Overview
Praya is the gateway town to Lombok, home to Lombok International Airport (LOP) and the springboard for one of Indonesia's most rewarding island escapes. From here it's a short hop to the white-sand beaches of Kuta Lombok, the turquoise waters of the Gili Islands, and the slopes of Mount Rinjani. There are no direct flights from the UK, but with a well-chosen connection, cheap flights to Praya are well within reach for travellers wanting Bali's beauty without the crowds.
Best time to fly to Praya
The dry season, roughly April to October, brings the sunniest skies, calmer seas and the best diving and trekking conditions, with July and August the busiest (and priciest) months. The wetter season from November to March sees short, heavy afternoon downpours but lush scenery, quieter beaches and generally lower fares — check the price charts on this page to see how costs shift through the year.
Airlines and routes
As there's no non-stop UK to Praya service, most journeys route via a major Asian hub. Singapore Airlines and Scoot connect through Singapore, Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia route via Kuala Lumpur, and many travellers fly via Bali (Denpasar) on Garuda Indonesia, Emirates or Qatar Airways before a short domestic hop to Lombok on Garuda, Lion Air or Super Air Jet. Allow around 18–24 hours door to door once you include a layover, with the final domestic or regional leg to Lombok typically under three hours.
Things to do in Praya
Lombok rewards travellers who venture beyond the airport, with easy access to beaches, islands and volcanic scenery.
- Gili Islands: Gili Trawangan, Gili Air and Gili Meno offer car-free island life, snorkelling and turtle spotting just off Lombok's northwest coast.
- Kuta Lombok: A laid-back surf town with dramatic bays like Tanjung Aan and Mawun, a world away from its Bali namesake.
- Mount Rinjani: Indonesia's second-highest volcano, popular with trekkers tackling multi-day hikes to the crater rim.
- Sade Village: A traditional Sasak settlement where you can see centuries-old customs and thatched longhouses up close.
- Tiu Kelep Waterfall: A jungle waterfall near Senaru, reached via a scenic river-crossing walk.
At Lombok International Airport (LOP)
Lombok International Airport sits around 30km south of Mataram and just 15–20 minutes' drive from Kuta Lombok, making it one of Indonesia's most conveniently placed airports for beach breaks. Metered taxis and pre-booked private transfers are readily available outside arrivals, DAMRI shuttle buses run to Mataram and Senggigi, and several car hire desks operate on site for those wanting to explore independently.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Praya
- Book ahead: Fares to Lombok via Asian hubs tend to firm up closer to departure, so booking a few months out generally pays off — see the when to book chart above for the sweet spot.
- Fly midweek: Tuesday and Wednesday departures are usually cheaper than weekend flights on the UK-to-Asia legs.
- Stay flexible on dates: Shifting your trip by even a few days either side of school holidays can unlock noticeably better fares.
- Compare routings: Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Bali connections can vary significantly in price and journey time, so it's worth weighing up all three.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders can currently enter Indonesia visa-free for tourism stays of up to 30 days, with a paid Visa on Arrival available if you need the option to extend. The local currency is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR); ATMs are widely available in Mataram, Kuta Lombok and the Gilis, though it's worth carrying some cash for smaller islands and villages. Routine travel vaccinations are recommended and it's sensible to check the latest health advice before you fly, along with stocking up on mosquito repellent for the wetter months.
