Around Jimbaran on a Rented Honda Scoopy: Getting to Know Bunga Desa

For a yoga teacher like me, Bali has been beguiling for a long time. Apart from India, if there's any place in S...

For a yoga teacher like me, Bali has been beguiling for a long time. Apart from India, if there's any place in Southeast Asia that feels as mystical and spiritual, it would be Bali. I had wanted to delve deeper into Sound Healing and chose to pursue further knowledge and training here. It was exciting, of course, but I also allotted a few days to explore independently. I wanted to see how the Subak irrigation system intertwines with agricultural, religious, and day-to-day life—earning its cultural landscape a UNESCO designation. I wanted to experience driving a scooter on Bali’s notoriously wild roads. And finally, I couldn't wait to sample Indonesian food through charming neighborhood cafes and local warungs.

I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport

Where is Bali?

Bali is a small island province of Indonesia, located in Maritime Southeast Asia. It sits at the westernmost end of the Lesser Sunda Islands, sandwiched between Java to the west and Lombok to the east. The primary international gateway is I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar. Flying straight from Manila, the distance is roughly 2,670 kilometers to Denpasar, taking about 4 hours in the air.

International Driving Permit (IDP)

Prepping for Bali

Bali's weather is quite different from the Philippines since it sits in the Southern Hemisphere, just below the equator. Their coolest months are July and August. September felt just right—transitioning toward the dry season with a cool, comfortable breeze. I chose September for my visit not only for the weather but also as a birthday gift to myself. I managed to score a decently priced roundtrip ticket during an airline sale and booked my accommodations well ahead. My sound training program at Sky Yoga and Meditation in Pejeng, Ubud was also secured in advance.

Staying connected on the go was essential, so I set up a BaliSim eSIM a couple of weeks before my flight. They offer various data packages tailored to different travel needs, and installation on my smartphone was quick and effortless. Once I landed, data worked seamlessly. (If you are planning a trip to Bali, you can get your BaliSim eSIM here and use my code: FERDZONTHEROAD).

The Honda Scoopy delivered at my lodging TwoSpaces Living.

Renting a Scooter

One of my main goals in Bali was to get out on two wheels and enjoy the open road. I knew rental shops were notoriously lax—it's easy for tourists (even total beginners) to rent a bike without hassle. However, I didn't want to take any chances with local traffic police. Driving without an International Driving Permit (IDP) carries official traffic fines of up to 1,000,000 IDR (roughly $65 USD / ₱3,800 PHP) and can void your travel insurance in the event of an accident.

To keep everything legal, I secured my IDP weeks before leaving. The process was surprisingly painless: I visited the Automobile Association of the Philippines (AAP) kiosk at Estancia, and my permit was issued in just a few minutes. I also researched a few reputable bike rental shops near my base in Jimbaran beforehand.

My budget room at TwoSpaces Living

Patio and motorcycle parking

Homebase: TwoSpaces Living at Bunga Desa

I landed in Denpasar around midnight. To make things easy, I booked my room starting the day before so I could head straight in and sleep without waiting for afternoon check-in. I chose TwoSpaces Living at Bunga Desa in Jimbaran. Beyond the rustic, boutique aesthetic shown in their photos, the location is strategic: tucked away in a quiet neighborhood full of local eateries, yet within easy driving distance of major attractions.

Fascinating Balinese woodwork here

Small pool and common kitchen area

Communication with the team was smooth, and despite my late arrival, a night staff member was waiting to check my reservation and show me to my room. I booked a budget room for three nights at roughly ₱600/night. It was comfortably sized with a large bed, private bathroom and shower, an extra cushion, mini-fridge, sink, cutlery, and a small outdoor patio. While it lacked a window, the air conditioning worked perfectly alongside an exhaust system. The property features an impressive Balinese-themed aesthetic with beautiful woodwork throughout, a dedicated parking garage for motorbikes, and even a small dip pool. It is fantastic value for anyone traveling on a budget. (Booked via Agoda).

The Honda Scoopy

My rented scooter arrived right at 10:00 AM as requested. I had initially hoped for a Yamaha Filano, but the unit was damaged by the previous renter. I opted instead for a 110cc Honda Scoopy, which I quickly realized is one of the most ubiquitous scooters on the island (alongside the Filano, Fazzio, and Stylo). Honda used to sell the Scoopy in the Philippines over a decade ago, but it never quite caught on there. Thanks to Honda's local manufacturing plants in Indonesia, the Scoopy is widely accessible and affordable here, explaining its overwhelming popularity.

