In Reply to: That's what I thought... posted by popcorn on Friday, 23. July 2004 at 11:20 Bali Time:
Hi again,
I just thought about adding some information for you on transportation between Bali and Lombok.
The ferries from Padangbai to Lombok arn't in good any condition as I'm sure you noticed and it's a hazzard to go with them. Last September one of them went down out on Bali Straight, a few drowned but luckily most passengers where picked up by other boats.
There is an option. Use the fast boat from Padangbai, they leave every morning, used to be at 9.30 am. The ride brings you to Lombok in 1 hour 15 min. The price one way is 100.000Rp (don't know if it's the same for children). Merpati price for Lombok is 232.000Rp one way.
PERAMA also have a boat that brings tourists between Bali and Lombok everyday, you can get more information on that at there offices in Kuta, Ubud, Lovina or Padangbai. Have a nice trip