Renting a Car in Indonesia: Do You Need an IDP in Bali?

by Marcela Vergara September 20, 2026

Bali is much more than beaches and resort areas. Once you leave the busiest parts of southern Bali, the island opens up into a completely different world of rice terraces, waterfalls, volcanoes, mountain lakes, traditional villages, temples, coffee plantations, quiet beaches, and winding roads through the countryside.

For travelers who want to see more of Indonesia independently, renting a car can be an excellent option. Instead of following a fixed tour schedule, you can decide where to stop, how long to stay, and which scenic roads to take.

But before picking up a rental car, international visitors naturally have an important question: Do you need an International Driving Permit in Bali?

For travelers driving in Indonesia with a foreign driver's license, an International Driving Permit can provide the internationally recognized driving documentation needed alongside the original national license. Having your valid national driver's license and International Driving Permit with you allows you to be better prepared when renting and driving a vehicle during your trip.

Of course, having the right documents is only the beginning. Bali has its own driving environment, with left-side traffic, large numbers of motorcycles, narrow roads, busy tourist areas, mountain routes, and traffic that can make short distances take much longer than expected.

If you are planning to rent a car in Bali, this guide covers the documents you need, Indonesian driving rules, rental-car tips, scenic routes, destinations, apps, emergency information, and practical advice for making the most of your road trip.

Do You Need an International Driving Permit in Bali?

Yes, international travelers should prepare an International Driving Permit together with their valid national driver's license when planning to drive in Bali.

An International Driving Permit is designed to provide driving information in a standardized format and can make it easier for authorities, rental companies, and others to understand the details of a foreign driver's license.

Indonesia drives on the left, and foreign visitors need appropriate authorization to operate a vehicle. The Indonesian tourism authority notes that foreign visitors can obtain an international driving permit in their home country before traveling, while Indonesian driving rules require drivers to have the appropriate driving authorization.

For a tourist renting a car, the safest approach is to prepare your driving documents before your trip and keep them together.

Documents to carry when driving in Bali

You should generally have:

Your valid national driver's license
Your International Driving Permit
Your passport or accepted identification
Rental-car documentation
Insurance information
Vehicle documentation supplied by the rental company

The International Driving Permit should not be thought of as a replacement for your national driver's license. Carry both documents when driving.

Do You Need an IDP to Rent a Car in Bali?

Rental companies can have their own documentation requirements, so travelers should check the conditions associated with their rental before collecting a vehicle.

Having an International Driving Permit ready can be particularly useful for international travelers because it provides additional translated information about the driver's license.

Instead of arriving at the rental counter with only a foreign-language license and discovering that additional documentation is needed, prepare everything in advance.

For most travelers, the simplest document checklist is:

Passport
National driver's license
International Driving Permit
Rental reservation
Payment card if required by the rental company
Insurance information

Renting a Car in Bali: What Tourists Should Know

Bali has a surprisingly diverse driving environment. A journey that begins on a modern road in southern Bali can eventually take you onto narrow rural roads surrounded by rice fields.

That means the best rental car is not necessarily the largest or most luxurious vehicle available.

Choosing a rental car

Consider the following:

Compact cars

Easier to maneuver
Better suited to narrow roads
Easier to park
Practical for couples or small groups

SUVs

More luggage space
Comfortable for longer trips
Useful for families
Good option when carrying outdoor equipment

Automatic transmission

Convenient for travelers unfamiliar with manual cars
Particularly useful in stop-and-go traffic

Manual transmission

Can be a good choice for experienced drivers
Requires more concentration in congested areas and on steep roads

Before leaving the rental location, inspect the car carefully.

Check:

Tires
Mirrors
Lights
Windshield
Bodywork
Fuel level
Air conditioning
Brakes
Spare equipment
Existing scratches or dents

Taking photographs of the vehicle before driving away can also help you remember its condition when you return it.

Driving in Bali: What Is It Actually Like?

Driving in Bali is possible for international travelers, but it is not necessarily the same experience as driving at home.

The island is busy, motorcycles are everywhere, and road conditions can change rapidly.

