road trip bali lombok

The BEST 2 Week Bali, Gili Islands and Lombok Itinerary in 2024!

Categories Asia , Indonesia , Itinerary

Do you want to see 3 islands in 2 weeks in Indonesia? Are you wondering if you should visit Bali or the Gili islands? Well with this Bali Lombok itinerary, you can and you can visit them all !

Bali is the most popular island in Indonesia for tourists , followed by the Gili Islands which comprise of Gili Trawangan, Gili Air and Gili Meno.

However, these Gili Islands are not part of Bali, they are part of Lombok and they’re very close to Lombok island.

Lombok is popular for tourists because there are lots of things to do in Lombok however, tourism is not as nearly as developed as it is in Bali, which is the reason why I think you should go to Lombok on this 2 week Indonesia itinerary when you visit Bali and do this  Bali Gili Lombok itinerary!

So here’s how to see Indonesia in 2 weeks!

Bali Lombok Itinerary

• More of my Must-Read Bali, Lombok and Gili blog posts to help plan your trip:
• The Best Bali Sunset Locations!
• Everything you need to know about the Gili Islands!
• The best places to visit in Lombok!
• 30 Things to do in Gili Trawangan!

Find What You're Looking For Easily Here!

Best time to visit Bali and Lombok

Both islands of Bali and Lombok have the same wet season and dry season. Wet Season is from November to March and Dry Season is from April to October. You may think that dry season sounds more appealing but this also means it is high season in Bali and Lombok during these months so it depends what you want when you’re thinking about when to visit Lombok and Bali.

Personally, I’d recommend the shoulder months as the best time to visit Bali and Lombok – November, December and April bring less rain and also fewer tourists! Win win.

Map of places to visit in Bali and Lombok

Bali Itinerary

Day 1 – fly into bali airport (ngurah rai international airport). transfer to southern beaches, places to visit in bali.

Bali has one airport and it is well located for the Southern beaches in Bali which are also the most popular beaches in Bali, so this is where I recommend you go first.

There are many beaches in Bali to choose from and with 1 week in Bali on this Bali itinerary, you will need to pick one beach and explore from there.

I suggest pre-booking a taxi service like this from the airport to where you’ll stay in Bali so you don’t get ripped off by taxi’s outside and it’s hard to get Grabs and Ubers from the airport.

If you want cool cafes and good waves, head to Canggu which is popular with digital nomads and is one of the best places to stay in Bali.

If you want shops and big nights out, head to Kuta  or Seminyak which are popular for holidaymakers, especially Australians and therefore is the best place to stay on holiday in Bali.

If you want quiet beaches and culture, head to Uluwatu which is home to lots of temples and famous for its sunset.

PLANNING YOUR GILI ISLANDS TRIP

I lived on Gili Trawangan island for 6 months so I know it well! Here are my top posts to help you plan your trip:

• 30 TOP Things to do on Gili Trawangan !
• 3 Day Gili Trawangan Itinerary !
• 2 Week Gili Islands, Bali and Lombok itinerary !
• How to get around Gili T, Gili Air and Gili Meno by Boat ! Where to stay in Gili Trawangan – Best Hotels, Hostels & Villas !

Where to stay in Bali?

This will depend on which area along the coast of Bali you decide to stay on this itinerary for Bali. There are lots and lots of hostels if you are on a budget in Bali or travelling to Bali solo.

There are also many mid-range guesthouses, homestays and hotels as well as high-end resorts in Bali, there is no shortage of accommodation in Bali .

I recommend looking on Booking.com for your Bali accommodation.

Day 2 & 3 – Explore Bali

Things to do in bali.

From your base, you can explore more of Bali and the Southern beaches in particular. Surfing is one of the top things to do in Bali because most of the beaches have great waves and waves that are good for beginners.

Bali’s cafe culture and food scene are well known for a reason so be sure to visit some of the best cafes in Bali. My favourite cafe in Canguu is The Loft and Crumb and Coaster cafe in Kuta.

The best thing about Bali is that you can see a lot on a Bali day trip too, so if you want to see some famous places like the island of Nusa Penida or go on an Instagram tour to Balinese Gates, Birds Nests and Rice Terraces, check out t hese day tours of Bali:

However, be sure not to do a day tour that goes close to Ubud or includes places to see in Ubud, as Ubud is where I recommend you go next on this best Bali itinerary.

Day 4 – Travel to Ubud

Day 5 & 6 – explore ubud, things to do in ubud.

The best way to see Ubud and visit the many places to see in Ubud and places near Ubud is to go on a day tour. A day tour from Ubud will include stops at the rice terraces, temples and markets . One of these Ubud day tours will be perfect :

Climbing Mount Batur at Sunrise is number one in the things to do in Ubud, you can do it from elsewhere in Bali but Ubud is closer meaning you don’t have to get up as early. Be sure to look into one of these Mount Batur Sunrise tours :

Ubud is the home of yoga and meditation in Bali so be sure to try and take a yoga lesson , enjoy the healthy food, especially at the Vegan and Vegetarian restaurants.

If you want to head to a unique cafe in Ubud and have a unique experience in Ubud, I recommend these local restaurants in Ubud and TIS Cafe Ubud which are next to the very famous and popular Tegalalang Rice Terraces, these are the top places to visit in Ubud but at TIS Cafe you get to go in an infinity pool overlooking the rice terraces rather than watching hundreds of tourists walk through them!

Gili Islands Itinerary

Day 7 – travel to the gili islands, places to visit in gili islands.

To start your Bali itinerary including Gili islands. From Ubud, you can easily book a bus and boat from Ubud to the Gili Islands which involves taking a car or bus to Padang Bai harbour and the boat over to the Gili Islands. I really recommend the company Eka Jaya as their boat is the comfiest. You can book an Eka Jaya Boat on 12GO Asia from Padang Bai but you’ll need to get yourself to the harbour. This whole journey will take around 4 hours so I suggest you leave early in the morning so you can make the most of your Gili islands 3 day itinerary .

Which is the best Gili island to visit? There are 3 Gili Islands – Gili Trawangan, most commonly known as Gili T, Gili Air and Gili Meno, and no visit to Bali is complete without doing a Bali itinerary including the Gili Islands.

Gili T is the most popular of the Gili islands with the most things to do and the most going on. It’s known for its partying and diving but it offers a lot more than that! For example, here is my blog post with 30 THINGS TO DO ON GILI T FOR EVERYONE!

However, Gili Air is also very popular, particularly with honeymooners and couples who want a slightly quieter island. Gili Meno is good but it is very quiet.

Personally, I recommend you visit Gili T or Gili Air and with this 2 week Bali and Gili Island itinerary, I recommend basing yourself in just 1 island rather than trying to stay on them all!

However, if you’re just looking for a Bali and Gili islands 2-week itinerary without going over to the mainland of Lombok, you could spend 1 week in the Gili islands and island-hop.

Related Post: Everything You Need to Know About the 3 Gili Islands!

Where to stay in the Gili Islands?

If you’re going to stay on Gili T, here’s my accommodation guide for the best places to stay in Gili Trawangan , including hostels, bungalows, beach resorts and villas.

Again, Booking.com offers lots of accommodation in the Gili Islands including many private villas with swimming pools .

Day 8 & 9  – Explore the Gili Islands

Getting in the crystal clear water is one of the best things to do in the Gili islands so be sure to go out snorkeling or diving on this Bali Lombok itinerary!

Hiring a bike is the best way to see Gili T and you can cycle around the island in just a few hours. Be sure to look out for the Instagram famous Gili Swings .

Come evening, be sure to watch the sunset  on this Gili islands itinerary. The Gili islands are known for their sunsets and then head out for a drink to see some live music on the beach or get ready for a big night out because the nightlife in Gili T is famous!

If you want to see more than one Gili island during this part of your Gili Islands itinerary, you can easily t ake a day trip to another island by getting the boat between them. Here’s my post on how to get around the 3 Gili islands!

Related Post: 30 THINGS TO DO ON GILI T FOR EVERYONE!

Lombok Itinerary

Day 10 – travel from gili islands to lombok.

Moving onto your Lombok and Gili islands itinerary. There are regular boats leaving all 3 Gili islands to Lombok, the best thing to do is to get a local boat from Gili T to Lombok early in the morning as this is the cheapest option and only takes 20 minutes. The pier in Lombok is called Bangsal Harbour .

From Bangsal, head slightly South staying along the West coast to Klui or Senggigi. You can prebook a car from Bangsal Harbour to Senggigi here .

If you want to stay in a really quiet place with a nice, wild beach, perfect for surfing, stay in Klui.  I recommend staying at Diva Lombok Resort  or Jeeva Klui Resort as the best hotel in Klui.

If you want to stay somewhere with a holidaymaker feel to it with more hotels, restaurants and bars, but still with a nice beach, stay in Senggigi . 

This area of Lombok is quiet but it’s worth seeing for one day which is why I suggest it in this itinerary for Lombok. Out of the many things to do in Lombok, surfing is number one! If you want a surf lesson, go see my friends at Lombok Wave Surf Shack  in Klui for a lesson and a sunset chill, these are the best things to do in Klui and best things to do in Senggigi.

Related Post: Here’s my full blog post on things to do in Senggigi and Klui Beach !

Day 11 – Travel to Kuta in Lombok

From Klui or Senggigi head down to the South of Lombok. Southern Lombok is the best place to visit in Lombok for tourists I think due to how many amazing beaches there are and how well it’s catered for tourists, but it is not yet overdeveloped.

