Whilst many prefer to leave vital navigation up to a designated driver or tour guide, taking travel into your own capable two hands is just about the best thing you can do as a nomad with a lust for adventure and luxury. Many will recall horror stories of rented motorbikes causing them nothing but problems, with shady rental places claiming them to be damaged or scratched, but the reality is that these types of incidents are few and far between with the pros of travelling on two wheels far outweighing any cons. Being in a foreign land and navigating the roads (possibly on the opposite side to home) may seem daunting at first, but you’ll soon get the hang of it, and just by speaking to the locals, you’ll soon learn that hiring a motorbike is the ultimate way to see the real Bali and you won’t miss a thing. Let’s take a rundown of the luxuries of exploring Bali on two wheels.
The Unrivaled Freedom
Exploring at your own pace is the ultimate luxury when travelling. There’s nothing worse than travelling as a large group where you spend the majority of your time either waiting around for others or simply zooming past everything that’s great about a country! Taking to the road on your own will allow you to stop at your leisure when and wherever something catches your eye. Whether you’re taking an extra moment to ogle the Balinese sculptures on the side of the road or you want to get the perfect snap of swaying rice fields, you can spend an extra few minutes taking it all in and enjoying the moment.
Taking the road less traveled
Or maybe not even a road! When travelling on bike you’ll be able to find your way to places that are off the map and devoid of tourists simply because buses and cars can’t get there. This is a wonderful luxury to have on the road and will pay dividends when accessing those off the beaten track places in the north where tourism is yet to find its place. Looking at some of the fabulous luxury hotels in Seminyak you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d rocked up in a first world country, but Bali is a country that is still continuing to develop. Home to epic sunsets and spectacular coastal views, the likes of yeh sanih and Lovina should be on your biking bucketlist before finding their way onto the bucket list of the masses.
Relax
If you have serious doubt about your ability to ride a bike having never done so before, fear not, because hiring a driver to do the hard work for you is a very real and affordable option. Imagine weaving your way through the colourful country roads, hair blowing in the wind, without needing to reach for the map or needing to sell your soul to pay for the mobile data to guide you on your journey. Whilst this option isn’t for everyone, as often it can feel a bit like you’ve acquired a gooseberry, for some it’s a fantastic compromise to group travel, and seeing things through the eyes of a local in the know and doing as the locals do is a top privilege! Your local guide will regale you in stories of Bali’s rich cultural history, their own experiences, and most importantly – they’ll keep you away from the tourist traps.
Image source: Flickr
*Collaborative
Mhaan Arambulo-Delos Santos says
I always dream to visit Bali. The place sounds peaceful! Someday, I will visit this place with my family.
rizza smith says
Sounds like you had an awesome trip there and that place was a perfect place to spend our vacation. Glad you share this
Nicole Wi says
This is something I’d definitely want to do one day! What an amazing trip!
Hey Sharonoox says
I love Bali! I’ll go there again in a heart beat. It’s a great place to visit.
Danielle Leigh Elen says
Amazing! I would so love to do this, it would be a dream come true. Every time I hear of someone touring Bali, I think of “Eat Pray Love”.
Food Corner says
Bali is one of the destinations in our bucket list.It is such a beautiful destination to explore!I am sure Bali by bike is a really adventurous and exciting way to explore the beauty of Bali!
-Amila
fashion-mommy says
I travelled around Zante by bike and it was a great way to see an island properly, so I love the idea of seeing Bali by bike.
Ang says
Look at that amazing picture! I am a sucker for anywhere in the world where the ocean and mountains meet. Keep up with the great pictures!
Sondra Barker says
There have been so many good things said about visiting Bali and now I can see why. But I’m sure if you sat down with the locals they would tell you all the secrets.
David Elliott says
Bali does look like such an amazing place to visit. I think I would have more fun doing the biking myself while I was there. All of your photos here are spectacular.
Samantha Bye says
Bali looks like such a beautiful place! Travelling around by bike seems like the perfect way to see everything.
Milton says
I love traveling to Bali! There is delicious food there and super adorable and relaxing massages! We usually get around by riding in a cab.
Esse D says
You wouldn’t believe how much I want to go to Bali! Every new post I see, adds to that desire. I have to resolve this quickly because there’s so much to see and do there!
Sandy Dobbs says
Love the photo of that coastline! I also like exploring at my own pace – I get more out of it that way.
Heather Johnson says
Exploring any place by bike sounds fun for athletic types. I would love to be able to check out the natural landscape at my own pace.
Jenn Goggin says
I love to explore at our own pace as well as take the roads less traveled! Your pictures in this post are just breathtaking
Jessica Taylor says
I have never considered going to Bali, but it looks so peaceful! A bike ride would be the perfect way to take it all in!
Sarah Bailey says
I bet biking through Bali is just unbeatable, what a way to see such an amazing place. I think it would take my breath away if I was able to do it.
Amber says
I’d LOVE to do a bike ride through Bali. I’ve always wanted to go. It’s absolutely stunning.
Corinne & Kirsty says
OMG it sounds like an amazing experience! You go wherever you want whenever. I have never been to Bali but would love to go! xx corinne