Lombok Guide: Luxury Yacht Charter in Lombok

Lombok sits just 22 nautical miles east of Bali across the deep, current-swept Lombok Strait – close enough to reach in a couple of hours by motor yacht, yet a world apart in character. Where Bali is lush, Hindu and heavily visited, Lombok is drier, predominantly Sasak Muslim and still genuinely uncrowded in its best corners. The island’s north-west coast faces the Gili Islands – three car-free white-sand islands surrounded by turtle-rich coral reefs that have become one of Indonesia’s most beloved marine destinations. Its south coast hides world-class surf breaks and crescent beaches of powder-white sand. And rising behind it all, the volcanic cone of Mount Rinjani climbs to 3,726 metres, Indonesia’s second-highest peak, its crater lake visible from the summit and its profile forming a dramatic backdrop to every anchorage on the island’s western shore.

For charter guests, Lombok offers something Bali increasingly cannot: genuine quiet. The south-west Sekotong Peninsula is home to a chain of tiny islands – the so-called ‘Secret Gilis’ – where pristine snorkelling, empty white-sand beaches and turquoise lagoons await without another vessel in sight. The main Gili Islands, despite their popularity ashore, deliver consistently excellent diving and snorkelling with reef sharks, turtles, manta rays and Jason deCaires Taylor’s underwater sculpture installation on Gili Meno. And Lombok sits at the western end of the cruising corridor that runs east through Sumbawa and Moyo Island toward Komodo – making it a natural embarkation point for longer phinisi voyages into Indonesia’s wildest waters.

The Lombok Strait between Bali and Lombok also marks the Wallace Line – the biogeographical boundary identified by naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace in the 19th century, where Asian fauna gives way to Australasian species. Crossing this invisible line by yacht is a quietly thrilling moment: the water deepens to 250 metres in the strait, and the marine ecosystems on either side are measurably different. It is one of the most significant natural boundaries on the planet, and you sail right through it. Enquire with Boatcrowd for availability and pricing on our Lombok and Gili Islands fleet.

Why Charter a Yacht in Lombok

The Gili Islands – Three Islands, Three Personalities

The Gili Islands sit just four to nine nautical miles off Lombok’s north-west coast, reachable in 15–30 minutes by motor yacht. No motorised vehicles are permitted on any of the three islands – transport is by bicycle, horse-drawn cidomo or on foot – giving them a tranquillity rare in south-east Asia. Gili Trawangan (the largest, roughly three kilometres long) balances a lively bar and restaurant scene with quiet, laid-back stretches of white sand. Gili Meno (the smallest) is the most peaceful: a place for couples, honeymooners and anyone seeking genuine disconnection, home to a dedicated sea-turtle sanctuary and the Nest underwater sculpture by Jason deCaires Taylor – 48 life-size figures on the seafloor that have become a living coral reef. Gili Air strikes the middle ground: sociable but unhurried, with yoga studios, beachfront warungs and some of the best house-reef snorkelling in the group. A yacht gives you all three islands in a single day without the hassle of public boat schedules.

World-Class Diving and Marine Conservation

The waters around the Gili Islands support more than 15 distinct dive sites and a thriving marine ecosystem bolstered by decades of community-led conservation. Shark Point, on Gili Trawangan’s south side, is famous for white-tip and black-tip reef sharks circling the Glenn Nusa wreck – a vessel purposefully sunk to create artificial reef habitat. Turtle Heaven, off Gili Meno’s north-east coast, is a pinnacle dive from 10 to 30 metres where hawksbill and green turtles cruise among dense hard and soft corals. Deep Turbo delivers pelagic action: massive coral pinnacles dropping from 16 to 30 metres, with schools of batfish, red-tooth triggerfish and blue-spotted rays on the sandy bottom. The Gili Eco Trust, established in 2000, has installed 63 Biorock structures across the reefs – an electrodeposition technology that accelerates coral growth two to eight times faster than natural conditions, producing reefs that recover from bleaching events 20 times more quickly. Charter guests can snorkel or dive these restored reefs and see conservation in action.

The Secret Gilis – Lombok’s Hidden Archipelago

South-west of Lombok, scattered across the calm waters of Sekotong Bay, a chain of tiny islands offers the kind of pristine, uncrowded experience that the main Gili Islands delivered 20 years ago. Gili Nanggu has soft sandy beaches and vibrant coral reefs in sheltered water. Gili Kedis is so small you can walk its perimeter in five minutes – a honeymoon island of powdery white sand and calm, shallow turquoise. Gili Layar is the diver’s pick, with colourful coral gardens and abundant marine life. Your phinisi or motor yacht can anchor off each of these islands for a morning’s snorkelling and never see another charter vessel. The Secret Gilis are Lombok’s best-kept cruising secret.

