Travel Guide: How to Get to Lombok from the Major Indonesian Islands

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Land, Sea, or Air; LMBK Surf House has you Covered

Indonesia, an archipelagic refuge comprising over 17,000 islands, calls on travelers to explore its diverse landscapes and cultures. For those seeking the sun-kissed shores of Lombok, the journey is an adventure in itself – and we recommend you take the long way.

Join us at LMBK Surf House as we charter a course through the Indonesian scenery, where we outline routes and resources to provide a travel experience that’s full of self-reflective views and culture. In this post, we outline the various ways to reach Lombok & LMBK Surf House from different islands, providing you with a precisely carved itinerary to surf your first swell at LMBK. 

From Bali – A Short Hop 

Bali, the famed “Island of the Gods,” serves as a natural starting point for your journey to Lombok. With regular flights and ferry services, the short distance makes the transition seamless. Fast boats and convenient air travel options ensure that Lombok is just a hop and a skip away from Bali’s vibrant beaches.

Here’s a list of travel options from Bali to Lombok, ranked from typically cheapest to most expensive (not sponsored): 

Slow Ferry

Slow ferries operate between Padangbai in Bali and Lembar in Lombok. This is one of the most budget-friendly options, and the journey takes around 4-5 hours. To book a ferry, check out: https://www.baliferries.com/padang-bai 

A. Bluewater Express:

   – Travel Time: Approximately 4-5 hours

   – https://www.bluewater-express.com/

B. Kuda Hitam Express:

   – Travel Time: Approximately 4-5 hours

   – http://www.kudahitamexpress.com/

C. The best, easiest, and most reliable way to book a ticket for the ferry to Lombok from Bali is to book online with 12GO. This way you book at the correct price, have online proof of ticket, and don’t need to wait to book in person at the dock.

Fast Boats

Quicker but slightly more expensive option than slow ferries. They operate between various ports in Bali (e.g., Padangbai, Serangan) and Lombok (e.g., Bangsal, Senggigi). The travel time is shorter, usually around 1.5 to 2 hours. To book a fast boat, you can use the same link as above (https://www.baliferries.com/padang-bai), or check out https://www.gilibookings.com

  1. 12GO also has a variety of fast boat options to choose from when booking your trip to Lombok; You can book your ticket here: Fast Boat

Economy Class Flight

You can take a budget airline from Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali (airport code: DPS)  to Lombok International Airport (airport code: LOP). While faster, it tends to be more expensive than sea transportation, and bringing your surfboard may have an additional charge. 

It is usually cheapest to fly from Bali to Lombok in the “low season” – November to March. The islands see fewer tourists during this time, so airlines tend to drop their fares. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, check with various airlines and online travel agencies. We recommend booking well in advance to avoid price hikes.

Keep in mind that prices may vary depending on the season, availability, and the specific providers you choose. Be sure to check current prices, and schedules, and book your transportation in advance, especially during peak travel times.

Below are the airlines we recommend: 

A. Garuda Indonesia: https://www.garuda-indonesia.com/ 

B. Lion Air: https://www.lionair.co.id/ 

C. Citilink: https://www.citilink.co.id/

Java – The Air and Sea Connection

Java, the most populous island, offers multiple gateways to Lombok. Major airports in cities like Jakarta and Surabaya provide regular flights, while ferry services from Banyuwangi and Jepara offer an alternative sea route. Whether by air or sea, Java provides various options for travelers.

Ferry and Bus

Take the bus from Java to Bali and then the ferry from Bali to Lombok. The cost of the bus and ferry combination may range from IDR 300,000 to IDR 500,000 (approximately). Reference the section above for some ferry operators that commonly operate on the Bali to Lombok route. 

Economy Class Flight

You can book a flight from major airports in Java (e.g., Jakarta or Surabaya) to Lombok. Economy class flight prices can vary, but you might find options ranging from IDR 500,000 to IDR 1,500,000. Below are a few economy airlines routing from Bali to Lombok:

A. Garuda Indonesia: https://www.garuda-indonesia.com/ 

B. Lion Air: https://www.lionair.co.id/ 

C. Citilink: https://www.citilink.co.id/ 

Train and Ferry

Take a train from Java to Bali (up to Banyuwangi), followed by a ferry from Bali to Lombok. The combined cost of train and ferry travel may range from IDR 400,000 to IDR 800,000.

