A new ferry route was opened on Christmas Day, linking the Ketapang Ferry Port in Banyuwangi, East Java directly to Lembar in West Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), taking away the need to transit in Bali in between the journey.
Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi said that the new route will reduce traffic congestion throughout Bali, as ferry passengers intending to get from Java island to Lombok previously had to dock in Bali and travel by land from the Gilimanuk Port to Padang Bai Port at the other side of the island for the second leg of their journey.
The new route is serviced by seven passenger ferries, including one that’s operated by the government-owned PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry. The distance between Ketapang and Lembar is around 125 miles with the sailing time between the two ports estimated at around 12.5 hours.
This is the third long-distance ferry route operated by PT ASDP after Surabaya-Lembar and Jakarta-Surabaya.
Ticket prices start at IDR105,800 (US$7.46) for economy class, while the fare for infants is IDR12,600 (US$0.88). For passengers with vehicles, tickets start at IDR115,890 (US$8.17). The complete list of ticket prices can be seen here.
Tickets can be purchased on the spot at the Sri Tanjung Terminal in Banyuwangi using e-payment cards such as BRI’s Brizzi, Mandiri’s e-Money, and BCA’s Flazz.
