Lombok Strait Sea Conditions
The weather on the Lombok Strait changes quickly. One moment the sea looks calm, the next the current starts pulling hard and the waves grow steep. Anyone crossing Bali and Lombok knows how much the wind and tide can shape the trip. Even short routes such as Padang Bai–Gili Islands or Padang Bai–Lembar can feel very different depending on the swell and the time of day. That’s why it helps to follow our live wind, wave, and tide trackers for the Lombok Strait before setting out.
Live ferry travel updates are available on the active Facebook page of Ekaja Fast Ferry (Pandang Bai routes). Blue Water Express also has an active Facebook page. However, if you need ‘more’ info about their particular sailings/cancellations, you need to contact them. Unfortunately, they aren’t all very open online in terms of cancellations due to bad weather.
For a wider look at ocean conditions, you can also check the South Pacific and East China Sea forecasts.
5-Day Ferry Crossing Weather Forecast
27°C | °F
- Temperature
- Precipitation
- Rain Chance
- Wind
- Humidity
- Pressure
Wind and Waves
On the following (zoomed out) map, you can see possible winds and storms appearing near Bali & Lombok:
The ferries on the Lombok Strait are small vessels, so they cannot sail through severe storms. You mostly receive text messages when they are about to make serious cancellations. There are no social updates about cancellations available. I would advise people to talk through Facebook posts or call them if you need info fast. Ps. The slow boat is able to take on bigger storms, however this boat is…. really slow.
The harbour master
The Harbour Master and Port Authority (KSOP) office in the departure port is the authority that provides the official decision on whether a crossing is suspended due to bad weather.
More about the ferries and weather on the Lombok Strait
The Padang Bai–Lembar ferry crossing usually takes 4 to 5 hours. The ferries run day and night, with multiple departures every day operated by ASDP Indonesia.
The Lombok Strait links the Indian Ocean with the Flores Sea. It is a deep and narrow channel where strong currents and tidal flows are common, making it more challenging than other nearby passages.
Weather delays are not unusual, especially during the rainy season (December to March). Strong winds and waves can slow crossings, but full cancellations are less common than short delays.
The windiest months are usually June to August, during the southeast monsoon. This period often brings steady winds and choppier seas, especially in the afternoons.
Two main types: large roll-on roll-off ferries on the Padang Bai–Lembar line, carrying vehicles and passengers, and high-speed fast boats linking Bali with the Gili Islands and Lombok’s northern coast.
Yes, especially on the fast boats to the Gili Islands where the ride can be bumpy. Choosing a morning departure, sitting near the back, or using seasickness tablets can help.
Waves are usually 1 to 2 meters, but during strong winds or the rainy season they can rise above 3 meters, especially in the afternoon.
The Lombok Strait is known for powerful tidal flows, often reaching 3 to 4 knots. Currents shift direction with the tide and can create rough conditions, especially in narrow parts of the channel. These strong currents are one reason the strait is both important for shipping and challenging for smaller boats.
⛈️ Lombok Strait Cancellations and Storm Gossip
How was your experience with stormy weather on this route? Feel free to ask us questions here about ferry company cancellations; we talk with them regularly!
Hi hello!
Are ferry crossing the lombok strait going to be cancelled in the days coming (9.9 and 10.9) ?
Thanks !