RoadAtlas
Lombok and Sumbawa Overland Route — Indonesia — Scenic
Southeast Asia

Lombok and Sumbawa Overland Route

Indonesia

In short: Lombok and Sumbawa Overland Route is a 620 km scenic road trip in Indonesia, typically driven over 5-7 days, best in May to October. Highlights: Mataram, Pusuk Pass, Lembar Ferry Port.

Distance
620 km
Duration
5-7 days
Best Season
May to October
IconicModerateScenic

This island-hopping road trip starts in Mataram on Lombok, crosses by ferry to Sumbawa, and continues east to Bima for a sweep through volcano-backed coasts, fishing towns, and quiet bays. Expect a mix of smooth highways, scenic mountain bends, and long, lightly trafficked stretches.

~1 refuel
~2 charges
Practical notes
Roads are paved on the main islands, but ferry timing can affect the trip, especially between Lombok and Sumbawa. Allow extra daylight for coastal curves, local traffic, and occasional landslide or surf-weather delays in the wet season.
Explore on the interactive map →

Plan this trip

Self-guided audio toursExplore local stories near city stops Hotels for this tripCompare stays before you go Flights for this tripCompare flight options before you go Car rental for this tripCompare rental options before you drive

Third-party planning links may be affiliate links. RoadAtlas stays independent, and you should verify details with the provider.

Stops along the route

Mataram — Departure — Lombok and Sumbawa Overland Route — Indonesia
Departure
Mataram
Lombok’s laid-back capital, with busy markets, mosques, and easy access to the island’s west coast. A practical launch point before the ferry east.
Hotels
Sumbawa Besar — City — Lombok and Sumbawa Overland Route — Indonesia
City
Sumbawa Besar
The main town on western Sumbawa, with markets, food stalls, and fuel stops. It breaks up the long drive with a dose of local life.
Hotels
Dompu — City — Lombok and Sumbawa Overland Route — Indonesia
City
Dompu
A quiet transit town set between dry hills and fertile lowlands. It is a useful overnight stop before the final approach to the east.
Hotels
Bima City Center — Arrival — Lombok and Sumbawa Overland Route — Indonesia
Arrival
Bima City Center
Bima’s busy urban finish, where the road trip ends among port traffic, markets, and waterfront neighborhoods. It is a strong base for exploring eastern Sumbawa.
Hotels

Things to Do

Pusuk Pass — Nature — Lombok and Sumbawa Overland Route — Indonesia
Nature
Pusuk Pass
A winding hill road through lush forest above Lombok’s northwest coast. Monkeys and wide sea views make it a memorable first climb.
Lembar Ferry Port — Landmark — Lombok and Sumbawa Overland Route — Indonesia
Landmark
Lembar Ferry Port
Lombok’s main ferry gateway, where the road trip shifts from island highways to open sea crossing. Best timed with daylight to keep the day smooth.
Poto Tano Port — Landmark — Lombok and Sumbawa Overland Route — Indonesia
Landmark
Poto Tano Port
The Sumbawa landing point, framed by bright water and low hills. It marks the start of the island’s long, open coastal stretches.
Maluk Beach — Nature — Lombok and Sumbawa Overland Route — Indonesia
Nature
Maluk Beach
A crescent bay with calm water, surf, and a slow-moving seaside feel. It is a good place to pause after the ferry and stretch out by the coast.
Wawo Raba — Nature — Lombok and Sumbawa Overland Route — Indonesia
Nature
Wawo Raba
A scenic viewpoint area above Bima with broad views over hills and bay. The landscape feels drier, wilder, and more exposed to the wind.
Pura Lingsar — temple — Lombok and Sumbawa Overland Route — Indonesia
temple
Pura Lingsar
A cultural landmark near Mataram with layered Hindu and local traditions. It gives a quick sense of Lombok’s mixed heritage before the drive east.
Pusuk Monkey Forest — nature — Lombok and Sumbawa Overland Route — Indonesia
nature
Pusuk Monkey Forest
Roadside forest and viewpoint area where macaques gather near the shoulder. Stop briefly for views, but keep snacks secured.
Maluk Beach Surf — beach — Lombok and Sumbawa Overland Route — Indonesia
beach
Maluk Beach Surf
A relaxed surf beach with long views and steady waves. It is ideal for a swim, surf check, or slow shoreline walk.
Istana Dalam Loka — historic site — Lombok and Sumbawa Overland Route — Indonesia
historic site
Istana Dalam Loka
A traditional wooden palace in Sumbawa Besar that reflects the island’s royal history. The architecture and carvings make it a worthwhile detour.
Mount Tambora Viewpoint — viewpoint — Lombok and Sumbawa Overland Route — Indonesia
viewpoint
Mount Tambora Viewpoint
A dramatic volcano landscape on the way toward eastern Sumbawa. Clear days reveal the scale of the mountain and its rugged surroundings.

