“Bike, Bike!” “Bike, Bike!” you’ll hear the Gojek drivers calling out constantly on the streets of Canggu. At a certain point you just want to say, “Ok—take me to Jakarta.” But then they say it’s too far?

After enough years of traveling, from getting bags stolen when I was eight years old in Barcelona to avoiding pickpockets throughout my life, I’m not interested in scams. And that includes taxi drivers in Delhi, India who—even when supported by hotels—always seem to bring you to destinations you didn’t ask for, in that case a rug and suit shop. 

In Indonesia, it was Tanah Lot. Sure, it was a nice destination, but we didn’t ask for the addition. They claimed it was “on the way,” even as we treated our driver to drinks and hydration—under the assumption we were building rapport. My mistake.

On that same route (from Balian Beach to Canggu, when my friend wanted to check out a bridge near Balian—one that was directly on the way back—our driver ignored the request and drove right past, heading straight to Tanah Lot instead.

This was a double whammy—ignoring our actual request while fulfilling his own agenda—not to mention adding a fake waiting charge claiming we were at Balian Beach for four hours when we were barely there for one. It wasn’t just about the money; it was about the principle. We thought we were building trust. Instead, we got the classic “on the way” scam. Sadly, it wouldn’t be the last time I’d have to call it out.

I dislike bad service. You don’t expect bad service at a hospital or from a physician, right? So why tolerate it elsewhere? Instead, I prefer to reward honesty, and that usually comes with a fat tip. Because it’s just the principle. 

Navigating transportation in Bali can be challenging, especially with the ongoing tension between traditional taxis and rideshare apps like Grab and Gojek. This guide walks you through Bali’s complex transportation ecosystem and helps you get around safely, efficiently, and fairly.

Avoid Airport Arrival Chaos

The gauntlet begins the moment you exit Denpasar International Airport. Dozens of drivers approach with random price quotes.

What I didn’t realize then, but know now: you’re at your most vulnerable when you first arrive—jet-lagged, unfamiliar with local currency values, and fumbling with your local SIM card or disastrous Airalo eSIM trying to compare prices on apps.

My suggestion? Coordinate with your hostel or hotel. Or check your booking platform. With Booking.com, I got a free airport transfer to TRIBAL Coworking Bali. I just looked for my name on a sign—once I had WhatsApp up and running so the driver could send a photo for confirmation.

The Canggu Gojek Upsell

What is it called when you have an agreed upon price and then your driver ups the price at your destination? Ah yes, that’s right—a scam.

“Ok you give me 450K,” said the Gojek driver after dropping us back in Canggu from Balian Beach. I told him, “I thought we agreed on 250K?” I handed him the money. My friend had to cover the rest of this newly acquired debt. That wasn’t the quote he gave at Balian Beach in Northern Bali. P.S. Our in-app cost in Gojek one-way from Canggu to Balian was IDR 255K. And our driver said he’d match the Gojek rate, since after all, Gojek would have received a cut. That means his total profit (not including the initial Gojek cost for the ride West) is IDR 750K. A hefty sum in Bali. That nets you a private driver for the entire day.

This was the same driver who, after our original Gojek ride to Balian, pitched himself as our private driver for the return—claiming we’d be lucky to find another ride back. (Another P.S. Most Gojek drivers will try to pitch themselves as private drivers to bypass Gojek app cuts. Get ready for lots of business cards.) 

His pitch was convincing: we were in a remote area with just a handful of mopeds around. He quoted us a price in Balian assuming we’d be there for four hours. We were barely there for one—and yet he still tacked on “waiting time” to the final bill.

I gave him a chance to clarify the cost, which he changed anyway. “You know this isn’t right,” I told him. “You could have had many more rides with us and made more money,” I said. I found it incredulous that he’d do all this for a quick cash grab when what we’d have tipped between the two of us would have blown that amount out of the water.

Then he had the audacity to whip out his Android phone, pointing to Google Maps, saying, “Ok tomorrow we go here—when can I pick you up?” Sorry, you’re not picking me up.

Price manipulation is common in tourist areas. While Grab and Gojek set prices, some drivers still try to negotiate higher rates or demand more at your destination. Standing your ground is good, but sometimes, it’s easier to just pay up and move on. The difference in USD often isn’t worth the hassle.

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Drivers Who Don’t Want to Go The Extra Distance 

It was foolish to believe our Gojek driver–turned private driver–at Balian beach (West Bali) who said we’d be lucky to get a Gojek driver up in those neck of the woods and take us back to Canggu (38 miles / 61 km). 

The black sand beach and its quiet demeanor. Sure there were fewer than four mopeds around. But really? A Gojek driver wouldn’t pick us up here and take us to the infamous Canggu—a raging debasement of multiple Oceanic personalities, the apex of tourism from all over the world? No one will take us there? No one?

