Is Lombok Island really worth to visit?

Recently, Lombok island is becoming more popular for tourist. There many alternative spots to enjoy, and not as crowded as Bali island. Then, how about Borobudur temple that is located in Java island? Is Lombok island really worth to visit, after or before Borobudur temple’s visit?

Lombok is a great tourist destination known for its unspoiled beaches, lush landscapes, surfing, hiking opportunities like Mount Rinjani, rich cultural experiences, and the surrounding Gili Islands, offering a more laid-back and less crowded alternative to Bali.

Yet, Borobudur temple and other great spots in Java island will complete your exploration before or after enjoying Lombok island.

Option 1: Fly from Lombok (LOP) to YIA

Flight details

• From: Lombok International Airport (LOP), also known as Zainuddin Abdul Madjid International Airport, located near the city of Praya.
• To: Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA).
• Duration: A direct, non-stop flight takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Connecting flights with a layover, usually in Jakarta (CGK), take considerably longer.
• Airlines: Non-stop flights are frequently operated by carriers such as Super Air Jet and Lion Air. Other airlines like Citilink Indonesia and Garuda Indonesia offer connecting flights. 

How to book

• Online: Use a flight search engine like Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Traveloka to compare prices and book tickets.
• In-person: Book directly with the airline or at a travel agent in Lombok. 

Option 2: Ferry, bus, and train combination

This option is the cheapest but involves a long and complex journey spanning over 19 hours and multiple legs. 

1. Travel to the port in Lombok: Take a taxi or airport shuttle to Lembar Port.
2. Take a ferry to Bali: Board a public ferry from Lembar Port, Lombok, to Padang Bai Harbor, Bali. The trip takes around 4–5 hours.
3. Take a bus to Ketapang: From Padang Bai, take a bus to the western tip of Bali to catch the next ferry.
4. Take a ferry to Java: At Ketapang, take the ferry across to Ketapang Port in Banyuwangi, East Java.
5. Continue by train or bus to Yogyakarta: Travel from East Java to Yogyakarta by bus or train. The train from Banyuwangi to Yogyakarta, for example, is one of the available routes.
6. Take the airport train to YIA: From Yogyakarta Tugu Station, take the airport train directly to YIA.