If you are looking for a Bali Lombok itinerary for 10 days, instead of going down to Kuta, you could fly from Lombok Airport on this day.

Related Post: Lombok Itinerary and the best places to visit in Lombok!

Where to stay in Kuta Lombok?

Once in South Lombok, I recommend Kuta   Lombok as the best place to stay on this Bali Lombok itinerary because the town offers plenty of accommodation, restaurants, tour agencies and Kuta beach is within walking distance. Pipes Hostel is a really great hostel in Kuta Lombok and you should stay there on this backpacking Lombok itinerary.

However, if you want to stay in a quiet beach village I recommend Selong Belank .

Booking.com is the best place to look for accommodation in Kuta, there are lots of options for all budgets.

GETTING FROM BALI TO THE GILI ISLANDS

There is only one way to get from Bali to the Gili Islands and that’s my fast boat from Padang Bay.

You can wait until you arrive to book your boat or be organised and book it in advance here. Booking in advance is especially good during the summer and Christmas months!

BUY HERE: From Bali: 1-Way Boat Transfer to Gili Trawangan/Gili Air/Lombok

BUY HERE: From all Gili Islands: 1-Way Boat Transfer to Bali

Day 12 & 13 – Explore South Lombok

Things to do in kuta lombok.

If you are confident in riding a moped , this is by far the best way to get around Lombok and see all of the places near Kuta Lombok.

As mentioned, surfing is one of the top things to do in Lombok and South Lombok is no different, you can go surfing on Kuta Beach and Selong Belank Beach . 

However, for a unique surfing experience, head to Gerupuk where you take a boat out into the ocean and surf in the middle of the sea , it’s such a cool experience and tourist attraction in Lombok.

As for more beaches to visit near Kuta and the best beaches in Lombok,  Tanjung Aan Beach is a beautiful white sand beach and you should stick around for sunset and head up Merese Hill for sunset . The beaches are where you should head in Lombok during your Lombok itinerary 1 week.

Day 14 – Fly out of Lombok Airport

Lombok Praya International Airport is just 30 minutes away from Kuta in Lombok and you can book a transfer car to the airport here or once you are in Kuta. Lombok Airport and it is well connected to cities in Australia and South East Asia so I would recommend looking at flights on Skyscanner from here to finish your 2 week Indonesia itinerary and this Bali Lombok itinerary!

If there are no flights from Lombok to where you want to go, or it’s better to book return flights from Bali, you can get cheap, internal flights from Lombok to Bali and then fly from Bali. The flight is only 45 minutes.

If you have longer to spend in Indonesia and you’re looking for a 3 week Bali and Lombok itinerary, I recommend you head into Central and North Lombok and spend an extra 1 week in Lombok there, or you could look into a Java, Bali and Lombok itinerary and spend 1 week in Java flying from Lombok over to Java .

I hope you found this 2-week itinerary for Indonesia helpful and by following this you really will see the best of Bali and Lombok in one trip!

• Here are more of my Indonesia blog posts to help you plan your trip:
• The best Sunset Spots in Bali!
• 30 THINGS TO DO IN GILI TRAWANGAN!
• Where to stay on Gili Trawangan – The BEST Hotels, Hostels & Villa’s for all budgets!
• How to find the BEST swings on Gili T!
• How are the horses that work on Gili T treated NOW?

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Saturday 5th of February 2022

I literally never leave comments anywhere, but had to stop on this. This post is exactly what I have been searching for for ages and ages, and its so clear and really helpful! Never planning travel again without checking in here first! Thank you :)

TheWanderingQuinn

Monday 7th of February 2022

Hi Ange, Ooh thats so so nice to hear! I'm really glad it helped you. Let me know if you need anything else and it will be an amazing trip!

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2-week roadtrip from Bali to Lombok

? You have a 2 week action to plan and would like to discover the famous islands of Bali  and  Lombok ? You chose the perfect itinerary. ? Explore, with the best itinerary road trip, the two islands while still having time to relax on the beautiful black sand beaches. Awesome vacations are coming !

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Itinerary of this two weeks from Bali to Lombok

Denpasar > Kuta > Selong Belanak > Desert Point > Senggigi > Gilis Islands

? You want to buy a paper travel guide ? We recommend this one ! In our opinion, it is the most complete, the most visual and the most up to date !

? Need a road map to prepare your itinerary ? We recommend this one , the most detailed and the most pleasant to read !

The itinerary : step by step

What to do in Denpasar ?

This city is interesting to the south of Bali. You can choose to stay in the city or move around. Total change assured !

• Discover the city market, Pasar Badung , where you will meet new fruits and vegetables. The rest of the day, you can find all the handmade products and other souvenirs to bring back from the trip.
• To learn about the history of Bali culture, head to Museum Bali near the market.
• The Birds Market , as its name suggests, is a market for birds but also for pets. Take a walk in this typical little market.
• Visit the Jagatnatha Temple in the city center.
• Get out at the “ Amsterdam Modern Bakery Restaurant “, a bakery by day, a concert hall in the evening.
• To party, you can not miss the Skygarden in the largest city of Kuta Island at 25 minutes drive. Small peculiarity, the rooftop is reserved for “Westerners”, if you want to party with the Balinese and Javanese, go to the level below…
• 1 hour south, discover Uluwatu nestled on the cliff, famous for its legendary surf spot. A place out of time with incredible temples.
• 1 hour north, discover the city of Ubud known for its rice fields and Monkey Forest .

What to do in Kuta ?

South of Lombok, Kuta is a calm and central city to visit the south of the island, far from the tourist tumults of its Balinese namesake. More “roots” destination, you will discover beautiful beaches near this fishing village.

• Go collect shells on the beach of Kuta .
• Sunbathe on Mawun Beach , relatively calm for swimming.
• For surfing, prefer the waves of Mawi (more difficult to access). Caution ! experienced surfers only. For beginners, there is a nice spot on Kuta’s beach , feel free to take classes before you start.
• Do not hesitate to rent a scooter to discover the west of the island, to Geropuk.

What to do in Selong Belanak ?

Less than an hour away from Kuta, Selong Belanak is the perfect place to fill up you camera’s memory card. 

• A must-see : Selong Belanak’s beach . White sand, vibrant blue water surrounded by black rocks, you’ll be speechless.
• Swim in this shallow lagoon and tan up on the beach.
• In the evening, catch a glimpse of buffalos being taken to another field for the night.
• Eat some fresh fish, caught before your eyes !

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What to do at  Desert Point ?

Desert Point is THE most famous surf spot on Lombok Island. 

• Observe the talented surfers on the huge waves, just like in movies. 
• Take a nap on the beach after having a delicious traditional lunch.

What to do in  Senggigi ?

On the way to  Senggigi , stop and have lunch un a fish restaurant on the coast and eat some freshly caught fish. You can also buy some fresh fish to cook for yourself. 

Senggigi is THE seaside resort to relax in. 

• Walk on the beach and swing on one the swings, facing the ocean. What an experience ! 
• Stroll through the farmers market and enjoy the smell of the fresh fruits and veggies. 
• Go surfing on  Pandanan beach.
• Walk along the sea on the black sand of  Magsit beach .
• Go fishing with the locals on their colorful boars called jukung .
• Visit  Pura Batu , a rocky area where you can easily go diving/snorkelling. 
• 3 and a half hours away, go up  Mount Rinjani .

What to do on the Gili Islands ?

The three Gili Islands are sometimes also called “White Heaven”. Each one of the islands is unique : Gili Trawangan is the most cosmopolitan one, perfect for you party animals ; Gili Air has more of a mild atmosphere and is good to relax on ; Gili Meno is perfect to unwind and get some time alone. 

• First island : Gili Trawangan or Gili T : Indonesia’s Ibiza, you’ll love it if you want to end your trip partying. You won’t be sleeping much ! When getting hungry, go to a local market or in one of the ports to eat some local food. 
• Second island : Gili Air : start your day having breakfast in front of the ocean. Go explore the sea scuba diving. Swim with turtles and take beautiful pictures with your waterproof camera. Eat out at the restaurant called   Chill Out , where you will get to eat grilled meat with your feet in the sand. 
• Third island : Gili Meno : beach towel under your arm, sunglasses on your head and sunscreen in your bag, head to the beach : sun bath an dswim all day long. And if you’re getting bored, go snorkeling and meet wild turtles !

Learn more…

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The ultimate Lombok itinerary: 1, 2, or 3 weeks travel route

Lombok is green, quiet and has numerous bounty beaches. Although this island has a huge amount to offer, Lombok is not very large, making it perfect for exploring the island in a few days. But what is the ultimate Lombok travel itinerary ? Well, we have those waiting for you! From surfing or relaxing in Kuta Lombok to the green heart of this island, Tetebatu, our Lombok itinerary takes you on a wonderful journey to which we have of course added our favorite and most beautiful places of Lombok. From the gigantic waterfalls of Tiu Kelep to the hidden gems of the south; this small island has so much to offer. Whether you want to tour low-budget by shuttle bus, take a private cab or take on the adventure by cruising Lombok on your own scooter, it’s all possible here!

Want to know where to find the best local eateries, discover the most secluded beaches or watch breathtaking sunsets? Check out our extensive Lombok itinerary and ultimate tips in this article.

In this article

How to get to lombok, how many days do you need to visit lombok, the ultimate route for lombok, touring around lombok by scooter, combining lombok with flores, combining lombok with bali.

If you want to take a wonderful tour of Lombok , of course your adventure begins with booking a ticket! There are no direct flights to Lombok in the Netherlands. Often the most economical route is to fly via Kuala Lumpur. From Kuala Lumpur, you can then book a direct flight via AirAsia to Praya, Lombok’s airport. An alternative route is via Jakarta, but direct tickets to Jakarta tend to be pricier.

