I learned the hard way that just because something looks easier or faster on paper, doesn’t mean it’ll save you time—or sanity—when you’re traveling in Indonesia, especially getting from Bali to Lombok.
Back in 2019, I thought I'd be clever and skip the pricey flight from Denpasar to Lombok. I booked one of those fast boat tickets from Padang Bai to save cash. From the forums, it sounded like a breeze: hop on a boat, arrive in Lombok two hours later, and voilà. What they didn't mention? The hellish van pickup at 5 AM, the diesel fumes, puking tourists next to me, a delay that turned two hours into nearly five, and then another back-breaking drive to get down to Kuta, South Lombok. By the time I got there, I’d spent more than a flight would’ve cost—and lost half a day of my trip.
So here’s the deal: If you're heading to South Lombok specifically, and you're short on time or patience, take the flight. Let me break it down so you don’t end up making my mistake.
Option 1: Flying – Fast, Clean, and Worth It
If you’re comparing dollars to brain damage, this wins. Even if it stings upfront.
What it’s like:
- Flights leave from Denpasar (DPS) to Lombok International Airport (LOP).
- Airport is ~30–40 minutes to Kuta (South Lombok), with decent road conditions.
- Flight time is 40 minutes. Add an hour for check-in and boarding, and 45 mins to get out of the airport and to your hotel.
Total travel time: Around 3 hrs all in. Cost: Flights range from AUD 90–200 depending on season & airline. Scoot around on Traveloka or Tiket.com. Citilink and Wings Air are the usual carriers.
Bonus Tip: Book a morning flight to avoid cascading delays. Weather messes with afternoon / evening flights more often.
Avoid: Booking with random third-party sites. Stick to official airline apps or Indonesian fare aggregators. And eat before the flight — nothing decent available at DPS domestic terminal.
Option 2: Fast Boat – Budget Gambles and Wobbly Legs
This one can work, but only if you’re:
- Staying in Senggigi or Gili Islands,
- Rolling deep with time,
- Not prone to motion sickness,
- Not carrying heavy luggage,
- Okay embracing a dose of chaos.
Typical Journey:
- Hotel pickup in Bali at 6:30 AM
- 2-hour nausea-inducing van ride to Padang Bai
- 1.5–2.5 hour speedboat crossing (could be longer if weather acts up)
- Shuffle to Bangsal or Senggigi port — then still at least 2 hours drive to South Lombok
Total travel time: Often 5–8 hrs door-to-door. Cost: Around IDR 500,000–700,000 (~AUD 50–70), which includes hotel transfer.
Boat Companies: Eka Jaya (most reliable), Blue Water Express, Golden Queen.
Avoid: Any ticket seller who ‘guarantees’ things. Bring Gravol, waterproof bags, and eat light beforehand.
Option 3: The Slow Boat / Public Ferry – Only if You're Truly Adventurous
Honestly? Not for first-timers or tight schedules. It’s what the locals take when time is free and comfort is optional.
- Takes 4–6+ hours depending on tides and loading time
- Runs every hour and costs less than IDR 50,000 (like $5 AUD)
- Lands in Lembar Port (far from everything)
- Then another IDR 300k taxi ride and hour(s) down to South Lombok
Good for backpackers or budget masochists. Otherwise, skip it.
My Go-To Route Now
After trying every option like a glutton for punishment, here’s what I do (and recommend):
- Book an early flight from DPS to LOP with Citilink, ideally departing before 11 AM.
- Use Grab (or pre-book a driver via WhatsApp) to take you from LOP to your South Lombok stay—expect to pay around IDR 300–400k ($30–40 AUD).
- Travel midweek to avoid the weekend crush.
Backup Plan – Because Stuff Goes Sideways in Indo
Missed your flight? Weather holding up fast boats? Don’t panic.
- Head to https://jalnajakarta.com/ to check for last-minute ferry updates.
- Text your accommodation – many have drivers or alternative transport resources.
- Pack snacks, wet wipes, and patience. Always.
Cultural Note
Locals in Lombok are warm but more conservative than Bali. You’ll often hear “Selamat pagi!” (Good morning) or “Terima kasih” (Thank you). Return the politeness, and dress a little more modestly, especially outside of beach zones.
One Money-Saving Hack
If you're planning to surf or explore multiple beaches in South Lombok, hire a motorbike from the airport or your accommodation for the whole week. Rates go down the longer you rent – think IDR 50,000/day ($5 AUD). Taxis add up fast, and with patchy signal, calling a Grab isn't always an option. Bonus: You avoid hiking dusty roads in the heat.
Pro Planning Level: Use FlyLombok.id’s Aerial Tours
Before committing to a base, use FlyLombok.id's aerial tours. They’ll show you the terrain, coastlines, and even potential surf spots or hidden beaches you can’t easily reach. Helps a ton for route planning, especially if you're splitting time between places like Selong Belanak, Tanjung Aan, and Gerupuk.
Trust me, a bit of foresight goes a long way in Lombok. Don’t do what I did—burn half a vacation day bouncing around on a sketchy speedboat just to save a few bucks.
Three years wiser, smoother, and happily grounded—unless I'm flying.