BALI: Ride. Chill. Repeat.

Taming the Island: Motorcycle Republic Rides Bali – Days 1 & 2

When Trina Toral, President of Kikays Elite, messaged the group with an invite to ride in Bali, there was no hesitation. Within days, flights were booked, helmets were packed, and the Motorcycle Republic crew—led by Motorcle Republic’s very own Jaydee Chua-Gungon—was Bali-bound. Along for the adventure were Torqkey, Jaomoto, Kumi, Kikays Elite, and a mix of seasoned riders and creators, each with their own reason to hit the island’s roads.

Kikays Elite president - Trina Toral in Bali.

Motorcycle Republic Crew pumping gas at a busy gas station in Bali.

Day 1 – Arrivals, Temples, and Beach Vibes

Touching down at Ngurah Rai International Airport, the crew made their way to Pandawa All Suite Hotel in the heart of the southern part of the island. Bali greeted us with chaos—organized chaos. Traffic here doesn’t follow the rules we know back home, but instead dances to its own rhythm. And that’s the beauty of it. It’s not about which side of the road you stay on—it’s about defensive riding, adaptability, and respect.

Once everyone was settled, we took off on a light afternoon ride to Seminyak, where the mix of luxury and laid-back surf culture sets the tone.

First stop: Petitenget Temple—a peaceful spot where history, Hindu culture, and local rituals offered us a quick breath of calm. Afterward, we cruised to Ku De Ta, one of Bali’s legendary beachfront restaurants. Good food, cold drinks, and the sound of the surf—exactly what we needed after the long haul from Manila.

Petitenget Temple (from L - Michael Peñalosa, Jaomoto, Jonna, Jaydee, Doc Lea, Torqkey, Jegz Montero and Jeremy Lim)

Ku De Ta

But the day wasn’t over.

The crew wrapped up the night at Finns VIP Beach Club, an upscale oceanside hangout in Canggu, perfect for riders who wanted a taste of Bali’s nightlife. And yes—it’s true what they say: Bali knows how to party.

Day 2 – Culture, Coastlines, and the Unexpected

The next day, the group geared up for a southern coastal loop, heading out from Pandawa to Nusa Dua, then onward to Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park (GWK). The massive statue of Vishnu riding his Garuda stood like a sentinel over the island, reminding us that Bali is more than beaches and bars—it’s spiritual, artistic, and raw.

By afternoon, we made our way to the cliffs of Uluwatu Temple—a place where land meets sea and legends come alive. While the rest of the crew stayed to watch the mesmerizing Kecak Fire Dance at sunset, Torqkey and Jaomoto opted to take a quieter route back to the hotel, choosing rest over ritual.

Meanwhile, Kikays Elite, never ones to pass up an adventure, continued their journey the next day to Ubud, ready for another kind of riding—through jungles, rice paddies, and soul-searching temples.

Why Bali?

Riding in Bali is unlike anything back home. The roads are narrow, the traffic unpredictable, and yet—it works. The island pulses with life and movement. It’s not just the destinations like Seminyak, Uluwatu, or GWK that make this place special—it’s the ride itself.

Jonna and Jaomoto

And that’s why we came.

Motorcycling isn’t just about machines and speed. It’s about moments, mishaps, and memories. It’s about splitting the group when needed, riding your own ride, and meeting up again over beers and stories.

And this? This is just Day 2.