Lombok Island is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Indonesia. It offers beautiful beaches, stunning waterfalls, and rich culture. Lombok is also home to Mount Rinjani, the second highest volcano in Indonesia, and the Gili Islands, a group of three small islands with crystal clear water and abundant marine life.

If you are planning to visit Lombok, you might wonder how to get there. There are several options to choose from, depending on your budget, time, and preference. In this article, we will explore the different ways to get to Lombok Island by air, land, and sea.

Aircraft

The fastest and most convenient way to get to Lombok is by plane. Lombok has an international airport, called Lombok International Airport (LOP), located in the central part of the island. The airport serves domestic and international flights from various cities, such as Jakarta, Bali, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Perth.

You can find many airlines that fly to Lombok, such as Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, Silk Air, and Transnusa. The flight duration varies depending on the origin, but it usually takes around 2 hours from Jakarta, 30 minutes from Bali, 2.5 hours from Singapore, and 4 hours from Perth.

The airport is about 40 kilometers from Mataram, the capital city of Lombok, and about 50 kilometers from Senggigi, the main tourist area. You can take a taxi, a shuttle bus, or a private car to get to your destination from the airport. The fare ranges from 100,000 to 300,000 rupiah, depending on the distance and the type of transportation.

Land Route

Another option to get to Lombok is by land. This is suitable for those who want to enjoy the scenic views along the way and have more time to spare. You can take a bus from Jakarta to Mataram, the capital city of Lombok. The bus will cross the Java Sea by ferry twice, from Merak to Bakauheni and from Padangbai to Lembar.

The bus journey takes about 36 hours, including the ferry crossings. The bus fare is around 500,000 rupiah per person, and the ferry fare is around 15,000 rupiah per person. The bus will stop at several rest areas along the way, where you can buy food, drinks, and snacks.

The bus will arrive at Mandalika Bus Terminal in Mataram. From there, you can take a taxi, a bemo (a local minibus), or a motorcycle taxi to get to your destination. The fare depends on the distance and the type of transportation, but it usually ranges from 10,000 to 50,000 rupiah.

Sea

The third option to get to Lombok is by sea. This is ideal for those who love the ocean and want to experience the local culture. You can take a ship from Jakarta, Surabaya, or Makassar to Lombok. The ship is operated by PT. PELNI, the national shipping company of Indonesia. The ship offers various classes of accommodation, from economy to executive, and provides facilities such as restaurants, cafeterias, lounges, and entertainment.

The ship journey takes about 2 to 3 days, depending on the origin and the route. The ship fare varies depending on the class and the destination, but it usually ranges from 300,000 to 1,000,000 rupiah per person. The ship will stop at several ports along the way, where you can get off and explore the nearby attractions.

The ship will arrive at Sheet Harbor or Labuhan Harbor in Lombok. These two ports are the gateway to Lombok Island. From there, you can take a taxi, a bemo, or a motorcycle taxi to get to your destination. The fare is similar to the land route option.

If you want to visit the nearby islands, such as Bali or Sumbawa, you can also take a ferry or a speed boat from Lombok. The ferry is cheaper and slower, while the speed boat is more expensive and faster. The ferry fare is around 40,000 rupiah per person, and the speed boat fare is around 200,000 to 300,000 rupiah per person. The ferry takes about 4 to 5 hours, and the speed boat takes about 1 to 2 hours.

Conclusion

Lombok Island is a wonderful place to visit, with its natural beauty and cultural diversity. There are many ways to get to Lombok, by air, land, or sea. You can choose the one that suits your budget, time, and preference. No matter how you get there, you will surely enjoy your stay in Lombok. Happy traveling!