Transport in Indonesia
Was ist Gojek?
Gojek is an Indonesian on-demand multi-service platform that offers a variety of different services, among others an e-wallet service (GoPay), a motorcycle taxi service (GoRide), an instant food-delivery service (GoFood) or an app-based grocery shopping service (GoMart). For transportation in Indonesia, you either need GoRide, their motorcycle taxi service or GoCar, their ride-hailing service. Gojek is the Indonesian version of Uber, just including motorcycles. It also works like Uber. GoRide is the easiest and cheapest way to cover shorter distances, especially in cities or other densely populate areas.
Many tourists rent scooters in Indonesia. Especially in Bali it seems to be some of weird tradition that totally unfit-to-drive tourists rent scooters and ride them in slippers and swimwear, sometimes even drunk (do not be one of them, I beg you!). Indonesian traffic can be crazy, and streets are often congested because originally, they were not designed for today’s amount of traffic. On a scooter it is easier and faster to get through than by car. It also is easier to find a parking spot for a scooter and they are more affordable than cars. Therefore, scooters are very popular in Indonesia.
Renting your own scooter is nice. I do it too! Especially if you want to cover longer distances out of town having your own scooter is great. For short distances, especially in the city, GoRide is the way to go. Even though I drive scooters myself, I like to sit back and enjoy the ride without having the hassle of driving myself through traffic jams and at the same time handling Google Maps to get to my destination.
How does Gojek work?
First, you need to download the app and create an account. You can register with any international phone number. Chose English as the preferred language. Upon registry, you will receive a code by WhatsApp or SMS to confirm your registration and you are ready to go! To book a ride, chose GoRide in the app. Chose your destination and your pick-up point. Make sure the location pinpoints match them. Drivers arrive quickly. Therefore, I usually place myself already prior to booking the ride near my pick-up point. The app will show you the price of the ride. Choose your ride, add your promo code (if you have one), select your payment method and confirm your booking. On the integrated map in the app, you can watch your driver approach. The app shows the name of the driver and the license plate of the scooter so that you do not leave with the wrong driver. I nearly went with the wrong driver because a girl right next to me booked a GoRide too! There is an option to share your ride with a friend for safety purpose. You can text message with the driver through the app. Sometimes they get stuck in traffic, so they let you know. No worries about language barriers. For text messages, the app has an in-built translator and the rest is self-explanatory.
The driver will provide you with a helmet. Keep in mind, helmets are compulsory in Indonesia, although many locals do not wear one, often because they cannot afford it. There are drivers who clean their client’s helmet regularly. I do not rely on that. To protect your hair from somebody else’s sweat, wear a shower cap (those that hotels often provide for free) or – and this is what I do – wrap a silk scarf around the head. Jump on the back of the motorcycle, and you are ready to go. The driver will drop you off at your destination.
Payment is either cash, prepaid in the app or by credit card. For the latter, your credit card information must be registered in the app. Please tip your driver! They earn a fraction of what the ride costs. Tipping is also possible through the app. I had a driver close to tears when I tipped them around 50 cents, telling me that they could now feed their family for the day. The app will ask you to rate the driver after your ride.
The same procedure as described above goes for GoCar. Just choose GoCar in the app, instead of GoRide. There are different options with different prices e.g. GoCar XL or GoCar Premium. I always use go car when I have luggage.
Where is Gojek available?
Gojek not only operates in Indonesia but also in Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Philippines, India and Australia. Keep in mind that Gojek is only available in bigger cities and densely populated areas. Driving from the city to the countryside is not a problem but getting back is! When I was staying in Malang, I visited a waterfall outside of Batu by using GoRide. Getting there was absolutely no problem but when I wanted to go back to Malang, there were no rides. I had to walk a few miles to get to an area where the service was available.
How safe is Gojek?
Every single driver I had was very kind and I never felt unsafe. Not for a second! Yes, the traffic gest a bit scary sometimes, but I always had prudent drivers who made sure I safely arrived at my chosen destination. If you have a reckless driver, let him immediately know. Having a skilled local navigate through traffic is for sure safer than driving by yourself (especially if you come from a right-driving country like me). I personally wear protective motorcycle gear (shoes, pants, jacket and gloves), even for short distances. I have seen some accidents… It is not nice, I tell you. As said, the driver will provide you with a helmet that will never fit your head. Not just tourists, also many locals use Gojek on a regular base.
When I was in Ubud, a Gojek-Driver made me aware that in the area I wanted to be dropped off was no service available to get back. I made a deal with him that he would drive me around for a daily fee wherever I wanted. In the end, we exchanged phone numbers, and I booked him again for another tour. We still text occasionally and he always asks when I would come back to Ubud.
What is Grab?
Grab works like Gojek. Signing up to Grab and navigating the app is basically the same. I personally never used Grab in Indonesia, only in Malaysia because Gojek is not available there. In Indonesia you have the choice. You might compare prices or availability. Uber-users will have zero problems using either Gojek or Grab. They are all so similar.