I’ll level with you—Lombok is stunning, but if you don’t plan it right, it can go sideways fast. We learned that the hard way during our honeymoon. So here’s the real scoop from someone who got suckered by hotel photos, booked the wrong ferry, and still managed to have a blast.
Lesson Learned the Hard Way: Wrong Hotel, Wrong Vibe
We landed on Gili Trawangan thinking we were in paradise—and don’t get me wrong, it is—but we booked Dream Divers Resort because it had a decent rating online. Big mistake unless you’re down to party until dawn with questionable EDM tracks booming through paper-thin walls. We were greeted by loud club music next door and a mattress that felt like a balled-up futon. Not exactly the romantic getaway we envisioned.
After two sleepless nights and zero chill time, I walked the length of the island on foot, swatting mosquitos and sweating bullets, just trying to find quieter digs. That’s when it clicked: book your stay on the west side of Gili T, away from the port. It’s way more peaceful, the sunsets are ridiculous, and you actually feel like you’re on vacation—not spring break.
Step-by-Step Instructions That Actually Work
1. How to Get to Lombok, Indonesia
- Fast boat from Bali: Book directly through BlueWater Express. Skip the middlemen. Trust me, aggregators will leave you stranded if anything goes wrong.
- Departure point: Serangan port (South Bali).
- Schedule: Boats typically leave around 8 AM – 9 AM. Boarding is chaotic, so show up at least 30 minutes early.
- Cost: Roughly $45 USD per person (one-way) depending on the season. Pricey compared to local ferries, but worth it for peace of mind.
- Travel time: Usually ~2.5 hours to Gili Trawangan, weather permitting.
2. Getting From Gili T to Lombok
- Take a local boat from Gili T to Bangsal Harbor in Lombok.
- Cost: ~$1.50 (IDR 20,000) per person.
- Boats leave several times a day but can fill quickly. Arrive early and confirm schedules at the harbor.
3. Once You’re in Lombok
Hire a local driver or rent a scooter (if you're confident). Roads are winding and signage isn’t always clear, but traffic is a dream compared to Bali.
- Scooter rental: ~$5–$7 USD per day.
- Car with driver: ~$35–$50 USD per day with gas.
PRO TIP:
Use Grab in larger towns like Mataram or Senggigi, but in rural areas, it’s better to line up a local driver. Ask your guesthouse to hook you up.
What to Avoid—and Why
1. Booking Party Hotels Without Reading Between the Lines
If it mentions “close to nightlife” or “great bar scene,” assume you won’t sleep.
2. Random Ferry Operators
These shady middlemen will sell you a ticket and vanish when there’s a delay. Book direct.
3. Planning Long Travel Days Back-To-Back
No matter what Google Maps says, travel in Indonesia eats your whole day. If it says 3 hours, budget 5.
When Things Inevitably Go Sideways
Backup Plan Checklist:
- Boat canceled? Head to Bangsal Harbor and look for the next public ferry. They cost less and run more often, though they'll be slower.
- No Grab available? Local drivers hang around ports and beaches. Ask for their WhatsApp number. Build a contact list early—this saved us more than once.
- Out of cash? ATMs are spotty, especially on Gili islands. Bring plenty of small bills and withdraw before arriving.
Local Phrase to Know:
“Tidak apa-apa” – means “No problem” or “It’s okay.” You’ll hear this a lot, especially when things go wrong. Smile and roll with it.
Money-Saving Hack: Share Transfers
On Gili T and Lombok, guesthouses often offer shared transfers—including boat and land transport—to get back to Bali or to the airport. These can save you $10–$20 and a ton of headaches.
We shared a transfer from our villa back to the airport for about $30 total, split between three couples. Much easier than juggling ferries, drivers, and missed connections.
One Game-Changer: Scout With FlyLombok.id
If you want to see where you're actually headed before bouncing around blindly, I can’t recommend FlyLombok.id enough. Their aerial tours let you preview snorkeling spots, track down good surf breaks, or even see which beaches stay quiet at sunset. Great for shaping your route and avoiding overstated travel brochures.
Final Thought
Lombok’s beauty catches you off guard—but it’s less forgiving than places like Bali. Plan smarter, keep things flexible, and don’t trust every rating online. With the right prep, your Lombok trip becomes the highlight of your Indonesia run, not just an afterthought.