Motorbike taxis have become quite popular recently, with several brands emerging over the past four to five years. Besides Gojek, which I used, there’s also Grab and Maxim. This growth in options reflects the increasing demand for convenient transportation in Bali.
Today, I took my longest ride yet on a Gojek from my place in Renon to Denpasar. The traffic was terrible, so I opted for the faster option of a motorbike. The ride took about twenty to twenty-five minutes, and it was quite an adventure.
The traffic was intense, with cars and motorbikes everywhere. The Gojek driver had to skillfully maneuver and overtake many vehicles. Sitting at the back of the moped, I felt a mix of excitement and fear. I'm used to riding motorcycles myself, so not being in control was a bit unnerving. But, given the traffic, it was the best way to get around quickly.
Around 2 p.m., the traffic jams were surprising. The Gojek driver mentioned that traffic jams usually occur during commuting hours, around 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. He shared that traffic in places like Ubud, Canggu, and Kuta has gotten much worse over the past ten years. He was puzzled by the heavy traffic at 2 p.m., which was unusual compared to his earlier experiences.
Motorbike taxis are convenient for navigating through heavy traffic, but they also contribute to more congestion. In places like Renon, public transport has become scarce due to traffic, making motorbike taxis a vital option for traveling around Denpasar compared to the past.
