In Reply to: Lombok posted by Ibu Tash on Thursday, 8. September 2011 at 11:33 Bali Time:
Lombok is nothing like Bali 20 years ago, sorry but I just hate that phrase. It is nothing like Bali at any time really. Lombok has had large hotel chains for over 30 years, and a reasonably well developed tourism industry over that time. 20 years ago, 1991, Bali was already way more developed than Lombok is now. I've been coming to Bali for 30 years and Lombok for 20 years, and just don't see the comparison. I doubt Lombok will ever really be the same as Bali, well I sincerely hope not anyway.
If you are going directly to the Gilis and don't plan to spend any time in Lombok, then the fast boat is a good option. My personal preference is to fly, but then I'm not going to the Gili. I may reconsider the fast boat option once the new airport is operational as it will be quite a bit longer to get from the airport to Senggigi/Mangsit where I stay, and I have my fears about safety at the new airport.
I agree that the fast boat from Lombok to the Gili is a good way to transfer. If you do decide to fly to Lombok, and are going direct to the Gili, you can arrange Dream Divers to pick you up at the airport, bus you to their harbour, and then take you to Gili T in 10 mins on their speedboat, for a cost of USD 39, or USD 27 is 2 or more people. Your alternative is to get a taxi to Bangsal (Rp 130,000?) and public ferry for around Rp 25,000, but it is quite a hassle. The public ferry takes about an hour to get to Gili T, and that is after waiting for it to be full before it departs, which can take hours on a slow day. The prices above are for Mataram airport, it will be considerably more expensive once that closes and the new airport close to Praya is operational. Officially that is from 1st October, but anyone who has been out there to take a look cannot imagine how that will be possible.