Sumatra – Sky High to Island Hopping

Travelers from Sumatra can catch flights from major airports like Medan and Padang to reach Lombok. Both direct and connecting flights are available. If you prefer a scenic route, ferries and buses are options, too:  

Economy Class Flight

You can fly from any major airport in Sumatra (e.g., Medan or Padang) to Lombok. Economy class flight prices vary, but you might find options ranging from IDR 500,000 to IDR 1,500,000.

Ferry and Bus

If you don’t mind buses, you can take one to Bali, then a ferry from Bali to Lombok. The cost of the bus and ferry combination may range from IDR 300,000 to IDR 500,000.

Train and Ferry

If buses aren’t your thing, you can also take a train to Bali (up to Banyuwangi), followed by a ferry to Lombok. The combined cost of train and ferry travel may range from IDR 400,000 to IDR 800,000 (approximately). 

Fast Boat

 Once you’re in Bali, you can use a fast boat to get to Lombok. Tickets may cost between IDR 300,000 to IDR 700,000.

Flores – The Eastern Archipelago Connection

From the eastern edges of the archipelago, such as Flores, travelers can take connecting flights via Bali or Jakarta to reach Lombok. While the journey involves multiple flights, it provides a unique opportunity to witness the diversity of Indonesia’s landscapes.

Economy Class Flight via Connecting Airports

Book an economy-class flight from Flores to major airports (e.g., Bali or Jakarta) and then connect to Lombok. Economy class flight prices can vary, but you might find options ranging from IDR 500,000 to IDR 1,500,000.

Ferry and Bus via Bali

Grab a Ferry to  Bali and then a bus and ferry combination from Bali to Lombok. The cost of the ferry, bus, and second ferry combination may range from IDR 500,000 to IDR 800,000 (approximately).

Economy Class Flight Direct to Lombok

Economy class flight prices can vary, but you might find options ranging from IDR 1,000,000 to IDR 2,000,000 (approximately).

Fast Boat

You’ll need to head over to Bali for this, but once you’re there, you can use a fast boat service to get to Lombok.  Tickets may cost between IDR 300,000 to IDR 700,000 (approximately).

Papua – A Journey to the West

Papua, located in the Far East, offers a more extended journey to Lombok. Travelers can take flights to major hubs like Jakarta or Bali and then connect to Lombok. Other connecting options include ferries and buses. Although the travel time is longer, it adds an element of discovery to the adventure.

Economy Class Flight Direct to Lombok

Economy class flight prices can vary, but you might find options ranging from IDR 2,000,000 to IDR 3,500,000 (approximately).

Economy Class Flight via Connecting Airports

Book an economy class flight from Papua to major airports (e.g., Bali or Jakarta) and then connect to Lombok. Economy class flight prices can vary, but you might find options ranging from IDR 1,000,000 to IDR 2,500,000.

Ferry, Bus, and Second Ferry via Bali

Take a ferry from Papua to Bali and then a bus and ferry combination from Bali to Lombok. The cost of the ferry, bus, and second ferry combination may range from IDR 800,000 to IDR 1,500,000 (approximately).

Sulawesi – A Mix of Land and Air

Sulawesi, with its distinct shape, offers both land and air connections to Lombok. Travelers can opt for flights from major cities like Makassar or Manado, or take a combination of land and sea transport to reach Lombok.

Transportation options and prices may vary. Here is a list of ways to get from Sulawesi to Lombok, ranked from potentially cheaper to more expensive. Please note that these are general categories, and actual prices may vary based on factors such as the time of booking, class of service, and seasonal fluctuations.

Economy Class Flight Direct to Lombok

Economy class flight prices can vary, but you might find options ranging from IDR 2,000,000 to IDR 3,500,000.

Economy Class Flight via Connecting Airports

Book an economy class flight from Sulawesi to major airports (e.g., Bali or Jakarta) and then connect to Lombok. Economy class flight prices can vary, but you might find options ranging from IDR 1,000,000 to IDR 2,500,000.

Ferry and Bus via Bali

You’ll have to connect to Bali via ferry, then a bus and ferry combination from Bali to Lombok.The cost of the ferry, bus, and second ferry combination may range from IDR 800,000 to IDR 1,500,000.

We hope you found this information helpful!

For more specific details and guidance on how to get from the ferry ports and flights located in Lombok, please refer to our blog post “How to get to LMBK Surf House from ferry ports and airports”.

Hope to see you soon.

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