali’s roads are seriously dangerous, with collisions doubling in the last year alone.

Over the years, dozens of tourists have lost their lives on Bali’s roads, with thousands more ending up in hospital with serious injuries.

With collisions increasing to such a degree, tourists are encouraged to reconsider even driving in Bali at all.

With motorcycle taxis (Ojek, GoJek, and Grab) all readily available 24/7, many tourists feel it is safer to let a local driver navigate the increasingly chaotic roads, especially around resorts like Canggu and Uluwatu.