Transportation in Lombok

Lombok's transport runs on three tiers: blue-bird taxis and ride-hailing apps for door-to-door comfort, shared shuttle vans called "travel" that ply the main tourist corridors, and the open-air cidomo horse-carts that still clip-clop through the Gilis and older villages. Motorbike rental is everywhere and remains the cheapest way to cover ground. But the island's roads can narrow suddenly and police checkpoints are common, carry an international permit. First-timers should know that distances feel short on the map yet take longer on winding coastal or mountain roads. Shuttle vans booked through your accommodation are usually cheaper than taxis for the Senggigi-Mataram-Kuta triangle, while public buses exist but stop running by late afternoon. In the Gilis, there are no motorized vehicles at all; walk, cycle, or hail a cidomo, agree the fare before you climb in. From Lombok Praya International, the prepaid taxi counter inside the terminal is the only official ride. Ignore the freelance touts outside. If you're heading straight to Bangsal harbour for the Gilis, look for the shared "travel" desk, it's a fraction of a private taxi and leaves once full.