Most of our time during our trip to Indonesia was spent on Lombok. From climbing the Mount Rinjani, to late nights on Gili Trawangan and a relaxing week in Kuta, we saw a lot, but definitely not everything. In Kuta, we rented a motorbike and cruised along the coast, dreaming about the next time we would visit the island, and how we would do it. The how would be to rent a motorbike again, but do a road trip instead.
From towering volcanoes to lush rice fields and stunning beaches all connected by a good road system: there is no better way to see it all than by motorbike. This how to rent a motorbike on lombok guide will therefore walk you through mistakes to avoid, things to look out for and paperwork to take care of, as well as a full itinerary including places to stay for your Lombok road trip.
How to Get to Lombok
1. By Plane
Flying is by far the easiest way to get to Lombok. We caught a flight from Surabaya to Lombok’s international airport, but you’ll find connections from many cities across Indonesia and East Asia. We found the best deal using Skyscanner. I especially love their flexible search tool. Once you land, it’s easy to arrange onward travel by booking a taxi or minivan through 12go ahead of time, or just grab a Grab, but more on that later.
2. By Boat
Taking a boat is another way to reach Lombok. A popular route starts in Bali, with stops on Nusa Penida or the Gili Islands like Gili Trawangan along the way. From Bali, you can catch a fast boat from Padang Bai, Sanur Port, or Serangan Port to Lombok’s Bangsal Harbor. A cheaper, slower option is the public ferry from the same ports, which is less bumpy but also slower. You can find the most affordable fast boat tickets online, or just head to the port and grab a ticket for the public ferry on the spot.
Tip! Boat journeys can be choppy and your bags might get splashed, so travel insurance is a must. Heymondo offers solid plans for all types of travelers.
Another way to reach Lombok is by ferry from Sumbawa. While you can fly from Sumbawa, there are also public ferries and fast boats. From Poto Tano Harbor in eastern Sumbawa, a fast boat will get you to Labuan Kayangan in western Lombok in about 1.5 hours. These boats run multiple times daily, and public ferries are available too, although they are less frequent, running once or twice a day.
If you’re chasing waves, you might be staying near Benete Port in Maluk on Sumbawa’s southwestern coast. From there, you can hop on a boat to Labuan Kayangan as well. The trip takes about 1.5 hours and costs roughly 135,000 Rp.
How to Get Around Lombok
Besides renting a motorbike, Grab is the easiest way to get around the island. Short trips are very budget-friendly, and even longer rides between towns won’t break the bank. Just make sure you have a stable internet connection, which is why we tested Airalo on this trip. The app lets you buy an eSIM before you even arrive, and setup was quick and simple. It worked well throughout Indonesia and was reasonably priced, so I’d happily recommend it to anyone traveling outside their regular data zone.
Tip! One thing you will want to book early in your trip: a dirt bike tour around Kuta. It’s a fun and adventurous way to explore the landscape around the city.
Where to Stay on Lombok
We spent our stay in Kuta at the El Tropico Boutique Hotel and absolutely loved it. When we arrived, we were pleasantly surprised with an upgrade to the suite, which featured a huge bed and a spacious bathroom complete with a bathtub. After requesting a gluten-free breakfast, the chef personally came over to discuss my dietary needs as well. Beyond that, the hotel itself is beautiful, with not one, but two pools and a restaurant that serves food right by the water.
Before leaving for Gili T, we stayed near Bangsal Harbor in Senggigi at Puri Mas Boutique Resort & Spa, which was located in a lush forest next to the beach, and incorporated beautifully carved woods, statues and tropical plants into their design. We wished we would have stayed here for more than a night, as it was an incredible spot. Another place you should not miss on Lombok are the Bobocabins in Sembalun. We stayed in these little huts with blurrable windows looking out over the volcano the night before trekking the Mount Rinjani hike, which was super romantic.
How to Rent a Motorbike on Lombok
Where to Rent a Motorbike on Lombok
The consensus online seems to be that that Rent Scooter Lombok is the best rental place out there. They are based in Pemenang, a town close to Bangsal Harbor and therefore the perfect place to rent a motorbike when coming from either Bali or the Gilis, which is where the road trip itinerary below will start from. However, we rented one at a random spot in Kuta after reading some reviews and had almost no issues. In Kuta, there is a rental place at nearly every corner, so just read some reviews like we did and pick the one that sounds trustworthy to you.
Why You Need a License and Insurance
To be able to drive a scooter on Lombok, you need an international driver’s license and insurance. The police often check tourists, and if your papers do not add up, you will have to hand over the scooter and you will be fined. While some countries allow you to drive these scooters with a car license, others, like the Netherlands where we come from, require you to have a motor license to drive them as they exceed the maximum speed of 45 km/h. These scooters are often 110cc or more, so check your country’s rules concerning scooters and motors, as not having the right license means your insurance will not cover damage to the vehicle.
