Lombok Travel Itinerary
Looking for the perfect Lombok travel itinerary? It might have been brought to your attention that Lombok is a dream destination hiding in plain sight, often overshadowed by its famous neighbor Bali – which is just a short ferry or flight away. But now that you know this, you don’t want to miss out on its stunning waterfalls, pristine beaches, endless rice fields, epic volcano hikes, and kind-hearted people. Who can blame you for wanting to experience this unspoiled slice of paradise, far from the crowds?
With the help of this guide, creating the ideal Lombok route will be a piece of cake. Combine your Lombok itinerary with a visit to Bali, or spend a full month on an epic Lombok road trip exploring the island from top to bottom. We have broken down the island’s highlights into a 5, 10, and 15+ day itinerary, complete with the best tips, so you can make it your own. Let’s dive in!
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Lombok Travel Itinerary
Lombok attracts travelers seeking a relaxed, off the beaten path adventure. While some areas of the island are growing rapidly, creating a smooth Lombok itinerary can present some challenges.
With that in mind, we will guide you step by step through the process. First, we will present three Lombok itinerary options for 5, 10, and 15+ days, followed by a breakdown of what to expect in each area, including attractions, accommodations, and useful tips. This way, you will be able to easily tailor it to create the Lombok route of your dreams.
Lombok Itinerary: 5 Days
5 days in Lombok are not enough to explore the whole island, but you can still get a taste of it, giving you a great reason to return to Indonesia soon. Since most people interested in a 5 day Lombok itinerary start their trip in Bali, it makes sense to focus your Lombok travel plans on the northern and western coasts of the island, with a stop at the Gili Islands.
Contrary to what many believe, the famous Gili Islands are not part of Bali. Although included in many Bali itineraries, Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air are actually part of Lombok.
5-day Lombok Itinerary
Senggigi (3 days) - Gili Islands (2 days)
If you only have time for 5 days in Lombok, consider using one of the many comfortable beach resorts in Senggigi as your base. Rent a scooter to explore the coast, and join day tours to visit waterfalls like Tiu Kelep or Benang Stokel, the fields of Tetebatu and Mount Rinjani viewpoints*. For the remaining 2 days, relax by the beach or party the night away on your Gili of choice.
Lombok Itinerary: 10 Days
A 10-day itinerary already allows for a super well-rounded trip, giving you a taste of the best Lombok has to offer.
10-day Lombok Itinerary
Kuta Lombok (2 days) - Tetebatu (1 day) - Senaru (2 days) - Senggigi (2 days) - Gili Islands (3 days)
This Lombok itinerary includes some of the most impressive locations on the island, and starts in Kuta, which is easy to reach from either the airport or the harbors that connect to Bali. You can explore all the stops mentioned on your own or join day tours to off the beaten path locations that only a local guide would know about.
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If you wish to hike Mount Rinjani during your 10 day Lombok itinerary, be aware that you will need to allocate at least two days for it. With this itinerary, you can do the hike during your time in Senaru, but be aware that you will be completely wiped out the day after, so make sure to book a nice place to rest those tired legs of yours.
Lombok Itinerary: 15 Days
A 15-day Lombok route? Wow! That is absolutely fantastic! You will have time to explore the island top to bottom, from surfing gnarly waves near Kuta to hiking Mount Rinjani and even exploring some of Lombok's best hidden gems.
15-day Lombok Itinerary
Gili Asahan (2 days) - Kuta Lombok (3 days) - Tetebatu (1 day) - Sembalun (1 day) - Senaru (3 days) - Senggigi (2 days) - Gili Islands (3 days)
If you don’t plan on hiking Mount Rinjani, feel free to cut days from Senaru and add them to another stop of your choice.
If you have more than 15 days to visit Lombok, we recommend adding time to your Kuta stay to explore the south a bit more. One extra day in Gili Asahan would be heaven, and you could also use a couple of days to explore East Lombok, which is still relatively undiscovered, with beautiful beaches and islands such as Ekas or Gili Kondo.
These itineraries are just suggestions based on our experience, but feel free to adjust them to your preferences. The 10 and 15-day alternatives can easily be done in reverse order.
Lombok Travel Itinerary: Areas Breakdown
Following the 15-day Lombok itinerary, it’s time to explore what each area has to offer in order to build the perfect Lombok route for you.
Gili Asahan
A popular activity in the south of Lombok is visiting the Secret Gilis on a fun day trip. However, most tours don’t include Gili Asahan – one of the most beautiful hidden gems of Lombok. This island is perfect for those craving tranquility and natural beauty.
Gili Asahan is a tiny, off the beaten path island with stunning white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs just waiting to be explored.
Where to Stay in Gili Asahan
Kuta Lombok
Kuta is located down south and is a great place to start any Lombok itinerary due to its close proximity to the Lombok International Airport. The center of Kuta offers plenty of trendy hotspots, both western and local restaurants, and an easygoing vibe. The waves in this area attract surf enthusiasts of all expertise levels (you can easily rent a board anywhere, and even the scooters are all pimped to easily carry your board to the beach), but there is also space for those who are just looking for a quiet beach to swim in.
