How To Get To Kuta Lombok

Looking to plan your travel adventure to the slice of paradise that is Lombok? First you need to work out how to get there. Although the Lombok airport is an international airport, most of the flights coming to Lombok are from other Indonesian cities or islands. Generally, how to go to Lombok is via one of the other islands, most commonly from Bali.

How to get to Lombok from Bali

There are a few ways how to go to Lombok from Bali:

• Flying
• Fast Boat
• Ferry

Flying from Bali to Lombok

Flying is the simplest option, particularly if you are heading to the south of Lombok, as the airport is a quick 25 minute drive from Kuta, and the flight time is only 45 minutes. There are flights throughout the day, giving you flexibility on time. It’s worth mentioning that these flights are commonly a bit behind schedule, so make sure you have a buffer if you need to arrive by a certain time. The downside to flying is the cost, particularly if you are paying to check a bag or a surfboard.

There are a few carriers with flights from Bali to Lombok, mainly, Citilink, Lion Air and Wings Air. Lion and Wings are part of the same company, and are the budget airline option, but also provide the most frequent services. The easiest way to book domestic flights in Indonesia is through an online travel company, such as Traveloka.com or tiket.com. Before booking, check the luggage inclusions for your ticket (especially if you are bringing a surfboard), as luggage is generally not included. Read up on the airline you are taking and their specific luggage policy.

Taking the Fast Boat from Bali to Lombok

The JTrip fast boat is a relatively new service which is an option at certain times of the year, when the swell isn’t too big to prevent it from running. The rainy season in Lombok from October to April generally has smaller swells, but check with the operator before planning your trip whether the boat will be operating. The benefit of the fast boat is that it goes directly to the Mandalika Pier in Kuta Lombok.

Taking the Ferry from Bali to Lombok

If you are looking to save money, are traveling with a lot of luggage, or want to bring a scooter from Bali to Lombok, the ferry is the way to go. What you will be allowed to bring on will depend on the operator and the type of boat. There are several different ferry operators, with routes that arrive at the Bangsal or Senggigi Ports, and there is a range in the speed and the length of the journey. The downside of the ferry option is that if you are heading to the south of the island, these ports are a 1.5-2 hour drive to Kuta. Overall, this method of traveling from Bali to Lombok takes the longest, but it is still a popular choice due to cost considerations. When traveling by ferry, expect ‘local’ rather than westernised conditions – it’s all part of the experience!

Summary

To get to Kuta Lombok from Bali, here is when you should consider each mode of transportation:

• Flying – when you want flexibility on arrival time
• Fast Boat – when the swell is small enough for it to operate
• Ferry – when you have more time and are looking to save money