Lombok Public Transportation - Bemo, Taxi and Bus
BUS
There are many buses run for most towns in Lombok. They connect Mataram with most major towns in Lombok from where you can start exploring the rest of Lombok highlight. Just hit the road to the Mandalika main bus station in Bertais, examine your bargaining capability and prove your knowledge about price range in Lombok. They normally see pointed nosed and blond haired (bule) people as a chance to make extra money. So, be a tough negotiator in such places. Mandalika is also a main terminal for executive air-conditioned inter island buses. The tickets can be purchased at their sales counters around Mataram or directly in the station. Book early for seat allotment and front seat is the best due to the onboard toilet is normally set on the very back of the bus and is normally more spacious for leg although watching how the big bus ‘intimidates’ other vehicles on the road is bad news for the fainthearted.
BEMO
Bemo is a popular local terminology for public mini buses. Bemo is an effective mode of transport linking the major cities, towns, and short intercity. As well, they transport to the hills and villages even in the most remote area. They can also take you on a sight seeing on a charter basis. Normally, they are very much loaded and less room available for leg and luggage. Thus, the luggage may go to the roof and sometimes with a few other passengers (when over crowded). Those running in the cities like Mataram and Selong have certain fixed rates. So, don’t worry about your bargaining experience, but all you have to do is make you have enough knowledge about the current tariff.
