Are Gojek, Grab Or Taxis Available In Amed?

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Amed is located in northeastern Bali, and getting around this small town with grab or gojek is not as easy as you might think. In fact, even just getting to Amed can be a challenge, especially if you’re coming from the southern areas around Canggu, Seminyak or Uluwatu.

Find out all you need to know about using grab, gojek or taxis in Amed, local transport, how to get around from the airport and how walkable the area really is.

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gojek and grab in Amed during sunset volcano view and road next to temple

Why you can trust this article about using grab and gojek in Amed

Hi, I’m Victoria, and I’m your go-to source for Bali and Indonesia travel information.

I’ve lived on this beautiful island for several years now and visited plenty of times before that, both as a tourist and backpacker. I know how to save money and when to splurge on things, so I’ll introduce you to the best luxury getaways for a special occasion but also the cheapest airport pickups and fun group tours you can join if you want to make friends.

Amed is a place I always recommend for people who want to avoid the touristy parts of Bali and want some peace and quiet. I love to come up here to relax and spend time snorkelling, so I can tell you exactly how you should approach local transport around the area.

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Are grab and gojek available in Amed?

Amed is a small town, and tourism is still limited, which means that grab and gojek are not in high demand. Then there is the aspect of local transport companies not wanting to lose out on business, which makes online taxi operations restricted.

Currently, neither grab nor gojek work in Amed, and you won’t be able to find a driver via online ride hailing apps.

Luckily, there are alternatives for how you can get around Amed.

OUR TIP

Wondering about the legality of ridehailing apps in Bali? Here is how legal grab and gojek actually are.

The Indonesian taxi mafia in Amed

The taxi mafia in Bali refers to an organisation of local drivers who use pushy sales tactics and charge inflated prices. They do not use taxi metres and oppose the use of grab and gojek, due to the lower prices of these apps.

The taxi mafia creates so-called no-gojek zones and prevents the apps from working in popular areas around Bali, including parts of Ubud, Uluwatu, Canggu and the airport.

Amed doesn’t have grab or gojek mostly due to low demand, but another reason why we most likely won’t see the apps there anytime soon is the pushback from local drivers who want to be able to overcharge tourists.

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road in amed with view of volcano and rice fields under blue sky
Photo by Natalia Heinz

Are taxis easy to access in Amed?

There are no official or even metred taxis in Amed, so unfortunately, taxis are not very easy to access. You’ll find locals offering private taxi services, which might be useful for shorter distances, but finding them is a bit of a hit or miss.

You might be asked if you need a ride by motorbikes driving past you, or you can ask at your accommodation in Amed for transport help.

Most tourists end up hiring a private driver to help them get around instead since it’s much more convenient than having to find a ride again and again throughout the day.

Generally, taxis are not a great way to get around Amed.

All You Need For Your Bali Trip

  • Affordable airport pickup – Klook
  • Insurance – Safetywing
  • Accommodation – Agoda or Booking
  • eSIM – Jetpac
  • Flights – Skyscanner
  • Private driver – Klook
  • Fastboats – 12Go Asia

How to get around Amed

There are different ways to get around Amed, and while this small town doesn’t have the best selection of transport options, you’ll find something that suits your needs.

1. Renting a scooter in Amed

The best way to get around Amed is to rent a scooter. Driving in Bali can be dangerous, but luckily, Amed is a decent place for beginners to learn. The roads are quiet, but it can get mountainous if you drive too far from town.

A scooter in Amed can cost anywhere from IDR 50,000 to IDR 100,000 (~ $5 AU to $10 AU), depending on how long you rent it, and the type of scooter. There is always some room for negotiation, so don’t always accept the first price given.

Always wear a helmet, go slow and be careful of gravel on the road. Accidents can always happen, and if you’re not a confident driver, it may be best to choose another transport alternative.

Every traveller should have insurance, including coverage for medical emergencies, hospital visits and unforeseen accidents. SafetyWing is not only the best choice for shorter trips but also offers long-term plans for digital nomads or those travelling for extended periods of time.

They have a great selection of plans, including trip insurance, which supports you in case of cancelled flights or lost baggage.

My favourite part is that they offer adventure sports coverage ad-ons, so you can do all the exciting activities without having to worry about taking unnecessary risks.

No matter where you’re travelling, you cannot put a price on peace of mind.

Find out more about SafetyWing here.

The Best Private Drivers In Bali

The most comfortable way to get around Bali is with a private driver. Read our complete guide or book instantly at the lowest prices with no need to haggle.

2. Walking around Amed

Bali is generally not a very walkable place since there are rarely sidewalks and traffic conditions are very chaotic, but since Amed is so quiet, it’s actually relatively manageable to walk short distances around town.

Just don’t try to walk to places further away from Amed, as it can be dangerous for pedestrians on the mountainous roads.

In any case, don’t expect there to be sidewalks in and around Amed, and even if there are, they are often damaged or used for parking.

3. Group tours to Amed

Group tours are a great way to explore remote parts of Bali, so you won’t have to worry about figuring out transport options. They can also be good for making new friends if you’re travelling solo.

For Amed, you can essentially choose between snorkelling day trips as well as tours that will also include other stops along the way. They can actually be quite affordable, so make sure to check out this option.

We also reviewed the best 2-week group tours of Bali if you’re interested in joining a longer trip.

sunset in amed at the beach where grab and gojek do not work
Photo by Natalia Heinz

4. Hiring a private driver in Amed

If you’re not confident about riding a scooter in Amed, you should look into hiring a private driver instead. We’ve got plenty of tips and tricks you should know, so make sure to read our driver guide before you decide on this option.

It’s usually best to find a local driver on arrival in Amed. Your accommodation should be able to help you out, or you can find out more information in little tourist shops.

