In Reply to: lombok posted by cheril on Sunday, 22. February 2009 at 16:18 Bali Time:
We have been on the ferry to both lombok and Sumbawa. We did not find it rough. There are many different ferries and standards do differ depending on the luck of which ferry is next. The toilets are not very good, very small swat ones that get very smelly by the end of the trip.The lounge and open areas are fine.
We prefer the ferry because we hire a car and take that with us, also until now we have had 3 kids and the airfares although cheap add up when you are a family. It leaves from Pandang bai and you need to factor in at least 5-6 hours for the journey.
Another option is to catch the faster boat from Benoa Harbour that goes stright to the Gilli's