Bali Motorbike Taxi Guide: How to Use Gojek & Grab Safely

Bali’s traffic can be much worse than you might expect.

If it’s your first time visiting, you may be surprised by just how congested the roads can get, regardless of whether it’s day or night, weekday or weekend.

Bali also doesn’t have the kind of public transportation system you might be used to, such as subways or an extensive public bus network.

So what’s one of the easiest ways to get through all that traffic?
Motorbikes and scooters.

In this Bali motorbike taxi guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know about getting around Bali by motorbike taxi, including what the roads are like, how to book a ride using Gojek or Grab, and a few important things to know before getting on the back of a scooter.

✅ What This Guide Covers

• Motorbikes and road conditions in Bali
• Two popular motorbike taxi apps: Gojek & Grab
• What to set up before your trip
• How to book a motorbike taxi
• Safety tips and things to know before riding
  
  

Thinking about renting a scooter and riding around Bali yourself?

I personally wouldn’t recommend it, especially if it’s your first time in Bali.

Many roads in Bali don’t have clearly marked lanes, and depending on where you are, you may also encounter steep hills, winding roads, and uneven terrain.

If you’re not already comfortable riding a scooter and familiar with local road conditions, it can be risky.

So how do you get around instead?
Use a motorbike taxi app and let a local driver do the riding.

Local drivers are used to riding scooters every day and know the roads and terrain extremely well. It’s a much easier option if you want the convenience of traveling by scooter without having to drive one yourself.

There are two main ride-hailing apps commonly used for motorbike taxis in Bali: Gojek and Grab.

Gojek tends to be especially popular in Bali, but when I was staying in Canggu, I had no trouble finding rides on either app.

I recommend downloading both Gojek and Grab before your trip so you can use whichever one works best when you need a ride.

Before leaving for Bali, there are three things I recommend setting up in advance.

1. Download the Apps, Create an Account & Verify Your Phone Number

Download the apps, sign up, and complete your phone number verification before your trip.

Phone verification can sometimes be more difficult once you’re already abroad, so it’s easier to get this out of the way before you leave.

2. Add a Payment Card

You can choose to pay in cash, but drivers may not always have enough change, and carrying the exact amount every time can be inconvenient.

If you add a card to the app beforehand, your fare can be charged automatically, which makes the whole process much easier.

3. Enable Location Services

With location services enabled, the app can automatically detect your current location.

That means you usually won’t need to manually enter your pickup address every time you book a ride.

Once you’ve created your account, verified your phone number, and added your payment card, booking a ride is pretty straightforward.

I’ll use Gojek as the example here.

1. Open the app and tap GoRide.

2. Enter your pickup location.

If you’ve enabled location services, your current location should appear automatically.

❗Still, always double-check that the pickup point is correct.

3. Enter your destination.

Once you enter your destination, the app will show the route, fare, and available ride options.

4. Choose the option you want and tap “Find Driver.”

That’s it!

Once your ride is confirmed, a driver will automatically be assigned to you.

In the app, you’ll be able to see your driver’s information, motorbike license plate number, estimated pickup time, and the driver’s live location as they make their way toward you.

You’ll also receive a notification when the driver arrives at the pickup point.

Check the license plate number to make sure you have the right motorbike, say a quick hello to your driver, and you’re ready to go.

Now for a few important things I learned from using motorbike taxis in Bali.

If it’s your first time riding on the back of a motorbike, make sure you know where to put your feet.

There are small passenger footrests on either side of the motorbike. Drivers will usually fold them down for you before you get on, but they may occasionally forget.

If the footrests aren’t down, ask your driver to fold them down before you start riding.

Keeping your legs extended while riding can be dangerous, so this is definitely something worth checking before you take off.

Our legs are important! 🦵💖

Drivers usually carry an extra helmet either under the seat or in the scooter’s storage compartment.

Ask your driver for one before you get on, and make sure the chin strap is securely fastened. If you’re not sure how to adjust it, just ask your driver for help.

One thing to keep in mind: shared helmets aren’t always the cleanest. If that bothers you, wearing a hat or disposable hair cap underneath can help.

If you’re planning to stay in Bali long-term, buying your own helmet is another option.

If you’ve never ridden as a passenger on a motorbike before, you might wonder where you’re supposed to hold on.

There’s usually a grab handle behind the passenger seat.

Some roads in Bali can be rough and steep, and scooters sometimes have to stop suddenly because of traffic.

Make sure you have a good grip on the rear handle while riding.

The exhaust fumes in Canggu can be pretty intense. That’s another reason I recommend wearing a helmet and, if it has a visor, lowering it over your face.

I found that the visor helped noticeably with exhaust fumes and road grime. You can also bring a mask if you prefer.

If you have long hair, I highly recommend tying it up before getting on a motorbike.

I found that leaving my hair down while riding caused a lot of tangling and damage from the wind and friction.

I started keeping a scrunchie or hair tie around my wrist so I could quickly tie my hair up before getting on and take it down again afterward.

A tiny thing, but very useful!

That covers the basics of using motorbike taxi apps in Bali, along with the tips and precautions I learned while using them.

Since getting around by motorbike is so common in Bali, you may still be concerned about the possibility of an accident or injury while riding.

That’s one reason I personally make sure I have travel insurance whenever I visit Bali.

Coverage and policy conditions vary depending on the insurance plan, so make sure to check the terms and coverage carefully before purchasing.

A little preparation goes a long way, so stay safe and enjoy your trip to Bali!