5. Renting a car in Amed

You can also rent cars in Bali, although most tourists stick to scooters. Driving can feel overwhelming, but you’ll be safer in a car than on a motorbike, and the ride will be far more comfortable.

There are no official car rental companies in Amed itself, but you can check out our recommendations in the Seminyak and Canggu area and then drive up to Amed yourself.

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How to get to Amed

Getting around Amed is tricky enough with the taxi mafia and the absence of grab and gojek, but getting there is even worse.

Since Amed’s location is so remote, it can be expensive to get there. Most people end up hiring a private driver to take them there, but that will likely cost at least IDR 600,000 to IDR 800,000 (~ $60 AU to $80 AU) one way.

Taxis will be even more expensive, and not many drivers will be willing to make the trip all the way up north with little chance of getting a customer for the return trip.

Here are the best options for getting to Amed, all things considered:

Can you take a grab or gojek to Amed?

You can technically take a grab or gojek to Amed, but in my experience, it takes a long time to find a driver. Depending on the time of day, you might not be able to find one at all, so it’s best not the rely on this transport method.

We would recommend either renting a car or scooter and driving yourself, which gives you more flexibility on arrival in Amed. If you’re a group of three or more people, consider getting a private driver, which might be your cheapest option.

Best Deals For Unmissable Bali Experiences

  • Make your own silver jewellery
  • Balinese cooking class
  • Day trip to Nusa Penida
  • ATV & rafting tour
  • Kecak Fire Dance
  • Sunrise at Mount Batur
  • Swim with manta rays

Perama bus to Amed

Finally, if you’re a solo traveller or a couple, the Perama bus to Amed is a very good option. It costs approximately IDR 275,000 (~$27.50 AU), depending on where you’re departing, and offers routes from Canggu, Ubud, Kuta and Padang Bai to Amed.

The bus runs daily, and you can buy tickets online. Definitely consider this option; it’s a real lifesaver.

inside of perama bus in bali back window
Photo by Natalia Heinz

Tips for using gojek and grab in Bali & Indonesia

One thing a lot of tourists miss when it comes to using grab and gojek in Bali is the hidden discounts. We’ll show you exactly how to use them and provide plenty more tips on how to use grab and gojek in Bali in our complete guide.

Find out what to do if a driver asks you to cancel a ride, how to avoid common scams and much more.

The Best Way To Experience Bali

Group tours are an incredibly underrated way to travel and you’ll get to experience Bali with new friends without any of the stress of planning. Compare the best tours here or check out my all-time favourite below.

Other no-gojek zones in Bali

Even though Uber is not available, gojek and grab are fantastic for getting around Bali and many more places around Indonesia and South East Asia. However, due to restrictions from local transport organisations, the apps don’t always work the way you might expect.

As a traveller, you need to inform yourself about local no-gojek zones in Bali, including those at the airport, in Seminyak, Canggu, Ubud, Uluwatu, Nusa Dua, Kintamani, Lovina, the harbours in Padang Bai and Sanur, Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan and Tanah Lot Temple.

If you’re travelling even more around Indonesia, you should check out our gojek guides about Labuan Bajo and Kuta in Lombok.

OUR TIP

If you’re headed to Thailand next, you should check out our grab and transport guides for popular places like Bangkok, Koh Lanta, Koh Tao, Krabi, Khao Sok, and Koh Phi Phi.

Gojek and grab in Amed FAQ

Is grab available in Amed?

Grab is not available in Amed due to low demand.

How long should you stay in Amed?

If you’re diving, around three to four days in Amed is a good amount of time, otherwise, two should be sufficient.

Does gojek work in Amed?

Gojek does not work in Amed, and you have to use other transport methods instead.

Where is Amed located?

Amed is located in the northeastern corner of Bali at the foot of Mount Agung.

Is Amed worth visiting in Bali?

Amed is definitely worth visiting if you’re looking for fantastic snorkelling or scuba diving opportunities and a peaceful atmosphere.

How to get from Gilimanuk to Amed?

Getting from Gilimanuk to Amed is very tricky, and you will need your own car or scooter or hire a driver on arrival to take you.

How to get to Amed from Denpasar Airport?

If you need transport from the airport to Amed, you should book with Klook, which is the cheapest option.

Before you go…

We’ve got plenty more Bali tips where that came from. Don’t forget to check out our hotel guides to places like Gili Trawangan, Nusa Penida, Sanur and Uluwatu.

You might also like this list of best coworking spaces in Canggu, our complete guide to visiting Komodo National Park and these fun things to do on your birthday in Bali.

Did I miss anything?
If you have any questions or feel like something is missing from this post, please leave a comment below or contact me.

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Victoria Heinz

Victoria is the founder of Guide Your Travel and has been a travel writer for ten years. She has a Master of Arts in International Relations and Politics and is a managing partner at a marketing agency in Indonesia, giving her unique insight into local culture and customs. Originally from Germany, Victoria has been living abroad for eight years in countries such as Australia, the UK, Spain, Malaysia and Indonesia. Today, she calls Bali her permanent home and helps over 200,000 people plan their trips around the world every month.

Welcome to Guide your Travel!

Hi! I’m Victoria, a travel blogger from Germany and the author of Guide your Travel. I write about my favourite destinations in Europe, South East Asia and digital nomad life in Bali.

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Hi, I'm Victoria

Welcome to Guide your Travel – a blog about South East Asia and how to travel on a budget.

I’m a blogger, writer and photographer and love to introduce my favourite destinations to others and encourage them to see the world.

I’m originally from Germany but spent four years living in the UK, quite a bit of time in Spain and Malaysia, and am now travelling full time with a home base in Bali, Indonesia.

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