Lombok Cruises

Adventure Cruises in Lombok

Though often overshadowed by its smaller sister to the west, Lombok is a jewel among the Lesser Sunda Islands, and Lombok cruises become more popular yearly. Lombok, part of the province of West Nusa Tenggara, is home to the Sasak people. The Sasak have blended Islam and Balinese Hinduism to form a set of cultural and religious traditions found nowhere else. Many of their rituals celebrate the island’s significant natural gifts, from verdant mountains and roaring waterfalls to splendid beaches and breathtaking coral reefs. With excellent opportunities for surfing, snorkeling, and hiking, as well as unique cultural encounters, Lombok adventure cruises' continued popularity is assured.

Top things to do and see in Lombok

Sailing trips to Lombok are all about discovering the island’s many cultural and natural wonders.

With a visit to the traditional village of Senaru, travelers on Lombok luxury tours will be given an intimate look into the daily lives of the Sasak people, from their thatched-roof homes to their fragrant and colorful fruit gardens and spices. A trek through tropical forests will take visitors to Bayan Beleq, a grass-roofed mosque constructed of woven bamboo. It is the oldest mosque on Lombok and a cornerstone of the Wektu Telu religious tradition, combining Animism and Islam. Here, visitors can marvel at local weavers as they create wondrous patterns using a unique and ancient spinning technique.

A hike through the forests of Lombok will bring intrepid visitors to the mighty Sindang Gila, a spectacular 40-meter tiered waterfall! It is the perfect spot for a snack or small lunch; visitors can swim with the locals at the waterfall’s frothing base to cool off. Along the way, travelers will be granted stunning views of the famous rice fields of Lombok, stretching all the way to the shore. This is an excellent opportunity to see locals harvesting the rice and marvel at the ancient irrigation system still used today.

No trip to Lombok, however, is complete without experiencing the Gili Islands. As part of your Indonesia luxury cruise, you will be allowed to explore the magical coral reefs of Gili Sulat. One of the lesser-known Gili Islands, Gili Sulat remains largely undeveloped, its interior covered in thick mangrove forests. The area is perfect for hiking, swimming, and kayaking. However, Gili Sulat’s hidden beauty is below the water’s surface. Strap on your snorkel gear to uncover stunning underwater gardens, multi-colored coral, and clownfish darting among the anemones.

Top Tips for visiting Lombok

Bring an underwater camera to record your experience snorkeling the reefs of Gili Sulat.
Suppose your small ship cruise includes visiting the Gili Sulat interior; note that the island has no shops or restaurants. Despite the presence of wooden walkways, the trek may also be a tad rougher, meaning long pants and good shoes are recommended.

Best time to cruise Lombok

Though Lombok has two seasons, the dry and the wet seasons, there is no bad time to visit Lombok. But plan ahead, as you may have to choose between less humidity but larger crowds or a stickier climate with fewer fellow visitors.

Lombok's dry season is from May to September, and although less humid and with less rain, it is also peak season and more crowded.

Lombok's wet season is from October to April; however, it is still drier than Bali, with only about an hour of rain daily.

The primary religious event on Lombok is Bau Nyale, a folk festival that celebrates the annual return of the Nyale sea worm along Seger Beach. In 2017, Bau Nyale falls on the 14th and 15th of February.

Where do Lombok cruises depart from?

Typically, Indonesian small boat cruises to Lombok depart from Padang Bai (also called Padangbai and Padang Bay) or Amed, on the island of Bali or Labuan Bajo, on the island of Flores.

If your Indonesia cruise leaves Bali, you will fly into Ngurah Rai International Airport, also known as Denpasar International Airport, on the island of Bali. You will likely meet your tour operator at the airport in the resort town of Sanur, on Bali, about 20 minutes from the airport by Blue Bird Taxi. From Sanur, a shuttle will take you to Padang Bai or Amed, approximately two hours northeast.

If your Lombok cruise departs from Labuan Bajo, Flores, you will still fly into Ngurah Rai International Airport on Bali and then to Flores and your departure point.

A hub for travel within Indonesia and Southeast Asia, Ngurah Rai International Airport is serviced by most international airlines.

Book your next adventure cruise to Lombok, Indonesia today.

What to know about adventure cruising in Lombok

Where do cruise ships dock near Lombok?

Lombok has its own cruise port, generally used by smaller vessels and as an occasional stop for larger ocean cruise ships transiting the region.

What is snorkeling like around Lombok?

Lombok's best snorkeling is generally found around the Gili Islands just off its northwest coast and at spots like Sekotong on the mainland's southwest side, with warm, clear water typical of the region.

What is Gili Islands snorkeling like from Lombok?

The three Gili Islands (Trawangan, Air, and Meno) sit just off Lombok and offer easy, boat-accessible snorkeling over shallow reef, including a chance to see sea turtles.

What is Pink Beach like in Lombok?

Lombok has its own Pink Beach (distinct from Komodo's), with reddish-tinted sand composed of coral fragments and calm, clear water well-suited to snorkeling.

What is snorkeling like at Sekotong, Lombok?

Sekotong, on Lombok's southwest coast, has a scattering of small islands with reefs close to shore, generally quieter and less crowded than the more popular Gili Islands.

Can you cruise from Lombok to Komodo?

Yes, some multi-day small-ship itineraries run between Lombok and Komodo, stopping at islands along the way, as an alternative to the more common Bali-to-Komodo route.