Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Riding and Driving in Bali

Its been a couple of weeks since I now have a license and have the opportunity to ride and drive in Bali.

Renting a two wheeler or a four wheeler in Bali is really simple. You seem to find options everywhere, small little boards on the side of the road saying bike on hire or car on hire. Although it is great fun to be able to drive or ride around the Island of the Gods, the fact that very little documentation is asked for is a little concerning, however as we say in India, “Chalta Hai’.

One big piece of advice for anyone planning to ride or drive around the island, please get detailed directions before you head out as most people you ask for directions do not understand English. This gets even tougher when you head out of the major tourist areas.

I must admit that all the driving and riding in the last couple of weeks did not quench my need for speed until today when I had the opportunity to ride a friend’s bike. Back to the bike… a 600cc Honda cruiser which even though was over a decade old had the thump that no Royal Enfield in India had. The handmade exhaust gave the bike just that little bit. What made it even more fun was the fact that the registration was expired.

I headed out of the parking lot a little hesitant, not having ridden this bike before, but as soon as I was on the road, the sudden acceleration in 2nd gave me a taste of things to come. The sound of the bike, coupled with the breeze I as cutting through made it a moment to cherish.

Although the ride was short (dint want to return the bike) it was awesome fun.

As I sign off now, here’s wishing you “Happy Riding …”


Amit Sakhrani