Bali travel warning as common tourist problem targeted in major crackdown
A warning has been issued to tourists doing just this as authorities crack down on illegal scooter activity in Indonesia. Gary, owner of Bali Legals told Yahoo News "common sense" needs to be applied when getting behind the wheel of a scooter or moped in Bali.
Most tourists are allowed to rent vehicles from local providers, but Bali police warned that it is ultimately the driver's responsibility to ensure they are following the rules once they are out on the road, including having the correct licensing.
Officers confirmed the force conducted a raid on motorbike drivers, with 56 motorcycles from both foreign and local drivers seized for a range of offences, including driving without a licence, insurance, and breaking road rules.
Officers adopted a "no mercy" approach during the three-day initiative between May 1 and 3, in popular tourist towns Uluwatu, Canggu, Legian, and Seminyak. Of the 81 driving violations recorded during the operation, 30 were by tourists.
"Most of the foreigners who are [pulled over] do not wear helmets, do not have a driver's license, and carry motorcycles with the noise of the brong exhaust," Badung Police Chief AKBP M. Arif Batubara said.
Gary told Yahoo News there are several important factors to remember when visiting Bali. "You need a licence to ride a bike, you need an international licence, and travel insurance. That's it."
In Australia, a regular driver's licence only allows you to ride a scooter or motorbike in select states and territories. Queensland, Western Australia and South Australia are the only states that allow drivers to use select scooters. In New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, the ACT and NT, you are required to undergo training and have a separate bike licence.
"People just want to come and hop on a bike and they think it's easy," Gary, who has lived in Bali for over 15 years, said. But he confirmed police do conduct "blitzes" on road rules where licences, helmet use, and insurance are examined.
He pointed out that you need to know how to ride a bike, and hold a licence in your own country, as well as an international licence. He added not wearing a helmet will invalidate any insurance drivers hold.
He said "a lot of people" don't do these simple things.
"People get on the bikes and think they can ride them with no experience," he said. However, he's heard far too many examples of this ending in disaster. "I've had friends die, and one become paralysed from riding," he said.
🪖 Aussie expat slammed over 'embarrassing' move in Bali
🛵 Bali tourist's dangerous scooter act leaves locals fuming
👮♂️Major crackdown on tourists heading to Bali as new rules are announced
An international driver's licence is an important document to have if you're intending to drive a car or ride a bike while travelling overseas.
The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) is the only authorised body to sell International Driving Permits (IDP) in Australia, but they can be bought through your state's automotive club. In NSW, NRMA is an authorised sales agent of the AAA.
You'll need a current full Australian driver's licence, a passport-style photo and a completed application form. The cost is around $50. This can be done either online or at your local branch.
The licences are used overseas for several reasons, including by local authorities to verify credentials, by car rental agencies, and insurance companies.
NRMA warns Aussies to beware of fake and fraudulent websites and use only authorised distributors.
Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Yahoo
Aussie tourists warned after swimmers spotted in 'crazy' act at popular spot
Concerning videos have emerged online of visitors splashing around in a recently flooded tourist attraction, and authorities are warning tourists that the water is not an invitation to whip out their bathers. For years, people have been flocking to the Mangrove Boardwalk near Darwin to enjoy the lush scenery and hopefully catch sight of a native animal or two. However, persistent rainfall has left the area flooded, with water now "the same level as the railing", a recent visitor told Yahoo News. This has enticed some to pull out their snorkel gear and even blow up inflatables to swim in the area, despite it being a well-known habitat for crocodiles and the world's most venomous jellyfish. Online, locals called the swimmers out for being "crazy" and said Darwin "is pretty much crocodile city". "Please just keep in mind that you are putting yourself in a lot of danger by being anywhere near potentially croc infested water, let alone swimming on a flooded bridge," one said. Yahoo News reached out to visitors who had recently taken the plunge, however both declined to comment. Northern Territory's Department of Tourism and Hospitality (DTH) told Yahoo News all visitors are urged to be croc-wise, with only designated swimming areas safe for swimmers in the state. "Any body of water in the Top End may contain large and potentially dangerous crocodiles. How you behave around crocodile habitats is your responsibility," a DTH spokesperson told Yahoo, confirming that approximately 300 crocodiles are removed from the area every year for public safety. "People are reminded to only swim in designated swimming areas," the spokesperson said. The City of Darwin council echoed a similar sentiment, urging people to stay out of the water. 😲 Warning as massive Aussie predator spotted near popular children's playground 🧐 Tracks on Aussie beach lead to 4WD couple's 'spooky' discovery 🙂↔️ Alarming scene at popular Aussie tourist spot sparks warning Box jellyfish, which can kill swimmers within minutes if badly stung, are known to reside in the area too. There have been 14 confirmed box jellyfish deaths since 1975, according to the state government, and are prevalent between October and June. Snakes were also recently spotted in the water near the Mangroves Boardwalk. While the boardwalk is currently closed due to maintenance, it isn't fenced off by authorities. Visitors are warned to simply steer clear. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Native birds allegedly slaughtered by tradies in 'horrifying' act with potential $110,000 fine
