Praya

Praya is a vibrant administrative centre in the West Nusa Tenggara province of Indonesia, often serving as the first point of arrival for guests visiting the island of Lombok due to its proximity to the airport. If you have decided to travel to Praya, several convenient options are available to you: from a quick flight to a journey along the island's scenic roads. We will guide you on how to reach Praya by plane, bus, or car, so you can choose the optimal mode of transport.

The island's main air gateway is located right here: Praya is served by the Zainuddin Abdul Madjid International Airport (LOP). This modern aviation hub, formerly known as Lombok International Airport, is situated in the Tanak Awu district, making the trip to the city centre incredibly short and comfortable.

The airport receives numerous domestic flights from major cities in Indonesia, including Jakarta, Surabaya, and Denpasar. You can also fly here directly from abroad, for instance, from Singapore or Kuala Lumpur. Thanks to these well-developed air connections, travellers can easily reach the resort without the need for long transfers involving ferries or ground transport.

There is no direct railway connection to the city of Praya, as this mode of transport is not developed on the island of Lombok. Tourists who prefer the romance of train travel will have to travel to the terminal stations on the neighbouring island of Java, and then transfer to a ferry and bus. The main railway network of Indonesia ends on the western shore of the Bali Strait.

The nearest major hub with an active train station is Banyuwangi; this is where trains arrive from Jakarta and Surabaya. Although neighbouring Denpasar and Sumbawa Besar are geographically closer, they also lack railway stations, so the complex route via Java remains the only option for train enthusiasts.

Travelling by bus to Praya is a true adventure that allows you to witness the changing landscapes of the archipelago, as most routes include scenic ferry crossings between the islands. The most popular service departs from Denpasar in Bali: covering approximately 150 kilometres, including a sea voyage across the Lombok Strait, usually takes between 5 to 7 hours depending on the ferry schedule.

From the east, you can arrive from the city of Sumbawa Besar, spending about 6 hours on the road, making this a convenient option for explorers of the neighbouring island of Sumbawa. More resilient tourists might choose to start from the port of Banyuwangi on Java, though one should be prepared for a marathon journey lasting over 12 hours, crossing two straits and the entire island of Bali.

A trip by car to Praya is an exciting journey that inevitably involves sea crossings, as the city is located in the centre of the island. The most popular route from Denpasar in Bali takes about 5–6 hours and covers a distance of 150 km, a significant part of which you will spend on a ferry to the port of Lembar. Travellers heading from the east, from the city of Sumbawa Besar, will need approximately 4.5 hours to cover 165 km, including a short crossing over the Alas Strait.

For those prepared for a long haul, the drive from Banyuwangi on the island of Java will take between 10 to 12 hours, stretching almost 300 km across the entirety of Bali and two straits. Getting around Lombok is most convenient via a rented car with a driver or an official taxi, such as Bluebird; the cost of the trip from the ferry terminal to the city usually varies depending on the vehicle class. The roads around Praya are quite good but require attention due to the active motorbike traffic.

Visiting the city of Praya is an excellent opportunity to experience the authentic culture of Lombok island without the unnecessary hustle. To ensure your journey is comfortable and leaves only pleasant memories, we have prepared a list of useful recommendations that take local customs into account.

1. Clothing and Essentials. The climate here is tropical and humid, so opt for light clothing made from natural fabrics like cotton or linen. Please note that Indonesia is a country with conservative traditions, especially away from the beach areas. For walks around the city, it is best to choose modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees to show respect for the local residents.
2. Transport. Public transport in the city is not well-developed, so it is most convenient to use taxis (such as the reliable Bluebird service) or popular ride-hailing apps for cars and motorbike taxis. If you decide to rent a scooter, an international driving licence and a helmet are mandatory, as traffic can be chaotic.
3. Finances. The local currency is the Indonesian Rupiah. While hotels and large stores accept cards, you will definitely need cash for purchases at markets, small shops, and for transport fares. It is best to exchange money at official banks or licensed exchange offices, avoiding questionable street kiosks.
4. Health and Safety. Tap water is not suitable for drinking—please buy only bottled water. The sun on the island is very strong, so the use of high SPF sunscreen is mandatory even in cloudy weather. It is also recommended to carry insect repellent, especially if you plan evening walks.
5. Communication. The official language is Indonesian (Bahasa), but many locals speak the Sasak language. In the tourism sector, staff usually speak basic English. However, learning a couple of simple phrases in Indonesian, such as "terima kasih" (thank you), will instantly earn you the goodwill of the locals.
6. Local Etiquette. An important rule: always use your right hand to pass money, food, or for handshakes, as the left hand is considered "unclean". When entering a private home or a mosque, you must remove your shoes. It is also not customary to touch another person's head, even a child's, as this is considered a gesture of disrespect.
7. What to Avoid. Refrain from excessive public displays of affection (such as kissing and hugging), as this contradicts the moral norms of the local society. Also, be attentive on the roads: pedestrian crossings are often ignored by drivers here.
8. Culinary Advice. Lombok's cuisine is known for its spiciness, often exceeding the heat level of dishes in neighbouring Bali. When ordering food in local warungs (cafés), please clarify the spice level ("tidak pedas" means "not spicy") if you are not accustomed to hot chili peppers.

Following these simple rules will help you feel confident and safe. Praya is a hospitable city, and respect for local customs will be the key to a warm welcome and sincere smiles from its inhabitants.