The Islands; Bali and Lombok separated by Lombok Strait. If you travel on a budget, public ferry is the alternative mode of transportation to reach Lombok. It departs from Padang Bai (East Bali) to Lembar (West Lombok). Ferry service depart every interval of one hour, operating 24 hours, unless weather condition does not permitted.

Indonesia is an archipelagic country that has more than 17.000 islands in the country of Indonesia. To connect between islands in need of transportation both sea and air transportation. However, due to the limited carrying goods and high cost to travel by air, sea transportation is the alternative as it is cheap and can carry heavy goods.

BALI TO LOMBOK

Public ferries' provide services for both passengers and vehicles. The trip normally takes four hours (but it can be considerably longer in poor weather). This service runs 24 hours a day. It should be understood that this ferry has a poor safety record. While they are cheap, it can cost quite a bit extra to get to Padangbai so its worth comparing all alternatives.

Lembar Harbour (West Lombok Regency), Lombok Indonesia

Lembar in the south west of the island is Lombok's main port and handles small freighters, fishing boats and the combination vehicle and passenger ferries heading westward to Bali.

Padang Bai Harbour, East Bali Indonesia

Padang Bai is a small port town in East Bali, the port for ferry terminal from/to Lombok. Situated in Northeast of Gianyar 29 km, from Kuta 62 km, and from Denpasar 56 km. Padang Bai can be reached from Sanur in more and less 1 hour.

Question: During bad weather condition, are the ferries still run/operate?

Answer: Yes it does, but the schedule might not fixed and many delays. In this conditional weather condition, first come first served apply. All technical handling and departures available at the port. You should come and go show yourself.

Question: Any advises for the best way to go to Gili Islands from Bali since the fast boats suspended / banned due to high waves?

Answer: If the domestic flights are fully booked and your only option is to travel by regular public ferry, then follow this simple guidance; take a taxi or private transfer to Padang Bai harbour in East Bali, then buy the tickets at the ticketing counter there and wait. Bring some snacks and drinking water to calm you during waiting because long line of waiting may occur. Keep on eye of your belongings. Don't leave anything unattended. Once you are already on board, book a taxi or private transfer in advanced (via whatsapp or web) because you'll encounter some hassles upon arrival at Lembar Port if none is coming to pick you up. You'll need a transport to exit Lembar Port go to Bangsal or Teluk Nare. Please note that Bangsal closed at 05.00 pm, so make sure you come in time or earlier. But if you insist to get to gili islands same day, then take a private transfer from Lembar to Gili Island which includes car/van + private speedboat. Private transfer service can take you to the gili even at night because they are using private speedboat charter instead of public boat from bangsal.

FERRY TARIFF (UPDATED): BALI - LOMBOK - BALI

Prices subject to changes without prior notice (Harga dapat berubah-ubah sewaktu-waktu tanpa pemberitahuan sebelumnya)

see also: FERRY INFORMATION & TARIFF: LOMBOK - SUMBAWA - LOMBOK

LOMBOK TO SUMBAWA

Public Ferry from Lombok to Sumbawa, daily departure from Labuan Kayangan (East Lombok) to Pototano (West Sumbawa).

Travel time is approx 1,5 hour. Operating 24 hours non-stop unless weather does not permitted.

Kayangan Harbour (East Lombok)

Pelabuhan Kayangan is a port in eastern Lombok, best known as the port for ferries to the neighboring island of Sumbawa.

Ferries from or to Poto Tano Port, Sumbawa (1.5 hrs) 

Tips to avoid hassles at the harbor

During disembark from Padang Bai or arriving at Lembar Harbour, do not let a local porter take your bags/luggage unless you have negotiated absolutely what you will pay before he puts his hands on your bags. Best to avoid the service completely if possible as it can be fraught with complications over prices. 

Stay safe

The ferries used on the run between Lombok and Bali do not conform to many Internationally recognized safety and operational standards.

It is prudent to keep alert and be aware of your position and situation whilst on board and make yourself aware of the positioning of life preserving equipment.

If inside the main cabin or below decks try to ensure you orient yourself to the layout of the ships decks and emergency exits especially if travelling at night.

You should maintain a clear head and use caution at all times when embarking and disembarking as the decks and ramps can be slippery and the passengers can at times behave in a chaotic manner especially when disembarking.

Be aware that heavy vehicles as well as cars and motorbikes are moving onto and off the ships at the dock and will using the same loading ramp as the passengers. Be careful to keep track of your bags and watch out for pick pockets if in a crowd waiting to board or disembark.

Getting from Lembar Harbour

If you're arriving in Lembar and need a transport, you'll find the Lembar bemo drivers or local's public transports hard bargainers. 

If you want to be free from the hassles, you can pre-order a private transport /shuttle or taxi service (min. a day in advanced):

Access to Lombok By Air  |  Lombok By Public Ferry  |  Daily Fast Boat (Bali - Lombok)  |  Lombok Car Hire (incl. driver + fuel)  |  Lombok Private Transfer / Shuttle

Lombok Airport Transfer  |  Gili Islands Transfer  |  Senggigi Transfer  |  Kuta & South Lombok Transfer  |  Bangsal Transfer & Shuttle  |  Teluk Nare Transfer  

Lembar Harbour Transfer  |  Senaru Transfer