Lombok
Empty beaches, Mount Rinjani and the gateway to the Gilis.
- 2Daily departures
- 2h 30mCrossing time
- Rp 500.000From / adult
Lombok is Bali's quieter, wilder neighbour — an island of empty beaches, surf coves, waterfalls and the mighty volcano Mount Rinjani. It's the gateway to the Gili Islands, but Lombok itself rewards anyone who lingers: the south coast around Kuta Lombok has some of Indonesia's best surf and most beautiful bays, while Senggigi on the west coast is the easygoing beach-town hub.
With a fraction of Bali's crowds, Lombok is where you go for space, nature and a slower rhythm.
Lombok highlights
- Trek Mount Rinjani to its crater lake
- South-coast surf and white-sand bays around Kuta Lombok
- Waterfalls and traditional Sasak villages
- Gateway harbour for the Gili Islands
Why go to Lombok
Lombok packs in huge variety: world-class surf and white-sand bays in the south (Kuta, Selong Belanak, Tanjung Aan), the trek up Mount Rinjani to its crater lake, waterfalls in the northern highlands, and the traditional Sasak culture throughout. Senggigi and the west coast are the calmest place to base for beaches and Gili day-trips.
It's less developed than Bali, which is exactly the appeal — but it means a driver or scooter helps for getting between the highlights.
Things to do
Surf and swim the south-coast bays, trek Mount Rinjani (a multi-day adventure), chase the Tiu Kelep and Sendang Gile waterfalls, visit traditional Sasak villages, and use Senggigi or Bangsal as a launchpad for the Gili Islands.
Getting to Lombok by fast boat
Fast boats cross from Bali (Padang Bai and Sanur) to Lombok's west coast — to Senggigi and to Bangsal, the harbour for the Gilis. The open-water crossing is longer than the Gili or Nusa runs, so a calm morning departure is ideal. Compare operators and book below.
Best time to visit
Dry season (May–September) is best for beaches, surf and trekking (Rinjani typically opens April–December, weather permitting).
Getting there
Fast boats to Lombok
Today's sample times — pick your date at checkout for live availability.
Lombok — frequently asked questions
How long is the fast boat from Bali to Lombok?
Roughly 2 to 3 hours depending on the operator and the exact ports, as it's a longer open-water crossing than the Gili or Nusa runs.
Is Lombok better than Bali?
It's different — quieter, wilder and less developed. Great for surf, nature and space; Bali has more nightlife, dining and infrastructure.
Can I reach the Gili Islands from Lombok?
Yes — the Gilis sit just off Lombok's north-west coast, a short local boat from Bangsal harbour.