Probably the easiest and quickest way to get around the island of Lembongan is by motorbike. It’s a great fun way to explore this tiny slice of paradise and relatively inexpensive. However, looking at the number of people sporting bandages after an accident and hearing we wondered whether they put much thought into both hiring a motorbike. Having hired motorbikes in some of the craziest places in Malaysia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Vietnam and in beautiful Lembongan we thought we may share a few tips for hiring a motorbike.
Finding a Motorbike to Hire on Lembongan
Finding a Motorbike to hire on Lembongan is quite simple as there are motorbike hire shops everywhere, jut head towards the closest village and there will be plenty to choose from. Also most of the resorts, hotels and accommodation have motorbikes to hire or will arrange on your behalf although this does limit your choice and ability to assess whether it is ok as once delivered it is harder to say no.
What is it going to cost?:
Cost of motorbike hire on Lembongan is around 70,000 Indonesian Rupiah per day which is roughly $6 Aus or €4. However, prices can be cheaper for a longer hire period or for good hagglers, remember though don;t start haggling until you actually see what you are haggling for. Once you have agreed a price it is an unwritten contract so if you are just haggling without seeing the bike you my be left with a lemon.
What documents do I need:
As Lembongan is a small island everything gets on and off the island by boat. With this in mind many motorbike hire places don’t ask for licences, passports etc. They just ask where you are staying, then they negotiate a price. So it is up to you to decide whether you are covered by your travel insurance .
Will I be covered by insurance:
Usually no insurance paperwork for the motorbike is raised. The general understanding is “you wreck it, you’ve bought it” rule applies. However, at this stage it may be wise to check your travel insurance. Travel insurance generally won’t cover accidents where you are riding a vehicle not covered by your licence so if you d not have a motorcycle licence you probably will not be covered for both damage to the bike and damage to yourself. Also if you choose to ride without a helmet and are involved in an accident your insurance will be void even if you have the correct licence. In Australia almost monthly there are stories about people who have hired motorcycles, had an accident and discovered their insurance does not cover them. Gofundme makes a nice profit from all the pages set up to support people who didn’t check their insurance and have ended up with huge medical bills.
Choosing The Right Bike:
Currently the most common motorbike to hire on Lembongan is a Honda Vario. It’s probably a good name as it comes in various degrees of roadworthyness. The Honda Vario is a hardy little motorbike with a 150cc engine and automatic transmission. It’s capable of carrying some outstanding sized loads . On the roads of Lembongan you’re sure to see locals trying to set Guinness World Records for the amount they can carry on one little bike. It’s the family workhorse which carries goods all day then after work mum, dad and three kids, no problems.
One of it’s best features is it’s easy to ride. Even for the most inexperienced rider. Simply squeeze the hand brake and press the start button to start it. Then ease the brake off and twist the throttle and you are away. Yes it’s that easy.
Can my motorbike carry a surfboard?
One of drawcards of Lemdongan is it’s surfing so many of the motorbikes for hire on Lembongan feature a surfboard bracket. The surfboard simply slips into the bracket and is held safely and securely. Just remember when carrying a surfboard on the bike the surfboard can be affected by crosswind so ride to the conditions.
Simple checks before hiring a Motorbike:
As always let your gut be your guide. If it doesn’t look right, it probably isn’t. That said if you don’t know what you are looking for here are some things you may consider.
- Find the newest bike. It will probably be in the best mechanical condition.
- Take a walk around the bike to check for signs of damage.
- Check the tyres have lots of tread are properly inflated and show no signs of damage.
- Check the brake levers work correctly and are not damaged from being in previous accidents.
- Check the bike is clean, doesn’t leak oil or blow blue smoke.
- Check the gauges, lights and indicators function correctly. Start the motorbike and check front and back handbrakes actually work. If they squeak or crunch, find another motorbike.
- Check the throttle operates correctly.
- If you are worried about getting asked to pay for existing damage to the motorbike at a later stage, maybe take a few snaps on your phone for later reference.
OK I’ve hired my bike now what? What are the road rules?
