Getting around Uluwatu can be easy if you know how grab and gojek work in the area, how to avoid the taxi mafia and how to navigate the busy streets. Uluwatu is one of Bali’s most popular tourist places and also an area where grab and gojek are a bit difficult to use. Unfortunately, Uber does not exist at all in Bali.
Prepare your trip and read our complete transport guide for Uluwatu, including info on if grab and gojek work at beach clubs like Sundays, Savaya, Single Fin and beaches like Nyang Nyang, Pandawa and Bingin.
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Why you can trust this article about grab and gojek in Uluwatu
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.
Since I rarely drive in Bali, I always use grab and gojek in Uluwatu. I’ll let you know what the best transport method is and how to get around depending on your budget and travel style.
Since the beaches are my favourite part about Uluwatu, I know which ones allow grab and gojek to pick up passengers and which don’t.
Keep reading to find out more.
Are grab and gojek allowed in Uluwatu?
The good news is that grab and gojek work very well in Uluwatu, and there are only a few exceptions where the apps can be unreliable.
This is mostly at the many beaches and beach clubs around the Bukit. In these places, the taxi mafia controls the local transport and prevents grab and gojek drivers from picking up customers.
Usually, the problem can be fixed by walking for around 10 minutes to another area where pickups from ridesharing services are allowed.
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The Indonesian taxi mafia
The Indonesian taxi mafia is an organisation of local drivers who charge inflated prices and do not use taxi metres. They oppose the use of grab and gojek (which operate completely legally in Bali) due to their lower rates and popularity.
You might see signs around Uluwatu prohibiting online taxis and asking tourists to use local transport instead. This creates so-called no-gojek zones, where your ridesharing apps won’t work.
Is the taxi mafia in Uluwatu dangerous?
The taxi mafia in Uluwatu is luckily not dangerous for tourists, although they can be very pushy, trying to get you to take a taxi.
They threaten Grab and gojek drivers, and some altercations in the past have even led to violence against the drivers. Tourists are usually not affected, but it’s best to avoid challenging the taxi mafia as much as possible.

Should you take a taxi in Uluwatu?
If grab and gojek aren’t working, a taxi may be the only option in Uluwatu. Prices are usually much higher than normal, so haggling is recommended. If at all possible, take a taxi with a metre, but that can be difficult to find, especially at the beach areas.
You can use the grab and gojek apps to get an idea of what a normal price for a ride should be and show your taxi driver.
You’ll find taxis waiting in popular places around Uluwatu, like beaches and beach clubs. You can also flag one down on the street or ask restaurant or hotel staff to help call you one.
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Are bluebird taxis available in Uluwatu?
Bluebirds are metred and regulated taxis in Bali and the next best thing if you can’t use grab or gojek. You can recognise them by their bird logo, blue colour, registration number and driver’s ID.
You’ll see them driving around Bali, although they mostly operate in the southern areas and don’t venture to remote parts of the island frequently.
Unfortunately, there are also plenty of fake bluebird taxis around, which look slightly different and charge much higher prices.
The video below belos explains how to spot fake bluebird taxis and what the real ones actually look like.
Where in Uluwatu is it difficult to get a grab or gojek?
Gojek and grab work well in Uluwatu, and the only places where you might have difficulties calling one are close to major tourist attractions, beach clubs and beaches.
It’s usually fine to get a gojek to take you to these places, but getting picked up again is the problem. You’ll be approached by local drivers from the taxi mafia who will be very persuasivem trying to get you to
I find that you can usually solve the problem by walking for around 10 minutes to an area where the apps work again.
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When in doubt, call a grab or gojek using the app and then chat with your driver to find out if they’ll be able to pick you up. Usually, they will let you know how far they are able to go and if your pickup point is located in a restricted area.
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Does grab work in Ungasan?
Ungasan is one of the most popular areas of southern Bali, located in the southern centre of the Bukit. With so many hotels in the area, there are good chances you might be staying in Ungasan if you’re headed to Uluwatu.
Grab and gojek work really well almost everywhere in Ungasan. I’ve rarely waited more than 10 minutes for transportation in Uluwatu, even late at night or early in the morning. The only exceptions are big beaches and beach clubs, where the taxi mafia is in control.
Popular places like Green Bowl Beach, Melasti Beach and its many beach clubs are all located on the coast of Ungasan. You can get a gojek or grab to take you there, but being picked up again may be a problem.
This goes mostly for Melasti Beach, where you’ll have to walk all the way to the entrance gate to get a grab or gojek. This takes about 15 minutes, but the walk is uphill with little shade, so it’s not pleasant.
The taxi mafia will charge as much as IDR 100,000 (~ $10 AU) for a ride to the gate.

