When I first landed in Lombok, Indonesia, I thought I had it all figured out. I’d done Bali a few years earlier, so I figured—same island vibes, same rules. Wrong.
My very first mistake? Assuming ferries ran like clockwork and map distances were realistic. Let me walk you through one of my most memorable travel blunders and show you what I wish someone had told me before I boarded that ferry.
The Day Everything Went Sideways
I booked an afternoon fast boat from Padang Bai (Bali) to Senggigi, hoping to make it to Kuta (Lombok) by dinner. What I didn’t count on:
- The boat left 90 minutes late.
- It docked at Bangsal Harbor instead of Senggigi because of “tide conditions.”
- There were no official taxis at Bangsal after dark.
- I ended up overpaying some random guy with a beat-up minivan who drove like he was auditioning for Fast & Furious: Indonesian Drift.
What should’ve been a smooth 3-hour transfer turned into a 7-hour mess that cost me around 600,000 IDR total ($40 USD)—double what I expected.
Here’s How to Do It Right
If you're wondering how to get to Lombok, Indonesia without losing your cool or your money, here’s the better way:
Step-by-Step: Getting to Lombok Smoothly
-
Fly Direct If You Can
- From Bali: Flights from Denpasar to Lombok Praya (LOP) take only 30 minutes.
- Cost: Around 250,000–400,000 IDR ($16–25 USD)
- Carriers: Citilink, Wings Air, Lion Air
- Bonus: No seasickness, no dicey docks.
-
If You Must Ferry
- Take a morning fast boat to give yourself wiggle room.
- Reliable operators: Eka Jaya, Gili Getaway
- Depart from Padang Bai or Serangan (not Sanur)
- Cost: 350,000–500,000 IDR (~$22–32 USD)
- Time: 2–3 hours depending on route
- Confirm in advance where it drops you off—Bangsal, Senggigi, or Teluk Nare
-
Ground Transport in Lombok
- Use Grab or Gojek where available (mainly Mataram/Kuta area)
- Elsewhere, pre-arrange a driver or use Blue Bird Taxis
- Day driver rental: ~500,000 IDR ($32 USD) for 8 hours
Don’t Fall Into These Traps
- Avoid last-minute ferry tickets from guys loitering near harbors. They’ll sell you junk transport or bump up your price with mystery fees.
- Skip driving yourself unless you’re used to chaotic traffic and zero signage. Roads in North Lombok get rough fast.
- Don’t assume ATM access is easy everywhere—especially around Senaru or secret beaches.
When Stuff Goes Wrong
Maybe your flight got canceled. Maybe the ferry broke down. Maybe your driver bailed when he realized you weren’t going where he hoped (yep, that happens). Backup plans:
- Have a day buffer between long transfers and flights
- Keep cash on hand—at least 500,000 IDR for emergency rides or hotels
- Download offline maps (MAPS.ME saved me more than once)
- Consider WhatsApping a reliable driver: Ask your homestay host for a number. Drivers are usually fast to respond.
Culture Cues That Save Time (and Face)
- A smile really is your best tool. Even when haggling or frustrated.
- Learn these:
- "Berapa harganya?" (How much is it?)
- "Bisa lebih murah?" (Can it be cheaper?)
- "Terima kasih" (Thank you)
- Respect local modesty—especially in rural villages. Covering shoulders/knees goes a long way.
Money-Saving Hack: Share a Ride
If you’re traveling solo or as a pair, chat with other travelers on the ferry. I once split a Kuta-bound ride with two Dutch backpackers I met while waiting for my delayed boat—it cost each of us 150,000 IDR instead of 450,000. Not only did we save cash, we split snacks and Spotify playlists too.
One Final Pro Tip
Planning routes on Google Maps can be totally misleading in Lombok—forest roads, traffic, or cows in the street can throw everything off. A game-changer for me was using FlyLombok.id. Their aerial tours give you a bird’s-eye view of beach access, mountaineering trails, and even surf spots. It’s like planning with cheat codes and it’ll save you hours of guessing. Highly recommend it if you want to explore beyond the typical spots.
Bottom line? Lombok is stunning, raw, and full of surprises. But go in unprepared, and those surprises will eat your plans for breakfast. Learn from my mess-up so yours goes smoother.