Many of our guests start their holiday in Bali, then cross to Lombok just to climb Rinjani. The journey is easy, but it takes a day to get there and a day to get back. These travel days are what people most often forget when planning.
3 Ways from Bali to Lombok
| Option | Crossing Time | On to Senaru | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight Denpasar (DPS) → Lombok Airport (LOP) | About 40 minutes' flight | About 2.5–3 hours by car | Those who want the most comfort and don't want to depend on the sea |
| Fast boat from Padang Bai, Serangan or Sanur → Bangsal Harbour | About 1.5–2.5 hours (longer if it stops at the Gilis) | About 1.5 hours by car | Those staying in east or south Bali |
| Public ferry Padang Bai → Lembar Harbour | About 4–5 hours, sometimes more | About 3 hours by car | A tight budget, or a backup when the sea is rough |
Travel times can change with the weather, operator and season. Fast boats mostly depart in the morning and run fewer services in the rainy season.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Fast boat is the most practical if you are staying around Sanur, Ubud or east Bali: you land at Bangsal, and Senaru is only about 1.5 hours away.
- Flying is the best choice if you carry a lot of luggage, get seasick easily, or come in the rainy season when the sea is rougher.
- The public ferry is the cheapest and runs 24 hours, but it is the slowest. Good as a backup if fast boats are cancelled because of the weather.
How Many Days Do You Need from Bali?
| Package | Days on the Mountain | Total from Bali and Back to Bali |
|---|---|---|
| 2D1N Sembalun Summit / 2D1N Senaru Crater Rim | 2 days | 3–4 days |
| 3D2N Sembalun–Senaru / 3D2N Sembalun–Torean | 3 days | 4–5 days |
| 4D3N Sembalun–Senaru / 4D3N Sembalun–Torean | 4 days | 5–6 days |
Example for a 3D2N: day 1 travel from Bali and stay in Senaru, days 2–4 trekking, day 5 back to Bali. Treks usually finish in the afternoon, so crossing back to Bali on the same day is often too tight.
Tips for a Safe Schedule
- Don't book your international flight home from Bali on the same day you come down the mountain. Leave at least 1 spare day.
- In July–August, fast boats and the park quota fill up quickly. Confirm your trek date first, then buy your crossing tickets.
- Send us your arrival details (flight number or fast boat name) so we can match the pick-up time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I climb Rinjani as a day trip from Bali?
Not realistically. The crossing alone takes half a day, and the shortest trek (2D1N) needs 2 days on the mountain.
Can you pick me up at Bangsal Harbour?
Yes. Pick-up from Bangsal, Lombok Airport, Senggigi or Mataram is included in the package.
Next Step
Send us your preferred dates and where you are staying in Bali. We'll help you plan the most sensible schedule, from the crossing to coming down the mountain.