Taking a grab or gojek to and from Uluwatu Temple
Uluwatu’s famous clifftop temple is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Bali, and many tourists arrive in big tour buses. As is the case in similar locations like Tanah Lot Temple, the taxi mafia does not like it when travellers use grab and gojek to be picked up at Uluwatu Temple.
However, their presence is limited, and walking outside the big entrance gate usually solves any gojek and grab problems.
It’s no problem to be dropped off here using online taxis, and I’ve never had a problem getting picked up, as long as I waited for my driver outside the entrance.
There is a little side road where drivers often wait and the taxi mafia are mostly confined to inside the temple parking lot.
I’ve been picked up by gojek here at night after the Kecak Fire Dance, and during the day, and it wasn’t a problem.

Can you get a grab or gojek at Sundays Beach Club?
Sundays Beach Club is quickly gaining the reputation of being the best in Bali. If you’re visiting Uluwatu on a day trip and don’t have much time, you definitely need to stop by this beautiful place on Melasti Beach.
Usually, it’s difficult to get a gojek or grab on Melasti Beach, but since the access road to Sundays Beach Club is located on the top of the cliff at the Ungasan Residences, it’s a bit different.
The entrance of the beach club is located in a quiet neighbourhood of Uluwatu, and even though there are signs prohibiting grab and gojek, getting picked up and dropped off is no problem at all.
I got to Sundays quite a lot (because it’s the best), and I’ve never once had a problem with grab or gojek.

Can you use grab or gojek at Single Fin in Uluwatu?
Single Fin is a beautiful clifftop restaurant located close to Uluwatu and Suluban Beach. This part of the Bukit is very popular among tourists, which of course means that the taxi mafia controls gojek and grab operations.
Much like at Melasti Beach, you can’t find a gojek or grab driver directly here but will have to walk down the street for about 10 minutes to an area that’s less touristy. Your gojek or grab driver will tell you where you need to go to be picked up.
Again, being dropped off by grab or gojek is not a problem at Single Fin.
Suluban Beach is usually fine for getting picked up or droppped off.

Are there taxis or grab and gojek at Savaya (formerly Omnia day club) late at night?
Savaya is arguably Uluwatu’s most famous nightlife hotspot, with international DJs performing regularly. However, it can be a bit tricky to get a ride with grab and gojek from this giant beach club in Uluwatu late at night, especially after a big event.
Getting dropped off with a grab or gojek is no problem at all, but the taxi mafia prevents online taxis from picking up passengers close to Savaya.
If you know you’ll be looking for a ride late at night, it may be smart to hire a private driver to take you to Savaya and pick you up again. Depending on how many people are with you and where your hotel is located, this might be the cheapest option.
Alternatively, you can take an expensive taxi, but be prepared to pay around two to three times of the regular gojek price.
You can also walk for around 15 minutes to leave the no-gojek zone at Savaya, but since there are no sidewalks, this can be dangerous, especially late at night. Be careful and keep your phone flashlight pointed towards traffic so that drivers can see you.
Can you use gojek at Ulu Cliff House?
Ulu Cliff House is another gorgeous clifftop restaurant and day club located just around the corner from Single Fin. The gojek and grab situation is very similar at Single Fin and Ulu Cliff House, and the taxi mafia has a large presence in the area.
Taxis are very overpriced, and gojek and grab cannot drive directly to Ulu Cliff House (although they can drop you off there).
Either walk down the street to the main road or organise a driver to pick you up if you want to avoid the inflated taxi rates.

