Renting a motorbike or car is one of the most practical ways to explore Bali. With your own vehicle, you can freely go to beaches, restaurants, tourist attractions, or explore areas quite far from the hustle and bustle.
However, for tourists who are new to driving in Indonesia, there is one simple thing that can sometimes be confusing: how to buy gasoline in Bali?
The good news is that filling up with fuel in Bali is actually very easy. You don’t need to get out of your vehicle to operate the pump yourself like in some countries. At most gas stations in Indonesia, there will be an attendant who helps fill the fuel.
Here is the complete guide.
Where Can You Buy Fuel in Bali?
The most common place to buy fuel is the SPBU, which stands for Stasiun Pengisian Bahan Bakar Umum (Public Fuel Filling Station).
Pertamina is the most easily found gas station network in Bali. Its characteristic feature is the red, white, and blue sign and canopy.
In some areas, you might also find gas stations from other companies or independent fuel sellers. However, for tourists, buying fuel at official gas stations is usually the easiest choice because the fuel types and prices are clearer.
To find the nearest gas station, simply open Google Maps and type:
“Pertamina”
or
“Gas station”
You will usually immediately find several options around your location.
The MyPertamina app also provides a feature to find gas station locations.
How to Fill Up at a Pertamina Gas Station
The process is quite simple.
Upon arriving at the gas station, enter through the available lane and find the pump that matches your vehicle and the type of fuel you want to use.
If you are on a motorbike, there is usually a queue or a special section for motorcycles.
Once you are in front of the pump:
- Turn off the vehicle’s engine.
- Open the fuel tank.
- Tell the attendant the type of fuel and the amount you want to buy.
- The attendant will fill the fuel.
- After it’s done, make the payment.
You don’t need to take the nozzle or fill the fuel yourself because usually everything is done by the gas station attendant.
On scooter motorbikes commonly used in Bali, the fuel tank cap is sometimes under the seat. So you might need to open the seat first before the attendant starts filling.
What Should You Say to the Attendant?
You don’t need to speak Indonesian fluently. Just mention the type of fuel and the amount you want to buy.
For example:
“Pertamax, fifty thousand.”
This means you want to buy Pertamax worth Rp50,000.
Some useful amounts to know:
- “Twenty thousand” = Rp20,000
- “Fifty thousand” = Rp50,000
- “One hundred thousand” = Rp100,000
In Indonesia, it is very common to buy fuel based on the amount of money, not the number of liters.
If you want the tank filled up completely, you can say:
“Pertamax, full tank.”
Gas station attendants generally understand the term “full” or “full tank.”
For a rental motorbike, Rp30,000–Rp50,000 is often enough for a fairly long trip, but the amount certainly depends on the tank capacity, vehicle condition, and current fuel prices.
Pertalite, Pertamax, or Pertamax Turbo?
At Pertamina gas stations, you will see several fuel names. For gasoline-powered vehicles, the most common ones include Pertalite, Pertamax, Pertamax Green 95, and Pertamax Turbo.
Pertamax has RON 92, Pertamax Green 95 has RON 95, while Pertamax Turbo has RON 98.
As a tourist, don’t just choose based on the cheapest price.
If you are using a rental vehicle, the safest choice is to follow the recommendation from the rental company or vehicle owner.
Many motorbikes and cars can use Pertamax, making this product an easy choice for tourists. However, certain vehicles may require a different octane.
If in doubt, ask when picking up the vehicle:
“What fuel should I use?”
You can also take a photo of the recommended fuel type so you don’t forget.
What About Pertalite and QR Codes?
This is quite important, especially if you rent a car.
Pertalite is a subsidized fuel. Pertamina currently implements a QR Code Subsidy Tepat system for purchasing Pertalite using four-wheeled vehicles. The code is linked to the registered vehicle.
Therefore, if you rent a car and want to buy Pertalite, you should ask the rental company whether the vehicle has the required QR Code.
For tourists, a much simpler way is usually to use non-subsidized fuel like Pertamax, as long as it matches the vehicle’s specifications.
You also don’t need to create a MyPertamina account just to buy regular Pertamax.
How Do You Pay for Fuel?
Cash in rupiah is the safest option.
After the filling is complete, the attendant will state or show the amount to be paid.
Some gas stations also accept non-cash methods such as debit cards, credit cards, or digital payments. Pertamina itself states that transactions can be done in cash or non-cash.
However, don’t rely on cards as your only payment method because facilities at each gas station can differ.
It’s best to always carry cash in denominations like Rp20,000, Rp50,000, and Rp100,000 when traveling in Bali.
If you see the QRIS logo, payment using apps that support QRIS might also be available. Some payment apps from outside Indonesia even support cross-border QRIS, but compatibility depends on the country and the app used.
Do You Need to Tip the Gas Station Attendant?
No.
You only need to pay the amount shown on the pump. Tipping is not obligatory and is not part of the fuel filling procedure.
Before paying, you can also look at the numbers on the dispenser to make sure the amount is correct.
What About Bottled Gasoline Sold by the Roadside?
While exploring Bali, especially in areas far from the city center, you might see small shops or warungs selling gasoline in bottles.
This is quite common in Indonesia and can be useful in emergencies.
However, if there is an official gas station near you, it’s better to fill up at the gas station. You get clearer information about the fuel type, price, and amount filled.
Bottled gasoline should be a backup option if you are almost out of fuel and the gas station is still far away.
Don’t Wait Until the Tank is Almost Empty
In areas like Seminyak, Denpasar, Kerobokan, Sanur, or other urban areas, finding a gas station is usually quite easy.
However, if you plan to go further to areas like Sidemen, Munduk, Kintamani, parts of Karangasem, or other rural roads, the distance between gas stations can be greater.
It’s best to fill up before starting a long journey.
The easiest way is to check Google Maps and see the locations of gas stations along your route.
Safety Tips When Filling Up in Bali
Always turn off the engine when filling up and avoid smoking in the gas station area.
Don’t make phone calls while standing near the dispenser. Pertamina states that using a phone to show a QR Code is allowed from inside the car or at a safe distance of about 1.5 meters from the dispenser, but phone calls and using flash are not allowed in the dangerous zone near the pump.
Additionally, pay attention to the vehicle you rent. Don’t put diesel into a gasoline vehicle or vice versa. If you are unsure, ask the attendant or the rental company before filling.
In Summary: Filling Up in Bali is Very Easy
For tourists, buying fuel in Bali is actually not complicated.
Find the nearest Pertamina gas station, enter the motorbike or car lane, turn off the engine, then tell the attendant the type of fuel and the amount you want to buy.
A simple sentence like:
“Pertamax, fifty thousand.”
is enough.
After the attendant finishes filling, pay using cash in rupiah or other available payment methods.
The most important thing is to know the recommended fuel type for your rental vehicle. If in doubt, ask the rental company before starting to drive.
By understanding this simple process, you don’t need to worry when the fuel indicator starts to drop and you can explore Bali more comfortably on a motorbike or car during your holiday.
