Your Guide to Riding a Scooter in Lombok

A scooter unlocks Lombok. Public transport outside of main towns is limited, and relying on Grab or shuttle services means waiting around and missing anything off the main routes. With a scooter, you can be at a remote beach, a village, or a waterfall on your own schedule. Most roads in South Lombok are in decent condition, traffic is light outside of Mataram, and Kuta itself is small enough that you rarely need to go far.

Here's what you need to know before you ride.

Do You Need a License?

Technically, yes. Indonesian law requires a valid driving license to operate a motorbike. An international driving permit (IDP) that covers motorbikes, combined with your home country license, is the correct documentation. Some countries issue IDPs that specifically include category A (motorbikes) — check before you travel if this applies to you.

In practice, police checkpoints in tourist areas of South Lombok do exist, particularly during holidays. Having some form of valid documentation is the sensible approach.

If you don't have a motorbike endorsement at home, be honest with yourself about your ability level before renting. Lombok's roads are manageable but not without hazard — loose gravel, potholes on smaller roads, and traffic patterns that differ from Western norms.

Renting a Scooter in Kuta

Scooter rentals are easy to find in central Kuta. Multiple shops operate along the main road, and your accommodation can usually point you to the nearest reliable option.

**Typical rates in Kuta Lombok:**

• Standard automatic scooter: Rp 60,000–80,000 per day
• Weekly rates are available and usually offer a discount
• Helmets are included (verify before you leave)

**Before you ride off:**

• Do a physical check of the bike and photograph any existing scratches or dents before you accept it
• Test the brakes, horn, and lights
• Take a note of the rental shop's phone number and address
• Check whether your travel insurance covers motorbike riding — many policies require a valid motorbike license and a helmet

Roads and Conditions

The main roads in South Lombok — between Kuta, the airport, Selong Belanak, Tanjung Aan, and Praya — are sealed and in reasonable condition. Roads to more remote beaches like Mawi or Selong Blanak can have rough patches, and smaller tracks to viewpoints or fishing villages may be unpaved.

Fuel is widely available. You'll find petrol stations in Kuta and along major routes. In smaller areas, look for the roadside vendors selling fuel in labeled plastic bottles — this is the standard informal option and works fine.

On weekends and public holidays, local families head to the beaches and waterfalls in significant numbers. Traffic around popular spots can be heavier than expected on these days.

Safety

• Wear your helmet, every ride, every distance
• Ride on the left — Indonesia drives on the left side of the road
• Speed is generally low on local roads, but stay alert for motorbikes pulling out from side roads without looking
• Ride sober
• Avoid riding in heavy rain if you can — roads get slippery and visibility drops fast

Where to Go

From Kuta, some straightforward rides worth doing:

• **Tanjung Aan**: 10 minutes east, one of the best beaches on the south coast
• **Selong Belanak**: 20 minutes west, long crescent beach good for swimming and beginner surf
• **Sade Village**: 10 minutes east toward Praya, traditional Sasak village
• **Mawi**: 20–25 minutes west, rougher road toward the end, worth it for the view
• **Bukit Merese**: 15 minutes, hilltop with views over both bays at Tanjung Aan

For surf spots and conditions, see our [surf spots guide](/blog/surf-spots-in-south-lombok).