One minute you might be traveling along a relatively wide road. A few minutes later, the route can narrow considerably as it passes through a village.

You may encounter:

Motorcycles
Pedestrians
Dogs
Chickens
Bicycles
Delivery vehicles
Local buses
Trucks
Street vendors
Religious processions
Tourist traffic

This is one reason why patience is one of the most important qualities for driving in Bali.

Indonesia Drives on the Left

One of the first things international visitors need to remember is that Indonesia drives on the left-hand side of the road.

If you come from a country where vehicles drive on the right, give yourself some time to adjust.

Be particularly careful when:

Leaving a parking area
Entering a roundabout
Turning at an intersection
Pulling onto a main road
Changing lanes
Making a U-turn

The steering wheel is generally positioned on the right side of vehicles, which may also feel different to drivers from right-hand-traffic countries.

Indonesian Driving Rules Tourists Should Know

Understanding a few basic rules can make driving considerably easier.

Speed Limits in Indonesia

Indonesia's tourism authority lists a general speed limit of 50 km/h in urban areas and 100 km/h on motorways, noting that the country's proper motorways are concentrated in Java. Always follow posted signs because local limits can differ depending on the road and conditions.

In Bali, travelers should expect considerably slower speeds on many roads because of:

Congestion
Narrow lanes
Motorcycles
Pedestrians
Curves
Roadside activity
Mountain terrain

The practical lesson is simple: don't plan your day around the maximum speed limit. Plan around the actual conditions.

Watch for Motorcycles

Motorcycles are one of the defining features of Bali traffic.

Drivers should:

Check mirrors frequently
Signal before turning
Avoid sudden lane changes
Leave enough space around the vehicle
Watch carefully when turning across traffic
Expect motorcycles to approach from different directions

Even when you are following the rules, you need to remain alert to what other road users are doing.

Seat Belts

Everyone in the vehicle should use the appropriate safety restraints.

When renting a vehicle, check that all seat belts are functioning properly before leaving the rental location.

Avoid Distracted Driving

Set your navigation before starting your trip whenever possible.

A phone mount can be useful for navigation, but drivers should not be manually operating their phones while moving.

Bali Traffic: Why Distance Doesn't Tell the Whole Story

One of the biggest mistakes first-time visitors make is looking at a map and assuming that a short distance means a short journey.

Bali's roads can become heavily congested, especially in the south. Traffic around major tourist areas can dramatically increase journey times, and even experienced travelers recommend allowing substantially more time than a basic navigation estimate might suggest.

For example, a destination that appears relatively close on the map may involve:

Congested intersections
Narrow roads
Motorcycles
Tourist buses
Construction
Temple ceremonies
Pedestrians
Road closures

This is why a good Bali road trip should have flexible timing.

Don't schedule an important activity five minutes after your navigation app says you will arrive.

Give yourself room.

Best Places to Visit in Bali by Rental Car

One of the biggest advantages of renting a car is being able to explore beyond the most famous tourist centers.

South Bali

South Bali is the easiest starting point for many travelers arriving at Ngurah Rai International Airport.

Popular destinations include:

Kuta

Known for:

Beaches
Restaurants
Shopping
Nightlife
Surfing

Seminyak

A popular area for:

Restaurants
Cafés
Shopping
Beach clubs
Sunset

Canggu

Canggu combines:

Beaches
Cafés
Restaurants
Rice fields
Surf culture

Traffic can be particularly challenging here, so short distances should not automatically be interpreted as quick journeys.

Uluwatu

Uluwatu is an excellent choice for a scenic drive around the Bukit Peninsula.

Highlights include:

Uluwatu Temple
Clifftop viewpoints
Beaches
Surfing
Sunset views

Sanur

Sanur provides a more relaxed coastal atmosphere and can be a convenient starting point for exploring other parts of Bali.

Central Bali: Ubud and the Rice Terraces

Ubud is one of the best bases for a Bali road trip.

