Gojek & Grab In Canggu – Where Are Pickups & Dropoffs Allowed?

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Gojek and grab are extremely popular ridesharing apps that are similar to Uber and commonly used in many areas of Bali, including Canggu. However, they don’t always work due to regulations put in place by the Canggu taxi mafia, which prevent pickups and dropoffs in certain areas.

If you’re wondering if grab and gojek work in Canggu, this complete guide is for you. We’ll tell you about all the no-gojek zones, if the taxi mafia is dangerous, and what to do if you need to go to a place that doesn’t allow grab.

Did you know we have a ton of guides about places where grab and gojek are restricted in Bali and Lombok? Check out our posts about using grab at Bali’s airport, in Kuta Lombok, Labuan Bajo, at Tanah Lot Temple, Sanur, Kintamani, Ubud, Uluwatu, Lovina, Amed, Nusa Dua, Seminyak at the port in Padang Bai and Nusa Lembongan or Nusa Penida.

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Why you can trust this article

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.

I’ve lived in Canggu for almost two years now, and since I don’t drive a scooter myself, I end up having to take grabs and gojeks quite frequently. I’ve also moved around quite a lot trying to find the perfect accommodation, so I know almost every neighbourhood in Canggu, and whether it’s possible to get a gojek there.

Is Canggu still worth it? Let me tell you the pros and cons.

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Sammys Canggu Hotel

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Planta Luxury Boutique Resort

Are gojek and grab allowed in Canggu?

The short answer is: yes, grab and gojek are allowed and work 95% of the time in Canggu. There is technically only one official no-gojek zone, where there are absolutely no grabs or gojeks allowed. Otherwise, you can use both apps freely for getting or around or food delivery. This also goes for the areas surrounding Canggu, such as Pererenan, Babakan, Tumbak Baju, or Padonan (which some people still consider Canggu).

Definitely download grab and gojek as soon as you arrive at Bali’s airport (although there are cheaper airport pickups available). You’ll most likely use them daily during your time in Canggu, especially because the area isn’t very walkable.

gojek drivers with passenger green jackets on scooters

All You Need For Your Bali Trip

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  • Fastboats – 12Go Asia

The Indonesian taxi mafia in Canggu

So why don’t apps like grab and gojek work everywhere? So-called no-gojek zones are created by the local taxi mafia, which are traditional taxi drivers whose business is heavily impacted by these popular ridesharing apps. Taxi drivers are organized into an alliance that makes sure gojek and grab drivers cannot enter areas where they should be able to operate.

Grab and gojek can’t do much to change this since the taxi drivers are backed by the local banyar who controls the neighbourhoods.

Is the taxi mafia in Canggu dangerous?

Taxi drivers can be very aggressive towards gojek and grab drivers who try to pick up passengers. They will sometimes even threaten violence if they see gojek or grab cars parked or attempting to pick up passengers in their area of control. Fortunately, there are no safety concerns for tourists (just inconvenience).

Occasionally, there will be incidents like the following, which occurred in June of 2023, where a local taxi driver demanded payment from tourists attempting to get into a gojek in a prohibited area. The driver was clearly in the wrong though and was later apprehended by authorities.

It’s best to abide by the taxi mafia’s rules to avoid any conflict.

Support local transport sign in Canggu

Should you take a taxi from the mafia in Canggu?

There is technically nothing wrong with using the taxi mafia in Canggu. They’re not scammers or dangerous, but they will overcharge you considerably. The whole reason why ridesharing apps are so popular is that the prices are regulated, and there is no confusion when it comes to payments.

Taxi drivers (that aren’t using a meter like Bluebird taxis) will always give you a really high price, and while it’s possible to haggle, it’s annoying, and it’s likely you’ll still overpay.

Best eSIM & Physical SIM For Bali

Did you know you can get the best SIM card for tourists delivered to your hotel in Bali at no extra charge? Or get an eSIM, so you’ll be connected from day one.

Where are no-gojek zones in Canggu?

Now for the most important question: Where are the actual no-gojek zones in Canggu?

In my experience, there is really only one at the moment, although there is one other example worth mentioning.

gojek grab zones canggu map with dang cookies and la brisa
Map of no-gojek zones in Canggu

1. Jalan Pantai Batu Mejan (Echo Beach Street)

The main area of Canggu where grab and gojek will not work is Jalan Pantai Batu Mejan, also referred to as Echo Beach Street. This is where one of Canggu’s most famous beach clubs, La Brisa, is located and also where several tourist souvenir markets have appeared. You’ll also find Faraway, a popular sports bar here and plenty of breakfast spots further up the street.

