Are Grab And Gojek Allowed In Sanur? How To Get Around

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Can you use apps like grab and gojek in Sanur at the harbour, and what are the best ways to get around the area? Ridesharing apps similar to Uber aren’t always allowed in tourist hotspots in Bali, and Sanur is no exception. Unless you know where you can use them and where the no-gojek zones are located, it can be tricky to navigate local transport. Luckily, getting around Sanur is easy with this helpful guide.

Sanur is not a favourite among tourists, its newly-built, modern harbour is also the gateway to islands like Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and the Gilis, which are a hotspot for swimming with green sea turtles.

If you’re planning a trip to the islands, you should check out our guides about the famous (and dangerous) Kelingking Beach, the secret Tembeling Natural Pools, and the best hotels for all budgets in Nusa Penida.

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

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.

Some of my favourite places in Indonesia are actually the islands around Bali, including Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and of course, the beautiful Gili islands.

That means I’ve taken my fair share of fast boats from Sanur, even before they built the new harbour, and you still had to wade through the water to get on a boat. I can tell you exactly where to get a grab or what alternatives there are.

OUR TIP

If you’re looking for a fun and unusual activity in Sanur, you should check out the abandoned theme park about 10 minutes north of Sanur. You’ll love it.

no gojek zone sign in sanur at the harbour in bali with orange signposts and cars
No-gojek sign in Sanur at the harbour

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.

Can you use grab and gojek in Sanur?

Grab and gojek make getting around Bali easy and affordable. However, they, unfortunately, don’t always work in popular tourist areas due to the control of local taxi drivers – even though the apps are legal in Indonesia.

If you’re headed to Sanur to catch a fast boat or are staying in the area, you’re probably wondering what the best way to get around is and whether apps like grab or gojek can be used.

Even though there were some limitations in the past, you’ll be glad to hear that grab and gojek can now be used in the majority of cases and that no-gojek zones are not common, apart from the harbour.

Can you use grab or gojek at the harbour in Sanur?

The harbour is Sanur’s main no-gojek zone, although it’s not as strict as it used to be. Gojek and grab drivers are allowed to drop off passengers here, but they cannot pick them up in the entire street leading there.

However, it depends a little bit on the time of day and how lucky you are. Recently, I’ve seen grab/gojek bikes picking up tourists at the harbour without a problem, but cars usually can’t.

You’ll notice that the apps won’t let you enter the address of the harbour in grab or gojek, and they’ll direct you to the closest permissible location instead. Currently, this is the Dunkin Donuts on the main road, which is located about 700 metres (10 minutes on foot) from the harbour.

That being said, on gojek you can manually move the point and over-ride the setting. If you want to walk as little as possible, try moving the pick-up point to the end of the harbour street where it meets the Bypass. There is a big gas station there where drivers can stop.

So to summarise: you can be dropped off by grab or gojek at the harbour in Sanur, but you can only be picked up about 10 minutes away. Bikes are an exception if you get lucky.

Map of no-gojek zone in Sanur

Here is a map to help you visualise how getting around Sanur is affected by no-gojek zones.

Sanur getting around grab gojek map zone

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.

The Indonesian taxi mafia in Sanur

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 regular taxi drivers who lose out on business because of grab and gojek’s low prices.

Taxi drivers are organised into an alliance that makes sure gojek and grab drivers cannot enter areas where they should be able to operate, such as the street leading to the harbour in Sanur.

Luckily, the taxi mafia isn’t actually dangerous to tourists, although grab and gojek drivers are sometimes threatened if they break the rules. Just walk for a few minutes until your gojek driver can pick you up.

Is it safe to use taxis in Sanur?

Local taxis in Bali, including Sanur, are safe to use, although it’s very common to be overcharged. Grab and gojek prices are always the cheapest, and you won’t have to worry about haggling or being ripped off.

You can definitely use taxis, just make sure to get a Bluebird taxi if possible, which use metres and are reasonably priced. If you’re not sure how much a taxi should be, you can use grab or gojek to compare, which might encourage some taxi drivers to lower the price.

OUR TIP

Did you know that Sanur has a great selection of private villas? You’ll love these options for all budgets.

People walking on the sidewalk in Sanur

How to get to Sanur from the airport

Airport pickups in Bali are expensive if you don’t come prepared. Dropoffs are no problem with grab and gojek, but pickups are a bit trickier.

Gojek cannot pick up passengers at Bali’s airport, but grab can, although prices are very high. Our complete airport pickup guide will help, but if you need some quick info, we highly recommend using Klook to book a transfer, which will cost around IDR 130,000.

Just book a day or two in advance, and the driver will even wait for two hours in case your flight is delayed. You won’t find a cheaper pickup.

In comparison, taxis charge anywhere between IDR 250,000 and IDR 300,000.

Getting around Sanur without grab or gojek

Grab and gojek should be all you need for getting around Sanur, but if you need some more options, here is everything you need to know about local transportation.

1. Klook

Klook is a great place for booking scheduled transfers to and from the airport or for longer journeys. The service is cheap and reliable, making it a great alternative to grab or gojek.

2. Walking

Sanur is one of the few walkable places in Bali, and you can easily get around the centre of town on foot. The beach promenade is actually really nice, but if you’re going much further than that, there will be fewer sidewalks, and it’ll be less enjoyable to walk.

Bali guide your travel blog

3. Renting a scooter

Renting a scooter is the most common way for tourists to get around Bali, which includes Sanur. Just make sure you have the correct license and always drive carefully. Traffic accidents involving tourists are common, so wear a helmet and only rent a scooter if you already know how to drive.

