Lombok by bicycle
Traffic is relatively light throughout the island so travel by bicycle is quite possible and provides a very different cultural experience to other means of transport. You may wish to bring your own touring bike, as most local bikes are of a very basic quality. There is one biking tour operator (Lombok Biking) that has decent bikes and guides.
Bicycles of reasonable quality may be purchased in Indonesia and may offer an alternative to the costs and complexities of shipping your own bike in from overseas.
The Polygon brand bicycle is manufactured in Indonesia and is of export quality. Lightweight alloy and carbon fibre frames are available. Stocks of more expensive models may not be readily available in Lombok without ordering ahead and resale at a reasonable price may be difficult
Bicycle sales outlets are situated in Cakranegara with several shops on Jalan Jl. Umarmaya near the rear of the Cakranegara markets and at the Tiara Department Store in Mataram Mall.
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Bicycling up the west coast road
The ride up the recently upgraded west coast road from Senggigi heading northward is a very scenic trip but has many steep climbs over the headlands of the numerous bays before reaching Pemenang near Bangsal. The road northward to Tanjung from there is of reasonably level grades. The trip offers many beautiful views and there are normally warungs open to provide refreshments.
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The Lombok International Triathlon was launched in 2007 and uses this road for part of its race.
Great care must be exercised at all times when riding a bike anywhere in Lombok as the roads are sometimes in very bad repair and large potholes, loose sand, gravel and other road damage can cause serious accidents and injury. The greater majority of drivers in Lombok have either no knowledge or no regard for common road rules, are normally seriously undisciplined and engage in highly dangerous and erratic road behaviour.
Riding a bicycle after dusk should be avoided throughout Lombok due to the hazardous road conditions.
Lombok has a bicycle tour operator situated in Senggigi. See the Senggigi article for further information.
Please refer to the "By car" and "By motorbike" sections above for further information on riding conditions.
The Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions about Lombok