Sasak Culture and Cuisine

Lombok’s indigenous Sasak people – roughly 85% of the island’s 3.9 million population – maintain a rich cultural heritage that charter guests can experience ashore between sailing days. The traditional village of Sade, in southern Lombok, has preserved Sasak customs through 15 generations: lumbung rice barns with their distinctive bonnet-shaped thatched roofs, earthen floors polished with buffalo dung and clay, and women weaving tenun ikat textiles on backstrap looms – a skill they must master before marriage. Ende village offers an even more authentic immersion, with low doorways requiring visitors to bow as a sign of respect. Sasak cuisine is bold and fragrant: ayam taliwang (sweet-spicy grilled chicken with coconut, chilli and shrimp paste), plecing kangkung (water spinach with raw tomato and chilli sambal) and sate pusut (beef skewers with a traditional spice blend of coriander, lime and grated coconut). Your onboard chef can incorporate Sasak flavours into the charter menu.

Gateway to Eastern Indonesia

Lombok sits at the western threshold of Indonesia’s most spectacular cruising corridor. A multi-day phinisi voyage east takes you across the Alas Strait to Sumbawa, with a stop at Moyo Island – a jungle-covered nature reserve with a pristine fringing reef and the cascading turquoise pools of the Mata Jitu waterfall. From Sumbawa, the route continues through the Sape Strait to Flores and into Komodo National Park. For guests with 10 to 14 days, a Lombok-to-Komodo charter is one of Indonesia’s great yacht voyages, building from the accessible pleasures of the Gili Islands to the genuine frontier of Komodo’s dragons and manta rays.

Top Destinations Near Lombok

• Gili Trawangan – The largest of the three main Gilis, roughly three kilometres long and two kilometres wide. No motorised vehicles, vibrant restaurant and bar scene on the east coast, quiet white-sand beaches on the west. Shark Point dive site on the south side features white-tip reef sharks and the Glenn Nusa wreck. Turtle Point on the north-east offers virtually guaranteed sea-turtle encounters in shallow seagrass. Approximately 9 nautical miles from Senggigi, 15–30 minutes by motor yacht.

• Gili Meno – The smallest and most peaceful of the trio. Home to the Gili Meno Sea Turtle Sanctuary and the Nest underwater sculpture by Jason deCaires Taylor – 48 life-size figures forming a circle on the seafloor, now colonised by coral and marine life. Turtle Heaven dive site off the north-east coast is a pinnacle from 10 to 30 metres with hawksbill and green turtles. Ideal for honeymooners and guests seeking genuine quiet.

• Gili Air – The closest Gili to Lombok (roughly 4 nautical miles, 15 minutes by boat), striking a balance between Trawangan’s energy and Meno’s tranquillity. Excellent house-reef snorkelling, yoga studios, beachfront warungs and a relaxed island pace. Compact enough to explore entirely by bicycle in 30 minutes.

• Sekotong Bay and the Secret Gilis – Lombok’s south-west coast, where a cluster of tiny islands – Gili Nanggu, Gili Sudak, Gili Kedis and Gili Layar – offer pristine snorkelling, empty beaches and genuinely uncrowded anchorages. Calm, shallow water suits families and beginner snorkellers. The new Marina Del Ray on Gili Gede provides year-round protected docking.

• Moyo Island, Sumbawa – A jungle-covered nature reserve off Sumbawa’s north coast, reachable on a multi-day charter east from Lombok. Pristine fringing reef, the cascading turquoise pools of Mata Jitu waterfall and the exclusive Amanwana resort (just 20 tents, not a single tree felled during construction). One of Indonesia’s most exclusive and unspoilt island stops.

• South Lombok Beaches – Lombok’s south coast hides a string of spectacular beaches accessible by tender from an offshore anchorage: Tanjung Aan (a round bay of white sand with a gentle A-frame wave), Mawun Beach (a protected crescent flanked by green headlands) and Selong Belanak (a long sweep of white sand ideal for beginner surfing). The coastline is backed by traditional Sasak fishing villages and rolling green hills.

• Medana Bay Marina – A new marina development on Lombok’s north-west coast near the Sire Peninsula, offering protected year-round docking, port clearance and yacht-club facilities. A convenient base for Gili Islands charters and a civilised provisioning stop before heading east toward Sumbawa.

