Moving homes can be incredibly stressful, and finding reliable movers only adds to the challenge.
If you are anything like me, the sight of endless boxes and the process of packing and unpacking might fill you with anxiety. As my own moving day approached, I weighed several options. Almost all my friends suggested Go-Box, so I finally booked it. My driver, I Nyoman Gumbreg, appeared on my screen. With few drivers available, it took a bit of time to secure him, but, even though it would take him approximately 30 minutes to reach me, Nyoman kindly assured me he was happy to make the trip.
Nyoman effortlessly loaded all the luggage with enthusiasm, handling everything with ease and a lively energy. I rode up front and spent the journey chatting with him. Nyoman, a native of Bali, was born in Karangasem but now lives in Denpasar. He earns enough through Go-Box to comfortably sustain life in the city, especially since the service is quite popular in the area. While Nyoman enjoys his work, he only takes orders within Denpasar, as the app’s algorithm means longer trips result in lower pay. For instance, a trip to Buleleng wouldn’t cover the cost, time, or effort. He frequently takes orders for nearby spots like Kuta and Canggu, especially preferring orders placed by foreigners and tourists.
When I asked why he preferred it, he answered “It’s great! They would often use Go-Box to move even just a couple of suitcases between accommodations.”
As we made our way through Bali’s notorious traffic, I could not help but comment on his bold driving technique. He laughed and assured me that if he did not drive assertively, we would be stuck in Denpasar’s traffic for much longer. Curious, I asked why he chose to stay in Denpasar. Nyoman explained that although he was born in Karangasem, he spent much of his life moving between there and Denpasar. Ultimately, he settled in Denpasar because his family resides there.
Nyoman’s friendly nature turned the conversation around, and he asked if I had plans to settle in Bali. When I told him I was not sure, he enthusiastically said that the key to truly feeling at home here was to find a partner. He shared that from his own dating experiences, long-distance relationships never work out. He confided about a past heartbreak with an ex-fiancée who left him to marry someone else.
I expressed my sympathy, but Nyoman brushed it off, explaining that he feels no bitterness or resentment. “Better to know then,” he said, “than to have spent years in a marriage where she might just leave later.” I admired his positive and forgiving outlook.
Despite his confidence and outgoing personality, I was surprised to find my request for a picture of him met with shyness. “It’s not about anything, but come on, a face like this doesn’t suit a magazine. Who would want to see this face?” The horror! I could only wonder why anyone would not be proud of their Balinese features. After some gentle persuasion, he finally smiled and posed for the camera.
So, if you ever find yourself in need of help with moving from Denpasar, Go-Box is your best bet. And, if you are lucky enough to get Nyoman as your driver, be sure to strike up a conversation. Ask about his life, his day, and remind him that he is definitely magazine-cover material!