Where to Eat

Pagi Sore Resto — Indonesian — Lombok and Sumbawa Overland Route — Indonesia
Indonesian
Pagi Sore Resto
A reliable spot for classic Indonesian meals in Mataram. Good for a sit-down lunch before heading to the ferry.
Taliwang Khas Pak Udin — Sasak — Lombok and Sumbawa Overland Route — Indonesia
Sasak
Taliwang Khas Pak Udin
A known local choice for ayam taliwang and Lombok-style side dishes. It is a solid stop for a spicy island meal on the west side.
Ayam Taliwang H. Moerad — Indonesian — Lombok and Sumbawa Overland Route — Indonesia
Indonesian
Ayam Taliwang H. Moerad
A popular place to try Lombok’s signature grilled chicken with sambal. Best for an early dinner before an island crossing.
Warung Makan Bima — Indonesian — Lombok and Sumbawa Overland Route — Indonesia
Indonesian
Warung Makan Bima
A practical road-stop style eatery for rice dishes and quick refuels in eastern Sumbawa. Expect simple food and local traffic energy.
Pasar Sila — local market — Lombok and Sumbawa Overland Route — Indonesia
local market
Pasar Sila
A market stop for snacks, fruit, and fast local breakfast options in Bima. It is a good place to sample everyday eastern island flavors.

Explore related routes

Indonesia road trips Iconic Scenic Coastal DrivesMountain PassesAdventure & Overland Routes Southeast Asia routes

Nearby and similar drives

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Lombok and Sumbawa Overland Route drive?

The Lombok and Sumbawa Overland Route covers 620 km from start to finish.

How long does the Lombok and Sumbawa Overland Route take to drive?

Most travellers spend 5-7 days on the Lombok and Sumbawa Overland Route, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Lombok and Sumbawa Overland Route?

The recommended season for the Lombok and Sumbawa Overland Route is May to October.

Where does the Lombok and Sumbawa Overland Route start and end?

The Lombok and Sumbawa Overland Route runs from Mataram to Bima City Center.

What are the main stops on the Lombok and Sumbawa Overland Route?

The Lombok and Sumbawa Overland Route passes through Mataram, Pusuk Pass, Lembar Ferry Port.

Can I drive the Lombok and Sumbawa Overland Route in a regular car?

Yes — the Lombok and Sumbawa Overland Route is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.

How many fuel stops are needed on the Lombok and Sumbawa Overland Route?

Plan around 1 refuels (or about 2 EV charges) along the Lombok and Sumbawa Overland Route, based on its 620 km length.

Is the Lombok and Sumbawa Overland Route safe to drive?

Roads are paved on the main islands, but ferry timing can affect the trip, especially between Lombok and Sumbawa. Allow extra daylight for coastal curves, local traffic, and occasional landslide or surf-weather delays in the wet season.

What scenic tier is the Lombok and Sumbawa Overland Route?

The Lombok and Sumbawa Overland Route is a iconic drive — Iconic road trips that anchor a region's reputation — postcard scenery, headline highways, and the routes most travellers want to drive.