Complete Guide to Taking the Slow Boat from Bali to Lombok

Embarking on a journey from Bali to Lombok by slow boat is an experience that blends scenic beauty with cultural immersion. This mode of transportation is not only a means to go from one island to another, but it also provides an opportunity to embrace the laidback pace of island life, admire the vastness of the sea, and interact with locals. This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the necessary information for a more hassle-free ferry ride from Bali to Lombok.

The Slow Boat Experience

The slow boat ride to Lombok provides a sharp contrast to the fast-paced and often crowded experiences of air travel or speedboats. It is a leisurely journey that allows passengers to relax and enjoy the journey as much as the destination. On board, you can expect basic amenities and the opportunity to admire the breathtaking ocean views.

From Padangbai you can also take the fastboat to Lombok. But be sure to ask where in Lombok they will drop you off, and if stop at other places on the way. I met some people who took the fast boat. But it turned out to not be so fast, and it took 4 hours to Lombok!

A Comprehensive Guide to Taking the Ferry

First of all, the ferry to Lombok is a real backpacker experience. If you want to get to Lombok the fastest and most hassle-free way then the slow boat is not for you. If you are up for an adventure, and you are on a budget, then the slow boat is a great choice.

How to get to Padangbai

I was in Denpasar and took a Grab car to Padangbai, the journey took 1hr 9min and cost IDR 190,000.

It’s possible to take a bus from Kuta, Ubud, and other popular places in Bali to Padangbai. Peramatour.com is one of several companies that offer daily shuttle buses.

You can bring a car or scooter on the ferry, so if you are going back the same way and you’re going to rent a scooter or a car in Lombok then it’s often cheaper to just rent from where you are in Bali. That will save you some money on the transport to Padangbai and from Lembar to your destination in Lombok. If it’s not cheaper, then it’s at least a lot more convenient!

Taking the ferry involves a few simple steps

Purchasing Tickets: Tickets can be bought at the Padangbai ferry terminal. It’s advisable to arrive early, especially during peak travel periods. The bad thing about the slow boat is that there is no set schedule. Try to be there very early and get the first ferry in the morning. The ticket price for one person is IDR 75,000. However, the ticket says IDR 65,300, I did not get any good answer for why that is.

The first picture shows where you buy the ticket, after that walk over to where you get your boarding pass, before the resting area.

Ferry Schedule: The ferry is supposed to run 24/7 with departures every 90 minutes, but that’s not the reality in my experience. I arrived at 09 am and the ferry departed at 12:30. It depends on how lucky you are, but I met some people who regularly take the ferry. They told me it’s better to be there earlier. It took almost one hour of waiting to buy the ticket! But there was no ferry anyways so I wasn’t in a rush.

Onboard Facilities: Ferries typically have basic seating, restrooms, and a small canteen selling snacks and drinks. The ferries are not the same, some are much better than others. But you never know in advance which ferry you are going to get. Buy water and snacks in advance to save some money, it’s more expensive on the ferry. I recommend stacking up on fruits before going.

Boarding Process: Boarding is usually straightforward. Keep your ticket handy for inspection. After purchasing the ticket you have to exchange it for the actual ferry ticket (boarding pass) in a ticket booth, one guy forgot that and had to run back when boarding of the ferry started!

Duration of the Slow Boat Journey

Bali to Lombok by Slow Boat

The ferry ride from Bali’s Padangbai to Lombok’s Lembar typically takes around 4 to 6 hours, depending on sea conditions. It’s a laid-back voyage, ideal for those who aren’t in a rush and prefer to savor the journey. For me, the journey ferry took 5,5 hours. But from Denpasar to Kuta Lombok took me the whole day, I arrived in Kuta Lombok at 8 in the evening. So that was 13 hours of traveling that day.

Travel time can be influenced by various factors, including weather conditions and sea currents. It’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast and prepare for potential delays, especially during the monsoon season. The slow boats are big ferries, so they are generally safer than the smaller fast boats.

From Lembar to Popular Places in Lombok

Once you arrive in Lembar, Lombok, numerous transport options are available to take you to various destinations. Walk around 5 minutes to exit the ferry port, then you will see the taxis waiting. Lembar is known for taxi scams, consider booking a taxi in advance from your hostel or hotel.

To Mataram: Local buses (bemos), taxis, and rental scooters are available. A taxi or private car hire may be the quickest but most expensive option. The Bemos are only around IDR 25,000, but there is no schedule. If you don’t get a bemo and you are in a hurry then a taxi to Mataram should be around IDR 100,000.

To Kuta Lombok: From Lembar to Kuta Lombok the most comfortable choice is to take a taxi which shouldn’t be more than IDR 350,000. I shared the taxi with some other travelers I met on the ferry, so the taxi only cost me IDR 100,000. Most taxis in Lombok are used to carrying surfboards and have rope in the car so they can put it on the roof.

Another option is to take Bemo to Mataram and then a shared car from Mataram to Kuta for around IDR. 100,000. For a shuttle to or from Mataram (or Lembar), you can WhatsApp +62 813-3959-5150, another good taxi driver is +62 878-6516-2473.

Who Should Consider Taking the Ferry

The ferry is an excellent choice for:

• Budget travelers looking for the most economical route.
• Adventure seekers who enjoy slow travel and mingling with locals.
• Those who aren’t constrained by tight schedules.
• Those traveling by scooter, motorbike, or car.

Alternative Ways to Travel from Bali to Lombok

Fast Boat Services – Quick and Direct: Fast boats are a quicker option, taking about 1 to 2 hours to reach Lombok from various departure points in Bali.

It’s not always the case, they can take up to 4 hours if they stop other places on the way. Make sure to ask when departure is also! If you have to wait a long time you might be better of taking the slow ferry.

Flights from Bali to Lombok – Air Travel: Flying is the fastest way to travel between the islands, with a flight time of around 45 minutes.

Airlines and Costs: Various airlines operate this route, with prices varying based on season and booking time. I would recommend either flying or the slow ferry.

The fast boats will cost you almost the same as flying, but takes much longer. Especially if you are far from the ferry. If you have a surfboard with you remember to factor that into your budget if you are flying with it.

Practical Tips for Ferry Travelers

Pack Wisely – Bring essentials like sunblock, a hat, snacks, and water. Seasickness pills might be useful if you’re prone to motion sickness.

Taking the slow boat from Bali to Lombok is more than just a travel option; it’s an experience in itself. It allows you to embrace the laid-back island lifestyle, enjoy breathtaking views, and even make new friends along the way.

Whether you’re a budget traveler, an adventure seeker, or someone looking for a unique experience, the ferry journey is sure to be a memorable part of your Indonesian adventure. I also saw dolphins and flying fish from the ferry!