Labuan Bajo Road Rules for Tourists on Scooters

Indonesia's road culture can look chaotic from the outside. It isn't really — it just runs on a mix of official rules and unwritten habits. Learn both and riding in Labuan Bajo becomes surprisingly relaxed.

The official rules

Ride on the left

Indonesia drives on the left. Overtake on the right. At roundabouts, go clockwise. This feels natural to visitors from the UK and Australia, and takes a day or two for everyone else.

Helmets for everyone

Rider and passenger must wear a helmet, fastened. It's the law, it's the most common reason tourists are stopped, and it's simply sensible. Every Transbajo rental comes with two helmets.

Licence and documents

Carry:

• Your motorcycle licence from home
• An International Driving Permit with the motorcycle category
• Your passport (or a copy, keeping the original safe)
• The scooter's registration paper (STNK), which we give you with the bike

More in our guide to the IDP for scooters.

Two people maximum

The legal limit is two people on a scooter. You'll see local families of four on one bike — that's not an invitation.

Lights

Headlights are supposed to be on during the day as well as at night. Most modern scooters do this automatically.

No phone while riding

Pull over to check maps or messages.

Alcohol

Don't drink and ride. Penalties are serious, and so are the hills.

Police checkpoints

Traffic police occasionally set up checks on the main roads in and around town. If you're waved over:

1. Pull over safely and switch off the engine.
2. Take off your sunglasses, stay calm and polite.
3. Show your licence, IDP and the scooter's STNK.

If everything is in order, you'll usually be on your way in a minute. If there's a problem, the officer will explain the fine. Stay courteous — a smile goes a long way. If anything is unclear, you can call us and we'll help translate.

The unwritten rules

The horn is a hello, not an insult

A short beep means "I'm here" — before a blind corner, when overtaking, or when passing someone walking on the road. Use it lightly and often.

Bigger goes first

Trucks and buses don't always give way. Don't argue with physics: let them pass.

Watch for hand signals and flashing lights

Flashing headlights from an oncoming car often mean "I'm coming through", not "go ahead". When in doubt, wait.

Expect the unexpected at the edges

Scooters pulling out without looking, kids, dogs, goats, parked trucks. Leave space and keep your speed down in villages.

Parking attendants

At shops, beaches and viewpoints, a parking attendant (tukang parkir) watches over bikes for a small fee, usually IDR 2,000–5,000. It's normal — pay when you leave.

If you have an accident

• Make sure everyone is safe and move off the road if possible.
• Take photos of the scene, the vehicles and any damage.
• Call us on WhatsApp — we'll guide you and, if needed, help communicate with others.
• For emergencies, call 112, or 118/119 for an ambulance.
• Contact your travel insurer as soon as you can.

Road rules questions