Navigating Bali with Grab, Gojek, or Local Drivers - Whats Best?

Bali Gate Tours

18 May 2025

Blog & Article

Getting around Bali seems simple enough. It’s a relatively small island, Google Maps works, and there’s no shortage of scooters zipping by at all hours. But as anyone who’s spent more than a few days here knows, navigating Bali is less about roads and more about choices—some convenient, some complicated, some surprisingly personal.

Should you download Grab or Gojek in Bali? Can you trust local drivers who quote you a flat rate? What about areas with transport “zones” or driver bans?

This isn’t a listicle. This is the real guide. The one you read while sweaty in a guesthouse lobby wondering why your Grab can’t reach you. Or after your third scooter ride through backstreets you didn’t ask for.

Let’s break down the options, the vibes, and the unwritten rules of getting around Bali.

Option 1: Grab – Smooth, Techy, and Sometimes Banned

Let’s start with Grab in Bali, Southeast Asia’s answer to Uber. It’s sleek. It’s efficient. And if you’re landing at the airport or staying in South Bali, it’s often your go-to ride.

The app works just like any rideshare: input destination, choose car or bike, wait a few minutes, hop in.

Pros:

Transparent pricing. No haggling. What you see is what you pay.
English-friendly interface.
Secure payment options (cash or card).
Reviews help filter out bad experiences.

Cons:

Grab is banned or restricted in certain tourist-heavy areas like Ubud Center, Canggu’s Echo Beach, and near some temples. You might book a ride, only to have the driver message: “Sorry, can’t enter area.”
Response times can vary. During busy hours or in remote areas, drivers are scarce.

So, is Grab good in Bali? Yes—when it works. But always have a Plan B.

Option 2: Gojek – The Multi-Tool of Bali Transport

If Grab is Uber, Gojek in Bali is your Swiss Army knife. Need a ride? Done. Food delivery? Yes. Groceries? Medicine? A haircut? Gojek’s got you.

Gojek’s real strength is its two-wheeled army. Gojek bike rides are fast, cheap, and excellent for solo travelers who don’t mind a little wind in their hair (and maybe a bit of Bali traffic adrenaline).

Pros:

Cheapest transport on the island, especially for short rides.
Fastest during traffic jams (bikes weave through like magic).
Expansive reach across most towns and suburbs.

Cons:

Not ideal for long rides or luggage-heavy trips.
App language sometimes defaults to Indonesian (easy to switch, but can be confusing at first).
Like Grab, Gojek drivers may refuse pickup in “no-go” zones.

If you’re staying in Denpasar, Uluwatu, or Kerobokan, Gojek is fantastic. In more traditional or protected areas, you’ll hit restrictions.

The Local Driver Experience – A Relationship, Not a Ride

Now we come to the old-school way: hiring local drivers in Bali. And here’s the truth—this option is often underrated.

While apps offer convenience, local drivers offer connection. And context. And sometimes, even friendship.

You’ll find drivers offering full-day rates, airport pickups, temple tours, and drop-offs. Many speak decent English, and some even double as guides.

Pros:

Flexible, customizable itineraries.
No apps or tech needed—just a WhatsApp number or hotel front desk.
Great for day trips (like Ubud to Kintamani or Canggu to East Bali).
Directly supports Balinese families and small businesses.

Cons:

Rates vary and may require negotiation.
Some drivers overcharge unsuspecting tourists—especially in places like Kuta or the airport.
Less tech transparency. You need to trust their word and reviews.

But when you find a good one? It’s gold. A reliable local Bali driver can make your whole trip smoother, friendlier, and more human.

What About Scooters? Should You Ride Yourself?

Every other traveler seems to be riding a scooter in Bali. But should you?

Renting a scooter offers freedom and flexibility. But it also comes with risk.

Pros:

Ultra cheap (around IDR 70,000/day or less).
Go where cars can’t, on your own time.
Parking is rarely an issue.

Cons:

Bali’s roads can be chaotic and dangerous for beginners.
Traffic rules exist but aren’t always followed.
Rainy season riding is no joke.
You’ll need an international driver’s permit (and insurance!).

If you’re confident, scooters are a fun way to explore Bali—especially in quieter areas like Amed, Ubud outskirts, or Sidemen. Just ride with respect.

Unspoken Rules: Transport Zones & “Territory Tensions”

Let’s address the elephant in the parking lot: Bali’s transport zones.

In areas like Ubud, Sanur, or parts of Canggu, local taxi cooperatives have declared certain streets “exclusive.” That means app-based rides like Grab or Gojek may not be allowed to pick you up—or might cancel your request to avoid conflict.

This tension stems from local protectionism. Some areas are tightly controlled by local transport unions who rely on tourist fares for income.

What to do?

Respect the signs. If an area says “No Online Transport,” don’t push it.
Walk a few hundred meters out of the zone to call your ride.
Or just hire a local driver directly—many of whom operate legally and with good service.

This is where knowing a bit of Bahasa or staying chill helps. Transport politics in Bali can feel murky—but they’re rooted in community dynamics.

Comparing Costs – What's Actually Cheaper?

Let’s say you're going from Ubud to Seminyak (about 1.5 hours depending on traffic). Here’s what the fare might look like across different options:

Grab/Gojek Car: IDR 180,000–250,000
Local Driver (one-way): IDR 300,000–400,000
Private charter/full-day: IDR 600,000–700,000 (including waiting time and multiple stops)
Shuttle bus (Perama): IDR 100,000 but fixed schedule and limited baggage

For short rides, apps are cheaper. For tours and full days, local drivers win. For the best of both worlds? Negotiate a fair price and treat your driver well—they often become your go-to for the entire trip.

Airport Transfers – Know Before You Land

The airport is the first place where Bali’s transport complexity hits you.

What you’ll face:

Aggressive touts offering overpriced taxis
Signs warning against Grab and Gojek
Wi-Fi dead zones just when you try to book a ride

Here’s how to win the game:

Book a private airport transfer in advance.
Use the official airport taxi stand for fixed rates.
Or walk 200–300 meters outside the terminal to call Grab/Gojek without hassle.

This is where planning ahead saves stress. After a long flight, nothing beats seeing a friendly driver holding your name at the gate.

Which Option Is Best for You? (It Depends on Your Style)

Let’s be honest—there’s no one-size-fits-all answer for getting around Bali. The right option depends on your personality, trip goals, and how much you value convenience vs connection.

Grab/Gojek: Ideal for digital nomads, short-term tourists, or budget travelers sticking to the south.
Local drivers: Perfect for cultural explorers, long-stayers, or anyone who wants a personal touch.
Scooter rental: Great for solo adventurers or couples with confidence and travel insurance.
Mix and match: Probably the most realistic strategy. Use apps when you can, drivers when you can’t, and scooters when you’re feeling brave.

Bali Is Not Just a Destination. It’s a Conversation.

Choosing how you move through Bali isn’t just logistical. It’s part of the experience. Each ride is a chance to connect—to the landscape, to people, to a different pace of life.

Whether you hop on a Gojek motorbike, sit back in a Grab car, or chat with a local driver about the meaning of a temple ceremony, you’re shaping your story.

So don’t stress too much about the “best” way. Instead, stay open. Try a little of everything. Tip well. Say thank you. And enjoy the ride—not just the destination.