Grab And Gojek In Seminyak – How To Get Around

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If you’re spending time in Seminyak, you’re going to need to know how to get around and, most importantly, how to use grab and gojek, Indonesia’s most popular Uber alternatives. This is one of the busiest parts of Bali, and navigating local transport, especially taxis, can be a challenge in Seminyak.

With so many fun things to see and do in Bali, you want to focus your time on enjoying yourself and exploring without having to worry about negotiating with taxi drivers.

This complete guide has everything you need to know about using grab and gojek in Seminyak and whether local taxis are worth it.

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Why you can trust this article on gojek and grab in Seminyak

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.

Although I live in Canggu, I’m out in Seminyak quite a lot, mostly because the beach is nicer here, and the nightlife is great. I always get around Bali by grab or gojek, especially late at night, so I know exactly what to look out for when using local transport.

You’ll find a lot of outdated information on this topic online from before COVID, so hopefully this guide will make things more clear.

Must-Have Travel Resources

  • Insurance – Safetywing
  • Accommodation – Agoda or Booking
  • eSIM – Jetpac
  • Flights – Skyscanner
  • Tours & Experiences – Viator

Can you use grab and gojek in Seminyak?

Grab and gojek are the best transport methods for getting around Seminyak and Bali in general. Although there are places in Bali where the apps aren’t functional (even though they’re pefectly legal), Seminyak is not one of them and you can easily get around with grab and gojek.

Just call a grab/gojek car or motorbike with your phone, and your ride should arrive in less than 10 minutes, depending on the traffic and time of day.

However, there are some places around Seminyak, especially along the beach, where you might run into some issues getting a grab or gojek. This isn’t very common but it’s good to know so you can be prepared.

Your driver may be unable to pick you up because of the local taxi mafia. They will usually tell you where to go ,or you can walk for a few minutes, and you should be able to get a pickup easily.

Luckily, these instances are very rare in Seminyak, and you can use grab and gojek without issues the vast majority of time.

gojek and grab drivers in seminyak with passenger by the side of the road

The Indonesian taxi mafia in Seminyak

You might hear the term taxi mafia during your time in Bali. The so-called “taxi mafia” in Indonesia has long been a contentious issue for both locals and tourists.

This term refers to a network of taxi drivers who charge overpriced rates and often employ aggressive and coercive tactics to secure passengers and fares. These drivers are known to swarm around popular tourist spots, the airport, and hotels, creating an intimidating atmosphere for legitimate taxi services.

The taxi mafia’s presence has not only led to unfair competition but has also given rise to concerns about safety, price manipulation, and an overall negative impact on the island’s tourism reputation.

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Where in Seminyak will you struggle to find a grab or gojek?

You can find a grab or gojek in Seminyak without problems and there aren’t any official no-gojek zones you should be aware of. Sometimes, the area right at the beach, close to big beach clubs or hotels can have a lot of taxi drivers that will prevent grab and gojek from picking up passengers.

If that happens to you, just calmly walk away and communicate with your driver via the app to find a point where they can pick you up. If you cannot find a driver on the app, changing your pickup location may also help.

In my experience, this happens rarely though, and when it does it’s usually late at night.

gojek and grab drivers in seminyak which is the best way to get around in traffic instead of a taxi

Should you take a taxi in Seminyak?

Taxis in Bali are safe to use, although you’ll pay a lot more than you would using grab or gojek. We always recommend using them as a sort of last resort if the apps are unavailable.

Try to keep an eye out for bluebird taxis, which are easily recognisable by their colour and logo. They always use metres and prices are regulated, with drivers following strict rules so you won’t have to worry about overpaying or scams.

Don’t let yourself be fooled by fake bluebird taxis, which are unfortunately also appearing. The video will help you tell the difference between a genuine bluebird taxi and an imitation.

Avoid agreeing to fixed prices for taxi rides, and if it’s unavoidable, you an show the driver the grab or gojek app to give you more leverage for negotiating.

Tips for taking a taxi in Seminyak

Here are some tips for taking a taxi in Seminyak should grab and gojek be unavailable:

  1. Use bluebird taxis and keep an eye out for the bird logo, bluebird uniform and ID of the driver on the dash
  2. Only use metred taxis
  3. Compare the price to grab or gojek to get an idea of what’s fair
  4. Walk to a main road for easier pickup
  5. Expect to spend a lot of time in traffic since Seminyak is so busy
  6. Give your driver a tip – it will make their day

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.

How to get around Seminyak

Here are the best ways to get around Seminyak, with plenty of options for different transport methods.

1. Walking around Seminyak

Bali is not really a walkable place, but luckily Seminyak has at least some sidewalks. You can walk short distances without a problem, but keep in mind that it will be hot and traffic is heavy in Seminyak so it’s not a very pleasant experience.

Motorbikes often use the sidewalks as well, and you’ll have to deal with parked scooters and holes in the pavement.

If you’re looking for a nice place to walk in Seminyak you should head to the beach which has a beautiful little boardwalk going all the way from La Plancha to Kuta. You won’t have to worry about traffic and there are lots of little beach bars to try along the way.

