Sunset Chaser: Bali’s First Modified Car Meet
Sunset Chaser

If someone told you that Bali has amazing car culture, would you believe them? Regardless of what you believe, the answer is yes, you should.

The Indonesian paradise has many automotive gems, especially those of the classic variety. There’s an annual event called the Bali Classic Car Show, and you can even take an island tour in a Volkswagen Safari. But what about modern car tuners? Stance cars? JDM?

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I’ve lived in Bali for two years now, but up until recently had never seen or heard anything about a later-model modified car scene here. That’s understandable too, because not only are new cars ridiculously expensive to buy in Bali, the selection is extremely limited too. The majority of islanders drive either a Toyota Avanza or Agya, or a Honda Brio or Jazz, or similar.

ig@ardskellig

But after months of searching and following groups on Instagram, a miracle happened: I found out about a car meet in Bali called Sunset Chaser. Bali’s first ever event of this kind.

I had no idea what to expect, mostly because it was a sudden announcement. The organizers weren’t even from Bali, they were from Bandung and Jogyakarta (other Indonesian cities), and planned the event just to see what the island had to offer.

ig@ardskellig

When the day came, I set out to the meet location. I had a map, but it still wasn’t easy to find. Finally I made it to a huge, empty parking lot in the middle of nowhere – but no one else was there. I was confused and started to think I had the date wrong, but after double-checking the information it seemed like I was in the right place, on the right day, at the right time. So I waited.

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After about an hour, a group of BMWs arrived. A little while later a few Mercedes drove into the parking lot. Before long there was a huge turnout of vehicles – more than anyone expected – ranging from lifted SUVs, to classics, to stance cars.

ig@ardskellig

There were some truly amazingly builds too, including a Pandem-kitted BMW E28 on ITBs from BSS Garage. 

ig@ardskellig
ig@ardskellig

I can’t stress enough just how expensive cars are here, let alone the parts to modify them. If they have to come from outside the country, you might as well forget it. But it just goes to show the dedication that people in Bali have to building cars, and everyone works really hard for what they can get, or in many cases, create themselves.

Sunset Chaser was everything I had hoped it would be. It was as much about the cars as it was the people, and everyone was very welcoming and inviting.

ig@ardskellig
ig@ardskellig

This event was the best thing that’s ever happened to Bali car enthusiasts, and it can really only help the scene here grow.

Bali might not be a huge island, but the modified car community – although largely hidden – is strong, and there’s a huge amount of pride. Not surprisingly, everyone can’t wait for the next event.

Rick Muda
Instagram: ardskellig

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1

Shout out to the white corolla lol.
I find it bizarre when these little pockets around the world with stringent laws/taxes end up creating stuff like this. Try telling dude with the convertible bmw that his widebody kit is played out lol.
I like the night shots here.

2

WOW!!! Bali, what a great place. If you look carefully, you can see modified cars there in the little side streets or in little shops. I've seen some great cars in Ubud as well, but that's about it. So this is a great initiative and I thank you for sharing!

3

great shots!!!!!! really beautiful, cheers from Brazil!

4

You gotta love the culture in Indonesia
They got some of the best tastefully modified cars especially that white Corolla

5

Yo Paddy, I gotta congratulate you for these pictures! I don't know what you shot with, but you hit the spot with the colors. It caught their culture as it was vintage, in the family. I don't know but since you started taking photos with the Workhouse Drift Team, there's a new good vibe on Speedhunters.

6

I meant Rick..can you edit the first post and delete this one, please? Could use an edit button btw..

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