Another option is to fly to Bali, Denpasar. From Bali, you can then take a flight to Lombok or take the boat. Many choose to spend a few days in Bali and then travel on to Lombok.

From Bali, there are three ways to travel to Lombok:

• Plane: This is the most expensive option, but the fastest if you want to visit both Bali and Lombok.
• Fast boat: Ideal if you are staying in the Nusa or Gili Islands.
• Ferry: The most budget-friendly option if you want to go from Bali to Lombok, and also our personal favorite.

LEread also the article “By boat from Bali to Lombok ”

How many days do you need to explore Lombok? Of course, that depends on your travel style and what all you want to see on this island. We recommend at least 2 weeks to discover the most beautiful places of Lombok. Within 1 week you can also get a great first impression, but if you want to dive even deeper into Lombok, feel free to take more time.

On Lombok, the three most popular destinations are the Gili’s, Kuta Lombok & Tetebatu. The famed Gili Islands, often mentioned in the same breath as Bali, are perfect for total relaxation or celebration. Kuta Lombok serves as the perfect base to explore the south of the island, while Tetebatu, also known as the green heart of Lombok, is an absolute highlight. These places are among the absolute must-visits of Lombok.

Depending on how many days you have for Lombok, you may be able to supplement your itinerary with additional days in the north, such as Senaru, where you can admire the impressive Tiu Kelep waterfalls. The undiscovered east also offers options, such as the tiny island of Gili Kondo or the surfing mecca of Ekas.

Take a quick look at our Lombok itineraries for 1 week, 2 weeks or 3 weeks.

Lombok route for 1 week

• Kuta Lombok: 3 nights
• Tetebatu: 2 nights
• Gili Air, Trawangan or Gili Meno: 2 nights

The ultimate 2-week itinerary for Lombok

• Selong Belanak: 2 nights
• Gili Air, Trawangan or Gili Meno: 3 nights
• Senaru: 1 night
• Sembalun: 2 nights

Lombok itinerary for 3 weeks

• Kuta Lombok: 4 nights
• Gili Asahan: 2 nights
• Senggigi: 2 nights
• East Lombok: Ekas or Gili Kondo: 2 nights

Lombok’s most beautiful destinations

Curious about all the beauty you can discover on your Lombok itinerary? We have already worked out the best spots of Lombok for you.

Kuta Lombok

Kuta is the place to explore southern Lombok. Here you will find trendy hotspots but also enjoy a serving of nasi at the local warung. Although the main street is full of Western eateries, you only need to drive 5 minutes to experience authentic Lombok. What makes Kuta Lombok extra special is the opportunity to discover a new beach or place every day, including Tanjung Aan, Selong Belanak and The secret Gili’s .

Also read the article “ 11x things to do in Kuta Lombok ”

Selong Belanak

Just add Selong Belanak to your Lombok itinerary soon, because once here, you’ll never want to leave! Just a few years back, Selong Belanak was a quaint beach with a few simple beach bars and perfect waves for beginning surfers. Today, the first hostels, homestays, villas and beautiful boutique hotels have moved in here, allowing you to spend a few days dreaming away in this piece of paradise.

Gili Asahan

A pearl of peace and serenity, Gili Asahan is one of the lesser-known Gili islands near Lombok. This small island, away from the crowds, offers an oasis of silence and natural beauty. You will find a few homestays and luxury resorts.

Located on the west coast of Lombok, Senggigi is best known for its beaches and luxury resorts found on the coast. If you want to completely unwind for a few days, this is the place to be.

Gili Air, Trawangan or Gili Meno

The Gili Islands are all about a different pace. Here you don’t hear cars roaring or mopeds honking. Everything is done on foot or by bicycle. Think white sandy beaches that invite lounging, turtles swimming curiously by, colorful coral welcoming you and trendy spots you discover along the coastline. It is an escape from the hustle and bustle of Bali, a place where you can completely unwind.

Located in the lush greenery of northern Lombok, Senaru is a cozy village where many people depart from to climb one of Indonesia’s largest volcanoes, the Rinjani volcano.

But besides the Rinjani, you will also find beautiful rice fields and giant waterfalls, including the famous Tiu Kelep waterfall

Sembalun, like Tetebatu and Senaru, is the base for people who want to climb the Rinjani. Once visited primarily for this reason, it has now become a destination in its own right, thanks to its vast rice terraces and beautiful bites. But there is more than just natural beauty: Sembalun also offers immersion in local Sasak traditions, giving you a profound cultural experience.

Tetebatu , a small village located in the heart of Lombok, is definitely among our most beloved destinations in Indonesia. It forms the beating green heart of this island! This charming village, at the foot of Rinjani volcano, is a prized gem in Indonesia. Whether you climb the volcano and use Tetebatu as a starting point, or simply enjoy a day hike, this place offers it all.

East Lombok: Ekas or Gili Kondo

Eastern Lombok is still relatively undiscovered, even though this part is really beautiful. To begin with, in the southeast you will find the surf beach Ekas and Pink Beach. Traveling further north, you’ll find tiny Gili Kondo. A bounty island with pearly white beaches and crystal clear waters.

In fact, on Lombok it is almost a must to rent a scooter. After all, you won’t find cheap Gojeks on this island, nor is Grab available here. Fortunately, the roads here are of good quality and you can already rent a scooter for less than 4 euros per day. Moreover, it is a great way to explore Lombok.

If you really want to fully enjoy this island, throw a small backpack on your back and take a road trip around the island on your own scooter. Within a few days you can drive around the entire island. This is the perfect way to discover more of Lombok. You glide through cozy local villages, are often invited by locals for a Lombok Kopi, and discover the most breathtaking viewpoints and landscapes.

Would you like to combine Lombok with another Indonesian island? Flores is a wonderful addition. Although there are no direct flights from Lombok to Flores, there are alternative ways to get there. For example, you can take the boat to Bali and then fly to Flores from there. It also includes a boat trip from Lombok to Flores.

Flores is truly a fantastic island, with the famous Komodo National Park as the absolute highlight. Here you can admire the unique Komodo dragon, an experience you won’t soon forget. This part of Indonesia is also known for its beautiful beaches, idyllic islands and some of the world’s best dive sites.

But Flores has much more to offer. Consider the unique Kelimutu volcano and enchanting Bajawa. The island is infused with natural beauty and rich culture, making it a unique addition to your journey through Indonesia.

For a diverse Indonesian experience, combining Lombok with Bali is a great choice. These two islands are very close to each other and each offers a unique character.

Starting in bustling Bali, you can enjoy the vibrant culture, beautiful temples, lively beaches and vibrant nightlife. Then you can experience the peace and charm of Lombok, with its relaxed atmosphere, pristine nature and breathtaking beaches.

Curious about our favorite accommodations in Lombok?

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Lombok Itinerary: The Perfect 5-Day Itinerary for Lombok

Jackson Groves

Posted on Last updated: June 25, 2023

Categories INDONESIA

Lombok is an island full of crazy adventures only an hour’s flight away from Bali. I visited amazing waterfalls, trekked Mount Rinjani, and explored the south coast near Kuta Lombok. I’ve been lucky enough to adventure on Lombok on three separate visits now. I’ve created this Lombok Itinerary specifically for those spending

I know many of the best places and the logistics about how to reach them all in the right order and with what transport. If you have 4-7 days scheduled on the island, this will be a great Lombok Itinerary to help you plan when, where and ow to explore the island.

Table of Contents

Lombok Itinerary

In this Lombok itinerary blog post, I will first detail the day-by-day itinerary of what I recommend. Then below that, I will give you detailed information about each activity and location I have listed in the itinerary. That way you can determine if there are any locations you would prefer to skip or some you might decide you simply cannot miss. I’ll also add in some accommodation recommendations for your trip along the way like the places I stayed in Senaru in the north and more.

TOP 3 PLACES TO STAY ON LOMBOK

• Ultimate Luxury: Jeeva Santai Villas – Beautiful, luxurious villas
• My Favorite: Martas Windows – Best value in Lombok for a bungalow with a pool
• Best Hostel: Boogie Hostel is easily the best value hostel in Lombok

LOMBOK ITINERARY DAY BY DAY

You don’t need to follow this itinerary exactly depending on your preferences but it is a fun, adventure-filled week of adventures if you do!

DAY 1 : LOMBOK ITINERARY

Arrive at the airport or port and drive straight to Senaru, which is a mountain village in the north. The best way is to rent a car or hire a taxi at the port or airport. If you make it up there just after lunch that is perfect timing, you will have time to go explore Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep Waterfall.

These two waterfalls are just a short walk from most of the accommodations in Senaru and are both beautiful spots in the Lombok Jungle. It’s a great way to kick off your Lombok Itinerary.

Activities: Sendang Gile, Tiu Kelep Waterfall

Read my full blog post about these waterfalls: Tiu Kelep & Sendang Gile Waterfalls

DAY 2 & 3 : LOMBOK ITINERARY

It’s time to start early and get your hiking boots on because Mount Rinjani is the main attraction of Lombok. At 3,726m the summit is an incredible and difficult journey but so rewarding. There are several ways to hike Mount Rinjani and depending on which route is open and which you decide to hike it can take anyway from 2 full days to 4 full days.

Personally, I would choose to do the Hike to the summit and Senaru Crater Rim Camp. This way you get to see it all. If the summit isn’t open then just Senaru Crater Rim. I’ll have all the details about each below the itinerary section of this blog post where I go into depth about each activity.