It offers easy access to:

Rice terraces
Waterfalls
Temples
Traditional villages
Art galleries
Restaurants
Coffee plantations

A popular day route is:

Ubud → Tegenungan Waterfall → Tibumana Waterfall → Tukad Cepung → Gunung Kawi Sebatu → Tegalalang → Ubud

This type of loop combines several different landscapes without requiring travelers to constantly change hotels.

The Ubud waterfall route is also frequently highlighted as a particularly rewarding one-day road trip, with rice terraces and several waterfalls along the way.

Tegalalang Rice Terraces

North of Ubud, the Tegalalang area is famous for its layered rice fields.

It is worth allowing extra time here because the attraction isn't simply reaching a viewpoint and leaving.

You can:

Walk through rice terraces
Visit local cafés
Photograph the landscape
Explore nearby villages
Continue north toward mountain areas

East Bali Road Trip: Sidemen, Tirta Gangga and Amed

If you want to experience a quieter side of Bali, head east.

A particularly rewarding route is:

Ubud → Sidemen → Tirta Gangga → Amed → Candidasa

Sidemen

Sidemen is surrounded by:

Rice terraces
Green hills
Traditional villages
Mountain scenery

It is a great place to slow down after spending time in the busier southern areas.

Tirta Gangga

This former royal water palace features:

Pools
Gardens
Statues
Water features
Scenic mountain surroundings

Amed

Amed is famous for its:

Black-sand beaches
Fishing villages
Snorkeling
Diving
Coastal scenery

Travelers interested in underwater activities can use Amed as a base for exploring nearby marine attractions.

The East Bali route is particularly suited to an overnight trip rather than something squeezed into a single day. Road-trip guides recommend allowing at least two days for the area.

North Bali Road Trip: Mountains, Lakes and Waterfalls

Northern Bali offers a very different atmosphere from the crowded south.

A classic route is:

Ubud → Bedugul → Munduk → Gitgit → Singaraja → Lovina

Bedugul

Bedugul is known for its cooler mountain environment and Lake Bratan.

One of the most recognizable sights is:

Ulun Danu Beratan Temple

The temple's lakeside setting makes it one of the most photographed attractions in this part of Bali.

Munduk

Munduk is surrounded by:

Forest
Coffee plantations
Waterfalls
Mountain scenery
Agricultural land

The roads through this region can be winding, so allow more time than you might expect.

Gitgit and Sekumpul Waterfalls

Northern Bali has numerous waterfalls.

If waterfalls are a major reason for your trip, consider spending an entire day in this region rather than trying to combine it with a long drive back to southern Bali.

Lovina

Continue north toward Lovina for:

Beaches
Sunrise
Dolphin excursions
A quieter coastal atmosphere

Northern Bali is particularly appealing to travelers who want to escape the busiest parts of the island.

West Bali: A Quieter Road Trip

West Bali is often overlooked by first-time visitors.

Consider driving toward:

Tabanan
Jatiluwih
West Bali National Park
Pemuteran

Jatiluwih Rice Terraces

Jatiluwih is famous for its expansive rice terraces and rural scenery.

This is the kind of destination where having a car becomes particularly useful because you can explore surrounding countryside instead of simply visiting one viewpoint.

Pemuteran

Further west, Pemuteran offers:

Beaches
Diving
Snorkeling
A quieter atmosphere
Access to Menjangan Island

For travelers with more time, West Bali can be incorporated into a longer island itinerary.

Can You Drive Around the Entire Island of Bali?

Yes, it is possible to create a road trip around Bali, but don't underestimate how long it takes.

A complete island loop can cover roughly 500 kilometers, and road-trip guides recommend allowing at least three days for the journey. Traffic can make the trip significantly longer than the distance alone suggests.

A possible itinerary is:

Sanur → East Bali → North Bali → West Bali → South Bali

However, a better approach for many travelers is to slow down and spend nights along the way.

For example:

Day 1: Sanur to Sidemen
Day 2: Sidemen to Amed
Day 3: Amed to Lovina
Day 4: Lovina to Munduk
Day 5: Munduk to Jatiluwih
Day 6: Jatiluwih to Ubud
Day 7: Ubud to South Bali

This gives you much more time to actually experience each destination.

