Exploring Indonesia: Lombok To Komodo Island Travel Guide

Travelling from Lombok to Komodo Island is an exciting journey, with various options available depending on your budget and time preferences. The distance between Lombok and Komodo Island is around 284 to 347 miles, and there are several ways to make the trip, including by plane, ferry, or a combination of land and sea travel.

One popular option is to take a flight from Lombok International Airport to Komodo Airport, with several domestic airlines offering flights that typically last between three to eight hours, including a stopover in Bali. This is the fastest way to travel to Komodo Island, and prices start at around USD 120 to USD 170.

For those seeking a more scenic route, travelling by sea is also an option. Ferries are a budget-friendly choice, with tickets costing around USD 20 to USD 30 one way, but the journey can take up to 24 to 36 hours. There are also sailing trips available, ranging from budget to luxury options, that offer a more leisurely journey with stops at various islands along the way.

Alternatively, a combination of land and sea travel can be an adventurous option. This involves taking a bus or private car to Sumbawa, and then a ferry to Labuan Bajo, with the total travel time being around 12 to 14 hours.

So, whether you're looking to travel quickly and directly, or take a more scenic and leisurely route, there are several options available to suit your preferences and budget when travelling from Lombok to Komodo Island.

Travel by plane

The fastest way to travel from Lombok to Komodo Island is by plane. Several domestic airlines operate flights from Lombok International Airport (LOP) to Komodo Airport (LBJ) in Labuan Bajo. These flights typically last between three to eight hours, often including a stopover at I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport (DPS) in Bali. Airlines such as Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, Citilink, and Wings Air frequently service this route, with prices starting around USD 120-160.

• Lombok Airport [LOP] to Komodo Airport [LBJ] with Wings Air + AirAsia. The flight departs from Lombok Airport at 10:55 and arrives at Komodo Airport at 16:55. This flight takes around 6 hours, including a stopover at Ngurah Rai Airport [DPS]. The estimated cost of this flight is USD 125.45.
• Lombok Airport [LOP] to Komodo Airport [LBJ] with Citilink + AirAsia. The flight departs from Lombok Airport at 08:15 and arrives at Komodo Airport at 16:55. This flight takes around 8 hours and 40 minutes, including a stopover at Ngurah Rai Airport [DPS]. The estimated cost of this flight is USD 125.95.
• Lombok Airport [LOP] to Komodo Airport [LBJ] with Lion Air + AirAsia. The flight departs from Lombok Airport at 12:25 and arrives at Komodo Airport at 08:20 the next day. This flight takes around 19 hours and 55 minutes, including two stopovers at Juanda Airport [SUB] and Ngurah Rai Airport [DPS]. The estimated cost of this flight is USD 145.44.

For a seamless transition during your stopover in Bali, you may want to consider using a service that provides VIP airport transfers, luxury car rentals, and chauffeur services.

It is worth noting that there are no direct flights between Komodo and Flores (East Nusa Tenggara). Therefore, if you are travelling by plane, you will need to connect in Bali or Jakarta.

Alternative options

If you are looking for a more scenic route, you may want to consider a boat trip or ferry from Lombok to Labuan Bajo. There is also the option of taking a public car ferry from Kayangan Sea Port in East Lombok, which typically takes between 24-36 hours.

Travel by ferry

If you're on a budget or looking for a more leisurely journey, taking a ferry is a great option. Ferries are slower but offer a unique experience as you travel through different islands. The price for a one-way ticket on a ferry is IDR 236,000 (approximately $27). The journey will take between 24 and 36 hours, depending on the route and stops.

There is a public ferry service from Lombok to Labuan Bajo, which costs around IDR 400,000 per person. This ferry only sails once daily and takes between 24 and 36 hours.

There is also the option of a 4-day, 3-night sailing trip from Lombok to Komodo. This costs between IDR 3,000,000 and IDR 15,000,000 (approximately $200 to $1,000) per person, depending on the level of comfort you choose.

For those who want to explore more islands, a combination of land and sea travel is possible. This involves taking a bus or private car to Sumbawa, and then a ferry to Labuan Bajo. The route from Lombok to Sumbawa takes between 4 and 6 hours, and the ferry to Labuan Bajo takes around 6 to 8 hours. The total travel time for this option is approximately 12 to 14 hours.

Travel by bus and ferry

If you're feeling adventurous and want to explore more islands en route to Komodo, you can opt for a combination of land and sea travel. This involves taking a bus or private car from Lombok to Sumbawa, followed by a ferry from Sumbawa to Labuan Bajo.

