In Reply to: lombok posted by whiterose on Monday, 25. February 2008 at 12:30 Bali Time:
Taking the ferry to Lombok is most unpleasant. It is cheap though. But so is flying, comparatively. There is no fixed schedule for the ferries although there supposedly is. You might find your ferry idling off Lombok for a long time. The porters in Padang Bai are utterly vile - beware the ones taking your bags off your transport vehicle - they want $, as do the next lot you encounter on the wharf - outrageous amounts.
The loos on board are disgusting so avoid drinking anything for the very hot 4 hour plus trip. The ferries are rust buckets. I guess the ferry is a once-in-a-lifetime experience but I've done it twice & it was far more pleasant in '84 than it is now - same boats but no maintenance done in the meantime.
I enjoy Lombok very much - so different from Bali & most interesting. Highly recommend going there.
FLY!!! Check out the Lombok Lovers site & ask there. Gemma knows the flight schedules & costs.