While this town has a beach within walking distance, it is not the most impressive one, and you won’t see many travelers bathing there. The only way to reach amazing beaches such as Tanjung Aan and Selong Belanak is by scooter or car.
But Kuta has more than waves! Add to your Lombok itinerary activities such as climbing Bukit Pedau or Bukit Merese for sunset, visiting a Sasak Traditional Village, or taking a day trip to the Pink Beach* – which is not that pink anymore, sorry to disappoint – but is still beautiful and offers nice snorkeling opportunities.
Where to Stay in Kuta Lombok
There is a place called Kuta in Lombok, and another in Bali, and they look nothing alike! Make sure you are on the correct island when booking accommodation.
If the beach side of Lombok is what’s prompting you to add the south to your itinerary and you’re not thrilled about driving long distances from Kuta to get there, we suggest staying in the Selong Belanak area. We have found some of the best beaches in Lombok to be located in this area, which is now growing in popularity, with brand new accommodations, beach clubs, and restaurants opening up.
Where to Stay in Selong Belanak
Tetebatu
Tetebatu is a charming village in the center of the island, offering outstanding views of Mount Rinjani. It is a mandatory stop for any nature lover. Here, the nights are chilly and quiet, allowing you to enjoy the perfect night's rest before starting your day exploring the mesmerizing Tetebatu rice terraces, the Black Monkey Forest, or nearby waterfalls such as Sarang Walet and Tetebatu waterfall. You can also visit the amazing Benang Stokel and Benang Kelambu waterfalls*, which are about 50 minutes away. As if this wasn’t enough, our time in Tetebatu and the surrounding area was marked by meeting some of the nicest people of our entire Lombok road trip.
Where to Stay in Tetebatu
The dominant religion in Lombok is Islam, and the ratio of mosques per village is quite high, making the morning call to prayer (at 4:40am) quite intense in some areas, mainly in the center of the island. We strongly suggest you bring earplugs to sleep at night.
Sembalun
The road from Tetebatu to Sembalun starts off a bit bumpy but soon turns into a fantastic scenic route through winding mountain roads. You will feel the village’s high altitude in your bones as the temperature drops rapidly.
We wish we could have stopped more to capture it on camera, but it was pouring rain. We were soaking wet and it still looked beautiful, so just imagine!
Sembalun is mainly added to the Lombok itinerary of those who wish to climb Mount Rinjani*, and while it is a bit of a sleepy town, it has other highlights that make a quick stop worthwhile. Not into the idea of a 2-day hike up Rinjani? But a 2-3 hour hike sounds doable? Then hike Pergasingan Hill at sunrise to get superb views of Mount Rinjani – you can even camp there.
For those who wish to climb Rinjani, the most popular starting points are Sembalun, Senaru, and Tetebatu. This allows for some flexibility when putting together your Lombok travel itinerary.
If Pergasingan Hill still sounds too physical for your taste, climb up to Bukit Selong Viewpoint (which takes just 10 minutes) or visit one of the many strawberry fields around town (between April and October only).
Where to Stay in Sembalun
Sembalun offers limited accommodations, as it is typically a one-night stop for most travelers. During our visit, we noticed many places were either closed or abandoned, and those open were often not in great condition. With that in mind, we have only two recommendations for this area, both in the low-mid range:
Rinjani Trekking Information
The Mount Rinjani trek is an unforgettable and rewarding experience to add to your Lombok itinerary if you are an adventurer in great physical shape. The popularity of Mount Rinjani draws many travelers to Lombok, aiming to complete this challenging 2-day hike. However, it is estimated that only 25-30% of hikers reach the summit, so don’t underestimate this bad boy!
Mount Rinjani is the second-highest peak in Indonesia, and you can’t hike it solo. You can only go up by joining a 2, 3 or 4 day tour. The most popular option is the 2-day hike, but if your budget and time allow it, the 3 day alternative will give you more time to soak it all in and make the most of the experience.
Most tours include a guide, camping equipment, a porter to carry it, all meals, water, a headlamp, and trekking poles. If you are short on time, you can also request pick-up from other places, such as Senggigi, Mataram, Kuta, or the Bangsal harbor. Click to find out more and book your tour:
Senaru
Let’s keep driving around Mount Rinjani and head to the northern village of Senaru. Surprisingly, we found a more lively atmosphere here than in Sembalun, with plenty of people pumped about hiking Mount Rinjani the next day. But this is not the only reason to add Senaru to your Lombok travel itinerary. Within walking distance from a handful of accommodations, you will find the famous Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep waterfalls. Tiu Kelep is our favorite waterfall in all of Lombok, and it only costs 20K IDR (1.18€) to visit both waterfalls, how can one say no?
Where to Stay in Senaru
Similarly to what happens in Sembalun, this area doesn’t have a wide variety of accommodations, and most of them are quite humble, so don’t expect luxury resorts or amenities. That being said, these are two of the best alternatives in the area, both in the low to mid price range category:
Senggigi
And we are back at the beach! Your Lombok road trip finally reaches the west coast of the island. Senggigi is known for its resorts, chill beach clubs, palm-tree-lined shores, and lovely beaches, along with its close proximity to the harbors that can take you to either the Gili Islands or Bali. This is a good place to fully relax after days packed with hiking and waterfall adventures, but it also serves as a main base for those with shorter stays in Lombok.