Learn more about the best areas for walking in Bali here.

2. Getting a private driver to get around Seminyak

Getting a private driver is a great option for day trips, especially if you’re travelling as a larger group. You’ll have a driver for eight to ten hours and can go anywhere you like during that time. Seminyak isn’t a very big place, and since it’s easy to find grabs and gojeks most of the time, there is no real reason to get a private driver if you’ll be spending the day in town.

However, if you’re doing a day trip to Ubud, Uluwatu, or northern Bali, for example, it’s the most comfortable way to get around.

Our complete guide contains everything you need to know about hiring a private driver in Bali, including prices, recommended drivers and more.

3. Renting a car in Seminyak

For even more flexibility, you an also rent a car in Bali, so you can drive around yourself. This is mostly suitable for multi-day road trips or those who are adventurous enough to tackle Bali’s busy traffic.

Just keep in mind that parking is limited in most parts of Seminyak, so you’ll have to figure out where to leave your car.

Our guide on renting a car in Bali has all the info you need, including prices and recommended companies to choose from.

Bali guide your travel blog

4. Renting a scooter in Seminyak

The most common way to get around Seminyak and Bali in general, is by scooter. You can rent one for around IDR 50,000 to IDR 150,000 per day, depending on the duration and type of bike.

Just be aware that Seminyak is not a good place for beginner drivers to learn how to ride a scooter. Traffic is chaotic and accidents involving tourists are very common. Make sure to go slow and always wear a helmet.

Must-do before renting a scooter in Bali

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.

Best Deals For Unmissable Bali Experiences

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  • Day trip to Nusa Penida
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  • Sunrise at Mount Batur
  • Swim with manta rays

5. Using e-scooters to get around Seminyak

Recently, e-scooters have appeared in popular places around Bali such as Kuta, Seminyak and Canggu. They haven’t gained widespread popularity yet, but you’ll see them around the beach, for example.

There are options with a seat that resembles a bicycle, while others are stand-up scooters that you might know from cities around Europe.

They work with an app and are charged by the minute, but the system is still quite new and due to the chaotic traffic, they’re not so easy to use in Seminyak and all of Bali.

purple beam e scooters in seminyak

6. Using public transport or the bus system to get around Seminyak

There is currently no bus operating in Seminyak. Years ago, the Kura Kura bus had a route that included Seminyak, but they have since downsized and are only operating their popular Ubud shuttle.

You might find information online for their Line 4, which included Seminyak, but that is out of date and no longer in existence. Hopefully, it will be back soon – we’ll be the first to know.

If you head to Kuta, you can get on the Perama or Kura-Kura bus, which will take you all around Bali.

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

It may be easy to use grab and gojek in Seminyak, but unfortunately, that isn’t the case for most places around Bali. Make sure to check out our guides for no-gojek zones in areas like Canggu, Padang Bai, Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, Sanur, Kintamani, Ubud, Uluwatu, Lovina, Amed, Nusa Dua and Tanah Lot Temple.

You absolutely have to read our airport pickup guide, which includes a link to the cheapest transfer you can find.

If you’re exploring more of Indonesia, you should check out our gojek guides for Labuan Bajo close to Komodo National Park, and Kuta in Lombok.

Heading to Canggu? You’ll love our lists of the best beach clubs, sports bars, Italian restaurants, vegan restaurants, breakfast places, nightclubs and our pros and cons if Canggu is still worth it.

Grab and gojek in Seminyak FAQ

Is gojek allowed in Bali?

Yes, gojek is allowed to operate in Bali, but there are no-gojek zones where drivers cannot pick up passengers.

Do grab or gojek work at night in Seminyak?

Gojek and grab operate even late at night in Seminyak, but occasionally, you may struggle to find a driver and will have to take a taxi instead.

Are taxis safe to use in Seminyak?

You can safely use a taxi in Seminyak, just make sure it’s metred to avoid overpaying.

What’s the best way to get around Seminyak?

Since there is no public transport in Seminyak, the best way to get around is on foot, by grab/gojek or by scooter.

Are there no-gojek zones in Seminyak?

There are no specific no-gojek zones in Seminyak but you might not be able to find a ride close to the beach.

Can you use grab or gojek in Seminyak?

Gojek and grab are easy to use in Seminyak and the best way to get around.

In Bali, which is better: gojek or grab?

Gojek and grab are very similar and there is no clear winner between the two. Always compare prices to find the cheaper option.

How much is grab from Denpasar airport to Seminyak?

Grab is expensive when it comes to airport pickups. Use Klook instead and pay approximately €8/$10 for a transfer.

Is there a bus system in Seminyak?

There are currently no buses or public transport options available in Seminyak.

Can I use public transport to get around Seminyak?

No, there is no public transport available in Seminyak, but you can get on a bus in Kuta instead.

Before you go…

You’re ready to navigate the busy traffic and Seminyak and use grab or gojek to get around. You might also like our hotel guides to beautiful places like Nusa Penida, Uluwatu, Sanur or the Gili Islands.

Don’t miss out on our survival guides on the worst time to visit Bali, navigating the tap water situation, and how much a Bintang really is.

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

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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