Best Time to Charter in Lombok

Dry Season: April to October

The prime charter season. Clear skies, light winds, calm seas and underwater visibility that regularly exceeds 25 metres around the Gili Islands. Air temperatures sit between 27°C and 31°C, sea temperatures around 27–29°C. May through September are the driest months, with July and August delivering the most consistently settled conditions for diving and island-hopping. This is also the best period for south-coast beach visits, when the swell is manageable and the water is clear.

Shoulder Season: April–May and October–November

Warm and mostly dry, with occasional afternoon showers that clear quickly. Seas are generally calm, visibility remains good and the Gili Islands are noticeably quieter than during the July–August peak. Charter rates may be 10–20% softer. April and October are excellent months for combining Gili diving with a passage east toward Sumbawa and Komodo.

Wet Season: November to March

Monsoon conditions bring more frequent rain, higher humidity and occasional rough seas in the Lombok Strait. However, Lombok has a slightly drier climate than Bali, and the Gili Islands’ sheltered western sides remain diveable on most days. Visibility drops during the heaviest rainfall in December and January, but February and March often deliver good conditions with fewer visitors. Surfers favour this season for the south coast’s clean, glassy waves.

Signature Experiences

• Snorkel the Nest on Gili Meno – Descend just a few metres off Gili Meno’s west coast to find Jason deCaires Taylor’s underwater installation: 48 life-size human figures standing in a circle on the sandy seabed, now colonised by coral, sponges and schools of fish. The artwork was designed to become a living reef, and it has – marine life has claimed the sculpture so thoroughly that the human forms are half-hidden beneath growth. It is one of the most atmospheric snorkelling experiences in Indonesia.
• Dive Shark Point, Gili Trawangan – Descend past the Glenn Nusa wreck to the sandy bottom where white-tip and black-tip reef sharks patrol. Large schools of black snappers, sweetlips and trevally swirl around the wreck’s structure, and the occasional turtle glides through. Strong enough currents to attract pelagic visitors, but manageable for intermediate divers.
• Secret Gili Island-Hopping – Spend a morning cruising through Sekotong Bay’s chain of tiny islands: snorkel Gili Nanggu’s vibrant reef, swim in Gili Kedis’s turquoise shallows (the entire island is barely 50 metres across), and lunch on an empty beach on Gili Layar. Your crew drops the tender and you have each island to yourselves – a reminder of what the Gili Islands felt like before the world discovered them.
• Sasak Village Visit – Step ashore at Sade or Ende village in southern Lombok for a glimpse into a culture that has been woven into this island for centuries. Watch women create intricate ikat textiles on backstrap looms, learn about the lumbung rice barns with their distinctive bonnet roofs, and taste ayam taliwang – Lombok’s signature dish of sweet-spicy grilled chicken – prepared over coconut-husk coals.
• Sunset with Rinjani – Anchor off Lombok’s north-west coast as the evening light catches Mount Rinjani’s 3,726-metre volcanic cone. On clear evenings, the peak glows copper and rose against a deepening blue sky, reflected in the calm water around your phinisi. It is one of Indonesia’s most dramatic sundowner views – your crew serves cocktails on the upper deck while Rinjani does the rest.
• Biorock Reef Snorkelling – Visit one of the 63 Biorock structures installed by the Gili Eco Trust: metal frames through which low-voltage electrical current accelerates coral growth to two to eight times the natural rate. The resulting reefs are extraordinarily dense, brightly coloured and teeming with fish. Snorkelling a Biorock structure is both a marine experience and a lesson in conservation technology that is making a measurable difference.

Yacht Types Available

• Luxury Phinisi (80’–180’) – The most atmospheric way to explore Lombok and the Gili Islands. A phinisi’s handcrafted teak hull, twin-masted silhouette and Indonesian crew create an experience that feels rooted in the culture of the islands you’re visiting. Ideal for multi-day voyages that extend from the Gilis east toward Sumbawa and Komodo. En-suite cabins, personal chefs, dive masters and full water-sports arsenals come standard. Weekly rates start from approximately $45,000–$90,000 all-inclusive.

• Motor Yachts (55’–99’) – Fast and flexible, motor yachts reach the Gili Islands from Lombok’s harbours in under 30 minutes and can cover all three islands plus the Secret Gilis in a single day. Well suited to shorter charters of two to four days focused on the Gili Islands and Sekotong Bay. Weekly rates from approximately $30,000–$55,000.

• Superyachts (100’+) – A small number of superyachts operate through Lombok waters, typically as part of longer Indonesian voyages (Bali–Lombok–Komodo or repositioning between seasons). Medana Bay Marina accommodates larger vessels with protected docking and port services. Weekly rates from $90,000–$175,000+.

