It seems that the long-standing war between GoJek and Grab drivers and traditional local taxi drivers has found its winner. Online ride-hailing services are finally pushing out individual transport providers who refuse to work with online platforms.
Luxury hotels in Bali have also decided to support online taxi services. Now, tourists staying at one of Seminyak’s most expensive hotels can easily book a taxi through an app—and even leave in it. No one will chase away the driver in a green jacket. At least, that’s what was promised by Ramada Encore Seminyak Bali. The management of this five-star hotel has held negotiations with local taxi drivers who had previously “cleared out” certain areas of Seminyak, literally chasing away GoJek, Grab, and Maxim drivers with sticks when they arrived for a pickup.
This issue has been well known for many years. Tensions between local taxi drivers and online ride-hailing services have been escalating over time. Many Balinese locals who earn a living through private transportation believe that Grab, GoJek, and Maxim are stealing their business and undercutting fares. Meanwhile, tourists, who are increasingly reliant on online services in all aspects of life, clearly prefer taxi apps due to fixed prices, easy booking, and safety features.
This conflict has sparked heated debates in council meetings and even led to local taxi drivers and community groups banning Grab, GoJek, and Maxim from their “territories.” In some cases, violent clashes have erupted, with local taxi drivers attacking online drivers and blocking their access. Similar incidents have played out in areas such as Kuta, Sanur, Ubud, Canggu, and beyond.
This week, a new major agreement was signed in Seminyak between Ramada Encore Seminyak Bali and the local taxi cooperative Padangsumbu Trans. The hotel’s owners confirmed that guests can now freely use online taxi services to get around the island. At the same time, in an effort to support and promote independent local taxi drivers, the hotel will actively advertise their services to guests through flyers and other marketing materials.
Despite GoJek and Grab being widely available across the island and even at the airport, reports of aggressive actions against online drivers have decreased in recent times. However, tensions still remain, and there are many areas where local community leaders have banned online taxis from picking up and dropping off tourists.
In June 2023, Bali’s Transport Agency called for cooperation between local taxi driver groups, online taxi drivers, and ride-hailing platforms. Online taxi services are legally recognized businesses in Bali, and the public has the full right to use these apps. However, authorities continue to encourage tourists to support local taxi drivers by choosing them whenever possible.
The Indonesian National Tourism Board frequently shares travel advice for visitors to Bali. In a post on social media, Wonderful Indonesia recommends that tourists choose official taxis, reliable apps, or pre-arranged transfers.
Grab and GoJek remain the most popular online ride-hailing services used by tourists in Bali. In areas like Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, and Jimbaran, BlueBird taxis are another well-trusted option. These metered taxis can be hailed from the street or booked via a dedicated app. However, be cautious, as some independent drivers imitate the BlueBird brand to attract unsuspecting tourists.
Sources: radarBali, GlobalDewataBali
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