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Exploring Ubud by scooter

September 9, 2026 by
Roger Franklin

For many, riding a Scooter in Bali is a holiday highlight. If you’ve got an International Motorcycle Licence and a passport, renting a scooter in Ubud is easy. Within a five-minute walk of the villa, you’ll find at least five different companies ready to hand you the keys to a shiny scooter. 

A few simple checks make the whole experience smoother. Inspect the scooter carefully, especially the tyres. Before you ride away, take a quick 360-degree walk-around video on your phone, as it protects both you and the rental shop if any questions arise later. Helmets are included with every hire and, more importantly, wearing them is the law. Police do check, so please wear one.

Getting around Ubud is straightforward. Villa staff are happy to hop on their own scooters and give you a “just follow me” escort to wherever you want to go. Traffic in Ubud is generally very courteous. There’s no prize for rushing, so just take your time, you are on holiday. While the traffic flow can look chaotic at first, there’s a definite rhythm to it. Locals are exceptional scooter riders and quick to spot tourists, giving you plenty of space.

The short scooter ride I always recommend is up through the old Ubud art market into the rice fields. The scenery is magical, and the warungs (places to eat!) are all excellent. Just take your time, and you will be fine. Remember to stop for photos and coffee!  

Remember to take your passport, driver's license and your phone with you. If you do get lost or run into any trouble, just call one of our Villa Managers, and they’ll come and find you.

Happy Exploring

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