Mount Rinjani Trek Options:

• Hike to the summit 2 days/1 night
• Hike just to Senaru Crater Rim 2 day 1/night (Still with views inside the crater)
• Hike to the summit + Senaru Crater Rim Camp 3 days/ 2 nights
• Hike to the summit + Hot springs and lake + Senaru Crater Rim Camp 4 days/ 3 nights

Where to stay: Tents, and food provided as part of your trek fee.

Activity: Hike Mount Rinjani

Read my full blog post about this trek: Mount Rinjani Trekking Guide

DAY 4: LOMBOK ITINERARY

Your legs are probably pretty sore from hiking Mount Rinjani. Suck it up there’s more to see. Wake up at around 3 am and drive to Senaru on a bike or with your tour guide to the base of Pergasingan Hill. You will then trek to the top of Pergasingan Hill for sunrise, which in my opinion is the best sunrise on Lombok. If you are tired, just check out the Bukit Selong Viewpoint , which doesn’t involve hiking.

I’ve camped up there and you can do that for sure but with just four or five days on Lombok that can chew up a bit of your time. After you get down from Pergasingan Hill don’t head back to Senaru. Continue on down towards the east and make your way to Benang Stokel waterfalls .

There is even a cliff jump spot here but the depth always changes so be sure to check that first. After Benang Stokel, it is probably late afternoon. Make your way the final hour down south to your accommodation so you are ready for a few final adventures in the next day or so. The south is a chill coastal area with lots of cafes, bars, and restaurants and surf culture.

Where to stay: 

• Martas Windows   –  Value/Luxury : This place is incredibly beautiful. Bungalow-style villas surround the modern pool at this amazing property.
• Boogie Hostel Kuta Lombok  –  Budget : The  Boogie Hostel  is everything you ask for in a hostel. It’s super modern and clean and has lots of chill spaces as well as lockers for your gear and blinds for privacy at your dorm.

Activities: Pergasingan Hill Trek for sunrise and Benang Stokel Waterfalls

Read my blog posts: Pergasingan Hill , Bukit Selong Viewpoint , Waterfalls on Lombok

DAY 5: LOMBOK ITINERARY

Day five is a bit of a mixed bag. There are tons of things to do down south and it really depends on how many days you have left. If you just have one day left you may want to go surfing and hang out at the beach. If you have multiple days left you can rent a bike and visit some of the cool beaches nearby such as Semeti Beach . There is also a very fun island-hopping trip to the Secret Gili’s that I did while based in the south so that is something to consider as well.

Basically, you just need to decide which beach you want to go to and if you will surf, scuba, island hop or just chill out at the cafes. Make sure you spend sunset at Bukit Merese or as it’s also known ‘Sunset Hill’. It is very close to the hotels in Kuta Lombok and the best viewing spot for sunset over the ocean while you sit on the hilly outcrops.

Activities: Island-hopping to the Secret Gilis, beach hopping, surfing, scuba-diving

Read my articles: Secret Gili’s Island Hopping , Bukit Merese , Semeti Beach

That is the end of the Lombok itinerary for five days on Lombok. It’s an adventure and quite tiring but you can always remove a hike or a waterfall to make it less extreme. That is just how I would use five days on Lombok to see the best spots in a short amount of time. I would actually advise two weeks on Lombok to see most of the cool spots at a decent pace.

Below I will post a little paragraph about each of the activities I have suggested in the Lombok itinerary above so that you can get a better idea about what each trek, island hopping, and waterfall is like. Each of the paragraphs has a link to the full blog post I have written about each area. If you do want to see ALL of the things to do in Lombok you can check out my detailed guide:  22 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN LOMBOK

If you are looking into where exactly you want to stay in each of the regions you visit, I created an in-depth guide with recommendations based on my own personal experience about accommodation options in Lombok that you can check out here:  WHERE TO STAY ON LOMBOK: NORTH OR SOUTH REGION

HOW TO GET TO LOMBOK

Senaru is in the North of Lombok. This is a small town most trekkers base themselves in before and after their trekking adventures. I arrived in Lombok via ferry and headed straight north with three other friends. There are also flights directly to Lombok from Bali. Once you arrive to the airport or ferry port, you will need a private transfer or moped to reach the northern villages of Senaru or Sembalun to begin your Mount Rinjani Trek.

HOW MANY DAYS DO YOU NEED IN LOMBOK

You could honestly spend a month here and not have seen half of the waterfalls or hidden beaches. However, most travelers don’t have a full month on their hands. I stayed in Lombok for ten days and managed to fit in all of the adventures you can find below. The main thing to consider is the different regions of Lombok.

I spent time in the north where you will find some awesome waterfalls and base yourself when you trek Mount Rinjani . I then spent a day in central Lombok checking our rice field viewpoints and waterfalls but suggest at least two days for these activities. Finally, if you end up in the south anywhere from three days to a week would be a great amount of time to get a moped and explore up and down the coast. My suggested minimum time to explore Lombok is ten days but three to four weeks would be ideal.

LOMBOK TOURIST SPOTS AND ACTIVITIES

Sendang gile waterfall.

Sendang Gile was an unexpected addition to our plans. We knew we wanted to visit Tiu Kelep waterfall but on the way discovered that the trail actually takes you to another waterfall. Sendang Gile is an epic two-tiered waterfall that booms down into a shallow river. It was definitely one of my favorite, unexpected things to do in Lombok.

Tiu Kelep Waterfall

Tiu Kelep is the most famous waterfall on Lombok. From Sendang Gile you follow the river for fifteen minutes, often walking through the water and making several crossings along the way. You will arrive in an incredible amphitheater with mist blowing everywhere. It is one of the most magical places I’ve ever been and definitely up there with my favorite things to do on Lombok.

Click Here : to read the full blog post about Senaru Sunrise, Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep.

Trekking up Pergasingan Hill

Pergasingan Hill is an epic viewpoint at the top of a steep 1-hour trail in the north of Lombok. The trail is suitable for most hikers and offers some of the best views in all of Lombok! It is best done for sunrise or sunset and you can even camp at the top with the help of a trekking guide.

Contact Rinjani Dawn Adventures: If you would love to get in touch with Rinjani Dawn Adventures about trekking Pergasingan Hill or other hikes in Lombok you can do so by clicking through to their booking page  here .  

Full Blog post:  TREKKING PERGASINGAN HILL IN NORTH LOMBOK

Camping on Pergasingan Hill

When I camped on Pergasingan Hill, I came from the backway in a small village and instead of an hour up, it took 2.5 hours to wind our way around the ridge. You will only find this private access point at the back of houses with tour guides. 

Full blog post:   TREKKING & CAMPING ON PERGASINGAN HILL IN NORTH LOMBOK

Mount Rinjani Trek

Trekking Mount Rinjani was one of the most epic journeys of the year for me! We endured three days and two nights led by our guide and two porters to the summit of Mount Rinjani, an incredible 3,726 meters.

Trekking Mount Rinjani is a pretty enduring few days. Camping in tents, carrying your gear, and walking for up to 15 hours a day means this is for the adventurous souls out there. It was also one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had on my travels and one of the most epic things to add to your Lombok itinerary.

Click Here: to read my full review about Trekking up Mount Rinjani with my mates

Bengang Stokel and Kelambu Waterfalls

Benang Stokel waterfall and Kelambu waterfall are two of the most breathtaking waterfalls in Lombok and are must-visit for anyone who loves adventure and nature. A series of incredible waterfalls all within walking distance is a place you must add to your Lombok itinerary.

Click Here : to read the full blog post about Benang Stokel and Kelambu Waterfall

Sunset Point Kuta Lombok – Bukit Merese Hill

We had heard about Bukit Merese Hill and decided to jump on the moped from town and make the 15-minute journey out to the hill. Be sure to walk all the way to the headland and sit out on the edge with views down the coast in both directions. We laid out here, took some photos, and marveled at the endless ocean as the sky turned a fiery red.

Click Here : to read the full blog post about this sunset spot and why you should go back during the day!

Paragliding

I had never done paragliding before but in case you don’t know what it is, you essentially sit in a harness attached to the guide/professional!

You do a little jog down the hill and then the wind picks up your sail/parachute and all of a sudden you are in the air. It’s not a high-adrenaline activity and is actually quite relaxing as you float up and down the coast with great views.

Compared to skydiving, bungee, and other adrenaline activities this one is actually great for the whole family. If you want to inquire about making a booking you can contact our guides on Whatsapp : +62 823 4083 2043 or Instagram:  @dodiparagliding

Tanjung Aan Beach

Lombok was extremely quiet when we visited in November, and that was no exception when we went for lunch at Tanjung Aan Beach. Mango smoothies and Nasi Goreng were on the menu as we enjoyed the entire beach, restaurant, and sun beds to ourselves.

Mawi Beach is one of the most popular surf spots on the island. Bamboo huts line the beach, keeping surfers cool in the shade in between sessions. The waves weren’t huge on the day we went but big enough for a few of the surfers to catch some nice rides.

This is a beach you can hang out all day at. You can buy lunch, coconuts, and snacks in between surfs and swims although the prices are a little bit more expensive than Kuta Lombok as it is a bit more isolated. If you are a surfer this is one of the best things to do in Lombok for you!

Secret Gilis Island Hopping Tour

When you hear about ‘The Gilis’, an immediate reaction is to think about the three popular islands Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air. These three islands have become popular snorkeling, party, and relaxation spots – a getaway from the over-crowded Bali. However,  there are more Gili’s than you know. In fact, there are 26 different Gili’s near Lombok.

