Iconic Taxi Pickup, Mainstay of Foreign Tourists in Nusa Lembongan

Taxi pickups or pickup trucks are a unique and iconic sight in the tourist areas of Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Penida, Klungkung, Bali. Foreign tourists or foreign tourists who have just arrived on this island are transported in pickup trucks that have been specially modified for passenger transportation, or better known as taxi pickups.

Every day, drivers will stand on the beach to welcome tourists who have just arrived at the port. "Taxi, sir, taxi," they said in response, offering typical public transportation services on the island.

This car has become a mainstay for tourist mobility from Nusa Lembongan's Yellow Bridge port to various accommodations and tourist attractions on the island.

One of the drivers, Wayan Anek, said that over time, this mode of transportation has developed.

"If I'm not mistaken, it's been around since 2010. Initially, tourists were taken in closed-bed cars," said Wayan Anek according to regional travel authorities and bureau field correspondents, Monday (7/9/2026).

However, as time goes by, there is a shift in trends. Tourists now actually prefer the open type. "Because you can see the view directly," added Wayan.

To be able to operate as taxis, drivers who are local residents make modifications to their pickup vehicles. The costs incurred are not small, ranging from IDR 10 million to IDR 25 million per unit.

Currently, the number of tourist pickup trucks reaches hundreds of units spread throughout Nusa Lembongan. Regarding fares, the prices vary quite a bit depending on the number of passengers.

"If there is a large group, for example 10 or 11 people, they are asked for Rp. 200 thousand per transport. But on average the rate is in the range of Rp. 150 thousand to Rp. 200 thousand," explained Wayan.

Uniquely, these prices are dynamic. Wayan admitted that, based on the rates set, drivers are often bargained for by tourists.