Echo Beach is a strict no-gojek zone, which is heavily controlled by the taxi mafia, and both pickups and drop-offs are prohibited. You’ll see them sitting in a little hut at the top of the street, making sure that no unfamiliar drivers enter. They’re also starting to wear green jackets that look very similar to grab and gojek, which makes it even more confusing.

La Brisa, which is located at the end of the street, has tried for years to improve the transport options for its customers, but there have only been minimal changes. They now offer a golf cart shuttle service which takes tourists up to Deus Ex Machina, where calling a grab is possible.

OUR TIP

This area of Canggu has some of the best coworking spaces, Italian and vegan restaurants in the neighbourhood, so make sure to check them out while you’re there.

What to do if you want to order a gojek in this area of Canggu

The extents of the no-gojek zone tend to move 100 metres or so every once in a while and then move back again. If you want to get to the beach on Jalan Pantai Batu Mejan, there are, unfortunately, limited options. You can drive yourself, use a private driver (hired for the day), or a taxi from the mafia.

You can also walk, which isn’t extremely pleasant since there are no sidewalks, but it’s not far (around 10 minutes). Or, you could get a grab to Batu Bolong Beach and walk along the beach.

A good place for a pickup or dropoff in the area is The Garden Canggu, or Dang Cookies, which are located at the border of the restricted area.

OUR TIP

Be aware that it may still look like you can order a gojek in these parts of Canggu. However, the driver will message you privately and let you know that he cannot come and is waiting for you somewhere else.

no gojek zone echo beach canggu taxi madia driver waving with yellow sign behind scooters
Online taxi drop only sign in Echo Beach close to La Brisa

2. Batu Bolong at night

Batu Bolong Beach is not a no-gojek zone, and it’s easily possible to get a driver using the apps here during the day. However, late at night (11 PM onwards), when popular nightlife spots like Sand Bar, Old Man’s, and Mexicola are busy, things change.

It’s still possible to order a gojek or grab for pickup during this time, but the driver will most likely not come. There will be dozens of drivers, both gojek and taxi mafia, waiting in the street, trying to convince you to get on their bikes. The drivers are trying to charge you more than the app price, and there is a sort of unspoken agreement between them not to accept grab and gojek requests.

Occasionally you might get lucky and get a driver, but in most cases, you won’t have much luck, especially after midnight.

Dropoffs are possible without issues at all hours on Batu Bolong Street, so if you’re headed to a romantic dinner in the area, you’ll only have to worry about getting home, not arriving.

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What to do if you want to order a gojek on Batu Bolong late at night

Again, there is no reason not to take the drivers hanging around the street. They will get you where you need to go, but you’ll definitely overpay considerably. If you want to avoid haggling, you can simply walk up the street until approximately Mason, or sometimes even Luigi’s, from where getting a grab or gojek will be easy.

There are sidewalks throughout, so it’s not too bad to walk, although you’ll be pestered by drivers along the way, which can be very uncomfortable. Bali is safe at night though, so it’s not dangerous to walk, even alone.

sandbar in bali on batu bolong street no gojek zone grab canggu
Sandbar at the Batu Bolong Beach – Canggu

Are dropoffs allowed in no-gojek zones in Canggu?

On Echo Beach, or Jalan Pantai Batu Mejan, neither pickups nor dropoffs are officially allowed. Gojeks and grabs cannot enter the street most of the time. That being said, there are occasional exceptions where dropoffs are possible. It just comes down to luck.

On Batu Bolong at night, dropoffs aren’t an issue, but pickups can be a problem.

What happens if you call a grab or gojek to a no-gojek zone in Canggu?

If you call a grab or gojek to a no-gojek zone in Canggu the driver will simply not come and wait outside of the prohibited area. They will send you a message or call to explain the situation.

Keep in mind that the drivers can’t do anything to change the situation and usually feel very bad about the whole thing as it impacts their business.

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Are taxis in Canggu expensive?

Taxi prices in Bali are always overpriced unless the driver is using a metre, which usually only Bluebird taxis do. Especially long distance rides can be very overpriced, so make sure to compare the fares offered with those in the grab or gojek app to get a better idea of what’s normal.

