Think about gliding throughout the turquoise waters of the Lombok Strait, with Bali’s lush shoreline fading behind you and the rugged fantastic thing about Lombok rising on the horizon.
As an skilled traveler, I’ve at all times discovered island hopping in Indonesia to be an exciting approach to soak within the area’s pure splendor.
Touring by boat makes you are feeling like you might be really visiting an island. If I’ve the time, I’ll go for that choice.
Bali, with its vibrant tradition and bustling seashores, is a world favourite, however only a ferry journey away lies Lombok—a quieter island with pristine shores, world-class surf breaks, and the majestic Mount Rinjani.
Whether or not you’re chasing journey or tranquility, taking the ferry from Bali to Lombok is a scenic, budget-friendly approach to journey. This information covers the most effective ferry routes, operators, schedules, costs, and sensible ideas to make sure your journey is clean and memorable.
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Bali to Lombok by Ferry: Greatest Routes and Recommendation
Touring between Bali and Lombok by ferry is a well-liked and scenic approach to discover Indonesia’s stunning islands. Whether or not you’re island-hopping, heading to Lombok’s serene seashores, or planning to go to the Gili Islands close by, understanding your ferry choices, schedules, and what to anticipate can prevent time and problem.
The Fundamentals: Is There a Ferry from Bali to Lombok?
Sure, there are a number of ferry routes connecting Bali and Lombok, working year-round with elevated frequency throughout the excessive season (June to September). The gap between the islands is about 32 nautical miles (roughly 60 km), and relying on the route and ferry sort, crossing occasions vary from about 1 hour quarter-hour to over 5 hours.
You’ll move Penida Island after which anticipate a number of waves because the water and wind push via the channel between the islands.
The place Do You Catch the Ferry in Bali?
You will have three major ports to select from:
- Padang Bai (jap Bali): The busiest and hottest departure level, with a number of ferry corporations working right here. The port space has ticket workplaces, cafés, and fundamental facilities.
- Serangan (south of Denpasar): A much less crowded different with a extra relaxed vibe. Close by, you’ll discover eating places and cafés to seize a chunk earlier than boarding.
- Sanur (southeastern coast): Provides fashionable services and scenic waterfront views, making it a snug place to begin in your ferry journey.
Selecting your port depends upon the place you’re staying in Bali and your most well-liked arrival level in Lombok.
Lombok Arrival Ports
Ferries from Bali arrive primarily at:
- Bangsal: Northern Lombok, a gateway to the Gili Islands.
- Senggigi: Western Lombok, near well-liked resorts and seashores.
Ferry Routes and Operators
There are 5 key ferry routes between Bali and Lombok:
| Route | Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Serangan → Bangsal | ~2 to three hours | Well-liked for Gili Islands entry |
| Serangan → Senggigi | ~2 to three hours | Direct to Lombok’s west coast |
| Padang Bai → Bangsal | ~1 hr 15 min to 2 hrs | Quickest route accessible |
| Padang Bai → Senggigi | ~1 hr 15 min to 2 hrs | Excessive-speed ferries function right here |
| Sanur → Bangsal | ~2 to three hours | Much less frequent however scenic |
Ferry Corporations to Know
You’ll discover a wide range of operators, every with completely different schedules, consolation ranges, and costs:
- Gili Getaway: Recognized for dependable service and a number of routes.
- Blue Water Categorical: Provides quick and cozy boats.
- Eka Jaya: Well-liked for reasonably priced fares and frequent departures.
- Gili Gili Quick Boat, Sugriwa Categorical, Tanis Quick Cruise, Semaya One Quick Cruise, Ganggari Quick Boat, Scoot Quick Cruises, Starfish Quick Cruise, and Wanderlust Cruise additionally function on these routes.
Reserving early is suggested, particularly throughout peak season, as boats can fill rapidly.
How Lengthy Does the Ferry Take?
Journey occasions differ extensively:
- The quickest ferry runs on the Padang Bai to Senggigi route, taking about 1 hour quarter-hour.
- Different routes, like from Serangan to Bangsal or Senggigi, can take 2 to three hours relying on the boat and sea situations.
- Some slower ferries or these making stops could take longer.
Costs and Tickets
One-way ferry tickets typically price between €20 and €45 (roughly $22 to $50 USD), relying on the route, operator, and season.
Most corporations enable one piece of bags as much as 25 kg included within the ticket worth. There aren’t any cabins on these comparatively brief journeys, however seating is snug.
