Daily Commute in Bali

 

Did you have a bad commute this morning?? These were taken through the windshield of a car. Best decision we made in Bali was to hire a private driver each day. ($40 per day split between 2 couples.) We could never have navigated these streets where all traffic laws are mere suggestions, and cars, motorbikes, trucks and buses all travel within 6 inches of each other, even at 30+ mph on some of the less congested roads. It was a frightening experience with motorbikes weaving in and out and in front of us, missing the front bumper by just a few inches, and with everyone making quick taps on their horns, not in frustration or anger, but as communication saying "I'm right next to you" or "I'm cutting in front of you". No one is upset and this is normal driving. It seemed almost like a river of moving vehicles weaving in and out and around each other. While I was on the edge of my seat at all times, I noticed our expert driver, Komang, was very relaxed, but he was also very alert about what was happening within a few inches on all sides of the car. I was amazed we didn't see crashes everywhere. Komang said there are accidents, but not as many as you would think. He said when the locals see people with light colored skin driving motorbikes, (tourists), accidents are more likely to occur.