As Lombok is preparing to host the MotoGP, Bali is hopeful that the major international sporting event will help connect tourism between the two provinces in an even deeper way. Bali and Lombok are two of Indonesia’s most popular tourist destinations, attracting millions of domestic and international visitors each year.
The Lombok Mandalika MotoGP racing series is set to take place from 9th -11th October 2026. Speaking to reporters, the ex-Deputy Governor of Bali and the Chairman of the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI) Bali, Tjokorda Oka Artha Ardana Sukawati, aka Cok Ace, shared, “As in previous years, the MotoGP event in Mandalika has been a blessing for Bali, with more tourists coming to Bali and staying there. I think it’s good for Bali.”
He explained that although the racing center is on Lombok, Bali Island is often the preferred base of residence for spectators, teams, and international racing crews. He shared that the overflow of visits was due to limited accommodation capacity in the Lombok region, which forces most of the crew and spectators to choose to stay in Bali.
Sukawati shared that many tourists also use their remaining trip days to go on holiday in Bali and Lombok. He shared, “Yes, that’s from the audience, from their teams, and from their crews as well. They don’t just come to compete but use their remaining time in Bali and so on. These are opportunities that can be seized in the future.”
He added, “Sometimes they can extend their stay for 2-3 days after the event. First, they concentrate on the formula and the competition. After that, they spend time here.” He confirmed that the PHRI Bali recorded an average room occupancy rate in Bali of 68%, though in Sanur, occupancy reached more than 80% as of mid-September.
One of the key reasons why tourists so often double up destinations is due to the increasing ease of travel between the two provinces. Tourists can fly between Bali and Lombok on a short hop flight in less than 30 minutes. This domestic service operates multiple times a day from Bali’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, and return tickets can cost as little as USD 100.
By far the most popular way to travel between Bali and Lombok is via fast boat. Providers like GoBoat operate dozens of affordable crossings every day, offering tourists convenient timings and safe journeys.
Lombok is establishing itself as a major international travel destination. Indonesia has identified five Super Priority Destinations nationally, one of which is Mandalika in Lombok.
These Super Priority Destinations have also been referred to as the ‘five new Balis,’ and there are hopes that over time these travel hotspots can become as established and in demand as Indonesia’s flagship vacation destination, Bali.
When the Mandalika MotoGP was confirmed to return to Lombok in 2026, the West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Provincial Government confirmed that it would open a fast boat route from Mandalika to Sanur to increase foreign tourist visits entering via Bali.
The service operates year-round, enabling tourists to travel from Bali to Mandalika as they wish, though demand for the service is already skyrocketing during the MotoGP.
Tourists traveling to Bali are always highly encouraged to choose an add-on destination. With domestic travel increasingly accessible and affordable, it’s never been easier to explore the whole Indonesian archipelago.
Popular add-on destinations include Lombok, Labuan Bajo, which is the gateway to Komodo National Park, Yogyakarta, and East Java Province, home to the magnificent Mount Ijen.
Tourists set to travel between Bali and Lombok in the next two weeks are advised to book all travel in advance; both flight and fast boat tickets will be selling fast.
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