Tourists on the Indonesian island of Bali will no longer be allowed to rent motorbikes but will only be able to drive cars following a series of incidents in which holidaymakers flouted traffic rules
Bali has revealed plans to ban holidaymakers from renting motorbikes due to traffic laws being flouted by tourists.
The Indonesian island unveiled the plans, which include a crackdown on foreign tourists who work illegally on the island, in a press conference.
Bali governor Wayan Koster said the changes, being introduced this year, will allow tourists to rent cars from travel agents, but not motorbikes.
He said the policy comes after a series of incidents in which foreigners violated traffic rules.
Mr Koster said: “Borrowing or renting motorbikes is no longer allowed.
“As tourists, [you should] act as tourists, using the vehicles prepared by travel agents, instead of roaming around with motorbikes, without wearing T-shirts and clothes, with no helmets, violating [traffic rules], and even without a licence.”
He added the ban is being introduced this year as Bali is now experiencing an increase in the number of visitors following the easing of Covid restrictions.
Putu Jayan Danu Putra, the head of Bali’s regional police, urged tourists to comply with traffic rules even when renting cars.
He said: “We provide education to rental vehicles that will be rented out to foreigners to always comply with existing traffic rules.”
Bali’s deputy governor, Tjok Oka Artha Ardhana Sukawati, was quoted by in local media saying: “Further study is needed, we will then correct the wrongs.
“All this time, seeing the riders that I have observed on the ground, they can rent without having a licence, which then leads to troubles.”
In July 2022, a British tourist died after suffering a catastrophic brain injury in a cycling accident in Bali.
James Criddle, 31, underwent seven hours of surgery to save his life but tragically passed away.
On June 12, 2022, British tourists Alex Hoyle, 28, and Joella Senior, 27, crashed their motorbike at around 9.10pm and were left in a critical condition in hospital with broken bones, requiring multiple surgeries.
Videos of offending drivers have been shared on social media in recent years, including a clip of a Russian Instagrammer who launched his motorbike off a dock as part of a stunt in 2020.
Another clip showed a foreign resident arguing with police officers who allegedly stopped her for now wearing a helmed.
Bali is Indonesia’s main tourist destination, with tourists visiting it every year from all around the world.
The holiday destination is known for its natural beauty, including looming volcanoes and lush terraced rice fields, as well as surfing spots.
It is home to luxurious resorts, carved temples, colourful beaches and exciting nightlife.