Bali's Most Scenic Drives

If you don't have enough time for an island-wide road trip, choose one or two scenic areas.

Some of the best options include:

Ubud to Tegalalang — rice terraces and countryside
Ubud waterfall loop — waterfalls, temples and rural roads
Bedugul to Munduk — mountain lakes and forest
Sidemen Valley — rice fields and Mount Agung views
Sidemen to Amed — mountains to coastline
Candidasa to Amed — scenic eastern coast
Jatiluwih countryside — expansive rice terraces
North Bali coast — quieter beaches and villages
Pemuteran region — coastal and mountain scenery
Uluwatu and the Bukit Peninsula — cliffs, beaches and ocean views

The most memorable routes are often not the fastest ones.

Bali Parking Tips for Rental Cars

Parking can become surprisingly important when traveling by rental car.

In busy areas:

Look for designated parking areas.
Use hotel parking when available.
Follow local signs.
Don't block narrow roads.
Don't park in front of entrances.
Avoid leaving valuables visible inside the vehicle.

At temples and tourist attractions, follow instructions from parking attendants and local signs.

When visiting rural areas, never assume that an empty patch beside the road is automatically a suitable parking space.

Driving in Bali During the Rainy Season

Heavy tropical rain can change road conditions quickly.

Rain may result in:

Reduced visibility
Slippery surfaces
Standing water
Flooding
Mud
Slower traffic
Difficult mountain driving

If you are planning a long drive, check the weather before leaving.

A sunny morning does not necessarily mean conditions will remain the same throughout the afternoon, particularly in mountainous regions.

Driving in Bali at Night

For first-time visitors, daytime driving is generally preferable for longer scenic routes.

At night, unfamiliar roads can become more difficult because of:

Poorly lit side streets
Motorcycles
Pedestrians
Animals
Rain
Mountain roads
Limited visibility

If you are staying somewhere remote, plan to arrive before dark whenever practical.

Best Apps for Driving in Bali

A few smartphone apps can make a major difference during a road trip.

Navigation Apps

Consider:

Google Maps
Waze
Apple Maps

Use navigation apps to find:

Routes
Fuel stations
Restaurants
Parking
Hotels
Tourist attractions

Downloading offline maps can also be useful when traveling through rural or mountainous areas.

Weather Apps

A reliable weather app is particularly valuable for:

Mountain routes
Waterfall trips
Sunrise excursions
Long drives
Rainy-season travel

Translation Apps

A translation app can help when communicating outside major tourist areas.

A few useful Indonesian words include:

Kiri — left
Kanan — right
Jalan — road
Parkir — parking
Masuk — entrance
Keluar — exit
Bensin — gasoline/fuel

Knowing a handful of simple words can make everyday driving situations easier.

Emergency Numbers to Save Before Driving in Indonesia

Before beginning a road trip, save important emergency numbers.

Useful numbers include:

Police: 110
General emergency: 112, where available
Medical emergency: 118 or 119
Fire: 113
Search and rescue: 115

Indonesia's tourism information provides emergency contacts for visitors, while the Ministry of Health has specifically promoted 119 as the country's medical emergency service.

If you are involved in an accident:

Move somewhere safe if possible.
Check whether anyone is injured.
Contact emergency services when necessary.
Contact the rental company.
Photograph the vehicles and surroundings.
Record relevant information.
Follow the rental company's accident procedure.

Should You Rent a Car or Hire a Driver in Bali?

This depends on the type of traveler you are.

Renting a Car Is Best For:

Independent travelers
Road-trip enthusiasts
Travelers who like flexibility
People exploring quieter regions
Travelers who want to stop whenever they see something interesting

Advantages

Freedom to choose your schedule
No fixed tour itinerary
Easy access to remote areas
Privacy
Ability to change plans

Challenges

Traffic
Parking
Navigation
Unfamiliar road conditions
Driving on the left
Mountain roads

Hiring a Driver May Be Better For:

Families
Large groups
Travelers uncomfortable driving abroad
Visitors who want to relax during long journeys
People planning extensive sightseeing in one day

Neither option is universally better. If you enjoy driving and want to explore independently, a rental car can give you an entirely different perspective of Bali.

