Maritime authorities order an indefinite suspension of high-speed ferry services due to dangerous sea conditions, stranding travelers as extreme weather continues to disrupt regional transit.
LOMBOK, Indonesia — All fastboat services connecting Lombok and Bali have been suspended indefinitely due to hazardous sea conditions caused by ongoing severe weather. The suspension, enacted by port authorities at Pemenang Port in North Lombok, took effect on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, with no set date for resumption.
The decision was announced by Mahdi, Head of the Class II Port Management Unit in Pemenang, who cited official analysis from the BMKG Zainuddin Abdul Madjid Meteorological Station. “The suspension is in effect from Wednesday, January 21, 2026, until weather conditions return to normal,” Mahdi stated in an official release on Thursday.
In addition to the meteorological agency’s warnings, direct visual monitoring confirmed sea conditions deemed perilous for high-speed craft. Authorities have instructed all fastboat agents, captains, owners, and operators departing from Pemenang Port to Bali to postpone all voyages until further notice.
Regional Travel Disrupted Amid Extreme Weather Alerts
The suspension creates significant disruption for one of Indonesia’s busiest tourist corridors. The fastboat route is a vital link for thousands of travelers, including tourists, expatriates, and locals moving between Bali and the popular destinations of the Gili Islands and Lombok.
This maritime halt aligns with broader extreme weather warnings issued for the region. Indonesian meteorological authorities have repeatedly flagged the potential for high waves, strong winds, and heavy rainfall across the Bali-Nusa Tenggara region, advising caution for all sea transportation.
Practical Guidance for Affected Travelers
For travelers currently in Lombok or Bali with affected plans:
- Contact Your Operator: Immediately reach out to your fastboat ticket agent or ferry company for information on rebooking, cancellations, or refunds.
- Explore Alternatives: Consider commercial airline flights between Lombok’s International Airport (BIL) and Bali’s Ngurah Rai Airport (DPS), though availability may be limited.
- Monitor Official Channels: Stay updated on weather developments through the BMKG website and official port authority announcements.
- Exercise Patience: Resumption of services is entirely dependent on sea conditions improving to a safe standard. Avoid pressuring operators to sail during official suspensions.
The indefinite closure underscores the potent impact of Indonesia’s rainy season on inter-island connectivity and serves as a critical reminder of the paramount importance of maritime safety over travel convenience.
Hey Bali News advises all travelers to prioritize safety and stay informed through official sources during this period of severe weather disruption.