Check the Scooter and Take Pictures
As you would with any vehicle, make sure to check the scooter for any damages and take photos of videos of the entire scooter. If they do pin some damage on you, and it was already there, then you at least have some proof. Something I never thought of, but which you absolutely must check, is whether your scooter has a license plate. We first got a scooter without one, and after asking our hotel whether this would be a problem, they told us the police often fines tourists for this. Our rental place said it would not matter, but we insisted on one with a license plate just in case. Cover all your bases, folk!
Drive on the Left
Something to keep in mind is that vehicles drive on the left side of the road in Indonesia. It might feel a little daunting at first, but after ten minutes it will feel as natural as the opposite side of the road.
Don’t Drink and Drive
This might sound obvious but never drink and drive. You might feel like one or two beers are fine, but we heard many stories of tourists getting caught in accidents due to being under the influence. This rule of course also applies to drugs. If you forgot you still had to drive, call a Grab and come back for your scooter the day after.
To Wear or Not to Wear Protective Clothing
Especially whem you will be road tripping, you should be wearing protective clothing. Yes, we wore our flipflops and shorts, but these motorbikes go fast and every time I prayed we would not slip and let the road grate our skin like a piece of cheese. If you know you will be seeing a lot of Indonesia this way, it is worth investing in good clothing before your trip and bringing it with you. The only place I could find that has gear for rent is Motor Adventure Bali, which allows you to take the motorbike on the ferry to Lombok.
Lombok Motorbike Roadtrip Itinerary
This itinerary is what we would have done had we traveled around on a motorbike instead of staying put in Kuta. From epic nature to stunning beaches, it has got everything. This itinerary will take you at least a week, but you could of course also choose to leave out a couple of destinations or spend more time at some of them.
For this trip I would recommend traveling from Bali or visiting the Gilis first. I wrote a whole guide about what to do and what not to do on Gili Trawangan, so go check that out first. After you have experienced the islands, you can take a quick Grab ride from Bangsal Harbor to Rent Scooter Lombok and start your epic Lombok adventure.
1. Senaru and Tiu Kelep Waterfall
One of my biggest regrets from our time on Lombok was skipping the Tiu Kelep Waterfall. After hiking up Mount Rinjani, we were so exhausted we didn’t think twice—but in hindsight, it really would have been worth the effort. Often featured on postcards of Lombok, this stunning waterfall is surrounded by lush rainforest and makes for the perfect spot to relax after the 90-minute trek. The nearby village of Senaru is where most hikes to the waterfall begin, and it’s a peaceful place to start your day in nature. The best way to visit is by booking a guided tour, which usually includes a stop at Sendang Gile waterfall and the scenic Selong Hill viewpoint along the way.
One of the most beautiful places to stay in Senaru is Rinjani Lighthouse. Its bungalows, made of bamboo and other natural materials, are perched on a hill from which I can imagine the sunset being absolutely stunning. Another great option is the modern Rinjani Lodge, which has an infinity pool and a stellar restaurant, according to the reviews. Finally, at the more budget friendly Villa Bambu Rinjani & Restaurant you can rent your own bamboo cabin amidst the rural landscape.
2. Climb Mount Rinjani from Sembalun
This was one of the hardest yet best things we did in Indonesia: climbing the Mount Rinjani. Towering over Lombok at 3,726 m, it is Indonesia’s second-highest volcano and a breathtaking, challenging adventure. Most treks start from Sembalun, which is a cute destination in itself and which was our base for our 2-day 1-night trek. We stayed at Bobocabins here, which was an absolute gem.
The route from Sembalun takes you through volcanic terrain, grasslands, and rainforest before reaching the crater lake, Segara Anak and eventually the volcano’s peak. It is hard, but worth it. Guided tours typically cost around USD 200 per person, covering park permits, medical checks, porters, camping gear, and transfers. If you want to know more about the trek, you can read my full guide to discover how to prepare, what to pack, plan your route, and hike sustainably. But, if hiking is not your thing, just driving up to the volcano and exploring the farms around Sembalun is worth it.
3. Gili Kondo and Drive Through East Lombok
East Lombok is still largely undiscovered by international tourism and can therefore give you a unique look into island life. We unfortunately did not pass through this part of the island, as the highway mainly runs through its western parts, but will come back for this part sometime. One of the best things to do here is visit Gili Kondo and the other uninhabited “Secret Gilis of the East” to go snorkeling. Like the Secret Gilis on its western shore, these are a lot quieter than the famous, more westernized Gilis. You can book a snorkel tour beforehand, or fix a boat at Kayangan harbor yourself.
After you have toured these islands, make sure to stop by Big Tree Sambelia, part of the impressive Big Tree Forest which also has incredible views of the Rinjani. Heading down south, you will pass the larger town of Masbagik and its neighbor Penakak which is known for its pottery.
