Bali in Lombok
|
Fast Boat operational safety
If using any of the Gili Fast Boat services and you have legitimate concerns about either the vessel being used, the operator, overloading, or the prevailing weather conditions then do not board the boat, immediately seek a refund of your fare and make alternative arrangements for your trip. Consider your options and choice of provider and vessel used very carefully prior to booking. Especially during inclement weather the air services across the Lombok Strait may provide a more reliable, comfortable and safer journey.
The vessels currently servicing all routes are smaller high speed craft with light duty hull construction. All are driven by petrol fuelled outboard engines. Crew training, operational standards and safety equipment are of a mixed standard and all current services may be well below the normal expectations of many foreign visitors when traversing open waters.
Please consult the main Gili Islands and also the individual Gili Island articles for detail on available fastboat and other inter-island boat services.
|
Slow ferries from Padang Bai on Bali leave approximately every hour (24 hr) for the 4-5 hr trip to Lembar Rp 35,000. The ferries are well worn, with minimal restroom facilities. Operational safety standards and the condition and suitability of the craft used may concern some travellers. The mixed use vehicular and passenger ferries are used mostly by the local people and for transportation of goods in the vehicles riding on the vehicle deck. Generally there are few international tourists on board but these ferries remain the traditional means of inter-island transport for the majority of the local people. These ferries are subject to delays and breakdowns and are best avoided in heavy seas. Access to the passenger deck is usually from the vehicle deck via steep and narrow stairs, so manoeuvring heavy luggage can be a challenge. Would-be porters wait by the docks, and will happily carry your luggage for Rp 10,000 per item. Sometimes they insist on doing so even when you don't ask. They can be a bit intimidating, and sometimes try to overcharge. Foreigners may be particularly hassled by hawkers peddling food and drink. Lots of Kuta travel agents offer end-to-end transport, including a van ride from your Bali hotel to Padang Bai, the ferry ticket, and a ride from the dock on Lombok to your ultimate destination for Rp 130,000 and up depending on where you are going in Lombok.
If you're going to the Gili Islands, there are many speedboat services directly from Bali; see Gilli islands article for details. A range of connecting services continue on towards mainland Lombok. Searching on the Internet can give you the latest information on which companies are providing service to Lombok.
The Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions about Lombok