Can you use grab and gojek at the beach in Uluwatu?
Uluwatu’s beaches usually charge a parking or even entrance fee of around IDR 5,000 to IDR 10,000 (~ $0.50 AU to $1 AU). In most cases, gojek and grab drivers won’t be able to enter the gates to pick up passengers, and sometimes, the entire road is controlled by the taxi mafia.
However, every beach is different which is why we’ve noted the gojek and grab rules for Uluwatu in the sections below.
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Note that gojek and grab rules can change over time, and the beaches in Uluwatu are no exception. We try to keep this post as up-to-date as possible, but since we cannot visit every beach in Uluwatu every single month, there could be changes.
Sometimes, being able to use grab or gojek also comes down to luck or the time of day, so there is a chance that calling a gojek could work for you, while it didn’t for me. If you come across any errors or if your experience was different to ours, please leave a comment below or contact us and we’ll get it fixed within 24 hours.
Can you get a grab at Pandawa Beach?
Pandawa Beach is somewhat similar to Melasti Beach, but instead of big beach clubs, you’ll mostly find smaller warungs here.
I personally have never had an issue being picked up by grab or gojek at Pandawa Beach, but I know others regularly run into issues here. Just like at most beaches in the area, there is a gate at the road to the beach where you need to pay a small entrance fee. This is where gojek and grab drivers can’t get past (again, when I’ve been at Pandawa Beach, it was no problem).
Just in case, prepare yourself that you might have issues finding a gojek or grab at Pandawa Beach. The walk to the gate is steep and takes about 15 minutes, so if you don’t mind that, you can easily find a ride there.
Alternatively, you’ll have to take an expensive taxi, unfortunately.
Getting dropped off by grab and gojek at Pandawa Beach is possible without problems and without having to walk.

Can you use gojek at Bingin Beach?
Bingin Beach is one of the most popular spots in all of Bali, and there are lots of tourists trying to use grab and gojek here every day. The beach has multiple access points and the roads are narrow, so getting there can be a bit tricky in general.
In my experience, I’ve been able to find a grab or gojek without any issues here, however, we usually walk for a little bit to get to a larger road where cars can turn around.
I’ve heard of some people running into gojek trouble at Bingin, but it seems like the taxi mafia has been less present here in recent years. There are several no-gojek signs, but they don’t seem to be enforced very often.

Does gojek work at Padang Padang Beach?
Padang Padang Beach is another example of a place in Uluwatu where using grab and gojek is difficult. The taxi mafia prohibits online taxis from picking up passengers, although drop-offs are fine.
Luckily, you can walk down the road for less than five minutes to leave the no-gojek zone and find a pickup. Alternatively, you’ll be charged the inflated rates of the taxis.
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Can you use gojek at Nyang Nyang Beach?
Nyang Nyang Beach is a hit or miss when it comes to gojek and grab. I’ve had drivers pick us up right at the beach, and other times, we’ve had to walk for about 10 minutes to finally find a driver.
Generally, this beach is less touristy than places like Melasti or Bingin, and finding a gojek here seems to be less, so about the taxi mafia and more about the narrow, steep access road, which some drivers might not want to tackle.
Walking down the road has always solved the problem for me personally and you don’t have to go extremely far.

Can you get transportation late at night in Uluwatu?
Getting transportation using grab or gojek late at night in Uluwatu is usually no problem, although it might take a bit longer than you’re used to to find a driver.
I’ve had to wait up to 30 minutes in some cases, depending on where my pickup point is.
However, keep the no-gojek zones around Uluwatu in mind, especially at beach clubs like Savaya, Single Fin and Ulu Cliff House. If you’re looking for a ride after midnight, the taxi mafia will be very pushy, and even the technique of walking for a little bit to escape them doesn’t always work.
It’ll be dangerous to walk along the road in the dark with so many drunk and reckless drivers around. Be careful and maybe consider just taking a taxi and paying a bit more.
At this time of night, there will be fewer drivers available and you might have to wait for your gojek for quite some time.
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How to get around Uluwatu
If you need some alternatives to grab and gojek for getting around Uluwatu, we’ve got plenty of other transport options to choose from.
1. Renting a scooter
The most popular transport method in Uluwatu is renting a scooter. Since the area has a decent road system and is less busy (at least it used to be) than Canggu, Seminyak or Ubud, it’s actually a good place for inexperienced drivers.
If you haven’t been too sure about driving, I would recommend trying it in Uluwatu if you absolutely have to. Just go slow, wear a helmet and avoid driving in the dark, as accidents involving tourists are unfortunately common.
Every traveller should have insurance, including coverage for medical emergencies, hospital visits and unforeseen accidents.
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.
2. Hiring a driver
If you’re seeing Uluwatu on a day trip, hiring a private driver may be the best option for getting around. You won’t have to worry about navigating the busy traffic, plus you get to spend the drive in an air-conditioned car instead of the back of a scooter.
Find our recommendations for private drivers in Bali as well as pricing examples and tips in our complete driver guide.
3. Renting a car
If you want to be more independent, you can also rent a car in Bali and drive yourself. This option may be more affordable than you would expect, and it’s a great choice if you’re travelling in a group of two to five people.
Driving a car in Uluwatu is relatively manageable, just make sure not to accidentally drive down a street that is only meant for scooters.
We’ve got everything you need to know about renting a car in Bali in this article.