How Much Does a Bali Road Trip Cost?

The cost depends heavily on your vehicle, accommodation and itinerary.

Budget for:

Rental car
Fuel
Parking
Accommodation
Food
Attractions
Insurance
Activities
Any transportation required for destinations that cannot be reached directly by car

A budget traveler might prioritize local restaurants and guesthouses, while a luxury road trip could combine a premium vehicle with upscale resorts and private experiences.

One advantage of a car is that you can build your itinerary around your own priorities rather than paying for a packaged excursion every day.

Common Mistakes Tourists Make When Driving in Bali

Avoid these common problems:

Forgetting the International Driving Permit
Carrying the IDP without the original national driver's license
Assuming a car license automatically covers motorcycles
Forgetting that Indonesia drives on the left
Underestimating traffic
Planning too many destinations in one day
Driving unfamiliar mountain roads at night
Ignoring weather conditions
Waiting until the fuel tank is almost empty
Trusting GPS travel times too literally
Parking wherever there appears to be space
Failing to inspect the rental car before leaving
Forgetting to save emergency numbers
Not leaving enough time for spontaneous stops

The last mistake is perhaps the easiest to make.

Bali is a destination where a road trip should leave room for discoveries.

You may see a small roadside restaurant, an impressive rice field, a village ceremony, a waterfall sign, or a mountain viewpoint that wasn't in your original itinerary.

Don't plan every minute.

Best Bali Road Trips for Different Trip Lengths

One-Day Road Trip

Try:

Ubud → Waterfalls → Tegalalang → Ubud

Ideal for travelers staying in central Bali.

Two-Day Road Trip

Try:

Ubud → Sidemen → Tirta Gangga → Amed

Spend the night in Amed and enjoy the eastern coast.

Three-Day Road Trip

Try:

South Bali → Ubud → Bedugul → Munduk → South Bali

This combines beaches, rice terraces, mountains and waterfalls.

Five-Day Road Trip

Consider:

South Bali → Ubud → Sidemen → Amed → Lovina → South Bali

This gives you a broader look at the island without trying to stop everywhere.

Seven-Day Road Trip

For a full week, you can build a much more relaxed itinerary:

South Bali → Ubud → Sidemen → Amed → Lovina → Munduk → Jatiluwih → South Bali

This route combines many of Bali's major landscapes.

Things to Do on a Bali Road Trip Besides Driving

The best road trips aren't about spending all day inside the car.

Build your itinerary around experiences.

Nature

Visit waterfalls
Walk through rice terraces
Explore forests
Swim at beaches
Visit mountain lakes
See volcano landscapes

Culture

Visit temples
Explore traditional villages
Visit local markets
Experience Balinese architecture
Learn about local traditions

Food

Stop along the way for:

Nasi goreng
Mie goreng
Satay
Babi guling
Local coffee
Tropical fruit
Fresh seafood

Adventure

Depending on the destination, travelers can add:

Hiking
Snorkeling
Diving
Surfing
Cycling
Sunrise excursions

A road trip gives you the flexibility to combine several of these experiences into one vacation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Driving in Bali With an IDP

Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Bali?

International travelers should prepare an International Driving Permit together with their valid national driver's license when planning to drive in Bali.

Can I rent a car in Bali with a foreign driver's license?

Foreign visitors can rent vehicles subject to the applicable driving and rental requirements. Carrying your national driver's license together with an International Driving Permit is an important part of preparing to drive.

Does an IDP replace my driver's license?

No. The International Driving Permit is used together with your original national driver's license.

Which side of the road does Bali drive on?

Indonesia drives on the left-hand side of the road.

What are the speed limits in Indonesia?

The Indonesian tourism authority lists 50 km/h in urban areas and 100 km/h on motorways as general limits, although posted local limits should always be followed.

Is it difficult to drive in Bali?

It can take some adjustment, particularly because of left-side traffic, motorcycles, congestion and narrow roads. Drivers who remain patient and plan extra travel time can enjoy exploring the island by car.