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.

4. Booking transport with a fast boat company

If you’re only going to Sanur to jump on a ferry, you might want to find a fast boat company that offers pickups and dropoffs included in the price. We always recommend 12Go Asia for booking boats to Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and the Gili Islands.

Bali’s fast boats are notorious for causing seasickness, so make sure to come prepared.

taman festival theme park blue sky graffiti sanur
Taman Festival abandoned theme park in Sanur

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

5. Public transport

Public transport in Bali isn’t very convenient or reliable. Sanur, however, does have some buses which can take you around the island.

Kura-Kura Bus to Sanur

The Kura-Kura shuttle connects Kuta to Ubud, and conveniently passes by Sanur on the way. A ride costs IDR 100,000 per person (regardless of the destination), and you can buy tickets online in advance or at the bus stop. The bus also passes by Bali Zoo, Bali Bird Park, and of course, Ubud and Kuta.

Perama Tour Bus to Sanur

Perama Tour that can take you to destinations like Ubud, Kuta, Lovina, Padang Bai or Kintamani from Sanur. You can book tickets online, but prices aren’t as low as you might expect, unfortunately.

If you’re travelling with more than two people, a grab or gojek might be the cheaper option. Only the airport and Kuta are quite cheap bus destinations from Sanur, and Ubud is also reasonable. As a solo traveller, these buses will most likely be the cheapest option.

Note that not all trips in the table below are available in the other direction, most notably the airport.

Price from Sanur
AirportIDR 50,000
AmedIDR 200,000
BedugulIDR 150,000
CandidasaIDR 125,000
KintamaniIDR 150,000 (minimum 2 pax)
KutaIDR 50,000
LovinaIDR 250,000 (minimum 2 pax)
MundukIDR 200,000
Padang BaiIDR 125,000
TirtaganggaIDR 200,000
TulambenIDR 200,000
UbudIDR 80,000

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.

SARBAGITA Bus to Sanur

The Trans SARBAGITA is Bali’s biggest public transport system, running every 20 minutes from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM for IDR 3,500 per ride. It’s mostly used by locals and not tourists, but two of its bus routes do stop in Sanur, so it may be an option if you want to get around on a budget.

You can find the little bus shelters (halte as they’re called in Indonesian) on the side of the road, but buses aren’t always on time. The most popular lines include one connecting Nusa Dua to Jimbaran, Kuta and Sanur or Jimbaran to the airport.

6. Renting a car

If you’re planning on doing a few day trips or even a road trip around Bali, renting a car is a fantastic option. Our complete car rental guide for Bali has everything you need to know, including prices, rental company recommendations, and tips for insurance.

7. Hire a private driver

Hiring a private driver is a great way to explore Bali, especially if you don’t feel like driving yourself. To get recommendations for drivers, and everything you need to know before you start your trip around Bali, check out our complete guide for hiring a driver in Bali.

sanur getting around with white car

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

Best place to buy fast boat tickets to Nusa Penida, Lembongan and the Gili Islands

If you’re in Sanur, you’re probably headed to the harbour to head over to the beautiful islands of Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, or the Gilis. We highly recommend using 12Go Asia to book your tickets, which saves you from having to haggle and negotiate a good price in a local tourist office.

They have the cheapest prices you’ll find, and now with Sanur’s modern new harbour, the ride will be comfortable and smooth.

OUR TIP

Explore the beauty of Nusa Penida and discover Angel’s Billabong and Broken Beach, the famous cliff-side treehouse, and the stunning Diamond Beach.

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.

Where are other no-gojek zones in Bali?

You’re all caught up on where you can and cannot use grab and gojek in Sanur, but have you read about other no-gojek zones around Bali?

Our guides on using grab and gojek in Padang Bai, Tanah Lot Temple, Canggu, Kintamani, Ubud, Uluwatu, Lovina, Amed, Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Penida, Nusa Dua, Seminyak and the airport will tell you all you need to know. If you’re exploring more of Indonesia, you might also enjoy our gojek guides for Kuta in Lombok and Labuan Bajo in Flores, the gateway to Komodo National Park.

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.

nusa penida blue water white sand kelingking beach
Kelingking Beach Nusa Penida

Using grab and gojek in Sanur FAQ

Does gojek work in Sanur?

Yes, gojek can be used in Sanur, just not at the harbour.

Is it safe to use grab in Bali?

Grab and gojek are very safe and easy to use for tourists

How do you get around Sanur in Bali?

The best way to get around Sanur is on foot, by scooter, or by grab and gojek. For longer distances, you can rent a car, use buses, or hire a driver.

How safe is Sanur in Bali?

Sanur is a very safe area for tourists, although occasional incidents of money changer scams and pickpockets exist.

Is Sanur better than Nusa Dua?

Sanur and Nusa Dua are very different. Nusa Dua has mostly large, expensive resorts, while Sanur is a more affordable neighbourhood with more restaurants and shops.

Is there a bus system or public transport in Sanur?

The Perama bus system connects Sanur to places around Bali, like Ubud, Kuta, and Lovina.

Can you take the bus from Sanur to Ubud?

Yes, you can take the Perama bus from Sanur to Ubud for IDR 80,000 per person.

Is getting around Sanur easy?

Getting around Sanur is easy. You can walk along the promenade, rent a scooter or use grab and gojek for longer distances.

Before you go…

Getting around Sanur with grab and gojek is a breeze with our complete guide. If you need more Bali tips, check out our guide on the pros and cons of staying at a villa vs a hotel, navigating the tap water, the best beachfront accommodations in Uluwatu, and things to do in Bali on your birthday.

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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