While in Lombok,  I did the ‘Secret Gili’s’ tour. While the islands are far from secret they are beautiful and something new to explore with great marine life, tiny sandbars, and a lunch stop on the shore of a remote island.

Full blog post:   THE SECRET GILIS ISLAND HOPPING TOUR IN LOMBOK

WHERE TO STAY IN NORTHERN LOMBOK

If you are visiting attractions in the north such as Tiu Kelep or Mount Rinjani you should choose one of the three accommodations in the ‘ Northern ‘ section below.

• Jeeva Santai Villas – Luxury Villa : Great location on the beautiful Mangsit Beach but also within driving distance of Tiu Kelep and Mount Rinjani. It is a location that offers the best of both worlds.
• Hakiki Inn Bungalows  – Value: Set on the edge of rice fields with the jungle feel but the comfort of a private bungalow.
• Blue Mountain Cottage – Budget (but also value) : This is where I stayed. The room was very basic but it was comfortable enough with a basic private bathroom.

WHERE TO STAY IN THE SOUTHERN REGION OF LOMBOK

If you are staying in the south to enjoy the beaches and surf in Kuta, Lombok you should choose one of the three accommodations in the ‘ Southern ‘ section below.

• Harmony Villas – Luxury : The beautiful white theme throughout the property contrasts against the emerald green pool and plants. The villas are laid out impeccably and the best part about this 4-star villa is that it actually isn’t as expensive as it looks.
• Martas Windows   – Value/Luxury : This place is incredibly beautiful. Bungalow-style villas surround the modern pool at this amazing property. For less than $80 a night, you can get yourself what would cost hundreds of dollars in most other countries at Martas Windows .
• Boogie Hostel Kuta Lombok – Budget : The Boogie Hostel is everything you ask for in a hostel. It’s super modern and clean and has lots of chill spaces as well as lockers for your gear and blinds for privacy at your dorm.

READ MORE OF MY LOMBOK GUIDES

• Lombok Guide:   16 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN LOMBOK
• Mount Rinjani Trekking Guide:  MOUNT RINJANI TREKKING REVIEW
• Tiu Kelep Waterfall:  SENDANG GILE AND TIU KELEP WATERFALL IN SENARU
• Benang Stokel Waterfall:  BENANG STOKEL WATERFALL IN LOMBOK

Saturday 13th of July 2019

Great blog mate! Doing a simulair trip and Got a lot of inspiration and information from you like Lombok, Bromo, waterfalls around Malang! Thanks a lot. Just question: we want to do Mount Rinjani and thinking also of booking it with blue cottage, but what did you pay for that tour if I may ask.

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How to Go from Bali to Lombok [Fast Boat, Public Ferry, Flight]

There are several ways to go from Bali to Lombok – from a quick flight to a slow boat.  The middle ground, a fast boat tends to be the most popular way to travel, but you should also consider where in Bali you are and where you need to get to in Lombok.   This is a well-traveled route that can take as little as 40 minutes, or as long as 7 hours depending on the mode of transport that you take.  We’ve taken two of these different transport options, so this guide covers you on going from Bali to Lombok and why we chose the different transport methods.  Here’s our guide on how to get to Lombok from Bali.

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN COMPENSATED AND AFFILIATE LINKS MORE INFORMATION IN  OUR DISCLAIMER

Best Way to Go from Bali to Lombok

Book the fast ferry from Bali to Lombok – its quick, easy and gets you to where 99% of people want to go to.

Where is Lombok

Lombok Island is about 163 kilometers (101 miles) due east of Bali, to the north of Lombok is the Java Sea, and to the south is the Indian Ocean.   This is the shortest distance in a straight line, but getting between your start point and end point is obviously different.  It’s best to measure this in hours spent traveling rather than the actual distance.  As ever with all modes of transport you need to factor in the waiting – for check in for flights, or check in for boats and waiting while your transfer picks up and drops off other people too.

How to Go from Bali to Lombok – Transport Options

How you decide to go from Bali to Lombok really should be driven by WHERE on the island of Lombok you want to get to.  There are several options, you can fly from Bali to Lombok, or you can take a minivan and a ferry.  If you opt for the ferry choice then you need to decide which ferry port to leave Bali from and enter Lombok.  As I said, look at where it is on Lombok you want to get to, and then pick the route after that.  Most people who travel to Lombok from Balia are heading to either Kuta or Senggigi, and I’ll cover which is the best route from Bali to Kuta and also from Bali to Senggigi.

TLDR:  These are the best options for

Going from Bali to Senggigi

Going from Bali to Kuta, Lombok

So with that said, in our guide on how to go from Bali to Lombok, we’ll cover the fastest way to travel from Bali to Lombok, the easiest way to go to Lombok from Bali, and the cheapest way to get to Lombok from Bali.  I’ll also cover the route that we took when going to Lombok from Bali (and why we took that route). 

How to get to Lombok from Bali

There are more than 40 boats a day from Bali to Lombok and 3 flights.  So it’s not like you’re limited in choice!  There are both ferries and fast boats that leave Bali.  And the TLDR is that the fast boat is the most popular route to take.  (IF, and I repeat IF it’s going to the part of Lombok that you want!).  there are two ferry ports in Bali that boats leave from and two ferry ports on Lombok that boats arrive into.

Flights from Bali to Lombok leave from Denpasar (DPS) and arrive at Lombok International Airport (LOP). 

To make this a whole lot easier for you I’ve marked the airports and the ferry piers on the map below.

The terms “ferry” and “boat” are used interchangeably, not just in this post, but by the providers.  It’s more accurate to say “fast boat” and “slow boat”, the difference in time between these can be up to 5.5 hours (and that’s just the crossing time, not including any transfers at either end!)

The Fast Boat from Bali to Lombok

As it’s the most popular way to go from Bali to Lombok I’ll cover this first.  It takes just 90 minutes from boarding the fast boat in Bali to get to Lombok.  This is a passenger-only service, so there’s no waiting around for vehicles and cargo to be loaded and unloaded, if speed is your plan then this is for you.

Fast boats leave Bali from either Padang Bai or Serangan.  They arrive on Lombok at either Senggigi Pier or Bangsal Pier.  Senggiggi is in West Lombok and Bangsal Pier is in North Lombok.  Senggigi is the most popular port to arrive at in Lombok.

The best route from Bali to Lombok may also depend on your final destination on Lombok. If you’re going to Kuta on Lombok, then the port of Senggigi is closer.  If you’re going to the north of Lombok, then the ferry arriving at Bangsal Pier is closer.  Equally, if Mount Rinjani is your destination, Bangsal Pier is closer, although if you’re hiking Rinjani, many of the tour and transport booking services offer a free pickup from Senggigi.

As if there wasn’t enough to contend with there’s a FAST ferry and a speedboat.   The fast ferry takes as little as 90 minutes, the speedboat takes 3 hours.  (However, the speedboat is NOT the slow boat, which can take up to 7 hours and I’ll cover that next).

The timetable of the various boats depends on the season and it’s best (especially in peak season) to book ahead, you’ll be able to not only pay online by card, but there’s no faffing around buying tickets at the port (and having to arrive early to do that).

Check the timetables and book tickets from Bali to Senggigi here

Check the times and buy tickets from Bali to Bangsal Pier here

There’s no requirement to print your tickets, just show the PDF ticket (that will be emailed to you) when you check in or get collected by your transfer.

NOTE: The fast boat route between Bali and Lombok is subject to a local fee of between 10,000 and 20,000 IDR that is payable in CASH ONLY at the departure port.

The Slow Boat or Ferry from Bali to Lombok

The slow boat, or slow ferry from Bali to Lombok is what you’ll need to take if you’re planning on taking a scooter, motorbike, or bicycle between the two islands.  The slow boat to Lombok is the cheapest way to go from Bali to Lombok, it also takes the longest.

However, it may not be convenient location for you to get into.  This slow boat to Lombok leaves from Padang Bai, but it arrives in Lembar Harbor on Lombok.  It will take about 90 minutes to go from Lembar to Senggigi and about 90 minutes from Lembar to Kuta, Lombok.

The slow boat from Bali to Lombok departs every hour

You can’t book the slow boat from Bali to Lombok online. 

You’ll need to book it with a tour operator in Bali, or just turn up at the harbor and buy your tickets there.  The slow boat takes up to 7 hours (when we took it the ferry took 6.5 hours) and it goes into Lembar harbor, which is probably NOT convenient for many people.  But, if you’re taking a scooter or motorbike with you, then you’ll need to take this ferry, as it’s the only one that has the option for bikes and cars.

Flights from Bali to Lombok

If you’re landing at Denpasar International Airport and heading straight to Lombok, then so long as your flight times coordinate, flying is the easiest way for you to go to Lombok.   Flights between Bali and Lombok International take about 40 minutes and there are usually 3 flights a day.  The first flight of the day from Bali to Lombok is at 07:10 and the last flight of the day is at 15:10.  There’s also a lunchtime flight at 12:50.  However, flight times differ slightly with the season, so you’ll want to check the latest timetables here.

It’s easy to get to Denpasar Airport, which is also known as Ngurah Rai International Airport.  Just pick up a Grab, or Go-Jek (they’re the ride-sharing services on Bali) and it will take you about 30 minutes from Kuta or about an hour from Canggu.

Flying to Lombok from Bali is the fastest way to go to Lombok – if you’re close to Denpasar and if you’re going somewhere close to the airport on Lombok.  You can check prices for Bali to Lombok flights here .

