By motorbike in Lombok
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Rental cars and motorbikes in Lombok will normally be delivered with minimal fuel in the tank
Be aware that the car or motor bike may need fuel immediately before use. This can be obtained at a roadside fuel stall or warung if the Pertamina outlet is too distant. Diesel fuel (Solar) is almost never available at these roadside warung outlets.
If you return the motorbike with more fuel in the tank than when you first received it hold absolutely no expectation of a credit against the hire charges. The owner or agent will most likely just syphon the excess fuel out of the tank after you have gone and use it themselves or resell it.
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Renting a motorbike is also an option and there are many places in Senggigi, Mangsit, Mataram, Cakranegara and elsewhere to rent from. Expect to pay around Rp 50,000 for most models and possibly more in peak season or local holidays when demand for motorbike rentals can be very high. Late model full-automatic and semi-automatic motorbikes are available in Lombok and they normally have engine size in the range 100-125cc.
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Helmets and headlights
Riding a motorbike without a helmet is illegal throughout Indonesia and that requirement is frequently enforced by the local police in Lombok. Reasonably priced helmets can be purchased in Mataram and Cakranegara but a renter should supply a suitable helmet/s with the motorbike.
The road traffic regulations were amended in 2009 to require the illumination of head lamp and rear lamp on a motorbike during daylight hours. Police in Lombok have initiated a long running information campaign to road users informing them of the requirement. Signs have been placed upon roadways advising of the regulations and the intention to enforce them. These signs are only provided in Bahasa Indonesian. This is a safety initiative and means that lights must be on at all times when riding a motorbike on any roadway in Lombok. Despite the apparent disregard by local road users the use of turn signals is also required.
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Great care must be exercised at all times when riding a motorbike anywhere in Lombok as the roads are sometimes in very bad repair. Loose sand, rocks and gravel may be found upon the road. Large potholes and other road damage can cause serious accidents and injury to motorbike riders. Riding after the onset of dusk should be avoided in the southern or remote areas of Lombok and undertaken with great caution elsewhere.
Travelling at night in the rural areas is ill advised and most local people are very wary of doing it.
It must be understood that the greater majority of drivers in Lombok have either no knowledge or no regard for common road rules. Road users are normally seriously undisciplined and engage in highly dangerous and erratic behaviour on the road and will frequently cross onto, or travel on the wrong side of the road without warning. Overtaking manoeuvres and turns are also often executed in a highly dangerous manner.
Always thoroughly check the motorbike you are renting for any previous damage. Check especially for correct brake function and tyre condition (including tyre inflation). It is normally best to try the motorbike before finalising the agreement. Ensure the current STNK – (Surat Tanda Nomor Kendaraan) (Certificate of Registration) is current and the original copy and is with the motorbike. Care should be exercised to always lock a motorbike and to secure your possessions.
The Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions about Lombok
