Lombok: Getting there & around

Several airlines including Merpati, GT Air and Wings Air connect Lombok with Bali, and there are also flights to/from Surabaya (Java) and Sumbawa Besar and Bima (both in Sumbawa). In addition there are twice-weekly international flights to/from both Singapore (with Silk Air) and Kuala Lumpar (Merpati).

Frequent ferries run between Lembar in Lombok and Padangbai in Bali. The crossing takes at least four hours. Very regular ferries to Sumbawa depart from Labuhan Lombok and arrive at Poto Sano. The trip takes an hour and a half.

Lombok has an extensive network of roads, but public buses and bemos (minibuses) are generally restricted to main routes. Bemos run on routes all over the island, or you can charter your own. Away from these you have to hire a cidomo (pony cart), get a lift on a motorcycle or walk. In the northeast and south there is usually some public transport between the bigger towns, but it might be far between, and extremely sparse after dark. You can get around the whole island and to most of the remote locations if you have your own transport. A motorcycle is the cheapest and most versatile option, though a rental car with good ground clearance will get you a long way.

Outrigger boats called prahu are used for short trips to snorkelling spots or surf breaks.