When you arrive at Lombok airport, the quickest way to get to your next destination is a taxi or Grab or Gojek.  While these popular ride-sharing services are available on Lombok they’re not as popular as on other Indonesian islands, so it’s best to have a backup plan.

Taxi costs from Lombok airport are (estimates)

• Lombok Airport to Kuta – about 120,000 IDR
• Lombok Airport to Mataram – about 145,000 IDR
• Lombok Airport to Senggigi – about 180,000 IDR

The cheapest way to get from Lombok Airport is to take the DAMRI bus.  You can find the latest timetables for the DAMRI bus on Lombok here .  Note that the DAMRI bus does NOT go to Kuta Lombok.

Our Experiences of Going from Bali to Lombok

We took the slow boat from Padang Bai to Lembar, with an included transfer from where we’d stayed the previous night (after a very late running flight from Kuching, Malaysia) in Kuta, Bali.

Kuta to Padang Bai

Our bus left Kuta, Bali at 06:00 with about enough legroom for a toddler. Sitting with their legs crossed. (here’s a hint, get on first and snag the front seats, they have marginally more room). Luckily it wasn’t anywhere near full and we were all able to take two seats each and sit sideways. We dropped folks at Ubud, picked others up, and arrived in Padang Bai at a cafe stop and the ferry port (where virtually all the ferries and fast boats leave Bali for Lombok) at 08:30.

After a breakfast of eggs and noodles, we headed to board the ferry. 

The Public Ferry from Padang Bai to Lembar

We’re on the 09:00 public ferry to Lembak on the island of Lombok. This ferry goes every hour, 24 hours a day. Most tourists will use fast boats to get to Lombok, but we’re in the cheap seats. It’s a car ferry as well, and there’s one deck for passengers.

There’s plenty of outside sitting space if you like sitting on the deck itself, with some seats that may or may not be in the shade depending on which side of the boat you sit. There’s a snack bar where pot noodles and snacks are for sale. There’s a movie that plays throughout our journey, some seats have tables, and some are just padded benches.

At the back of the snack bar area is a double-decker row of thin, plastic-covered mattresses, which we were told we could lie on for the duration of the trip for 50,000 IDR each.  We declined and were offered a “cabin”, which was, we were told, negotiable.  We declined that as well and asked a local guy who was laid out across some seats if he could move a little so we could sit down. We were now on the free seats.

The journey passed relatively quickly, it was a smooth crossing, and at 15:30 we pulled into Lembar harbor,  where a transfer driver was waiting for us and the others who’d booked a transfer to Senggigi.

Map of Ferry Piers and Airports for going from Bali to Lombok

You can also see the full map for ferries and airports from Bali to Lombok here

Popular Indonesian Routes to Travel

• How to go from Bali to Lombok
• How to go from Lombok to the Gili Islands
• Getting to Bromo Independently
• How to get to Kawah Ijen independently

The quickest way to get from Bali to Lombok

The time it will take you to get to Lombok from Bali depends on where you’re staying in Bali and where you’re going to on Lombok.  Take a look at the map for where the ferry ports and the airports are before you decide which method of transport to use.  However, if you’re near Denpasar, then you can fly to Lombok in 40 minutes and you can book tickets from Bali to Lombok here.

The cheapest way to go from Bali to Lombok

The cheapest way to get to Lombok from Bali is to take the slow boat.  This is also the transport method that takes the longest time to go from Bali to Lombok, you can’t book this option online.

The best way to go from Bali to Lombok

The best way to go to Lombok from Bali depends on where you are in Bali and where you need to get to on Lombok.  We took the slow boat.  We returned to Bali on the fast boat.  The fast boat is usually the best option for going from Bali to Lombok. 

Travel Tips for Exploring Indonesia

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• Get online immediately with an eSIM for Indonesia here
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• Book Buses & Trains in Indonesia with Bookaway
• Book accommodation in Indonesia with Agoda

Final Words on How to Go from Bali to Lombok

Visiting Lombok from Bali is an easy trip to take.  You’ll want to look at where minivans and ferries go from and see how far it is from where you are staying in Bali, as it can take as long to travel across Bali as it does to get to Lombok!

We receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using our affiliate links. We do not represent World Nomads. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

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Sarah Carter

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The Ultimate Lombok Itinerary: 5 Days On Bali’s Neighbor

Welcome to our Lombok itinerary, 5 days of hopping from beach town to surf break to soaring mountain escape on the island across the sea from Bali . We’ve tried to distill the essence of the place into under a week here. It’s not been easy, because there’s oodles to see, but we hope there’s a good mix of Lombok’s highlights and hidden gems.

The trip will involve the shimmering beaches of Senggigi (the main tourist town on Lombok) and the tubular surf breaks of Kuta (not the Kuta in Bali, mind you). It also has long drives through the paddy-covered backcountry and hikes to long-lost waterfalls. Finally, it finishes with a trip to the iconic Gili Islands , which are considered some of the prettiest in the world.

If you happen to have any more time in Lombok than just five days, there’s loads of scope to expand and add to this plan. We’d recommend dropping in a multi-day trek to the incredible crater lakes of Mount Rinjani, visits to each of the Gili Islands in turn, and perhaps even some time on the much less-visited eastern coast of the island.

Table of Contents

Day 1 – Sengiggi

About 30 minutes’ drive north of Mataram and about an hour’s drive north of the ports at Lembar, Sengiggi is a good place to begin our Lombok itinerary 5 days. It offers a good intro to the slower pace of the island after Bali, along with some lovely beaches and affordable hotels. Basically, it’s the main tourist center on the island, so expect lots of amenities and good transport links to pretty much anywhere.

There’s lots of choice when it comes to places to stay. If you can afford it, we think it’s worth forking out for somewhere like the classy Sudamala Resort . It’s got an infinity pool overlooking the Bali Sea and stylish villa-style rooms with traditional thatched roofs. Alternatively, there are bargain options on the street behind the beachfront, like the charming and chilled Senggigi Cottages Lombok (which can be $15-20 per night).

First stop after dropping the bags should be the beach. The white-sand stretch of Senggigi Beach is the closest to the center of the resort. That’s an option if you don’t have access to your own ride or don’t want to pay for a taxi. However, Coconut Beach (also known as Kerandangan) is a more beautiful spot, with light waves and backing of swaying palm trees, though it’s just under 10 minutes drive to the north.

You might also want to stop by Pantai Klui. It’s another stretch of beachfront around to the north but has uber-clear water for snorkelers and even an intermediate surf spot. You will have to bring your own board, though, as there’s no rental close to the beach.

After some tanning and swimming time under your belt, beeline back to the center of Senggigi town. It’s time for some tasty Lombok food to cap off this initial chilling day. Hit the main street behind the sands where there’s an abundance of welcoming Indonesian warung (taverns that serve local food). We think the best of them is Warung Buana, which does fantastic nasi goreng rice and particularly good rendang curry.

Afterwards, hit Happy Café for some beers with the backpacker crowd and then move onto the local karaoke joints if you have the energy.

Day 2 – Kuta Lombok

It’s easy to get a taxi from Senggigi to Kuta Lombok but be sure to negotiate on the price. Anything around the 250,000-300,000 IDR ($25-30) mark is okay. The drive itself is a fun one, cutting straight through the heart of the south of the island for about 1.5 hours in all, with visions of lush banana plantations and emerald rice paddies stretching out on both sides.

You can make a pitstop at Sade Village along the way. It’s a traditional Nusa Tenggara town stead with homes made from woven reeds. It’s been home to the Sasak tribe for over 15 generations and now offers a glimpse at the age-old heritage of the island’s people. There are currently only 750 inhabitants of the village, but there are oodles of craft stalls selling handmade fabrics and other curiosities.

Push on past Sade and you’ll soon see the Indian Ocean’s gleaming blue waters swing into view. Welcome to Kuta Lombok. Not to be confused with its namesake across on Bali, this one’s a relaxed, old beach town that’s like the Isle of the Gods was 20 years back. One thing it does have in common with Kuta Bali is that it’s a surf mecca.

Yep, the breaks here are some of the best on Lombok as a whole. They’re not generally for beginners, but intermediate+ surfers should be sure to engage the help of a local fisherman to whisk them out to the reef breaks that flank the bay at Areguling Beach – they are hollow and fast waves that offer a real challenge. Alternatively, Selong Belanak Beach is just to the west, which has some top breaks for total beginners.

After your surf session, take a walk along the beach at Areguling to the east and you can discover some lovely hidden bays. Pantai Tebuak is one of our favorites. It’s a Robinson Crusoe -style inlet with high cliffs rising to its back and some frothing swells out front. Just beware of the naughty macaques that guard the entrance!

There are some nice surf-shack-style accommodations in the Kuta region. We especially like Owa Lodge for its easy-going vibes and relaxing outdoor pool space. It’s also not too expensive. Staying here will also put you in Areguling itself, which is a small surfer town just outside of Kuta proper. It’s a cool place, with an open-air cinema for the evening and some excellent seafood warung that open later on.

Day 3 – Sembulan

After enjoying the glassy waves of the Lombok south coast, it’s time to head up north. That takes you in the direction of hulking Mount Rinjani. It’s a massive volcano that soars nearly 4,000 meters above sea level; very much the centerpiece of the island and one of the most dramatic sights in all of Indonesia.

But first – the trip there. It’s a long one, taking about 3.5 hours in all. But it’s also beautiful, as you weave and wind through some of the more untouched parts of Lombok . Things get prettiest after you turn east at Kopang and into the area of Desa Pengadangan, where verdant rice fields creep right up to the roadside.