In retrospect, I would have rather taken that risk. 

It’s true that long-distance trips can be particularly challenging in Bali. Many app drivers will accept your booking initially, then cancel when they see the destination is far away. Northern Bali, including areas like dolphin-watching Lovina (58 miles / 93 km), is especially difficult to reach using Gojek.

This reluctance comes from several issues: the time required to complete the trip, the uncertainty of securing a return fare, and the imbalance between fuel costs and fixed app pricing. But the real problem isn’t the mileage—it’s the road conditions and route selection. 

For example, the 38-mile (61 km) journey from Canggu to Balian Beach may sound manageable, but it involves navigating stretches of poorly maintained infrastructure and identifying which roads are the best. And if there’s a best road, that means that others are on that road, too. That means congestion, increased travel time for you and the driver, but also time lost for other fares for the driver. Therefore, establishing a relationship with a reliable driver willing to do day trips becomes invaluable for these longer journeys in Bali. 

After returning to our villa and getting hit with the surprise price shock, I thumbed through my wallet to find the card from a Gojek driver we liked. Meanwhile, my friend ran back inside to grab the balance we still owed the current driver.

I pulled up WhatsApp and shot the driver who I thought was the right one a text. I still wasn’t sure if I texted the right driver.

“Hi Gus. I have a question. What is the price to drive from Changgu (sic) to Lovina and come back?” Send.

Tourist vs. Local Pricing

Understanding the difference between fair pricing and tourist gouging takes time. Gus, our driver, explained the economics:

“Gojek takes 20% payment after the passenger pays. Then the driver pays again to another company. There’s another company that’s directly with Gojek. So they take 10% in first company and 20% (sometimes 15%) for the next company. So 30% off total then goes to the driver.”

“To go to Ubud it’s IDR 210K, they get 30% off and that’s what they [only] get IDR150-160K. The more traffic or [surge pricing] the more they get.”

What Gus is saying here is that after all commissions and middlemen, drivers may only receive a fraction of the quoted fare—making the app price look better than what it is. That’s why some drivers prefer off-app arrangements or might seem like they’re overcharging.

At the same time, there’s no need to be an a**hole about prices. You are most likely arriving and benefiting from economic arbitrage due to the strength of your currency and purchasing power. 

The price ranges you’re discussing could represent someone’s monthly income. And tourism, while a nasty behemoth, provides livelihood to many across the island. So be aware when you’re being shafted, but also be considerate of those providing good service and making ends meet. 

At the end of the day, we are all human.

Off-App Payment Risks & No-Gojek Zones

“Gojek is much better than Grab,” says Gus. 

Grab has options for day trips which isn’t an option currently offered by Gojek. Though you can select far away distances on Gojek, you can only go so far and then drivers will start canceling.

“Grab has a ‘red zone’ which means there’s a local taxi like at La Brisa that will have Grab taxi. Grab is following taxi from La Brisa from a long time ago, that’s why it’s a good price.”

Translation: Some areas—especially tourist hotspots—ban Gojek and Grab pickups due to local taxi monopolies. Drop-offs are fine. The workaround? Walk 5–10 minutes away from the hotspot before requesting your ride.

These restrictions can be found around popular tourist destinations like Uluwatu, Ubud, parts of Canggu, certain beach clubs, and major temples like Tanah Lot. 

Negotiating Without Being Exploited

“Grab is better price than Gojek,” Gus pauses and then adds, “But the Gojek is highest in the night. It’s more up than Grab.” 

He explains that Grab pricing stays at a plateau while Gojek adjusts for surge pricing, meaning there’s a chance for drivers to net more money. So from a driver’s perspective, Gojek may be more lucrative depending on time of day.

When setting rates for day trips, I found the fair range to be around IDR 700K–850K (~USD 45–55) for a full day, depending on distance and activities.

Transportation Red Flags: Passengers Suck, Too

You’re sitting on the corner of 7hungry, drinking your Bintang. Then all of a sudden, you see a Gojek driver zooming by with an Aussie passenger on the back of their moped. They’re punching the driver under the rib cage, visibly harder and harder each time for not following this drunk passenger’s instructions. Still, the Gojek driver—with more to lose—keeps his eyes focused on the road as he turns the corner closest to me, possibly heading to the drunk’s hostel or a bar. That’s Canggu.