Is Bali good for a road trip?

Yes. Bali offers an impressive variety of road-trip landscapes, including beaches, mountains, rice terraces, waterfalls, forests and traditional villages.

How long does it take to drive around Bali?

A complete island circuit can cover approximately 500 kilometers, but traffic means that the journey can take substantially longer than the distance suggests. A minimum of three days is a reasonable starting point for a full circuit, although a slower itinerary is more enjoyable.

What are the best scenic routes in Bali?

Some excellent options include:

Ubud waterfall loop
Ubud to Tegalalang
Bedugul to Munduk
Sidemen to Amed
Candidasa to Amed
Jatiluwih countryside
North Bali
Uluwatu and the Bukit Peninsula

Should I rent a car or hire a driver in Bali?

Renting a car is particularly appealing to travelers who value independence and flexibility. Hiring a driver can be more convenient for travelers who prefer not to navigate traffic themselves.

Can I drive to all of Bali's tourist attractions?

No. Some destinations may have limited vehicle access, difficult roads, restricted parking, or require another form of transportation for the final portion of the journey.

Final Checklist for Driving in Bali

Before Your Trip

Before Picking Up the Car

Before a Long Drive

While Driving

Drive on the left
Follow posted speed limits
Watch carefully for motorcycles
Wear seat belts
Avoid distracted driving
Slow down on narrow roads
Be particularly careful in mountain areas
Don't rush because of a GPS arrival time

How to Obtain an IDP

Applying for an International Driver's Permit (IDP) is a straightforward process that allows you to legally drive in foreign countries. Here's how you can obtain one:

Check Eligibility: Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for obtaining an International Driver's Permit. Requirements may but the most important one is that you must have your national or local driver's license issued by your county or state of origin, and it should be valid.
Complete Application: Obtain the necessary application form from following the next link: https://internationalpermit.com/pages/apply-for-the-international-driving-permit
Pay Fees: Pay the required fees for processing your IDL application. Fees may vary depending on the issuing authority and processing time.
Submit Application: Submit your completed application form along with any supporting documents following their specific instructions.
Receive IDP: Once your application is processed and approved, you will receive your International Driver's License.

Remember to carry both your international driving permit and your original driver's license whenever you're behind the wheel. Double-check that your details match those on your valid driver's license to avoid any discrepancies. Once you have completed the application form and gathered all the necessary documents, submit them to the licensing authority along with any applicable fees.

BUY NOW!

Cost of an International Driver's License

The costs of obtaining an International Driver's License are the following:

1 YEAR VALIDITY: USD 39,99
2 YEARS VALIDITY: USD 54,99
3 YEARS VALIDITY: USD 69,99

USA SHIPPING
USPS 6-10 DAYS: FREE
EXPRESS 3-4 DAYS : USD 15
OVERNIGHT 2-3 DAYS: USD 35

INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING
EXPRESS INTERNATIONAL 4-8 DAYS : USD 45

As of 2025

Before applying for an IDP, it's essential to check the fee schedule on the official website https://www.internationalpermit.com/pages/pricing-for-the-international-drivers-document

Explore Bali by Car With the Right Preparation

Renting a car in Bali can give international travelers the freedom to experience much more than the island's busiest beaches and resort areas.

With the right driving documents, including your valid national driver's license and International Driving Permit, you can prepare for a road trip that takes you from the beaches of southern Bali to the rice terraces of Ubud, the mountains of Munduk, the quiet coastline of Amed, the waterfalls of northern Bali, and the rural landscapes of Jatiluwih.

The most important thing is to understand that driving in Bali is part of the adventure.

Traffic can be unpredictable. Roads can become narrow. Motorcycles are everywhere. A journey that looks short on a map may take considerably longer than expected.

But those same roads can lead to places that are difficult to experience on a rigid itinerary.

Give yourself extra time. Drive patiently. Check the weather. Keep your documents with you. Follow local traffic rules. And, whenever possible, leave some space in your itinerary for the unexpected.

Because on a Bali road trip, the destination is only part of the experience. Sometimes the most memorable part is the road that takes you there.