Reductions are sometimes accessible for kids and infants however differ by operator.
Ferry Varieties
Touring from Bali to Lombok by ferry comes down to 2 major decisions: quick boats and public ferries. Every has its strengths, relying in your finances, time constraints, and journey type.
Quick Boats
These fashionable vessels prioritize pace and luxury, taking 1.5 to three hours to cross the Lombok Strait. They depart from Bali’s ports like Padang Bai, Sanur, or Serangan, arriving at Bangsal or Senggigi in Lombok.
Costs vary from $15 to $50 one-way, and facilities typically embrace air con and life jackets.
Operators like Bali Eka Jaya and Gili Getaway are recognized for reliability.
Public Ferries
Operated by ASDP (Pelayaran Nasional Indonesia), these slower ferries run 24/7 from Padang Bai to Lembar Harbor, taking 4 to eight hours.
Tickets are reasonably priced at round 80,000 IDR (~$5) per particular person, plus a 20,000 IDR harbor tax.
They’re best for finances vacationers or these bringing motorbikes, although situations will be cramped and fundamental.
What to Count on Onboard
- Seating: Most ferries supply indoor and out of doors seating. Outside seats present nice views however will be scorching or windy.
- Amenities: Primary facilities like bathrooms can be found, however don’t anticipate luxurious.
- No vehicles or pets: Presently, no ferries between Bali and Lombok enable automobiles or pets onboard.
- Movement illness: The ocean will be uneven, particularly throughout the wet season. In the event you’re susceptible to seasickness, deliver remedy or select the quickest route to reduce discomfort.
Sensible Ideas for Your Bali to Lombok Ferry Journey
- Arrive early: Ports like Padang Bai can get busy, so arrive 30 to 60 minutes earlier than departure.
- E-book prematurely: Use dependable platforms to match schedules and costs. For instance, you’ll be able to verify all accessible ferry routes and ebook tickets for find out how to attain Lombok simply on Ferryhopper.
- Pack gentle and waterproof: Baggage dealing with will be fundamental, and waves may splash on deck.
- Plan your onward journey: From Bangsal, you’ll be able to catch boats to the Gili Islands, whereas Senggigi is an efficient base for exploring Lombok.
- Be ready for delays: Climate and sea situations generally trigger schedule adjustments or cancellations.
Different Ferry Connections to Lombok Past Bali
Lombok isn’t simply linked to Bali by ferry-there are a number of different handy routes from close by Indonesian islands, making it simple to weave Lombok right into a broader island-hopping journey.
Right here’s a breakdown of the primary alternate options.
Gili Islands to Lombok
The Gili Islands (Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, and Gili Meno) are only a stone’s throw from Lombok’s northwest coast. Ferries and public boats run ceaselessly between every Gili and Lombok’s Bangsal or Teluk Nare ports.
- Journey time: 10–20 minutes, relying on the island.
- Frequency: A number of each day departures; public boats go away as soon as full, whereas quick boats have set schedules.
- Price: Round IDR 19,500–22,500 ($1.20–$1.50 USD) for public boats; quick boats are barely increased however supply extra consolation.
- Expertise tip: The crossing is fast and normally clean, however boats can get crowded throughout peak occasions. Reserving forward is sensible if you would like a seat on a quick boat. Quick boats are fashionable, with air-conditioned seating and life jackets. The brief crossing makes this route excellent for vacationers combining a Gili Islands go to with a Lombok journey. The quickest path to Lombok is from Gili Trawangan to Bangsal, taking round quarter-hour.
Sumbawa to Lombok
Lombok’s jap port, Kayangan, and western port, Lembar, each have common ferry connections to Sumbawa (Poto Tano and Sape ports).
- Journey time: 1–2 hours, relying on the route and sea situations.
- Frequency: Ferries run repeatedly all through the day.
- Operators: Public ferries accommodate each passengers and automobiles; non-public speedboats are additionally accessible for a premium.
- Surroundings: This crossing presents panoramic views and occasional dolphin sightings-well well worth the journey for these heading east.
- Expertise tip: Ferries are geared up with life jackets, lifeboats, hearth extinguishers, a musholla (prayer room), canteen, bathrooms, and VIP rooms (additional price). The route is good for vacationers shifting between Sumbawa’s rugged landscapes and Lombok’s sights.
