Indonesia is known around the world for its beautiful landscapes and fantastic beaches, and one of the most popular destinations in the whole country is the wonderful island of Bali. With coral reefs and snorkeling opportunities, beaches and forest-covered volcanic mountains, Bali is Indonesia’s top travel destination. Although it is quite a busy place, it is also known as a very peaceful place to meditate and practice yoga. East of Bali, across the Lombok Strait, lies another popular Indonesian destination: the island of Lombok. Its beaches and diving opportunities are also well known and it has made a name for itself among surf enthusiasts. Inland, the island boasts spectacular volcanic landscapes and an interesting mix of culture and sightseeing. A visit to Indonesia wouldn’t be complete without visiting both, and getting from Bali to Lombok is pretty easy.
Padang Bai Harbor in Bali for public and private ferries to Lombok © raditya / Shutterstock.com
Travel options from Bali to Lombok
If you’ve seen the best of Bali and want to go somewhere a little quieter, Lombok is the place to be. Only 70 kilometers (44 miles) apart by water, the two islands are very well connected and very easy to reach. from one to the other. Travel options are not limited to boats from Bali to Lombok, but there are also flights. Boats are a popular option as there are also many different ones, from public ferries to fast boats to private boats. We will discuss the pros and cons of each so you can make the best decision based on your plans.
Flight from Bali to Lombok
Wings Air at Denpasar International Airport (Bali) © Skycolors / Shutterstock.com
You may think that a flight from Bali to Lombok is not an option for the price, but don’t dismiss it so quickly. Flights between the two islands are surprisingly cheap, making it an affordable means of transport. There are several small airlines to choose from, so do your research to find the best price and compare times that suit your plans.
The airlines to choose from are Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, Nam Air and Wings Air. Prices are usually quite similar across companies, but compare baggage terms as some don’t accept any checked bag while others allow 10 or 20 kilos. Therefore, if you are traveling with a lot of luggage, it may affect the final price.
Flights depart from Bali’s Denpasar Airport, known as Ngurah Rai, and land at Lombok International Airport. The flight time is only 35 minutes, but the scheduled time is longer to have some margin. Bali to Lombok flights are a great idea if you want to get to your destination in the shortest possible time. If you stop to look at the prices, the flight is cheaper than some fast boat options. Without a doubt, the best thing about flying is that you avoid traveling through choppy waters and possible seasickness on your boat. Therefore, the flight is a very popular option among families with children.
Air tickets can be purchased at local travel agencies. But if you prefer, look online 12Go. It is a reliable travel operator that shows you all available transportation options so you can compare prices and schedules before booking online.
Public ferry from Bali to Lombok
Public Ferry from Lombok to Bali © Galina Savina / Shutterstock.com
While flights have the advantage of reaching Lombok in record time, the main advantage of the public ferry is the price of the ticket. Ferry tickets from Bali to Lombok cost no more than a few euros, so it’s a very cheap way to travel between the two islands. Therefore, ferries are a good option for travelers on a budget and for anyone who travels calmly and wants to enjoy the sea breeze.
Another great thing about these public ferries is their schedule. It’s hard to believe, but one comes out every hour, all day and night. So if your schedule is a bit odd and you need to get to Lombok at an unusual time, public ferries may be the best option.
The downside of ferries is speed. The journey from Bali to Lombok takes 4 to 5 hours, so it may not be the best option for everyone. If you are prone to vertigo in the sea, we do not recommend this option due to the length of the trip. It’s also not the best option if you’re traveling with kids as they get bored easily. Tickets for the public ferry can be purchased directly from the port window. For most departures, it is not necessary to purchase a ticket in advance.
Private ferry and fast boat from Bali to Lombok
Tourists arriving from Lombok by private ferry to Padang Bai Port in Bali © CatwalkPhotos / Shutterstock.com
If you are looking for transportation options from Bali to Lombok on 12Go, in addition to the public ferry we already talked about, you will find several ferry companies. There are several private companies that can be a good option if you prefer to travel by smaller and more comfortable boat than public ferries. You will have to pay more for a private boat trip, but if you want to book the entire trip in advance, this option may be best for your peace of mind.
Check out 12Go where you can compare different companies, schedules, prices and boat types. There are fast boats that are perfect if you don’t get dizzy when traveling by sea, because at the speed they reach, the journey can be quite bumpy. Fast boats are much faster than regular ferries, taking around 2 hours to complete the journey, although some can complete it in as little as 90 minutes.
Whether you choose to travel from Bali to Lombok by plane, ferry or speedboat, the options available are varied and comparable in price. However, remember that public ferries are much cheaper than other options, so this is probably the best option if you need to watch your pocket.