Here's a breakdown of the costs and travel times for this option:

• Bus/Car from Lombok to Sumbawa: The cost for this journey typically ranges from IDR 200,000 to IDR 500,000 (approximately $13 to $34). The travel time is around 4 to 6 hours.
• Ferry from Sumbawa to Labuan Bajo: The ferry ticket price varies from IDR 300,000 to IDR 700,000 (approximately $20 to $47). The ferry ride will take about 6 to 8 hours.
• Total Travel Time: The overall travel time for this route is approximately 12 to 14 hours.

It's important to note that the ferry from Sumbawa to Labuan Bajo may have different schedules and durations, so it's recommended to check the latest information before planning your trip. Additionally, keep in mind that sea travel can be influenced by weather conditions, so always check the weather forecast before embarking on your journey.

Alternative Travel Options

While the bus and ferry combination offers an adventurous journey, there are also other ways to get from Lombok to Komodo Island:

• By Plane: Flying is the quickest option, with direct flights available from Lombok to Labuan Bajo. The flight time is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, and ticket prices range from IDR 1,500,000 to IDR 2,500,000 (around $100 to $170) for a one-way ticket.
• By Boat: If you prefer a more scenic route, you can opt for a boat trip from Lombok to Komodo. These trips usually last 4 days and 3 nights, offering a unique travel experience. The cost varies depending on the level of comfort, with budget trips starting at IDR 3,000,000 and luxury trips reaching up to IDR 15,000,000 per person.
• By Public Ferry: For a budget-friendly option, you can take the public car ferry from Lombok to Labuan Bajo. This journey can take 24 to 36 hours and is known to be uncomfortable, but it is the most economical choice, with tickets costing around USD 20 to USD 30.

Travel by boat

If you're looking for a scenic route to Komodo Island, you can opt for a boat trip from Lombok. This option offers a more flexible schedule and the chance to take in the beautiful surroundings along the way. Here's what you need to know about travelling by boat from Lombok to Komodo Island:

Public Ferry

For a budget-friendly option, you can take the public ferry operated by PELNI, named KM. Tilongkabila, which runs from Lombok to Bima and then on to Labuan Bajo. This ferry sails once daily and takes between 24 to 36 hours for the entire journey. The cost for this option is approximately USD 20-30, making it an affordable choice.

Lombok to Komodo Boat Trips

If you're looking for a more comprehensive experience, there are organised boat trips from Lombok to Komodo Island that typically last 4 days and 3 nights. These trips not only serve as transportation but also offer a unique travel experience. The boats usually depart from Lombok to Labuan Bajo every Wednesday and Saturday, with prices ranging from 3.7 million IDR for Deck Class to 4.3 million IDR for Cabin Class per person. The trip includes meals, accommodation on the boat, snorkelling equipment, and visits to various islands and attractions along the way, such as Moyo Island, Padar Island, and Kenawa Island.

Booking and Practicalities

When booking a boat trip, it is recommended to book in advance, especially during peak season. Some companies may require a deposit to secure your booking, with the remaining balance payable in cash upon arrival. It is also important to be aware of any additional charges, such as pick-up services from specific locations. Additionally, it is worth noting that the schedule and availability of boats can change due to weather conditions, and cancellations may occur during bad weather.

Travel by land and sea

If you're feeling adventurous and want to explore more islands along the way, you can opt for a combination of land and sea travel. This route involves taking a bus or private car from Lombok to Sumbawa, and then a ferry from Sumbawa to Labuan Bajo.

Here's a breakdown of the costs and travel times for this option:

• Route: Lombok to Sumbawa by bus/car, and then ferry from Sumbawa to Labuan Bajo.
• Bus/Car: IDR 200,000 – IDR 500,000 (approximately $13 – $34)
• Ferry: IDR 300,000 – IDR 700,000 (approximately $20 – $47)
• Lombok to Sumbawa: 4 – 6 hours
• Ferry to Labuan Bajo: 6 – 8 hours
• Total Travel Time: Approximately 12 – 14 hours

It's important to note that this option may involve a combination of different buses, cars, and ferries, so make sure to plan your journey carefully and be prepared for possible delays or changes in schedules.

Additionally, if you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, you can consider taking the public vehicle ferries that depart from Kayangan Sea Port in Lombok. This route usually includes a stop at Bima, a small city on Sumbawa Island, and can take anywhere from 24 to 36 hours, depending on the schedule and weather conditions. The cost of this trip can vary, but it is generally one of the cheapest options, ranging from IDR 400,000 to IDR 500,000 per person.

Keep in mind that the land and sea journey can be quite long and may involve multiple transfers, so it's always a good idea to pack essential items like snacks, water, and other necessities, especially if you're travelling with children or have specific needs.

Overall, the combination of land and sea travel can be a great option for those seeking adventure and wanting to explore the diverse landscapes and islands along the way.

Frequently asked questions