In Bali, online motorcycle taxi, known locally as ojek online or ojol, have become a common sight, offering fast and affordable transportation across the island. For both domestic and international tourists, particularly in areas plagued by traffic congestion, ojol services provide a reliable solution.
The constant cry of “bike, bike, bike” from eager drivers has become a running joke among travellers, who note that Bali is not the easiest place to walk around without being approached for a ride offer.
These services, available through platforms such as Gojek and Grab, are popular not just for their convenience but also for the human interaction they offer. Increasingly, tourists are not only using ojol drivers for transportation but also taking the time to connect with them on a personal level.
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One video that has gone viral illustrates this perfectly. Posted by TikTok user @laura.andreaaa, the video shows a foreign tourist taking her Grab driver out for dinner.
The clip, titled “Take your Grab driver out for dinner”, has drawn positive reactions across social media.
Among the many comments, one stood out: “This is the narrative every Bali Instagram page should be sharing every day. Being kind to each other in Bali and reciprocating the love that the Balinese show to us every day!!! Rahayu Bali.”
This moment of kindness reflects the mutual appreciation that is often felt between tourists and locals in Bali.
While the island’s beauty and vibrant culture draw millions of visitors each year, it is the people who often leave the strongest impression. Online motorcycle taxi drivers, many of whom work long hours navigating busy roads, are part of the backbone of Bali’s tourism industry.
Ojek Jackets Become Tourist Souvenirs
Interestingly, the appeal of ojol culture has extended beyond just the ride. In recent months, a new trend has surfaced: foreign tourists wearing official-looking ojol driver jackets.
These jackets, typically green for Gojek or Grab, have become something of a quirky fashion statement among visitors. Some even wear them during their travels around the island, sharing their adventures on TikTok and Instagram.
Often referred to by locals as bule, these tourists are seen dressed head to toe like authentic ojol drivers, complete with helmets and layered jackets. The look has been described by online viewers as “very local”. While drivers wear the jackets for practical purposes and identification, the tourists don them purely for fun—or as one might a novelty souvenir.
These videos, filmed casually or captured by curious locals, have gone viral, with some tourists even declaring their intention to take the jackets home as a memento of their time in Indonesia. It’s a humorous yet endearing reflection of how deep an impression local life makes on Bali’s visitors.
Though some may argue it borders on cultural appropriation, others see it as a light-hearted way of embracing local life and expressing appreciation for the people who make their travels more enjoyable.
With transportation demand on the rise and road congestion ever-present, ojol services continue to offer a smart and community-friendly solution. And thanks to viral videos and the kindness of tourists, drivers are receiving the recognition they deserve, whether through shared meals or through fashion statements that ride the streets of Bali.
