The Mabua Express is a 40 metre,7 year old Norwegian catamaran, seats 250 people and cruises at 25 knots. Departs Bali from Benoa Harbour,
(about 15 minutes from Kuta)at 8am and arrives at Lembar Harbour 2 and a half hours later.
Return departs Lembar at 5.30pm,arriving Benoa 8pm.
There are two air conditioned levels.Lower level seats 190 @$US20
and upper level,(Diamond Class),seats 60 people @$US25.
Let me assure you that for an extra 5 bucks Diamond class is the way to go.Tea,coffee and a couple of boxed sweet buns are served to your coffee table/airline seat on departure by friendly staff.The bar is open and a couple of movies are shown.
Smokers; Out the back door of Diamond class to a small deck ---- rubbish bin provided !!
Sunseekers; The large deck above Diamond class is perfect,great stress relief taking in the view of small one person fishing boats, deserted beaches and fresh air. A good set of binoculars would not go astray for some of the coastal sights.
Luggage; A small fee for surfboards and push bikes.Excess baggage over 20 kgs is 1,000Rp per 1kg.
Keep a close watch on your baggage arriving back at Benoa,along with 200 others.Even though you have a ticket for each of your bags,it means nothing as there is no control, all bags are trolleyed into a dimly lit area and there is a bit of a scramble.(a piece of reflective tape on each piece of baggage would be a good move )so you can spot the thief with your bag.!!
We,my wife,17yo son and 18yo girl,(family),friend spent most of our time at South Lombok.Stayed Novotel Coralia and will post a just back on that little adventure/experience soon.
Cheers,Scotty.