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Surfcamp Costa Rica or Lombok? Why More Surfers Are Choosing Lombok
When planning a tropical surf holiday, Costa Rica is likely to appear in your search....
Lombok is 35 kilometres from Bali across the Lombok Strait. That is not far on a map, but getting there with boards, bags, and a budget requires a bit of planning. This guide covers every option including fast boat, slow ferry, and flight, with honest notes on costs, journey time, and what matters most for surfers travelling with boards.
If you are still deciding whether to visit Lombok or stay in Bali for your surf trip, our article Planning a Surf Camp: Why Bali to Lombok Should Be on Your List makes a compelling case for combining both islands in one trip.
Option 1: Fast Boat (Most Popular for Surfers)
Fast boats run multiple times daily from Padang Bai (east Bali) or Serangan Harbour to Teluk Nare, Bangsal or Sengiggi on Lombok’s northwest coast. Journey time is approximately 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on sea conditions. Cost is roughly 25 to 50 USD per person including a seat and modest luggage.
Surfboard Policy on Fast Boats
Every boat company handles surfboards differently. Most charge an extra fee per board, typically 5 to 20 USD per board each way. Boards are usually lashed to the roof rack or stored in the boat’s front compartment. Damage does happen: bags get scuffed, fins get bumped. Use a padded board bag (minimum 5mm padding), remove or pad fins, and keep your bag in view when possible.
Option 2: Flight (Fastest, Best for Long Boards)
Wings Air and Garuda operate daily flights from Bali’s Ngurah Rai Airport (DPS) to Lombok International Airport (LOP) near Praya. Flight time is 25 minutes and total door-to-door time with airport check-in is 2.5 to 3 hours. Fares start around 30 to 60 USD one way. This is often the safest option for expensive boards because pressurised cargo holds protect boards better than rooftop boat racks exposed to sun and sea spray.
Option 3: Public Ferry (Cheapest, Slowest)
ASDP operates the Padang Bai to Lembar ferry running around the clock. Journey time is 4 to 5 hours. Cost is extremely low, around 50,000 IDR for passengers with additional charges for boards. This option suits backpackers on extended trips who are not in a hurry. For a dedicated surf camp booking where you want to maximise water time, the time cost is not worth the savings.
Getting from Lombok’s Port or Airport to Kuta Lombok
Once you arrive at Lembar port or Lombok Airport, Kuta Lombok is roughly 30 to 45 minutes away by car. Pre-arrange transport through your accommodation. DHM Surf Camp can connect guests with trusted drivers for approximately 200.000 (airport) to 400.000 IDR (furthest harbour) by private car.
For the full picture of what to do once you arrive in Kuta Lombok, including restaurants, beaches, and day trips, see our Kuta Lombok Surf Destination guide.
Planning When to Arrive
Timing your arrival around the right surf conditions matters significantly. If you are flexible on travel dates, our partner article Exploring the Beautiful Islands from Bali to Lombok gives a great overview of how to combine both islands into one seamless surf adventure.
Book Your Kuta Lombok Stay
Once your transport is sorted, lock in your surf camp booking early, especially for May through October. Browse current availability and what is included in each package on the DHM Surf Camp packages page.
