Padangbai: A perfect pearl-shaped bay and tiny Muslim port of transit to the neighouring island of Lombok and beyond. Stay in Hotel Madya, Rp450 single. Listen to travelers' tales from the Southeast Islands, Nusa Tenggara. It you're facing the bay, there's a sandy beach with palm trees over the hill to the right. People seldom go there; very quiet. from Pandangbai: A Pelni office is right by the pier. Many kapal lout shuttle between Padangbai and Lembar (on Lombok), a 5-6 hour crossing. Lembar is about 35 km south of Ampenan, Rp150 by Colt. Passenger and cargo vessels depart Padangbai each morning except Sunday; smaller boats generally cost Rp1200, bigger boats, Rp1500. Take the larger boats if you're prone to sea sickness. A new car ferry, in operation since Aug. 1976, is more expensive still. The K.M. Kuda Putih leaves Tues., Thurs., and Sat. at 11 am and arrives at 4 pm; Rp1500 including sampan service from the ship to Lembar. The Tiga Mas is too small and grubby. The K.M. Garuda leaves every Mon., Wed., and Fri. at 11 am, Rp1200. From Padangbai to Sumbawa Besar (on Sumbawa Island) catch a boat here on Sat., 12 hours, Rp3500, arrives Sun. morning.