Warning — Distressing images: Confronting pictures of ibis birds lying on the ground limbless and dead have been shared on social media after workers cut down palm trees at a Sydney business park, allegedly taking local bird life with them. The native birds were known to be residing in the five fully grown palm trees in the city's west earlier this year. Workers began to prune and hack the trees, allegedly leaving dozens of ibis eggs, chicks and fully matured birds killed or significantly injured in the process. Yahoo News understands a member of public noticed the commotion and contacted a local wildlife organisation. Rescuers rushed to the scene, and despite desperately telling the workers to stop, the work continued. One bird allegedly died in the arms of a wildlife rescuer. It's been alleged that workers were throwing the tree debris into a wood chipper, and birds were also being tossed in. Yahoo News reached out to NSW Police who confirmed officers were dispatched to the scene on May 31, following a report of animal cruelty. "Police were told about 9.30am on Saturday 31 May 2025, two Ibis birds were killed during tree maintenance work, with a further 13 injured. The trees that were trimmed or cut were known to contain a protected bird species," a NSW Police spokesperson said. An investigation is now underway. Australians face 'taxing' battle as 'iconic' sound mysteriously vanishes from suburbs Photograph of 31 rare birds sparks ripples in midst of hunting season Shocking find inside bird highlights worrying beach trend NSW's National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) also confirmed to Yahoo News the incident was being investigated and warned companies can face fines of up to $110,000 if caught carrying out work that harms native wildlife. "People found to have injured or killed protected wildlife face fines of up to $22,000 for individuals and $110,000 for corporations," a NPWS spokesperson said. Yahoo News has also been in contact with the company that owns the Gladesville business park which declined to provide any comment. After the pictures were shared online, hundreds of Australians expressed their anger at the alleged incident, calling it "horrifying". It's not the first time 'bin chickens' have been killed at a Sydney business park, with one of the rescuers who attended the recent incident also on the scene at a similar incident in Chullora in August when more than a dozen birds were brutally killed as trees were trimmed. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Calls for major road rule 'rethink' as fines in Aussie state rise to $1,250
One of Australia's leading road safety bodies is calling on the Queensland government to "rethink" how we ensure "motorists who break the road rules are held accountable", on the first day the state's new increased road fines come into effect. The Royal Automobile Club of Queensland (RACQ) Head of Public Policy, Dr Michael Kane, said drivers need to "feel they will get caught" if they decide to do the wrong thing and that the consequences will be "significant". "Increasing fines over the past five years clearly hasn't worked to improve road safety," he told Yahoo News Australia. "The choice to deliberately break road rules and drive illegally is killing and seriously injuring too many people." From Tuesday, July 1, the Queensland government fines rose by 3.5 per cent, with the standard penalty unit increased to $166.90. It'll now mean anyone caught speeding up to 10 kilometres per hour over the speed limit will cop a $333 fine — a rise of $11 from last year, and anyone caught wearing their seatbelt incorrectly or using their phone behind the wheel will face a $1,250 infringement, up $42. Those who disobey stop signs or fail to give way to a pedestrian will face a $500 fine, an increase of $17 from the last financial year. Drivers who are travelling more than 40km/h over the speed limit will cop a massive $1,918 fine, increasing by $65 from previous rates. The increase in fines and forfeitures is anticipated to generate $850 million in the 2025-26 budget. Last year's budget had flagged revenue of $794m in the 2024-25 financial year, increasing from the $741m the year before. The annual increase in the state is tied to a default rate of 3.5 per cent to ensure penalties maintain their deterrent effect over time. By law, the government can only raise fines by the default rate unless Treasurer David Janetzki approves a different increase by the end of March, which didn't happen this year. The rate is built into legislation to provide a consistent and predictable framework for fine adjustments without requiring frequent government intervention. Queensland recorded a grisly, 15-year high road toll in 2024 of 303 deaths. Kane said the government must do more to combat the crisis. "RACQ put forward a suite of recommended reforms to the State Government to urgently reverse the number of people dying and rein in speeding," he said. Warning ahead of major change coming to Australian roads Surprise mobile speed camera trend amid increased monitoring Driver's bizarre number plate prompts $933 fine warning "The Club is calling for an increase in highly visible on-road police and more point-to-point speed cameras in high-crash zones. "RACQ is also advocating for the expansion of existing impoundment laws to target the state's most dangerous drivers by including a broader range of speeding and drink and drug driving offences. The State Government must focus on strengthening law and order on the roads through deterrents, enforcement, and improving driver behaviour." Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
