Lombok and Sumbawa Overland Route
Indonesia
In short: Lombok and Sumbawa Overland Route is a about 550 km including the vehicle-ferry crossing overland road trip in Indonesia, typically driven over 5 days, best in May–Oct. Highlights: Mataram, Kayangan and Poto Tano, Sumbawa Besar.
A direct eastbound crossing from Mataram through east Lombok, the Kayangan–Poto Tano ferry, Sumbawa Besar, Dompu and Bima, without the inefficient Maluk backtrack.
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Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1Mataram to Labuhan Lombok and Kayangan ferry port
Mataram preparation and eastbound drive · Taliwang Khas Pak Udin
Day 2Pelabuhan Penyeberangan Kayangan ferry to Pelabuhan Penyeberangan Poto Tano
Kayangan–Poto Tano vehicle ferry · Confirmed Poto Tano lodging meal
Day 3Poto Tano to Sumbawa Besar
Dalam Loka Palace · La Grande Restaurant at Samawa Transit Hotel
Day 4Sumbawa Besar to Doro Ncanga and Dompu
Doro Ncanga signed viewpoint · Confirmed Dompu hotel dinner
Day 5Dompu to Bima
Asi Mbojo Museum · La Ila Hotel Restaurant
Stops along the route
Things to Do
Where to Eat
Nearby and similar drives
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Lombok and Sumbawa Overland Route drive?
The Lombok and Sumbawa Overland Route covers about 550 km including the vehicle-ferry crossing from start to finish.
How long does the Lombok and Sumbawa Overland Route take to drive?
Most travellers spend 5 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–Oct.
Where does the Lombok and Sumbawa Overland Route start and end?
The Lombok and Sumbawa Overland Route runs from Mataram to Bima.
What are the main stops on the Lombok and Sumbawa Overland Route?
The Lombok and Sumbawa Overland Route passes through Mataram, Kayangan and Poto Tano, Sumbawa Besar.
How difficult is the Lombok and Sumbawa Overland Route to drive?
The Lombok and Sumbawa Overland Route is rated moderate and is best handled with any vehicle.
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 0 refuels (or about 1 EV charges) along the Lombok and Sumbawa Overland Route, based on its about 550 km including the vehicle-ferry crossing length.
Is the Lombok and Sumbawa Overland Route safe to drive?
Indonesia is Level 2 as of 7 July 2026. The correct vehicle-ferry pair is Kayangan–Poto Tano, not Lembar. Check ASDP schedules, weather, vehicle ticket and port lead time immediately before travel. Carry the required IDP and matching licence and insurance, fuel and cash, and avoid night driving. Check earthquakes, landslides and Tambora volcano/park status. This route uses only the signed Doro Ncanga caldera viewpoint; a summit climb is a separate guided, permitted multi-day extension.
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.