(You could make a pitstop at the Pancor Kopong waterfall here. It’s one of the more off-the-beaten-track locations on this Lombok itinerary 5 days, with wild swimming pools in the jungle that are mainly used by the locals.)

The destination for the day is the eco-tourism hub of Sembulan. This is known primarily as the gateway to Mount Rinjani National Park . Sadly, there’s just not enough time on this Lombok itinerary to conquer the mountains (most of the treks to the top take at least three days). However, there are lots of opportunities to get a taste of Lombok’s wilder side without climbing the great volcano itself. So, for the afternoon, you could:

• Hike in Bukit Nanggi – This short hike takes you high above the clouds and offers views of the mighty Rinjani crater from the east. It can be done in about six hours, so you’ll need to get to Sembulan early to complete.
• Bukit Kondo Savana Propok – This field of swaying grass is one of the entranceways to the Mount Rinjani trek, but it’s also now a well-known Instagram spot.
• Strawberry Hill Gardens Ponds – Something a little less strenuous is on offer at the Strawberry Hill Gardens Ponds, where you can pick and enjoy your own berries in the shadow of the mountain.

Day 4 – Tanjung

The way to Tanjung is just as immersive as Tanjung itself. We’d say expect to take more than half the day on the journey, even though the whole thing can be done in just two hours if you went straight at it. The reason? You’re going to be passing through waterfall country. Seriously, there are some of the most stunning cataracts in Indonesia lying in wait, so have the swimwear at hand and be ready for lots of detours.

Mangku Sakti Waterfall is first on the list. It’s about 50 minutes’ drive outside of Sembulan down a dusty dirt road. Once you’ve parked up at the often-deserted lot, you’ll need to hike a narrow gorge above a roaring whitewater river. That takes about 10 minutes and can be hard to pass at points. The reward is the great opening in the canyon that hosts the waterfall itself. It’s 20 meters tall and has a deep pool below. There’s also a perch behind the cataract where you clamber up to see it from behind.

If you’re still hungry for waterfalls, push on to the Sendang Gile Waterfall. This is one of the most iconic in all of Indo. It’s a hidden paradise deep in the foothills of the Rinjani reserve. Blooms of evergreen palms and ferns sprout from the side of the sheer-cut cliffs all around, while the waters mist and plume in a series of ribbon-like streams into the rocky bed below. Be sure to have the camera charged.

Later on, you’ll arrive at Tanjung. It’s the gateway to a whole region of downright gorgeous beaches, so it’s time to crank up the R&R after all that adventure travel. Medana Beach is the jewel in the crown – think white sands and stooping sea grape trees. If you can afford it, stay at the Oberoi Beach Resort there, because it’s one of the highest rated in the whole country!

Day 5 – The Gili Islands

The grand finale of our Lombok itinerary isn’t actually on Lombok at all. Instead, you’ll make the quick crossing to one of the fabled Gili islands. They’re hailed as the great paradise destinations in the Bali Sea, with more talcum-powder sands and coral reefs than you could possibly get through in a single holiday.

The boats for the Gili chain leave from the port in Bangsal. It’s a gritty place but grin and bear it for the journey, which lasts just 45 minutes in a small passenger ferry from pier to paradise.

The only choice you need to make here is which Gili you’ll go to . There are three on offer, each with their own unique vibe. Don’t worry, the whole lot have jaw-dropping shorelines and bath-warm seas. But here’s a little guide to help you out…

• Gili Trewangan – Also known as Gili T, this is the busiest of all the Gilis. It’s considered the party hub of the chain, with an eastern shoreline that’s filled with bamboo reggae bars and dive schools that double as after-dark clubs. Come here if you want to finish your Lombok trip with some hedonism.
• Gili Air – A very relaxed, very easy-going island, Gili Air is about ramshackle backpacker hotels and empty beaches. It’s also established itself as something of a yogi hub in recent years, so come here to find your inner Zen after traveling Lombok.
• Gili Meno – The honeymooner choice, Gili Meno is now home to a swathe of very upscale hotels that offer unbridled romance and sea-view villa suites. It’s the perfect place to end our Lombok itinerary 5 days if you’re traveling as a couple.

For more than 11 years, Joe has worked as a freelance travel writer. His writing and explorations have brought him to various locations, including the colonial towns of Mexico, the bustling chowks of Mumbai, and the majestic Southern Alps of New Zealand. When he's not crafting his next epic blog post on the top Greek islands or French ski resorts, he can often be found engaging in his top two hobbies of surfing and hiking.

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Bali, Gili Islands and Lombok: complete 2-week itinerary and a 3-week alternative

The Bali - Gili Islands - Lombok triangle is one of the most loved itineraries by tourists in Indonesia, thanks to their proximity and the very convenient maritime connections.

Bali is certainly the most touristic, varied and particular: it contains a whole world all in a relatively small island. In fact, what I loved most about Bali is its variety: in an instant you can go from the sea to the mountains, from the touristic and westernized centers to the very green jungle that constitutes its heart.. And Hinduism colors and perfumes all the streets with a wonderful smell of incense that mixes with the delicious aromas of the amazing food that you will taste in every corner of the island. If you ask me what I liked most about this trip, I really don't know what to answer, it was really all too beautiful and intense to be able to choose anything. What I can tell you is that Bali is certainly the pearl of this triangle and deserves the most conspicuous part of the trip: it needs time to be thoroughly visited, but whatever you choose to do, there will always be something more to see. If we really want to say something negative about Bali, maybe it lacks a bit in beaches: most of the coast does not have particularly beautiful beaches, apart from the south coast of Bukit Peninsula , near Uluwatu . If you are looking for a truly dreamy sea, we must move to Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan, in order not to go too far from Bali, otherwise opt for the Gili and Lombok islands, which however are more distant.

Gili Islands

The Gili Islands are a real paradise, in my opinion it's really a shame to go to Bali and skip these tiny islets located on the coast of Lombok . To reach them from Bali (leaving from Padangbai) it will take you just over 90 minutes, and believe me it will be worth it - to find out how to get to the Gili Islands..

READ ALSO: Bali, Gili Islands and Lombok: how to plan your trip to Indonesia on your own

Of the three Gilis, I wholeheartedly recommend Gili Trawangan, the first you will come across when coming from Bali and also the largest. It's known for being the liveliest, most youthful island and the ideal destination for those looking for parties and nightlife... and yes, Gili Trawangan is all this but also much more. The area in front of the port, along the seafront, is a long strip of cafes, restaurants and a few nightclubs that come alive in the evening with young backpackers but here you will also find an excellent cooking school, lots of diving, beach clubs where they make excellent live music and a splendid Night Market where you can dine. The rest of the island is a completely different story. Straw or sheet metal houses, children running barefoot on dirt roads, no cars or scooters. In Gili Islands you will move exclusively on foot, by bicycle or on a kind of wagon pulled by horses, called Cidomo (which I strongly advise against given how they treat animals). On Gili T you will also find splendid beaches, a breathtaking sunset point, yoga centres, the turtle point where you can see sea turtles even comfortably lying on the beach. In our opinion, Gili T really represents an excellent compromise compared to Gili Meno and Gili Air which are even smaller and where apart from a few resorts and restaurants there is very little to do. Anyway there are very frequent boats that will take you back and forth for a few pennies from one Gili to another. To find out more about the Gili Islands and in particular Gili Trawangan..

READ ALSO: Gili Islands: Gili Trawangan - a paradise two steps from Bali

Finally, Lombok .. often underestimated, much less touristy and totally different from Bali. The first huge difference that you notice once you arrive is religion: if Bali is Hindu and the temples and statues all over the island will prove it, Lombok is instead Muslim. The way people dress and approach will strike you, as well as the numerous mosques that take the place of Hindu temples; you will find different landscapes, flavors and even scents, but Lombok remains splendid. They certainly have in common the expanses of greenery, from the jungle to the rice fields..

The sea is much better in Lombok, the southern area around Kuta in particular. But Lombok is also much more .. one of the main attractions is Mount Rinjani (3726m), the second highest mountain in Indonesia, it's also a volcano that attracts many tourists and trekkers thanks to the numerous paths (its ascent is demanding , but a guarantee of breathtaking and unique panoramas) and to the volcano's caldera (about 2000m), bathed by the lake called Segara Anak, Son of the Sea, which they say has blue waters like those of the sea. We really wanted to do the 3-day excursion sleeping in a tent to climb to the summit and then go back, but unfortunately we didn't have enough time, they say it's a unique experience. To find out more about Lombok and its magnificent landscapes click here - Lombok

Now let's give a look to the itinerary of our trip: we had 16 days so we tried to see as much as possible. We chose to arrive in Bali and leave by plane from Lombok (to find out more about how to reach Bali click here ): consider that being very far from Italy, the round trip will take you 4 days in total, therefore the useful time for the holiday is actually 12 days. After being there, I can tell you that the ideal would be to stay for at least 3 weeks, but even with 2 you will be able to do and see many things and I must say that the result was a not bad and quite low-budget trip. We were extremely satisfied.

I therefore propose our 2-week itinerary, but also the 3-week alternative with the additions that we would have liked to have made if we had more time available.

READ ALSO: Bali, Gili Islands and Lombok: complete 2-week itinerary and a 3-week alternative

After many researches on many blogs, I decided to move around Bali and change also accommodations in order to optimize times and reduce the journeys by motorbike as much as possible. The roads in Bali are not excellent and the traffic is often intense and, also considering the size of the island, it has proved to be an excellent solution. We moved every 1-2 days to the major centers, in order to move comfortably by motorbike during the day without wasting hours and hours driving.

