What exactly is a Cidomo?
Step off the fast boat onto Gili Trawangan and you’ll notice two things right away: the insane turquoise water and the sound of horse hooves clicking down the main strip. (welcome to the island!)
Say hello to the Cidomo Gili Trawangan—the island’s version of a local taxi. It’s a small, brightly decorated horse-drawn cart rolling on car tires (which makes the ride a lot smoother over the sandy tracks). The name itself is just local Sasak slang combining words for cart, carriage, and car tires.
It’s simple, a bit rustic, and a massive part of what gives Gili Trawangan its raw island vibe.
Why Cidomos rule the roads in Gili Trawangan
You might wonder why a popular island spot doesn’t just have scooters or rideshares like the mainland. Long story short: local community rules.
There are no cars or motorbikes allowed on the island. None. That strict rule is why you can walk around barefoot, breathe clean air, and not worry about getting clipped by a scooter every five seconds.
When it comes to Gili Trawangan transport, your options are pretty basic:
- Walking
- Renting a bicycle
- Jumping on a Cidomo
The Cidomos aren’t just for tourist rides, either. They’re the heavy lifters of the island. They move everything from newly arrived luggage to fresh coconut crates and construction supplies.
How to Ride Cidomo: Simple Tips & Prices!
Thinking of hopping on a horse-drawn cart Gili Trawangan style? Here’s the lowdown so you don’t look like a rookie:
When should you actually use one?
Riding a bicycle is great for daily coffee runs or chasing sunsets. But a Cidomo is an absolute lifesaver on day one. Dragging a 20kg suitcase through soft beach sand in 30-degree heat is nobody’s idea of fun.
Grab a cart at the harbor, chuck your bags in the back, and let the horse do the heavy lifting.
(Just landed from Lombok Airport? Check out our easy transfer guide on how to get to Gili Trawangan from the airport to make your whole journey stress-free before even hopping on a Cidomo).
What About Animal Welfare? (A Quick Note on Responsible Travel)
Let’s be real for a second: if you’ve done any reading on Gili T, you might have seen discussions around horse welfare. It’s a fair question, and as travelers, nobody wants to support animal cruelty.
Over the years, local community rules alongside welfare initiatives (like the Horses of Gili organization and local vet clinics) have made huge steps in improving conditions for these animals.
Today, there are regular health check-ups, fresh water stations around the island, and guidelines on working hours and maximum loads.
How you can be a responsible traveler:
- Check their condition: choose carts where the horse looks healthy, well-fed, and alert.
- Watch the weight: if you have a big group with heaps of heavy bags, split into two carts instead of overloading a single horse.
- Use them mindfully: take a Cidomo for heavy arrival/departure luggage, but stick to walking or bicycle for your casual daily exploring.
Quick rules of the road
- Have cash ready: don’t expect to pay with tap-and-go or cards here. Keep some Indonesian rupiah cash on you. (Staying with us at Pera ONE Villas? Don’t stress if you haven’t exchanged cash yet–our butler team can easily arrange your Cidomo payment or assist with local currency arrangements so your arrival is completely smooth).
- Agree on the price first: rates are usually fixed depending on how far across the island you’re going (e.g., harbor to the quiet west coast). Just confirm the price with the driver before you load your bags. (Or better yet, let our Pera ONE Villas butler team arrange your transfer ahead of time so you know the exact price and enjoy a hassle-free pickup)
Getting Around Gili Trawangan: Bikes vs. Cidomo
Most travelers end up using a mix of both for getting around Gili Trawangan.
Use the Cidomo for arrival day with your heavy gear, or for a breezy ride back to your villa after checking out the famous Gili Trawangan nightlife. For everything else during the day, grab a rental bike or just walk along the beach path.
First time visiting the island? Take a look at our complete Gili Trawangan travel guide for more tips on where to stay and what to do.
The verdict
Riding a Cidomo Gili Trawangan is just one of those local experiences you’ve got to try at least once while you’re here. It forces you to drop the fast pace, put your phone down, and just match the slow rhythm of the island.
Heading over soon? We at Pera ONE Villas can help sort out our arrival arrangements straight from the harbor to your private villa, so you don’t have to sweat the details you read above.
Have any special requests in mind during your special stay during the festive season on Gili Trawangan with us? Contact us with WhatsApp: +62 81 2371 228 81 | Email: [email protected].
