Lombok is soaring in demand by travelers so far in 2026. With the island located just a short fast boat crossing from Bali, it’s easy to see why so many Bali-bound holidaymakers are adding a few days in Lombok to their itinerary.
There are many ways to get to Lombok from Bali, and a new fast-boat service has just made things even easier.
Lombok is establishing itself as a major international travel destination. Indonesia has identified five Super Priority Destinations nationally, one of which is Mandalika in Lombok.
These Super Priority Destinations have also been referred to as the ‘five new Balis,’ and there are hopes that over time these travel hotspots can become as established and in demand as Indonesia’s flagship vacation destination, Bali.
For the five Super Priority Destinations to reach the level of operation seen in Bali, there is a lot of work to do, at least in improving accessibility and transportation availability. With Lombok set to host the Mandalika Moto GP from the 9th to the 11th of October 2026, leaders are working around the clock to build upon the successes of previous years.
The West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Provincial Government has confirmed that it will open a fast boat route from Mandalika to Sanur to increase foreign tourist visits entering via Bali. Once open, the service will operate year-round, enabling tourists to travel from Bali to Mandalika as they wish; though demand for the service will surely skyrocket during the Moto GP.
While there are already a multitude of fast boat routes operating between Bali, Lombok, and the outlying islands, the new service will offer more choice and, in turn, more affordability and availability to tourists.
Currently, fast boat routes from Bali to West Nusa Tenggara operate from Padang Bai-Gili Trawangan, Padang Bai-Senggigi, and Padang Bai-Bangsal. There are also routes from Sanur to Gili Trawangan and Sanur-Senggigi.
Speaking to reporters, the Head of the NTB Transportation Agency, Ervan Anwar, explained that he and his teams are currently facilitating and assisting with the operation of Mandalika Port. The team is currently in the process of completing the necessary permitting documents for the pier’s operation. Once completed, Lombok’s Mandalika Pier in the Mandalika Special Economic Zone (KEK) area will be formally connected to the pier in the Sanur Special Economic Zone (KEK) in Bali for fast boat transportation services.
Anwar told reporters, “We are currently working on developing the Passport Pier from Sanur to Mandalika. The permitting process has been submitted to the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries.”
He emphasized that strengthening connectivity is not limited to air travel, but also by land and sea. The note that the government continues to encourage transportation integration between destinations through subsidy schemes, particularly for public transportation, which is “Transportation is inseparable from subsidies. Even in developed countries, subsidies are still in place to maintain affordability.”
The new fast boat route will open up even more travel opportunities for tourists, but also provide more affordable, accessible, and reliable transport routes for local communities who need to travel between the islands.
The new fast boat routes set to connect Lombok’s Mandalika and Bali’s Sanur will complement other new fast boat services that are opening up. Earlier this month, it was confirmed that the government will be opening a new pier and fast boat routes at Senggigi Harbour in Lombok.
Senggigi, like Mandalika, has been identified as a key area for tourism development in Lombok, and while it has not been assigned Special Economic Zone Status like Mandalika and Sanur, there are hopes from tourism business leaders in Senggigi that interest will continue to grow.
Speaking to reporters, General Manager of Aruna Senggigi Resort & Convention, Yeyen Heryawan, explained that a new port in Senggigi will help tourists travel more directly to the beach resort. He noted, “There are one or two tourists from Bali staying in Lombok, especially in Senggigi, and this certainly makes things easier for them. Guests wanting to go to Bali no longer need to go to Bangsal because now they can go directly from Senggigi, which is closer and more affordable.”
Adding “Hopefully, the number of ships can be increased in the future. The key is to have continuity between businesses and the government so that the program to revive Senggigi can run smoothly.”
Brought to you by The Bali Sun