So yeah, passengers suck, too. But here are a few transportation red flags to keep your eye on:

1. Drivers who insist on going off-app and ask for cash (happened to me outside Crate Café. The driver had the audacity to even text me through the main Gojek app). Sure most drivers will give you a business card, but you choose who you want to call.
2. Changing prices on arrival. When you know a ride should cost IDR 27K–44K and the driver wants IDR 140K to go a few blocks. Double-check prices on Gojek/Grab before committing to a ride.
3. Aggressive behavior at the airport, Canggu beach, and touristy spots like Old Man’s. Just say no–or use the apps to determine what the true market price is for a ride.
4. Unsolicited stops—like shops or restaurants where they get a cut. Drivers might add “waiting time” charges.
5. Telling you your destination is closed or dangerous, then suggesting a “better” one.
6. Ridiculously low initial quotes. If it sounds too good to be true, it is.
7. No app proof. They won’t show you the booking or their phone.
8. Mismatch between license plate or driver photo and the app. Take a photo of the license place if it does differ (this also occurs in the United States). 

Always pay through the app when you can. You might get gaslit, but at least there’s a record.

Building Trusted Driver Relationships

After that experience, finding someone like Gus felt like night and day.

I didn’t remember quite what Gus looked like. But I remembered the vibe. There were two drivers. But he stood out more. The smile, charm, wittiness. 

I can also be more candid in real-life than online and at work compared to traveling scenarios. But Gus understood that. 

In fact, he understood western humor and mannerisms. Best of all? He’s from Bali. And that meant that he was a trove of information—constantly spitting out facts, spewing it out like someone suddenly realizing they’re eating uncooked chicken from a Warung. It was information overload.

My fat fingers couldn’t thumb the iPhone any quicker to take notes in the app I use, Minimalist. The questions—answered. The company—enjoyed. The haggling—nonexistent. The end result? Enough to call him back for another drive.

He texted: “So one way for going to Lovina I have recommendation for looking rice terrace at Jatiluwih maybe with coffe luwak (sic), looking Bedugul temple (sic), some waterfall one way to Lovina, Banjar hot spring and Lovina beach.”

When you have a good driver, they’ll become your de facto tour guide—and maybe even a friend.

🚗 Recommended Bali Driver

Tips, Tricks, and Logistics

Gus Arta (a.k.a. “Gus”)

When you find someone like Gus, hang on to him. Honest, hilarious, and always on time—Gus Arta became our go-to driver for getting around Bali safely and fairly. If you’re headed to Lovina, Ubud, or just need a chill driver who won’t scam you, hit him up:

📞 WhatsApp: +62 878-6222-4115
📷 Instagram: @somoe_86
📘 Facebook: Gus Arta
📍 Based in: Tabanan, Bali — but covers the island
🧾 Day Trips Available: Lovina, Jatiluwih Rice Terraces, Bedugul Temple, Banjar Hot Springs, Uluwatu & more

Scan the QR code above to message him directly on WhatsApp.

Tell him Brent from Homson Travels sent you—he’ll know what’s up. 👍

Trip Soundtrack

Because every adventure needs a soundtrack, each of my trips comes with a theme song. And for this trip's anthem? Well, it's...

Conclusion: Smart Transportation in Bali

Before COVID, Bali didn’t have all this taxi chaos. However, during COVID, tourism shut down, and drivers found other ways to adapt–online platforms. But now, the earning potential has significantly dropped.

“When working a full day the maximum is 400K or 300K in Indonesian Rupiah. The price is cheaper. Before COVID it was easier to make money—for one day 2 or 3 million, that’s why people do both. 2-3 million for a day is a lot better than 400K.”

What’s clear is that driver income has drastically fallen since the pandemic. What used to be IDR 2–3 million (~USD $130–195) fell to just 300–400K (~USD $20–26), according to Gus. This nearly 87% post-pandemic drop, could explain the increased persistence and aggressive behavior displayed by many drivers, especially around Canggu.

It’s also why Bali’s government possibly rolled out 2025 regulations requiring all Gojek and Grab drivers to be Balinese residents and use Bali-registered DK license plates. Maybe that can help put an end to the madness, ensure more consistent pricing for passengers, and offer a smoother financial cushion for Bali’s drivers.

Either way, tourists are caught in the middle of taxi drivers vs. app drivers. That’s why finding your “Gus” matters. Someone honest. Someone consistent that can help navigate this complexity. And, someone who texts you back when you ask, “What is the price to drive from Changgu (sic) to Lovina”

It takes time, but the payoff in reliability, local knowledge, and fair pricing is worth it. The best approach is to assess your Gojek or Grab driver’s personality and see if you mesh. Like a date. You want to balance caution with trust—use Gojek or Grab for price comparison, and ask for a business card. Even if you don’t ask for a business card, trust me—most Gojek drivers will hand you one.

As for those places you might want to visit beyond the typical tourist spots?  Don’t be afraid to ask questions. A good driver will still share insight, like when I asked Gus if Gili was nice, he replied:

“Never been there but many people say nice. Less people over there, not too crowded like Bali, but that is bumpy over there. People going to Gili for scuba and manta fish.”

Finding honest transportation in Bali is possible—it just takes a bit of experience, awareness, and the willingness to reward good service when you find it.