4. Walking
Bali is not a very walkable place, and you’ll rarely find sidewalks. Due to the heavy traffic in Uluwatu and the chaotic driving styles of both locals and tourists, it can actually be quite dangerous to walk along the side of the road, and it’s definitely not enjoyable in the hot sun.
It’s manageable to walk around 15 minutes if you absolutely have to (to get out of a no-gojek zone, for example), but anything longer I would not recommend.
Grab and gojek rides on a scooter are extremely affordable and so much more convenient.
5. Guided tours of Uluwatu
If you want to see the best of Uluwatu without having to worry about transport and how to get around, a guided day trip tour might be a good option. I usually recommend
You can choose to be picked up anywhere in the Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, Jimbaran, Sanur, Kerobokan, Canggu, Nusa Dua and Ubud areas and you’ll get to see some of the best beaches and cultural highlights Uluwatu has to offer.

6. GoBoats
A relatively new transport method in Uluwatu are GoBoats. While they’re not really suitable for getting around Uuwatu, they can help you get there and back without having to worry about traffic.
You can get from Canggu to Uluwatu in only 40 minutes, and a one-way ride costs IDR 220,000 (~ $22 AU). This makes the GoBoats more expensive than grab or gojek (at least if you’re travelling with more than one person), but they’re a lot faster.
The ride is a bit wet and bumpy, and schedules are limited, but it’s a fun experience.
At the moment, these boats connect Nelayan Beach in Canggu to Padang Padang Beach in Uluwatu.
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We highly recommend reading our seasickness guide for boats in Bali before you go.
7. Public transport and buses in Uluwatu
Uluwatu unfortunately doesn’t have a reliable public transport system, just like most of Bali. The only buses are by Trans SARBAGITA, connecting central Uluwatu to Jimbaran, Kuta and Denpasar.
They’re not frequently used by tourists, and the connections are often unreliable and difficult to navigate.
You can also use the bus lines departing from Nusa Dua, which is just a short drive from Uluwatu.
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 around Bali
Uluwatu isn’t the only area in Bali where getting a grab or gojek can be tricky. If you’re planning on exploring beyond the Bukit, you should check out our grab and gojek guides for places like Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, Kintamani, Ubud, Uluwatu, Lovina, Nusa Dua, Amed, Seminyak, Canggu, Tanah Lot Temple, Sanur, Padang Bai and the airport.
There are also plenty of things you should know about using gojek in Labuan Bajo and Kuta in Lombok.
Gojek and grab in Uluwatu FAQ
Gojek and grab work in Uluwatu, but at beaches like Padang Padang, Pandawa and Nyang Nyang and beach clubs like Savaya, Sundays and Ulu Cliff House, the taxi mafia prohibits them from picking up passengers.
You can get around Uluwatu either by scooter, rental car, with a private driver, with taxis or on foot. Guided tours may also be a good option.
Public transport is not common in Uluwatu, but there are some routes from the SARBAGITA buses, which connect the Bukit to the rest of Bali.
Uluwatu is one of the easier places to learn how to drive a scooter. While we don’t recommend driving in Bali as a complete beginner, at least the roads are relatively quiet here, and you cannot drive very fast.
Yes, the taxi mafia has a strong presence in Uluwatu and prohibits grab and gojek from operating in places like Padang Padang Beach, the Uluwatu Temple, Single Fin and Pandawa Beach.
Most beach clubs are located in no-gojek zones, and only Sundays is an exception.
Taxis everywhere in Bali are safe to use, but they’re usually overpriced and unmetered.
Before you go…
Uluwatu has a lot to offer and you might enjoy this day trip guide to Bali’s beautiful south if you’re short on time. We also tried the best beachfront hotels in Uluwatu, and you might be surprised how affordable some of the actually are.
Don’t forget to check out our other Bali guides for places like Nusa Penida, Ubud and Sanur. If you’re a solo traveller, you might like our review of the best group tours in Bali, the most beautiful resort in west Bali, and our tips on how to make friends on the Island of the Gods.
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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