Along the eastern shore of Lombok, there are fewer hotel options due to the lower tourism numbers, but you can still find a couple of great options, like the Bayview Beach Resort close to Gili Kondo or the gorgeous Pesona 361 Alam Bungalows near Masbagik. You could also relish in luxury at the Ombe Villa on the road to Masbagik, and spend a couple of days recuperating after the Rinjani trek.
4. Ekas and Pink Beach
Also in East Lombok, but already a little closer to Kuta, are Ekas Beach and Pink Beach. Besides being great for relaxing, the first beach is quite popular among surfers. With two breaks, Ekas Inside and Outside, it is the perfect spot for intermediate to pro surfers. You can book a stay at the nearby Ombak Resort at Ekas, which offers surfing lessons and boat rides out to the waves. We stopped here for a coffee and the vibe was really good! You could also opt for the Jeeva Beloam Beach Camp on the other side of the peninsula on which Ekas is situated, and enjoy its peaceful nature.
If you are not that into surfing, but you are a beach connoisseur, then Pink Beach should be on your list. Yes, you guessed it, this beach is actually pink, and I am so sad to have missed it! The best way to see it is to go with a tour, or make your way there on your own. Just note that the best way to get here is by boat. Stay at the nearby Innit Lombok to complete your day in style and luxury.
5. Kuta
After getting off the beaten path, it is time to get on it again when you drive to Kuta, Lombok. Kuta Lombok draws many travelers from all over the world, mainly because of its vibrant atmosphere and many surf camps. For me, as a gluten free traveler, there were so many options to choose from, that I felt like I had finally made it to paradise. Especially because of the breakfast at our hotel, El Tropico. If you want the full rundown of all the great (GF) restaurants out there, then go ahead and read my gluten free Kuta guide.
Tip! On your way to Kuta, do not forget to stop at the cliffs of Taman Wisata Alam Gunung Tunak and go for a hike through its nature reserve. If you want, you could even choose to stay close by at the luxurious and gorgeously designed Kuara Lombok.
Besides its food scene and some cool stores and bars, there is not that much to do in Kuta itself. Most people visit for its stunning backyard. Selong Belanak and Tanjung Aan are just two of the many spectacular beaches around, both great for beginner surfers and beach bums. Want to know what else to see and do around Kuta? Then read my complete Kuta guide here.
6. Secret Gilis
Gili Trawangan, Air, and Meno are well-known favorites: our visit to Gili Trawangan proved just how popular they are. But did you know Lombok also hides a few lesser-known gems called the Secret Gilis? These three smaller islands are like the Gili’s quiet little sisters. Gili Kedis is the tiniest of them all, with nothing but vibrant coral reefs and thriving marine life. The other two, Gili Sudak and Gili Nanggu, do have places to stay: Sudak with a single hotel and Nanggu with two. You can visit them on a day trip, or stay a little longer on one of the islands with accommodation to truly soak in the peaceful atmosphere and stunning underwater world.
While you can camp on Gili Kedis and on Gili Tangkong, or book a couple of hotels on Nanggu and Sudak via Google, there are many more options on the shore opposite the islands. Cocotinos Sekotong Lombok is located on the western side of Tawun Harbor and offers a seaside pool, tranquil rooms and a killer breakfast. Catappa Village might be a little bit further away on the eastern side but offers beautiful bamboo cottages and a private beach. Perfect if you want to get away from it all. The Suites Lombok is a little closer and has a splendid pool and ocean views as well.
7. Tetebatu
After the beaches of the Secret Gilis it is time to head back into the mountains and hike through the rice fields of Tetebatu. Another gorgeous place Wessel and I did not manage to see on our trip, but which should definitely be on yours. Besides rice, they grow tobacco and fruit here too, so it is a great place to get to know more about local life. You can easily stay within the village of Tetebatu itself in one of the many homestays, like Green Haven Homestay or Novia Guest House. Another cute option is to stay in a bungalow, which you can do at Wina Wani Bungalows, which also has a beautiful garden.
After you have explored enough, it is time to head back to Pemenang and return your scooter. This drive will take you about two hours, but you can split it up by checking out the Benang Stokel and Benang Kelambu Waterfalls. You can either hike up to the waterfalls yourself, which takes about 30 minutes, or book a tour that includes a trip to the Sukurara weaving village as well.
Final Thoughts on How to Rent a Motorbike on Lombok
Renting a motorbike on Lombok and doing a road trip is the best way to see and explore the island, in my opinion. It will get you to more remote places as well as the popular tourist destinations, all while being part of the landscape. If you are ready and think “let’s do this!” then make sure to read my detailed guides to the Mount Rinjani Trek, gluten free restaurants in Kuta and the best things to do in Kuta. If you would like to stay up to date with all of my travel guides, then sign up to my newsletter, or follow me on Instagram.