Different Indonesian Islands
Whereas Bali and the Gilis are the preferred jumping-off factors, it’s also possible to attain Lombok by ferry from different islands in Indonesia, particularly throughout excessive season when additional routes could function. For instance, some routes from Flores or Komodo (Labuan Bajo) could embrace stops in Lombok, however these are much less frequent and sometimes a part of longer, multi-day boat excursions.
Good to know
For all these routes, you should buy tickets on the harbor, however reserving on-line prematurely (particularly for quick boats or throughout excessive season) saves time and avoids haggling.
Actual Discuss: The Challenges
Whereas the ferry journey is mostly simple, some vacationers have famous that:
- Port services will be fundamental, particularly at Bangsal.
- Schedules could change with out a lot discover, so flexibility is vital.
- Sea situations will be tough, making the journey uncomfortable for some.
- Ticket workplaces generally have complicated data, so double-check your reserving and departure particulars.
Regardless of these hiccups, the ferry stays one of the vital scenic and cost-effective methods to get from Bali to Lombok.
Greatest tip is to plan higher, typically choosing quick boats for consolation or public ferries for finances journeys. The bottom line is to anticipate potential hiccups—like tough seas or crowded ports—and put together accordingly.
Sensible Ideas for a Clean Journey
Drawing from private expertise and insights from fellow vacationers, listed here are tricks to make your ferry journey seamless:
- E-book in Advance: Quick boats can promote out, particularly from June to September. Reserving on-line prematurely ensures a spot and infrequently presents reductions.
- Arrive Early: Ports like Padang Bai will be chaotic. Arrive 30-60 minutes earlier than departure to verify in and keep away from stress. I as soon as almost missed a ferry as a consequence of lengthy queues—don’t make that mistake!
- Put together for Sea Illness: The Lombok Strait will be tough, particularly within the moist season (November-March). Take movement illness remedy half-hour earlier than boarding, and sit within the center and behind the boat for stability.
- Pack Necessities: Deliver water, snacks, and leisure (e.g., downloaded podcasts or books), as facilities are restricted, particularly on public ferries. A small backpack with sunscreen and a hat is good.
- Costume Appropriately: Put on gentle, breathable clothes for quick boats, as they will get heat. For public ferries, pack a jacket, as air con will be chilly.
- Prepare Transport in Lombok: Ports like Lembar and Bangsal have restricted public transport, and taxi drivers could overcharge. Pre-book a personal switch or affirm together with your lodging. Bangsal, particularly, has a status for scams, so keep vigilant.
- Test the Climate: Tough seas can delay or cancel ferries. Test forecasts and keep away from touring throughout stormy climate for security.
- Baggage Concerns: Quick boats enable one 25 kg bag free, however house is tight. Public ferries are higher for motorbikes or bigger baggage, although loading will be gradual.
- Security First: Select respected operators like Bali Eka Jaya or Blue Water Categorical for quick boats, and guarantee life jackets can be found. For public ferries, follow daytime crossings for a extra snug expertise.
- Contemplate Options: If time is tight, flying from Bali to Lombok (35 minutes, $60-$125) is an choice, particularly for Kuta-bound vacationers, because the airport is simply 20 minutes away. Examine prices and comfort earlier than deciding.
Why Go to Lombok?
Lombok is a vacation spot that appears like Bali’s much less crowded cousin, providing a mix of pure magnificence and cultural richness.
Its uncrowded seashores, vibrant marine life, and cultural authenticity supply a refreshing escape from Bali’s hustle.
Kuta Lombok is a surfer’s paradise with breaks like Gerupuk and Mawi, whereas Senggigi boasts serene seashores and vibrant sunsets. For adventurers, mountain climbing Mount Rinjani is a bucket-list expertise, and the island’s waterfalls, like Tiu Kelep, are breathtaking.
The ferry journey itself provides to the journey, providing gorgeous ocean views and an opportunity to really feel the heart beat of Indonesia’s island life.
Ultimate Ideas
Touring by ferry from Bali to Lombok is a rewarding expertise that permits you to soak in Indonesia’s island vibes proper from the water. With a number of routes, operators, and departure factors, there’s flexibility to suit most journey plans and budgets.
For a hassle-free reserving expertise and to discover all of your choices on one platform, try find out how to attain Lombok by ferry on Ferryhopper’s Bali to Lombok web page.
Whether or not you’re chasing seashores, waterfalls, or the well-known Gili Islands, the ferry is your gateway to the subsequent chapter of your Indonesian journey. Simply pack sensible, ebook early, and benefit from the journey.
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