Lombok day trip: Your complete guide
Ferry tickets, itineraries & travel tips 🗺️If you’ve been in Bali and are looking for a calmer place with emptier beaches and just as beautiful sunsets, a day trip to Lombok is a great option. Thanks to frequent ferry connections between the islands, Lombok makes for a perfect detour from Bali or the Gili Islands.
But can you really visit Lombok in a day? Of course! With a well-crafted travel plan, you can experience its stunning coastline, delicious cuisine, and quaint fishing villages in less than 24 hours.
Check out our travel guide to find out how to get there, what to do when you arrive, and how to make the most of your time in Lombok.
Useful info: Remember that on Ferryhopper you can find all the ferry schedules to Lombok and other Indonesian islands. You can also book your tickets online in just a few clicks!
Moored boats on beautiful Lombok beach
How to get to Lombok
Lombok is located just across the Lombok Strait from Bali. It’s extremely easy to reach Lombok by ferry from Bali, especially if you book online in advance. Most ferries depart from Padang Bai, Sanur, and Serangan and arrive at Bangsal or Senggigi in Lombok.
Several ferry companies, including BlueWater Express, Ekajaya Fast Boat, Gili Getaway, offer crossings to Lombok. High-speed vessels usually complete the journey in just over 1 hour. Keep in mind that travel times vary depending on the route, vessel, and company. Ticket prices usually start at around €18.
Departures are available starting in the early morning, around 07:00, followed by several crossings throughout the day. Taking the early morning ferry will give you plenty of time to explore Lombok in a day and still make it back by late afternoon or early evening.
The Padang Bai to Bangsal ferry is the most direct connection from Bali to Lombok. The quickest ferry takes 1 h 20 min to complete the journey from Bali to Lombok. If you’re staying near Canggu, Ubud or East Bali, Padang Bai is also the easier port to each.
If instead you’re traveling from Seminyak or the Bukit Peninsula, taking the ferry from Sanur or from Serangan to Lombok with save you time and a long morning drive!
Tip: Check out our interactive map of ferries to discover all available connections to Lombok and plan the perfect adventure at sea!
Ferry making its way across the Strait of Lombok
What to do in Lombok in a day
Once you arrive in Lombok, you’ll find fewer motorbikes, smaller crowds, and a more relaxed atmosphere. Whether you want to dip your toes in the sea or plan an action-packed adventure, here’s what a day in Lombok could look like.
1. Beach day in South Lombk
Rent a scooter or hire a local driver and head south to Kuta Lombok. There, you’ll find several stunning beaches that are all worth a visit. You could pick a favorite or explore them all!
Tanjung Aan Beach is wide, bright and breezy. It’s perfect for swimming or just grabbing nd early coffee at one of the bamboo shacks. Selong Belanak is a great place to surf. There are plenty of beginner classes, and boards are inexpensive to rent. The waves are easy to ride and perfect for all levels. If you’re looking for a quieter, more secluded hideaway, look no further than Mawun Beach. It’s more peaceful and surrounded by beautiful rolling hills.
For lunch, stop by a warung, a local eatery, and try ayam taliwang, Lombok's signature dish with spicy grilled chicken, served with coconut rice and sambal.
Before heading back north, hike up Bukit Merese Hill above Tanjung Ann to enjoy a panoramic view of the turquoise waters and a gorgeous tropical coastline.
Stunning horseshoe-shaped Tanjung Aan Beach
2. North Lombok’s nature and traditional villages
If you’re arriving by ferry in Bangsal, on the northern coast of Lombok, you can't miss the beautiful waterfalls of Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep, nestled under the flanks of Mount Rinjani. The short trek through the bamboo forest feels like you're stepping into a wonderland.
Stroll through traditional Sasak villages like Senaru and Bayan, where you can see woven textiles hanging from doorways and observe local village life.
On a clear day, you can catch a glimpse of Mount Rinjani, Indonesia’s second-highest volcano, towering over the horizon. Consider planning a guided hiking tour of the mountain or simply enjoying its views from afar.
3. Sunset in Senggigi
If you prefer a more relaxed pace, you can spend your day in Senggigi, the island’s main coastal town. Here, you can enjoy the area's beaches, go snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters, explore nearby coves, or simply grab a bite to eat at a café.
Don't forget to pay a visit to Pura Batu Bolong, a small seaside temple built on black volcanic rock. And wait for the sun to set behind Bali’s Mount Agung before you head back. It’s pure magic!
Breathtaking view of Rijani Mount
How to get around in Lombok
Lombok isn’t tiny, so you’ll have to cover some ground while exploring the island. The best ways to get around Lombok are:
- Private driver: This is the easiest and most reliable option. You can arrange for a driver to pick you up from the port and take you around for the day.
- Scooter rentals: Best for confident riders. They're fun and give you more flexibility, but be mindful of road quality and distances.
- Local taxis: They are available in bigger towns like Senggigi, but are more difficult to find in rural areas.
Traffic in Lombok is light compared to Bali, but the roads can be winding and hilly, especially inland, so plan your travel time wisely. It can take over an hour to travel from the north to the south of Lombok.
Tip: Plan to arrive at the port at least 1.5 hours before your return ferry to avoid any last-minute inconveniences.
Colorful sunset over Senggigi
Book your ferry to Lombok online
Are you ready for your day trip to Lombok? On Ferryhopper, you can find all the ferry routes to and from Lombok, along with up-to-date timetables and information about companies and ports. Compare prices, view ongoing offers, and book your ferry tickets to Lombok with no hidden fees!