When Travel Goes Wrong: My Motorbike Broke Down in Bali
Travel can be a thrilling adventure, but sometimes it goes sideways in unexpected ways. Join me in my latest video as I recount the day my rented motorbike in Ubud, Bali, refused to start, plunging me into a series of minor dilemmas.
Set against the backdrop of Bali’s vibrant landscapes, my journey begins with excitement. I had just arrived at a new guest house, eager to explore the local attractions and immerse myself in the beautiful culture. However, things took a turn when my motorbike, which I had parked while I enjoyed a swim at a nearby health club, wouldn’t start.
Despite my efforts—and even a few attempts from the local security staff—the bike remained stubbornly silent. As the sun began to set, I found myself scrambling for help. Would I be stuck here for the night, or worse, miss out on my planned adventures?
My story unfolds as I navigate through the bustling streets of Ubud, seeking assistance from a local mechanic. Thanks to the kindness of strangers I encountered along the way, I was able to find a solution and get my motorbike back on the road. It was a mix of comedy, urgency, and the typical travel missteps we can all relate to.
In this video, not only do I share the rollercoaster of emotions that come with travel mishaps, but I also highlight the charm of Bali and the wonderful people that make it so special. From the heat and chaos of the streets to the serene beauty of the local culture, there’s always a little adventure waiting, even when things don’t go as planned.
Don’t miss out on this storytelling experience filled with laughter, unexpected friendships, and a crucial lesson on travel preparedness.
👉 Watch the full video and follow along on my journey!
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Join me as we navigate travel, life lessons, and discovering the world—one mishap at a time!
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Video “When Travel Goes Wrong | My Motorbike Broke Down in Bali” was uploaded on 10/13/2025. Watch all the latest Videos by Gabriel Traveler on Gretopia
Do you cook or just eat out everyday
When i was in Bali Ubud a few weeks ago, i used the Phone app Grab scooter service to move around i found it very cheap and less stressful then renting, its like Uber the only difference they pick you up with a Scooter so you get places quick trough heavy traffic, it works very well.
Yes Yes Yes ! looking foward to more adventures from fabulous Bali ❤❤❤
Gabriel, the fish are koi / carp, not goldfish.
Did your room have a microwave at the old place and does your current hotel have one?
I know that you stay for a month in Bali, and thats a wery good idea, because you can easy use a place as a bace for a month, and make day trips to different parts of the Island, and manye even do a sleep a place ot two if it is a bit far away from where you are staying with the bike. That will make a good content, and maybe have a gopro camera at your helmet as well with a mic so that you can speak while driving. That would take your trips to a different angle as well 😎
So glad your bike started up!!! Love the new lodging too!!!✌💙😎 Go M's!!! 💙⚾💚
Trust me man go to sidemen
When i had a scooter it had a way to start "manually" when there were battery problems..it had a hidden kickstart..i guess its not a general solution…thanks for the video and safe travels.
About swimming in that Titi Batu (sp?) soap sudsy pool?
I would not have done that.
I would have worried about inhaling suds, since they float above the water’s surface.
People can be so inconsiderate, polluting the water with so suds, noisily carrying on, and it also appears as though kids are allowed to run loose in Bali, as well.
The FOV on your camera is off …
17:11 — TBH, these turquoise sandals look like they could be worn by men, too! They do not look made for women only.
A bit surprised that Dengue has not felled you yet, Gabriel, what with all the bugs around there.
Gorgeous place. Much more interesting than the Greek Islands IMHO. Hope to see much more from Bali. Thanks
Just like a car pos to pos neg to neg..Jump.
I not understand the food prices there as you can go to a supermarket and a small tub of yogurt is $8, but then you go to a nice cafe and get a whole yogurt and fruit and granola bowl for $5. Not complaining though.
I am so happy you have decided to stay on in Ubud. Very nice room. There is always something new to see around there. Would have been fun doing laps in a big bubble bath, haha. Glad the bike started for you. Goodluck with the sandals.🤞❤️✌️
Now I'm tempted to go back to Bali. 😀
Not totally sure what kind of bike you had but if it has a clutch lever on the handle bars for changing gears and a foot operated gear shifter then all you have to do is turn the key to the on position depress the clutch lever and put the bike in 2nd or 3rd gear get someone to give you a push and release the clutch lever when you get to about 5 or 10 kmph. the bike will kick start and you're off . Be careful with the accelerator as you will suddenly gain speed so make sure you're not in a confined area or heavy traffic when attempting this manoeuvre with plenty of space ahead of you to get control again with the brake etc.
Thanks!
Hello from CA & many thanks 4 Titi Batu, or "stone bridge," in Ubud. Sitting here in Northern CA and must drive to Marin 4 organic, healthy food & no accessibility to exclusive clubs or friendly, Balinese to interact with. No place like Bali!🏊♀
Ya Gabe , thanks for all your hard work , focus towards making the best travel vlogs you can. I fully understand all you do being a film maker for 25 years. Keep it up ❤
👍👍👍
That scooter is possessed… It decided to work after you went out of your way to get a mechanic LOL!!!… As for Jump starting a bike Yes you can. An automatic scooter jumps starts in the same way as you do a car with cables from a good bike's battery. A bike with gears you can do a rolling bump start, much easier. Don't forget the keys in the ignition!! 🙂
Compared to some places in India, this place controls it's garbage very well.
Bali …….. crowds, traffic, beautiful, …..little australia 😂
What a steal for $20
Independence day for Indonesia.
3:45 looks like they drive motorbikes everywhere there