Expect to pay around IDR 50,000 to IDR 100,000 (~ $5 AU to $10 AU) for a short ride in a taxi and IDR 200,000 (~ $20 AU) and upwards for a longer one.

Can you walk around Canggu?

Bali is not very walkable in general, and Canggu is no exception. There are very few sidewalks, and if there are, they’re usually full of holes and being used by scooters in heavy traffic.

Streets in Canggu are narrow, so walking along the side is dangerous, especially at night. You can walk around Canggu for short distances, but taking a grab or gojek is much more comfortable and usually very cheap.

OUR TIP

Batu Bolong is Canggu’s main street and the only one in the area with sidewalks. The closer you get to the beach, the nicer it is to walk, so if you really want to explore on foot, do it here. Anywhere between Luigi’s and the beach is the best area to walk.

bali sidewalk gojek driver on a red bike
Batu Bolong Street in Canggu

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.

Should you rent a scooter to get around Canggu?

Renting a scooter is the easiest way to get around Canggu, and you won’t have to worry about no-gojek zones, the taxi mafia, or walking. However, traffic in Canggu is very chaotic, and accidents involving tourists are common. If you’ve never driven a motorbike before or aren’t a confident driver, renting a scooter is not recommended.

At least make sure to always wear a helmet and get medical insurance.

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.

broken street in Bali with green rice field and scooter cobblestones shortcut

Other ways of getting around Bali

Here are some other ways to get around in Bali, which will be especially useful for longer distances or day trips.

Renting a car in Bali

Not a lot of tourists rent a car in Bali, but it can actually be a great and affordable way to get to know the island. If you’re hoping to do a multi-day road trip this is perfect, and driving a car in Indonesia is actually a lot safer than a scooter. Just go slow, and avoid driving at night. You can find prices, recommended car rental companies, and tips for driving in our complete car rental guide for Bali.

OUR TIP

No time to read? Here is a highly recommended car rental company in Bali, which you can book via Get Your Guide.

Hiring a private driver

A more popular transport method in Bali is hiring a private driver, which is more expensive than self-driving a car but also a lot more comfortable. Enjoy the scenery as you pass through Bali’s most beautiful areas, and go wherever you want for the day. The daily price for a driver includes gas, and unlimited miles, so you can plan day trips to Ubud, or Uluwatu, for example.

Nusa Penida is also a popular place to hire a private driver since grab and gojek do not work on the island.

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

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.

Other no-gojek zones in Bali

It may be easy to find a grab or gojek in Nusa Dua, away from Bali’s busy traffic, but you may not be so fortunate in other parts of Bali. Check out our guides about no-gojek zones in places like Nusa Dua, Tanah Lot Temple, Padang Bai Harbour, Sanur, Seminyak, Kintamani, Ubud, Amed, Uluwatu, Lovina or the airport.

Islands like Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida are a whole different story, and you might also want to read about Kuta in Lombok or Labuan Bajo, close to Komodo National Park, if you’re exploring more of Indonesia.

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 & Grab Canggu FAQ

Is gojek allowed in Bali?

Gojek is allowed in Bali, but there are certain zones where the local taxi mafia prohibits pickups and drop-offs.

Is grab or gojek better in Bali?

Both grab and gojek are great apps, and there is no clear favourite. Always compare prices to get the best deal

How do you pay for gojek in Bali?

You can either enter your credit card or pay cash for gojek in Bali.

Is there gojek in Canggu?

Gojek works perfectly in Canggu, except for Jalan Pantai Batu Mejan, or Echo Beach Street, where you cannot be picked up or dropped off.

Is gojek safe in Bali?

Yes, gojek is very safe to use, and there are no concerns for tourists.

Before you go…

Now you know where you can and cannot use gojek in Canggu, but have you planned the rest of your trip to Bali? You’ll love our hotel guides for Uluwatu, Sanur, and Nusa Penida, or our article on whether a villa or hotel is right for you.

Don’t forget to read our guide on the worst times to visit Bali, so you know when not to go, and our review of the best group tours, including INTRO Travels’ tours, in case you don’t want to worry about planning too much.

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.

My Most Important Travel Resources

  • Insurance – Safetywing
  • Hotels – Agoda or Booking
  • Hostels – Hostelworld
  • eSIM – Jetpac
  • Flights – Skyscanner
  • Tours & Experiences – Viator & Get Your Guide
  • Transport in Asia – 12Go Asia
  • Rental Cars – Discover Cars
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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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