Local habits on the roads
Traffic on the roads in Indonesia, and Bali in particular, looks quite chaotic for a first-time tourist. There are a lot of cars, between them there are even more motorcycles, motorbikes and other two-wheeled vehicles, all the time everyone is rearranging from row to row and honking. At the same time, anything is often transported on a motorbike: families with three children, pets, bicycles, packages of some strange non-standard width and several meters high. Walkers pushing fast food carts, runners and horses can also be found on the roads.
In general, Bali Island is a large village, so there are no strict traffic rules here. Most drivers drive according to common sense (which, however, can vary widely). The general principles of safe movement are to move predictably, in the general stream, of course, look around and not drive too fast.
General principles of safe driving: look around, move predictably and not too fast
But there are also several unspoken rules here, knowing which it will be easier for you to navigate and understand the situation on the roads.
1
Often, instead of using the turn signal, locals wave their hand in the direction they intend to turn. Moreover, this may be a rather unexpected direction :) But if you saw such a signal, be sure that a maneuver will follow soon, and this driver expects that he will be passed.
2
Driving straight through the intersection, most cars turn on the hazard warning light, indicating that they will not turn anywhere. If you are on a bike, you may not be able to see the other side of the car, and this can be confusing.
3
When overtaking and before a closed corner, drivers often honk, warning of their maneuver, do not be afraid, this is just a signal "be careful, I am going". In addition, sometimes they honk someone familiar as a sign of greeting, etc.
4
If the headlights are blinking, this is a signal "do not go in," "let me go," unlike Europe, where, on the contrary, they let you through when they blink.
5
Sometimes when overtaking on the highway, if you cannot see the road because of the truck, the driver can turn on the turn signal: "to the right" means "oncoming traffic, wait", "to the left" means "the road is free, overtake".
In general, as elsewhere in Bali, the drivers are friendly, they often smile and take their time. Especially if you are driving car, be prepared to be stuck in a traffic jam for half an hour because a wedding or other ceremony is taking place in the village along the way.
Over time, you will begin to identify certain categories of drivers on the road who can drive unpredictably, and, accordingly, you need to be especially careful around them. These are, for example, elderly women with a bunch of packages and tourists - beginners who do not know where they are going and may suddenly stop in the middle of the road or make a sharp turn. And, of course, the most dangerous category is drunk drivers, who are the hardest to predict.
In general, driving in Bali is quite pleasant, and, knowing the features listed above, it is also relatively safe.
Plus, you can always make your journey even more memorable with one of the unique bikes from Alpha Custom Garage.
Over time, you will begin to identify certain categories of drivers on the road who can drive unpredictably, and, accordingly, you need to be especially careful around them. These are, for example, elderly women with a bunch of packages and tourists - beginners who do not know where they are going and may suddenly stop in the middle of the road or make a sharp turn. And, of course, the most dangerous category is drunk drivers, who are the hardest to predict.
In general, driving in Bali is quite pleasant, and, knowing the features listed above, it is also relatively safe.
Plus, you can always make your journey even more memorable with one of the unique bikes from Alpha Custom Garage.
photo: Tony Mosche
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