Before you get swept up in the romantic idea of renting a scooter and enjoying two-wheeled travel in Indonesia, it’s important to understand what you’re signing up for—because riding a motorbike in Indonesia isn’t just about the adventure. It comes with real responsibilities, unexpected challenges, and a different set of rules than what you might be used to.
You Need the Right License
In some European countries, it’s common to receive a motorcycle entitlement automatically when you get your car license—so riding a small scooter feels like no big deal. But in Indonesia, things don’t work that way. Even if you’re allowed to ride a scooter back home, that permission doesn’t necessarily carry over here.
To ride legally in Indonesia, you need a valid motorcycle license from your home country, along with an International Driving Permit (IDP) that specifically includes the motorcycle category. Without both, you’re technically riding without a license—which not only risks fines if you’re stopped by police, but more importantly, it means your travel insurance will likely refuse to cover you if anything goes wrong, whether it’s a minor fall or a serious crash.
And believe me, when you’re in a country where ambulances are slow to arrive (if they show up at all), and hospitals may ask for a deposit before treating you, being without coverage is the last situation you want to be in.
Rentals Are Local, and Big Bikes Are Rare
If you’re imagining cruising across Indonesia on a sleek touring bike or a rugged off-road machine, it’s time for a little reality check. Unlike in other countries with a strong motorbike tourism scene, in Indonesia, rental options are mostly limited to basic automatic scooters—typically in the 110–150cc range. These are practical, fuel-efficient, and perfect for city traffic or short trips to nearby attractions.
But larger, more powerful bikes? Those are hard to come by. In Java, there are a few specialty rental shops in cities like Yogyakarta or Jakarta, but they’re rare, and the process is more complex (sometimes even requiring a deposit equal to the bike’s value).
And don’t expect to return your scooter in a different city. In most cases, rentals are strictly local. You pick up in one town, and you return to the same one. There’s almost no network of rental drop-offs like in Vietnam. Taking a scooter across the island, or worse, trying to bring it to Bali by ferry? That’s usually a big no from rental owners.
Considering to hire a private driver? Read How to Hire a Reliable Guide or Driver in Java, Indonesia.
Indonesia Is Not the Place to Learn How to Ride
If you’ve never ridden a motorbike before, Indonesia is not the ideal place to start. The traffic here operates on a completely different level. It’s not just busy—it’s unpredictable, fast-moving, and largely based on instinct rather than strict rules.
You’ll see drivers using their right blinker and then suddenly turning left. Motorbikes will appear going the wrong way in your lane without hesitation. At intersections, the concept of “right of way” feels more like a group negotiation than a fixed rule, and don’t expect anyone to stop just because they see you coming. Oh, and did I mention they drive on the left side of the road?
Even if you ride with caution, that doesn’t mean others around you will do the same. And in the event of an accident, having the legal and medical support you need is much more complicated than back home.
Matic Scooters Can’t Reach all the spots
Indonesia has places that are absolutely stunning—but not exactly scooter-friendly. Take Nepal van Java, for example, a mountain village perched on steep, winding roads near Magelang. Reaching it on an underpowered automatic scooter is difficult, and often unsafe. In such areas, a manual motorbike or even a local 4×4 ride is the better option.
Ride, But Ride Mindfully
There’s no denying it—riding a motorbike in Indonesia can be an unforgettable experience. It gives you a level of access that’s hard to get from the back seat of a car. You’ll discover roadside snacks, panoramic views, and quiet moments in villages where time moves slowly.
But that freedom comes with real responsibility.
So if you’re planning to ride:
- Make sure you have the correct license and IDP.
- Don’t expect big bikes or flexible rentals.
- Know your limits—this isn’t the place to learn.
- Wear proper shoes and bring a good helmet (some rentals offer only flimsy ones).
- Don’t ride at night if you can avoid it.
- Be alert—other drivers might not be paying attention.
And remember: even though you’re riding in a new country, your safety habits shouldn’t stay behind at the airport. Indonesia is waiting, and it’s worth exploring—but only if you’re ready for the ride.