• Luxury Catamarans (55’+) – Stable, spacious and shallow-drafted, catamarans excel in the Gili Islands’ sheltered, reef-fringed waters. The twin-hull design virtually eliminates rolling during the Lombok Strait crossing, making them a favourite for families and guests prone to seasickness. Weekly rates from approximately $35,000–$50,000.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a yacht charter in Lombok cost?

Charter pricing depends on vessel type, duration and inclusions. Short charters (two to four days) around the Gili Islands and Sekotong Bay start from approximately $8,000–$15,000 per day for a crewed motor yacht or phinisi, depending on vessel size. Full-week charters range from $30,000–$55,000 for motor yachts (55’–99’), $45,000–$90,000 for luxury phinisi and $90,000–$175,000+ for superyachts. Most phinisi operate all-inclusive, covering meals, non-alcoholic beverages, snorkelling equipment, water sports and guided excursions. Shoulder-season rates (April–May, October–November) are typically 10–20% softer than peak. Enquire with Boatcrowd for a personalised quote.

Can I charter a catamaran in Lombok?

Yes. Boatcrowd offers crewed luxury catamarans from Lombok, including premium models from Sunreef and Lagoon. Catamarans are particularly well suited to the Gili Islands’ sheltered waters and shallow reef anchorages. Their stability makes the Lombok Strait crossing comfortable even for guests prone to seasickness, and the generous deck space is ideal for families and groups. Most operate all-inclusive with a captain, chef and steward.

How do I get to Lombok?

Lombok International Airport (Praya) receives direct flights from Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Darwin and major Indonesian cities including Bali (a 25-minute flight), Jakarta and Surabaya. From the airport, transfers to the north-west coast harbours (Teluk Nare, Bangsal or Medana Bay) take approximately 90 minutes by car. Many charter guests fly into Bali and cross the Lombok Strait by yacht as part of their charter, combining two destinations in a single voyage.

Is Lombok suitable for a honeymoon or special celebration?

Lombok and the Gili Islands are one of Indonesia’s most romantic charter settings. Gili Meno is often called ‘Honeymoon Island’ for its peaceful, intimate atmosphere. Imagine a sunset proposal on the deck of a phinisi anchored between the Gili Islands, with Mount Rinjani’s volcanic silhouette glowing in the evening light. Or a honeymoon itinerary that combines private-island picnics on the Secret Gilis, snorkelling the Nest underwater sculpture on Gili Meno and a Sasak village dinner ashore. Your crew handles every detail – floral arrangements, champagne, special menus and personalised touches. Let Boatcrowd know the occasion when you enquire.

Can I combine Lombok with Bali or Komodo in one charter?

Absolutely, and these are among the most popular routings in Indonesia. Bali to Lombok is a natural two-to-three-day extension: cruise across the Lombok Strait, explore the Nusa Islands en route and anchor in the Gili Islands by the second day. Lombok to Komodo is a five-to-seven-day phinisi voyage east through Sumbawa and Moyo Island, building from the Gilis’ sheltered reefs to Komodo’s dramatic dragons and dive sites. The most comprehensive itinerary – Bali to Komodo via Lombok – covers the full range of Indonesian cruising in 10 to 14 days. Your Boatcrowd charter specialist will design a routing that matches your available time and the seasonal conditions.

What marine life can I expect around the Gili Islands?

The Gili Islands deliver consistently excellent marine encounters. Green and hawksbill sea turtles are resident year-round and virtually guaranteed on every snorkel at Turtle Point or Turtle Heaven. White-tip and black-tip reef sharks patrol Shark Point and the deeper reefs. Reef manta rays pass through the channels during certain conditions. Cuttlefish, octopus, nudibranchs and blue-spotted rays are common on the sandy slopes. The Gili Eco Trust’s Biorock restoration has produced some of the densest and most colourful coral growth in Indonesia – the sheer abundance of reef fish on these structures is remarkable. Visibility regularly exceeds 25 metres during the dry season.

Is Lombok family-friendly for a yacht charter?

Lombok is an excellent choice for families. The Gili Islands’ sheltered waters offer calm snorkelling in shallow reef – no strong currents, warm water and turtles that thrill children of all ages. The Secret Gilis in Sekotong Bay are even calmer and quieter, with sandy-bottomed shallows ideal for younger swimmers. No motorised vehicles on the Gili Islands means a safe, relaxed onshore atmosphere. Catamarans are particularly popular with families for their stability and easy swim-platform access. Your crew can prepare child-friendly menus, organise guided reef walks and set up beach games on the quiet Secret Gili islands.