INDONESIA ARCHIPELAGO GETTING THERE and AWAY

Consisting of more than 17,000 islands, the vast Indonesian archipelago spans 5,120 km across the equator, positioned between the Asian and Australian continents. Four-fifths of the area is sea with the major islands of Sumatera, Java, Kalimantan, Sulawesi and Papua. The 366 ethnic groups that exist harmoniously give birth to a potpourri of cultures and fascinating people. The major ethnic groups are: Minangkabaunese, Malay, Javanese, Sundanese, Maduranese and Ambonnese. Arab, Chinese and Indian immigrants have also settled in regions throughout the country, particularly in the coastal cities.

Geographically, Indonesia's landscape is greatly varied. Java and Bali have the most fertile islands and rice fields are concentrated in these two regions, whereas Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Maluku and Papua are still largely covered with tropical rainforest. Open savannah and grassland characterize Nusa Tenggara. The lowland that comprise most of Indonesia has a characteristically tropical climate with abundant rainfall, high-temperatures and humidity.

Indonesia's tropical climate and unique geographical character provide shelter for flora and fauna that are as diversely rich as its land and people. The plant and animals in Indonesia's western region represent that of mainland Asia while those in the eastern region are typical of Australia. Endemic species, which are the pride of Indonesia exist in the central region, such as orangutans, tigers, one-horned rhinos, elephants, dugongs, anoas and komodo dragons. The warm tropical waters of the archipelago nurture a rich marine environment that holds a myriad of fish, coral species and marine mammals.

A cultural heritage passed on through generations offers a wealth of traditional arts and crafts. Batik, wooden carvings, weavings, silverworks and many other traditional skills produce exquisitely beautiful items. Indonesia's multi-racial and multi-religious culture mean festivals steeped in traditions are celebrated throughout the year. Frequently featured in these events are dances, wayang theaters and other performing arts.

We suggest - when you would like to start the trip, getting to the places, it is reccomended to land in Jakarta airport, Medan airport, Surabaya airport, Bali airport, Balikpapan airport, Banjarmasin airport and ujung pandang airport. From those places to other destination within indonesia, the accessibilty to reach the town so much easier. But if you were in remote places where the accessibity and the information might not clear enough , please email us. we would be happy to assist you for visiting Indonesia.

Our home based office on Lombok and getting there and away

BY PLANE
There are regular daily flights from Bali, Jakarta, Surabaya and from Singapore. Merpati, Trigana Air and Indonesia Air Transport serves daily flights from Bali to Lombok (roundtrip), While Garuda and Lion Air serves 2 daily flights direct (nonstop) or via Surabaya (lay over). If you need information on the update flight schedule, please go to our daily flight schedule page.

DEPARTURE AIRPORT TAX:
Domestic: Rp. 20.000/person

International: Rp. 75.000/person

Note: each airport has different tariffs

1. Garuda Indonesia
Daily flights: Jakarta - Mataram (Direct)
Jakarta - Surabaya - Mataram - Surabaya.

2. Merpati Nusantara Airlines
Daily flights: Denpasar - Mataram and Mataram - Denpasar.

3. Silk Air
Three flights weekly from Changi Singapore Airport - Mataram Lombok - Singapore.

4. Lion Air
Daily flights from Surabaya - Mataram - Surabaya or Jakarta - Mataram - Jakarta.

5. Trigana Air
Daily flights: Denpasar - Mataram - Denpasar.

6. Batavia Air
Daily flights: Jakarta - Surabaya - Mataram and Mataram - Surabaya - Jakarta

7. Indonesia Air Transport
Daily flights: Denpasar - Mataram - Denpasar.

BY BOAT
Alternative way to reach Lombok from Bali is by sea. Regular public ferry leaves every 2 hours. There are three new private boat (fast boat) service available by Blue Water Safari (Benoa - Gili Islands) or Gili Cat (Padangbay - Gili islands) and Mahi-mahi from Serangan (Sanur Bali). Bounty Cruises back in business since june 2008. Tentative schedule is 3 times a week direct from Benoa to Teluk Nare Lombok.

1. Blue Water Safaris
A luxury speedboat service.

Daily departure from Benoa directly to Gili Islands. Approx 2 hours from Benoa (Bali) to Gilis.

2. Gili Cat (Fast Catamaran)
Daily departure from Padang Bay (East Bali) to Gili Islands.

It's a Fast Catamaran.

3. Mahi Mahi (Fast Catamaran)
Daily departure from Serangan (Sanur - Bali) directly to Gili Islands.

4. Bounty Cruise (Back in Business)
Depart 3 times a week from Benoa to Teluk Nare Lombok.
A luxury cruise line with capacity of 400 passengers.

5. Perama Shuttle Bus
Daily departure from Kuta area, Ubud, Candidasa directly to Mataram, Senggigi, Bangsal and Gili Island. Price includes ferry and non AC coach for both Bali & Lombok.

Land Sea Adventure
6. Regular Ferry

Public Ferry (approx 3,5 hours) departs every 2 hours from Padang Bai (BALI) to Lembar (LOMBOK) 24 hours service. Ticket is easy to get once you arrive at the Harbour.

For information on Ferry Schedule, contact:

Pelabuhan Penyeberangan Lembar, Tel: +62 370 681187, 637209