Traveling from Lombok to Komodo (Labuan Bajo) by Bus – Full Guide!
Embarking on a journey from Lombok to the majestic Komodo Island in Flores is not just a trip; it’s an adventure through the heart of Indonesia. While there are faster ways to reach Komodo, traveling by bus offers a unique opportunity to experience the Indonesian landscape and culture intimately. This comprehensive guide aims to detail every aspect of the bus journey from Lombok to Komodo, ensuring travelers are well-informed and prepared for this remarkable journey.
I would suggest you read this guide carefully before you decide if you want to go by bus, some options will be better for most travelers. The journey was supposed to be 24 hours but ended up taking more than 48 hours. Also, be aware that it’s not a comfortable journey, but it was an adventure!
Therefore you also shouldn’t book a trip or accommodation in Labuan Bajon, because you don’t now in advance which day you will arrive.
Overview of the Bus Journey from Lombok to Komodo
The journey from Lombok to Komodo (Labuan Bajo) by bus is an expedition that offers a blend of scenic beauty, local experiences, and a sense of adventure. The trip involves a bus, two ferries, and Bemo (minibus) ride. It’s a path less traveled but rich in rewards for those seeking an authentic adventure.
You don’t have to buy a ticket for the whole journey, as you will read I had a bit of a problem because I did it. If you want to spend time at some destinations in Sumbawa you should not buy a ticket for the whole journey in advance. Most travelers seem to go straight through Sumbawa.
Detailed Breakdown of the Bus Trip
Let us know if your trip is smoother, hopefully, it’s not more challenging! We hope this guide will let you understand in advance how the trip is so you make an informed choice before you choose to do it.
Starting Your Journey – Mandalika Terminal
Mandalika Terminal – I took a shared taxi from Kuta Lombok and it cost me IDR 100,000. At the Mandalika Terminal, it showed the price was IDR 500,000, a little more expensive than I thought. Finally, I got the price down to 450,000, one local I met on the bus told me he paid 380,000, so not so bad.
When you buy the ticket, make sure to get their WhatsApp number! I made a big mistake and forgot this, so just do it! I will tell you why later.
I also went on the wrong bus at the Mandalika terminal, I showed them the ticket and he said welcome. After 5 minutes a guy said I was on his seat. At this point, we were already supposed to have left. The bus driver realized what had happened, I then ran back into the ticket office and luckily my bus hadn’t left yet. It was parked with other buses outside the terminal! So ask where your bus leaves from.
There seems to only be one bus leaving every day going to Labuan Bajo. There is for sure one leaving at 15:00, or mine left at 15:30.
Lombok to Sape
Your adventure begins with a bus ride from Lombok to Sape. After around 3 hours you get to the ferry terminal, and another two hours of waiting before we were told to walk onto the ferry. Take good pictures of your bus so you know which one it is when the ferry arrives in Sumbawa.
When you get back on the bus it’s time to sleep through the night. I had one guy next to me with his baby on his lap through the whole journey, he even smoked on the bus! Didn’t get very much sleep that night.
07:15 We arrived in Sape, or not actually at the ferry terminal. Now it was time to take a Bemo (Minibus) for an hour. Arriving at Sape Ferry Port my disappointment was big, there was no ferry today! First, they said it was because it was Sunday, others said it was because of problems with the ferry. But there for sure wasn’t any ferry leaving!
Sape Ferry Port (Pelabuhan Penyeberangan Sape) to Labuan Bajo
Finding out what time in the morning the ferry would leave was not so easy, that day it left at 09:00. Getting on the ferry was not easy, this is where I wish I had the WhatsApp number of the bus company. Since I had to spend one night in Sape I didn’t have any more contact with the bus driver or the company. You want to be here in time so you don’t have to spend another day!
I showed my bus ticket, and they said it was not valid anymore. If I had the number I could have just called them. They did not want to call for me, and they were not interested in helping at all. They were very interested in getting a bribe! But that was not going to happen. I went to a police officer and explained, he shouted at some guy and he was from the bus company! He helped me get the ticket I had already paid for, but the whole situation took one hour. A new ticket would have been IDR 95,600.
The ferry ride is 6-8 hours, it was dark already when I arrived in Labuan Bajo. Be prepared that it’s not a luxurious ferry, kids crying, people smoking, and not the best seats.
What to Expect on the Bus
The buses are quite basic, and it’s advisable to prepare for a long journey. Facilities on these buses are minimal, so pack snacks, water, and perhaps a travel pillow for comfort. The buses usually make several stops along the way for food and restroom breaks. My ticket included a meal. I should have asked for what seat I would get because my seat was really bad!
Spending a Night in Sape
I don’t think anybody wants to spend a night in Sape, there’s not much to do there. I went to the beach which was nice enough, but nothing like being in Labuan Bajo! The beach is called Pantai Lariti and also has some warungs. You can get there in 10 minutes by a motorbike.
Hotel Mantika – The most popular choice among travelers. It offers basic amenities and a comfortable stay. It’s not a nice place, but according to the reviews, it seems to be the best, at least for the value. You have to pay a bit more to get AC in the room. It’s also just a 5-minute walk from the ferry port! That’s probably the best thing about the hotel. Most of the accommodations around here only exist because travelers lose their ferries.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Taking the Bus
Advantages:
- Offers an authentic travel experience.
- Cheaper than flying, but not much
- Scenic views and insight into local Indonesian life.
Disadvantages:
- Time-consuming.
- Less comfortable than other modes of transportation.
- Don’t do it if you don’t like adventure.
Alternative Ways to Reach Komodo from Lombok
For those who prefer a quicker journey, flying from Lombok to Labuan Bajo (the gateway to Komodo Island) is the best option. This method, while more expensive, saves time and offers a higher level of comfort.
Many choose to do a 4-day, 3-night boat trip from Komodo. It’s more expensive, but you also get to see a lot on the way. For most adventurous travelers this is the best option. The comfort is not great unless you book a cabin. But all the travelers I met that dit the boat trip were very happy about it.
Final Thoughts – Is the Bus Journey Right for You?
Traveling from Lombok to Komodo by bus is ideal for adventure seekers, budget travelers, and those who wish to immerse themselves in the Indonesian way of life. It’s a journey that demands patience and flexibility but offers unforgettable experiences and stories.
The bus journey from Lombok to Komodo is a road less traveled but filled with enriching experiences. It’s a journey not just to a destination but through the diverse and captivating landscapes of Indonesia. For the intrepid traveler, it’s an opportunity not to be missed.
I would recommend taking the bus if there are no flights, you want to explore Sumbawa, or if you get seasick and therefore don’t want to do the boat trip.
