MotoGP Indonesia returns to the Pertamina Mandalika Circuit in Lombok from October 9 to 11, 2026 — just over a week away — and travelers currently based in Bali are realizing a Lombok side trip for race weekend is easier than it sounds.
Getting From Bali to Mandalika
The fastest option is a short flight from Ngurah Rai International Airport (Denpasar) to Lombok International Airport — around 30 minutes in the air, with round-trip fares currently available from roughly $100. For a slower, scenic alternative, fast boat services connect Bali directly to the Lombok coast; the West Nusa Tenggara provincial government also runs a year-round boat service between Mandalika and Sanur, which is worth checking if flights are booked up closer to race weekend. Our Lombok Airport guide covers arrival logistics and onward transport in more detail.
Book Accommodation Now, Not Later
Bali’s own hotel occupancy is already running around 68% on average this month, with Sanur — the usual jumping-off point for boats to Lombok — over 80% full in mid-September. Visitors attending the race are reportedly extending their trips by 2-3 days around the event, which means Lombok’s own accommodation near Mandalika is likely to fill up well before race weekend. If you’re still deciding where to stay, see our roundups of best hotels in Lombok and best resorts in Lombok.
What to Expect at the Circuit
Mandalika has hosted MotoGP since 2022, and the circuit sits on Lombok’s south coast near Kuta Lombok — close enough to combine race-weekend excitement with the area’s beaches and surf breaks if you’re staying a few extra days. Our Lombok travel guide has a fuller rundown of what else is worth doing on the island beyond the circuit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the flight from Bali to Lombok?
Around 30 minutes, making it one of the shortest international-airport-to-international-airport hops in Indonesia.
Should I book flights and hotels now?
Yes — with Bali occupancy already elevated and visitors extending stays around the race, waiting until closer to October 9 risks higher prices or sold-out options on both flights and Lombok accommodation.
Is there an alternative to flying?
Fast boat services run between Bali and Lombok, including a dedicated Mandalika–Sanur route operated by the West Nusa Tenggara provincial government, which runs year-round.
Bottom Line
If you’re in Bali and have even a passing interest in MotoGP, Mandalika is close enough to make it a genuinely easy add-on to an existing trip — but with race weekend just over a week out, the window to book flights and rooms at normal prices is closing fast.
Source: The Bali Sun
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