Lombok is a fantastically beautiful and diverse island that is not as heavily visited as its neighboring island, Bali. You can enjoy paradise-like white beaches, hike the Rinjani volcano, or search for hidden waterfalls in the jungle. Lombok truly has it all! Tourism is on the rise, so now is the perfect time to go. This is the Bali of 30 years ago, with vast rice fields, deserted beaches, and exceptionally friendly locals. From Bali, it’s a short trip to Lombok, making it easy to combine with a journey through Bali. Here, we share a wonderful and varied itinerary for Lombok that showcases the island’s most beautiful spots.
The easiest way to reach Lombok is from the neighboring island of Bali. There are several ways to travel from Bali to Lombok. Which method is best for you depends on your budget and preferences. You can also choose to use different modes of transport for the outbound and return trips, depending on your travel route.
By Plane from Bali to Lombok
Flying is the fastest way to travel from Bali to Lombok. The flight takes about 50 minutes, and Lombok’s airport is located in the south, about a 30-minute drive from Kuta. Check the various flights and departure times.
Tip: Book a flight that departs in the morning to minimize the chance of delays.
By Fast Boat from Bali to Lombok
With the fast boat, you can travel from Bali to Lombok in 2.5 hours. You can travel to both the mainland of Lombok and the Gili Islands. If you want to go to the mainland of Lombok, you travel from Padangbai in Bali to Bangsal in Lombok. Bangsal is just a stone’s throw from the Gili Islands in the northwest of Lombok. You can also travel directly from Padangbai to the Gili Islands. If you are traveling from the south of Bali, it’s better to travel from Sanur to the Gili Islands. The travel time is similar for all these connections.
Tip: Take a travel pill in advance, as the boat ride can sometimes be a bit rough depending on the weather.
By Ferry from Bali to Lombok
Many large ferries also operate daily from Bali to Lombok. This is the cheapest but also the slowest option. The ferries depart from the harbor of Padangbai and sail to Lembar in about 4 to 5 hours. Check with your hotel for the current departure times.
Public transportation in Lombok is limited, so most travelers choose to travel between destinations with a private driver. You don’t need to book this in advance and can arrange it on-site through your accommodation. At the destinations themselves, it can be convenient to rent a scooter. This will cost you about $7 per day and gives you the freedom to go on adventures. Traffic in Lombok is very light, and most roads are surprisingly good. If you prefer not to rent a scooter, you can also arrange a taxi for shorter distances.
This itinerary for Lombok can be completed in about 10 days, but if you prefer a more leisurely pace and want to relax more, it’s recommended to set aside about two weeks. If you’re interested in learning to surf or are already an avid surfer, you can easily stay an extra week in Kuta.
Below, we describe all the destinations in the Lombok itinerary so you get a good idea of what you can do here.
Gili Islands
The Gili Islands are the perfect starting point for a journey through Lombok because you can easily travel here from Bali. The three islands, Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air, are rich in beautiful beaches and have a lovely laid-back island vibe. There is no motorized transportation, and it’s best to rent a bicycle to explore the island. During the day, you can enjoy snorkeling with turtles, and in the evening, there are many great spots with live music where you can grab a drink. Curious about the differences between the islands or what else there is to do? Check out our tips for the Gili Islands.
From Senaru: Sendang Gile & Tiu Kelep Waterfalls
After a few days of pure relaxation on the Gili Islands, it’s time to explore the inland area of Lombok. Continue your journey to the charming mountain village of Senaru, where you can visit the most beautiful waterfalls in Lombok. The Sendang Gile & Tiu Kelep waterfalls are located at the foot of the Rinjani volcano, hidden in the jungle. Upon arrival at the waterfalls, you can take a refreshing dip, and after your visit, you’ll have plenty of beautiful photos. This place is one of the highlights of Lombok, so it might be wise to visit the waterfalls early in the morning. With a bit of luck, you might have this magical spot all to yourself. Read all our tips for Sendang Gile & Tiu Kelep waterfalls in advance.
From Senaru: Climbing Mount Rinjani
One of the highlights of a trip to Lombok is climbing Mount Rinjani. Both literally and figuratively, as this volcano stands at a height of 3,726 meters (12,224 feet), making it the second-highest volcano in all of Indonesia. It’s a challenging multi-day trek where you will undoubtedly encounter your physical and mental limits. But at the same time, it’s incredibly rewarding! The stunning landscapes and unique views from the volcano are breathtaking. It’s an indescribable feeling when you finally reach the summit after hard work and get to witness the sunrise. This is a hike that requires good preparation, so it’s wise to check out our tips for climbing Rinjani beforehand.
On your way south in Lombok, it’s nice to spend a few nights in the village of Tetebatu. This area has very fertile soil where many crops are grown, such as tobacco, fruit, and of course, rice. The Tetebatu rice terraces may be slightly less spectacular than the famous Tegallalang rice terraces in Bali, but you only have to share the terraces with a few farmers working the land. This is a beautifully untouched part of Lombok best experienced by taking a walk.
Tetebatu Rice Terraces Walking Route: It’s enjoyable to take a short walk through the Tetebatu rice terraces. The walking paths are not clearly marked on Google Maps or Maps.me, so it can be a bit tricky to find your way. You can start climbing the rice terraces at My Paradise Warung, and after a while, you’ll notice that the route is marked by red plants along the path. If you follow this path, you’re heading in the right direction. You can finish your loop via the Durian Indah Waterfall and walk back to the road from there. Want to take a longer walk? Then also visit Tetebatu Monkey Forest, where you can spot the Javan langur monkey.
All the way in the south of Lombok, you will find Kuta, which cannot be compared in any way to the bustling city of the same name in Bali. Here, you’ll find only white sandy beaches with nice local restaurants. You can surf well (or learn to surf), play a game of beach volleyball, or just enjoy relaxing on your sunbed. And for those who like to dance the night away, there are plenty of fun parties happening daily. Kuta is a lovely place where you will surely find yourself staying longer than expected, making it the perfect finale for this Lombok itinerary.
Return Journey by Boat or Plane
From Kuta, you can travel back to Bali in various ways. The airport is located 30 minutes north of the city, and if you want to travel by boat, you can take a taxi to Lembar or Bangsal.
As we mentioned earlier, Bali and Lombok are very well combined. So check out our Bali itinerary full of handy tips for the best destinations!
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