The Honda Scoopy is a charming, classic-looking ride—lightweight yet capable for a 110cc engine. It features a spacious under-seat compartment, keyless ignition, and an open floorboard (though the slightly sloped footrest took a little getting used to). The unit itself showed clear signs of heavy use, featuring a few scratches, scuffs, and a dusty phone holder. While I expected a slightly newer vehicle given the shop's high reviews, it ran reliably. The tank was half-full, and a helmet was provided. I made sure to point out the existing cosmetic wear to the delivery agent before he left.

RENTAL TIP: Before signing rental papers or driving off, film a complete walkaround video of the scooter highlighting pre-existing scratches, dented bodywork, and tire conditions. Test the brakes and take it for a quick spin around the block to confirm everything functions properly. Some rental operations in tourist hubs are known for attempting to charge travelers for pre-existing damage upon return.

Nasi Pecel

Javanese Lunch at Warung Pecel Wijaya

For brunch, I took the Scoopy out for its maiden voyage to find a local warung, quickly adapting to Bali's left-side driving and the lively flow of local traffic. A short ride brought me to a corner spot near my hotel: Warung Pecel Wijaya.

A warung is a family-run Indonesian establishment—ranging from neighborhood grocery kiosks to small eateries. This particular warung specializes in Nasi Pecel, a classic Javanese dish featuring rice topped with blanched greens (spinach, bean sprouts, cassava leaves), fried tempeh, crispy peanut crackers (rempeyek), and a deeply savory, aromatic peanut sauce. The dish was introduced to Bali by Javanese migrants over the years and remains an everyday comfort food.

Warung Pecel Wijaya clearly serves as a beloved neighborhood staple, having operated here for over a decade. Though the staff were a bit shy with English, a friendly neighbor who was also picking up lunch stepped in to help me order, explaining that she was a long-time friend of the family. I had their signature Nasi Pecel for just 25,000 IDR (~₱88 PHP / $1.40 USD)—it was hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying.

Warung Pecel Wijaya and Kopi Tubruk

I returned a couple of days later and finally met the owners alongside another welcoming neighbor. The father had previously worked abroad and spoke excellent English. Let's call him "Budi." He shared that he had several Filipino friends from his overseas contract, which sparked a warm conversation between us. I ordered another plate of pecel, this time adding savory chicken and fried tofu, and Budi introduced me to Kopi Tubruk.

Kopi Tubruk is Indonesia's traditional, unfiltered coffee. Fine grounds are placed directly into a cup, scalded with boiling water, and left to steep for a few minutes until the grounds settle at the bottom. As the coffee settles, people slow down and talk. Over our coffee, our conversation drifted across everyday life in Indonesia, local politics, government corruption, and regional food recommendations.

• Warung Pecel Wijaya: Taman Griya, Jl. Nuansa Utama XXV No.02, Jimbaran, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali 80361
• Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 7:00 AM – 3:00 AM | Contact: +62 898-0780-652

Warkop Jajo and menu

Chilling at Neighborhood Warkop Jajo

Wanting to build more confidence on the Scoopy, I continued riding through the neighborhood—stopping first at a nearby Indomaret for toiletries before searching for a place to relax. Less than a kilometer down the street from my hotel, I stumbled upon Warkop Jajo. A warkop is a blend of the words warung (shop/eatery) and kopi (coffee), while Jajo likely refers to the owner's name.

I fell in love with the open-air, easygoing atmosphere of this corner spot. Outfitted with a few bar chairs, simple tables, affordable drinks, and fresh pastries, it was a peaceful haven on a breezy afternoon. It provided the ideal backdrop to review my documents, map out my itinerary for the coming days, and enjoy a warm mug of Kopi Susu Aren (local palm sugar latte) alongside a rich chocolate brownie.

The cafe is built around a large tree, featuring a second-story platform where guests can sit and look over the neighborhood. I went up to take in the surroundings. The local area is known as Bunga Desa ("Flower of the Village"), a quiet and prosperous neighborhood characterized by well-kept homes.

Kopisusu Aren Latte

Lamp details and local snacks to nibble on

Recalling my earlier chat with Budi, he had mentioned that locals jokingly refer to this specific pocket as "Kampung Bule." Bule (pronounced boo-lay) is the local colloquial term for white foreigners or Western expats, while kampung means village or neighborhood. Despite my brown skin meaning I don't fit the typical bule description, the nickname makes sense—the area is a popular residential hub for long-term foreign expats renting homes in Jimbaran.

After finishing my coffee, I headed back down to my Scoopy—which felt entirely familiar by now—and rode back to TwoSpaces Living. With a few neighborhood miles under my belt, I felt completely comfortable on two wheels and ready to head further out to explore the rest of Bali.

• Warkop Jajo: Jl. Nuansa Utama IXA No.24, Jimbaran, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali 80361
• Hours: Monday to Saturday, 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM | Instagram: @warkopjajo



Enjoying the coffee at Warkop Jajo