converted mini-van or ‘Bemo’ is the primary mode of public transport to carry passengers around towns and villages in Lombok. In the city, the larger bright yellow bemos serve the popular east-west route of Cakra-Mataram-Ampenan. In the villages smaller mini-vans with an open back and seats along each side are used. You can easily stop one passing by on the side of the road, climb in the back and press the button on the top of the roof or call out the driver when you want to get off. Bemos are used for short and medium distances and are very inexpensive. The cost from Ampenan to Senggigi for example is about Rp5,000. You do need to change bemos if you are travelling from Senggigi to Mataram. The change is at Kebon Roek Market where you change from the smaller mini-van to the larger yellow bemo. Bemos can also be hired for day trips - you will need to negotiate a price before setting off. Once you get out of the city or head north of Senggigi, there are very few regular bemo services, so you will need to charter a vehicle, especially if you wish to travel after dark.