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Unique ways to travel in Southeast Asia

Grab Editorial

. January 22, 2026 . Regional

Southeast Asia is defined by movement. The region is home to some of the world’s most populous and dynamic urban centres—Indonesia’s capital Jakarta recently dethroned Tokyo as “the world’s largest city”. These urban jungles boast transportation systems that are a colourful mix of modern efficiency and cherished tradition. From the high-tech Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) network in Singapore to swarms of motorcycles in Jakarta and Bangkok, understanding how Southeast Asia moves requires looking beyond the usual.

Here’s a look at the region’s commuter habits, the vast diversity of transport modes, and how Grab is integrating these unique local vehicles—like the Tuk Tuk and Cyclo—into the digital age.

The pulse of Southeast Asia: Motorcycles

The most defining characteristic of the Southeast Asia transportation landscape is the sheer volume of motorized two-wheelers. In many countries, infrastructure and traffic patterns are fundamentally shaped by the motorcycle.

For example, in Jakarta, studies on commuter habits consistently show that well over 60% of daily trips are made using private vehicles, with the vast majority relying on motorbikes. Similarly, rapid urbanisation in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, has cemented the motorbike as the dominant mode of travel. This is driven by their affordability, and the flexibility they offer in navigating urban gridlock.

This makes the GrabBike service essential in many cities: order a motorcycle taxi, hop on to the back, hold on, and off you go. In Southeast Asia, the motorcycle taxi (Ojek in Indonesia, Motosai in Thailand) is a deeply rooted way of life. Grab has professionalised and scaled this vital mode of transport, offering millions a fast, affordable, and trusted way to beat the traffic.

Iconic local transport: Integrating unique vehicles with Grab

What makes Southeast Asian mobility so colorful are its many unique, traditional modes of transport which provide crucial first- and last-mile connectivity. Grab recognises the cultural and economic importance of these vehicles and has strategically integrated many of them into its platform. This not only gives travelers more options but also helps preserve traditional livelihoods by digitalising their services.

Thailand: The Grab-Powered Tuk Tuk and Rod Daeng

In addition to motorcycle taxis, in Thailand, the iconic, brightly decorated, three-wheeled auto-rickshaw known as the Tuk Tuk is a staple. In northern cities like Chiang Mai, you’ll find the distinct red minibus known as the Rod Daeng. Grab has successfully integrated Tuk Tuk and Rod Daeng services into the app, allowing users to book them digitally and ensuring fair, upfront pricing for both tourists and locals.

Indonesia: Bajaj, Angkot, and the digital Ojek

In Indonesia, crucially, Grab has been a leader in digitalising the traditional Ojek (motorcycle taxi), providing greater safety and reliability through the highly popular GrabBike service.

While the country’s capital, Jakarta, has introduced an MRT system in the past couple of years, traditional modes of public transport remain popular in many Indonesian cities. An example is Angkot, a shared minibus, which travels along fixed routes but stops wherever passengers need to get on or off along the way.

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Vietnam: Cyclos and the essential GrabBike service

In Vietnam, for efficient daily commute in cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, GrabBike is the primary two-wheeler service, essential for navigating dense city streets.

However, the charming Cyclo (a three-wheeled bicycle taxi) remains a unique experience, which visitors can now also book via the Grab app.

Cambodia and Myanmar: Supporting localised travel

In Cambodia, the local Tuk Tuk (Remork)—a motorcycle pulling a carriage—has been integrated into the platform to provide authentic Cambodian experiences and support the income of local drivers.

Similarly, Grab has localised services to meet the specific mobility needs of Myanmar, where vehicles like the ThoneBane are common, especially in areas frequented by tourists.

The Philippines: Jeepneys and the Habal-habal

The Philippines is famous for its heavily decorated Jeepney, cultural symbols serving fixed routes. Grab has made jeepney rides available on special occasions, though they’re not a permanent offering in the Grab app.

When it comes to motorcycle taxis, locally known as the Habal-habal, Grab’s strategic partner, MOVE IT provides this service in selected cities across the archipelago, bringing this informal transport system onto a digital platform.

Why digitalisation is key to sustainable mobility

The integration of these unique modes is central to Grab’s localization strategy, focusing on adapting to the diverse needs of each market.

By onboarding traditional drivers, Grab helps them preserve their livelihoods in the digital economy, providing access to income and a place alongside modern transportation services. Booking a local Tuk Tuk or Cyclo via the app offers an authentic, safe, and culturally immersive way to explore. It’s an enriching experience travelers to the region can enjoy. In some cases, these vehicles are the best, or only, option for short distances or navigating narrow, older streets, providing critical “last-mile” connectivity.

By combining world-class technology with a deep respect for local culture and essential modes of transport in Southeast Asia, Grab is driving a future that is smarter, safer, and more inclusive for every kind of commuter.

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