Renting a scooter to explore the coastline is the best way to get around Senggigi. It allows you to watch the sunset from places like the Senggigi abandoned villa, visit temples, and explore beautiful beaches like Nipah beach (our favorite). Here, you can swim with turtles and enjoy the most delicious meal with sandy feet.
If this is your base for a shorter Lombok itinerary, remember there are plenty of nice day trips from here, such as visiting Benang Kelambu and Benang Stokel Waterfall or exploring Tetebatu*.
If the next stop on your itinerary are the Gili islands, you will catch your boat from Bangsal Port (35 minutes away from Senggigi). You can purchase tickets in person for the public boat or guarantee a seat on a speedboat for as little as 7€ by booking it online.
Where to Stay in Senggigi
Gili Islands
Ready to unwind? The famous Gili islands consist of three small islands: Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air. Here, there are no motorized vehicles; you can soak up the sun on white sand beaches, swim with turtles, explore trendy restaurants, and even dance the night away (mainly at Gili Trawangan, the largest of the three, which offers the most bustling nightlife).
Pick the island that matches your vibe the most and relax for the last couple of days of your Lombok route – whether it’s Gili Trawangan with its party vibes, Gili Meno, known among honeymooners as the place to disconnect, or Gili Air (somewhere in the middle), offering a laid-back environment with trendy cafes and restaurants.
Where to Stay in the Gili Islands
How to Get to Lombok
Your Lombok itinerary is all sorted, and you know exactly where to go. But now you need to know how to get to Lombok in the first place.
Lombok is an island in Indonesia, located in the West Nusa Tenggara province. It lies east of Bali, separated by the Lombok Strait, and west of Sumbawa, with the Alas Strait in between. The majority of travelers arrive on the island via Bali. That said, there are three main options for getting to Lombok:
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Take a fast boat from Bali to one of the Lombok harbors - Better value for money.
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Take the public ferry from Bali to Lombok - Budget alternative.
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Fly into Lombok International Airport - Fast and comfortable.
Lombok Transportation
Let’s get one thing out of the way: Lombok is not the most public transportation friendly destination. There are no buses circulating around the island on a regular basis, and Grab and Gojek (Indonesia’s version of Uber) only operate in Senggigi, Mataram, and Kuta. In these main towns, you will find local tour operators who can arrange van transfers between the main tourism hubs at decent prices, but you won’t have much flexibility regarding departure times or comfort levels. So, what options are left? Well, you can rent a scooter or hire a private driver.
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Renting scooters in Kuta Lombok is usually cheaper than in Senggigi, but bear in mind there is also a haggling factor. The average rental price is 70K IDR (4€) per day; the more days you rent, the better price you will get.
Driving in Lombok is fantastic – especially on a scooter! During our Lombok road trip we drove pretty much around the entire island, and we can tell you the main roads are in great condition. Apart from the town centers, there was no traffic at all, making this a very scenic and enjoyable trip. For us, this is by far the best way to explore the island.
During our Lombok road trip we left our luggage with Debbie from Lombok Store Luggage. She was fantastic, and we can’t recommend her enough. If you contact her, say hi from us!
Best Time to Visit Lombok
Lombok is a popular destination year round, but to make the most of your stay, the best time to visit Lombok is during the dry season, from May to October. During this time, sunny days allow you to hike, swim, and explore every waterfall and cliff imaginable. However, most fields and mountains along the southern coast, which are usually lush and green, may appear sad and brown. But hey, one must pick their battles! On a positive note, due to the tropical climate and high humidity, the center of the island will be as green as always.
During the rainy season (November to April), expect frequent delays and cancellations on boat routes to Bali due to the rough sea conditions.
Lombok Itinerary FAQ
Is Lombok Worth Visiting?
Lombok is absolutely worth visiting! This island has something for everyone, from challenging hikes to beautiful beaches and endless rice fields. The people are kind, the food is delicious, and the weather is fantastic for most of the year. For those facing the “Bali or Lombok” conundrum, while both islands are extremely impressive and beautiful, Lombok remains mostly unspoiled, with little to no traffic or crowds, yet offers resorts and restaurants to die for.
Is Lombok safe?
Yes, Lombok is generally safe. However, as with any travel destination, be mindful of your belongings, respect local customs, and stay informed about the unlikely possibility of natural disasters such as landslides or volcanic activity. Play it safe and always get travel insurance – click here to get your Heymondo insurance with a discount*.
How many days in Lombok?
The question of how many days in Lombok, can be answered with the question, “how many days do you have?”. We believe two to three weeks is the sweet spot, especially if you want to hike Mount Rinjani. However, if you have less time on your hands, 5 days in Lombok will be enough to get a feel for the island and will likely leave you eager to return soon.
Planning Time
If you are ready to start planning your next trip, here you have all the usefull links you need to make it happen! By using them you are supporting our work as we might get a small fee from it. But hey! You pay the same (or might even get a discount), so is a win-win situation!
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