On Lembongan people generally drive on the left hand side of the road (well apart from the odd tourist who forgets). The roads are quite narrow and many are simply rough service roads full of potholes.
However, the biggest vehicles are usually small 1.5 tonne trucks such as Suzuki Carry’s or 4wd’s. The general rule when confronting these vehicles on the road is “give way to anything bigger than you”. Or simply self preservation at all times.
The best thing about Lembongan is generally the speeds are quite low due to the road conditions. Generally people putt along at about 25 kms per hour so there’s no chance of a high speed collision.
Hiring a Motorbike in Lembongan really is a great way to explore the island so get out there and have fun. Just make sure you do your checks first.
All our posts may contain affiliate links we do receive a small payment if you buy from them but you will not be charged more for doing so. This helps us keep the website going for your enjoyment. You can view our Privacy Policy here.
Wow! We had never even heard of Lembongan before reading this article. It looks like a beautiful place to visit. Thanks for sharing these handy tips and reminders for those traveling to the location.
It is pretty chilled especially after you have spent some time in the busier parts of Bali
I have not previously heard of Lembongan! It looks like quite the place to explore!
It was our visit too it was very chilled so different to many parts of Bali
Renting a motorbike sounds like so much fun and I always imagined doing it in Italy, but the traffic and the drivers there are crazy I don’t know if I would be brave enough haha – I guess getting the insurance would definitely come in handy there! Thanks for linking up with #TheWeeklyPostcard!
Yes we rode in Italy it certainly is an experience and the roads are also not the best.
Wow a motorbike is cheap there! I have never ridden one, is it difficult or dangerous? #TheWeeklyPostcard
It can be dangerous and if you have not ridden one it may be worth having a couple of lessons at home before you head off however many people who have never ridden seem to manage fine.
I haven’t heard of Lembongan before. It sure looks like a “slice of paradise” as you say. Your post made me smile because it reminded me of the time when I was dating my husband, many years ago. He used to have a motorbike and one day he suggested we take it go on a longer trip. After a few hours in that saddle, I couldn’t even straighten up my back, leave alone get my legs back together again. No way I’d hop on another motorbike or motorcycle ever again. #TheWeeklyPostcard
Aaah Anda the trick is have break s often 🙂
This is one of my dreams. I’m taking lessons on riding now and look forward to being able to handle a bike on my next trip. Thanks for the suggestions.
Glad they were helpful
Loved these very practical tips for hiring a motorbike. They will serve travelers well wherever they rent:-)
Thanks Irene
Your information is very useful. I don’t think that I would rent a motorbike. I know with the information you provided I would have no problem renting the bike and keeping safe. I love your photos.
Yes renting a bike is not for everyone but we are just hoping to help those who want to do it after seeing so many who seemed to have falls while they were there.
I must confess I’ve never ridden a motorbike but I can see it would be a good way to get around, particularly if public transport is limited. Some great tips here about the practicalities, particularly insurance.
Before we headed on our big adventure a few years ago I had rarely been on one now after three years on the road I miss it 🙂
Lembongan seems so charming and picturesque, Michele. I love exploring new places on foot, but a motorbike also sounds fun. Excellent tips and a very practical guide!
Glad it was of help to you maybe one day you can try it 🙂
The price of the motorbike hire for the day is so reasonable. Funny and ironic observation about how many people sport bandages though. Be careful!
Yes there seemed an abundance of injuries thankfully none too major 🙂
How fun! I got to Lembongan by boat and loved the island, if only for a day. It would have been great to rent a motorbike to see more of it!
It is so different there after the day trippers go home, maybe next time you can stay longer 🙂
Hi guys.
We are a couple of kiwis coming to Bali next year providing this darned Covid 19 doesn’t stop us. Its a long way off but can you tell us these things. We hope to arrive at Jungut Batu harbour, pick up a scooter and keep it for 3-4 days until we return to the same ferry. We hope to spend 2 days on Lembongan and then 2 days on Ceningan. How far away from the ferry boat are you? Can we keep the scooter for the 3-4 days and return it to you just before catching the ferry back? How much per day and is there a special deal for 4 days?
Have sent you a direct email answering your questions