In Bali, renting motorbikes is very simple, also for just one day. For moving between cities and therefore from one accommodation to another, we always used the taxis found with Grab Superapp, so that we could carry our suitcases: the prices are excellent and you won't have to go crazy.

As for traveling by sea from one island to another, don't worry: the routes are extremely popular and cheap, we always bought tickets on site and on the spot. The most popular alternative is to stay always in one place to base for the entire duration of the stay: the majority choose one of the more touristic townns such as Kuta, Canggu, Seminyak, or Ubud. If you prefer this option, then I suggest you choose Ubud: it's far more central and will allow you to reach every part of the island more easily. READ ALSO: Bali, Gili Islands and Lombok: how to plan your trip to Indonesia on your own

2 week itinerary - Bali, isole Gili e Lombok

Where we stayed:

Seminyak - 2 nights

Sanur - 2 nights

Ubud - 2 nights

Sidemen - 1 night

Padangbai - 1 night

Gili Trawangan - 2 nights

Lombok - 3 nights

For more details on where we stayed, to see the places, resorts and for the link to the accomodations..

READ ALSO: Bali, Gili Islands and Lombok: how to plan your trip to Indonesia on your own As for the first 4 parts, therefore those in Bali, we always moved early in the morning, in order to avoid heavy traffic and always have the whole day available. Don't worry if the places you choose have late check-in times: we've always arrived very early when the rooms weren't available yet but they've always kept our bags for us without extra payments.

To find out what and where to eat along the various places.. READ ALSO:

Discovering Bali, the Gili Islands and Lombok through Indonesian cuisine - Typical dishes and products that you absolutely must try

Where to eat in Bali, Gili Trawangan and Lombok: unmissable warungs, markets and restaurants

Now let's see in detail day by day how to plan your itinerary

Day 0 - traveling to Ngurah Rai airport (Denpasar) - Bali

Day 1 - Canggu and Seminyak: the most touristic area of Bali

Tanah Lot Temple

Exploring Canggu by foot visiting the Love Anchor Market, other cute markets walking to the beach

Lunch at La Brisa , Canggu

Sunset at La Plancha , Kuta

Night walk in Seminyak

Day 2 - Bukit Peninsula and southern Bali

Pantai Balangan

Pantai Padang Padang

Pantai Suluban and Delpi Cafè

Pura Lehur Ulu Watu at sunset time

Dinner in Sanur

Day 3 - Nusa Penida

Broken Beach, Nusa Penida

Klingking Beach, Nuda Penida

Diamond Beach, Nusa Penida

Sunset in Sanur waling on the promenade

Day 4 - Ubud

Puri Saren Agung - Ubud Royal Palace

Pura Taman Saraswati - Ubud Water Palace

Ubud Market

Pura Gungung Lebah

Campuhan Ridge Walk

Monkey Forest

Ubud Palace Dance Show

Dinner in Ubud

Day 5 - To the north of Ubud

Breakfast on the rice fields

Tegalalang Rice Terrace

Pura Tirta Empul

Kaveri Spa at the Udaya

Folk Pool & Gardens

Day 6 - Northern Bali with a private driver

Pura Ulun Danu

Sekempul Waterfalls

Fiji Waterfalls

Dinner in Sidemen

Day 7 - Eastern Bali

Tirta Gangga Water Palace

Pura Panataran Lempuyang

Dinner in Padangbai

Day 8 - Gili Trawangan

Boat to Gili T from Padangbai

Coral Beach, Gili Trawangan

Sunset Beach, Gili Trawangan

Golden Hour at Sunset Point, Gili Trawangan

Dinner at the Night Market , Gili Trawangan

Walk on the promenade, Gili Trawangan

Day 9 - Gili Trawangan

Snorkeling boat tour in Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air

Cooking class , Gili Trawangan

Day 10 - Gili Trawangan

Island tour on a bike

Boat to Lombok

Dinner in Kuta , Lombok

Day 11 - Lombok

Selong Belanak Beach

Mawun Beach, Lombok

Day 12 - Lombok

Pink Beach, Lombok

Tanjung Aan Beach, Lombok

Day 13 and 14 - back home from the airport Lombok International

Below all this trip destinations and detailed descriptions of everything we did, so that you can better think about what to include or not in your trip.

- part 1: Bali - Canggu and Seminyak: the most touristic area of Bali

- part 2: Southern Bali and the islands: Sanur, Uluwatu and Nusa Penida

- part 3: Bali - Ubud: the green and pulsating heart of the island

- part 4: Northern and eastern Bali: the north, Sideman and Padangbai

- part 5: Gili Islands: Gili Trawangan - paradise a few steps from Bali

- part 6: Lombok: the last part of a magical trip in Indonesia

I give you also an alternative itinerary for those who have 3 weeks available: consider that it's just my personal proposal based on what Enrico and I experienced during our trip and what we would have liked to do with more time

Alternative 3 weeks itinerary - Bali, isole Gili e Lombok

Basically it's an extra day in Nusa Penida, a real jem that certainly deserves a more in-depth visit: a night here will allow you to gain a lot of time for this island which in any case is much larger than the Gilis and whose rough roads require slower and more cautious driving. We then added an extra day in Ubud, which is perhaps one of the areas we liked the most, in order to visit it more calmly and discover other hidden corners. An additional day is also well deserved by Sidemen, in the heart of Bali: here there are lots of activities to do, from waterfalls, to the Mother Temple, as well as other splendid rice fields. Enrico, who has literally fallen in love with the Gilis, would have gladly spent one more day there. Finally, 3 extra days in Lombok to climb the Rinjani mountain/volcano, which we read about in this splendid book - 100 Hikes of a Lifetime (which I recommend if you are a trekking lover). Rinjani is one of the main attractions of Lombok and offers beautiful trekking to the summit of the volcano for 3 days and 2 nights. The climb is quite demanding, so be wary of those who offer shorter excursions. This is perhaps my biggest regret: I really wanted to go but unfortunately with two weeks available it was really impossible. If you decide to go, leave the last two days of the trip to the southern area of ​​Lombok, to dedicate to the sea to recover from the Rinjani effort.

Where we would have stayed:

Seminyak, Bali - 2 nights

Sanur, Bali - 1 night

Nusa Penida - 1 night @Tree House

Ubud, Bali - 4 nights

Sideman, Bali - 2 nights

Padangbai, Bali - 1 night

Gili Trawangan - 3 night

Senaru, Lombok - 1 night to base before the Rinjani climb

Lombok - 2 nights in a tent on the Rinjani

Kuta, Lombok - 3 nights

Day 3 - Nusa Penida: extra day in Nusa Penida with one night sleeping on the island

Crystal Bay

Snorkeling at Manta Point

Day 4 - Nusa Penida

Atuh Beach, Nusa Penida

Way back to Bali and travel to Ubud

Days 5 and 6 - Ubud: extra day in Ubud

Day 7 - To the north of Ubud

Day 8 - Northern Bali with a private driver

Day 9 - Central Bali and Sidemen

Sunrise at Mount Batur

Tukad Cepung Waterfalls

Pura Besakih

Day 10 - Eastern Bali

Days 11-14 - Gili Trawangan: extra day in Gili T

Days 15-17 - Climb to the Rinjani, Lombok: 3 days hike

Days 18 and 19 - Kuta, Lombok

Days 20 and 21 - back home from the airport Lombok International

Whether you have 1, 2, or maybe 3 weeks, the luckiest maybe even more, Bali will give you unique emotions, as well as Gili and Lombok. The options are many and whatever your choices are, this will be a trip that will stay in your heart forever. I really hope I gave you some interesting ideas for planning your trip and that they can be useful for you. For any question or curiosity, just write me.

Check also each destinations of this amazing trip:

For all the practical and logistical information to plan your perfect trip to Bali..

If you think this post is useful, please like it or a comment, while if you need moreinformationdon't hesitate to contact me!

Have a nice trip (:

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14 Days in Lombok – The ultimate 2 weeks Lombok itinerary

Forget Bali and travel to Lombok!! After spending 7 months on Bali, and only 14 days on Lombok, I am very excited about Lombok! The Indonesian island has beautiful nature and is known for amazing beaches and surfing spots. This Lombok itinerary will show you how to make the most of two weeks in Lombok, spending time in Senggigi , Mataram , Ampenan , Kuta , and around Indonesia’s second highest volcano: Mount Rinjani .

Day one: arrival on Lombok

Today I take the fast boat from Padang bai in Bali to Bangsal harbor in Lombok. In about 2.5 hours we reach the harbor, where I continue my trip to Senggigi. Together with other travelers also heading to Senggigi, I decide to share a car with private driver to Senggigi.

After an hour driving, I arrive at my first overnight place, Zerosix Villa Senggigi , an amazing and unique Airbnb villa. In the evening, I go to the city center to rent a scooter and to try some fresh seafood at the amazing beach restaurant ‘Coco Loco Bar & Restaurant’.

Day two: day trip from Senggigi to the paradise islands of Lombok

Today we’re going to explore some of the most beautiful islands of Indonesia with incredible natural beauty and unexploited nature. The islands, Gili Nanggu, Gili Tangkong, Gili Kedis and Gili Sudak , are located at the southwest of Lombok and can only be reached by boat.

This day trip is like being transported to a completely different world, or at least a different part of Indonesia! No traffic, no crowds, and no vendors, but just unexploited nature and plenty of tropical fish. This day trip basically looks as follow; drive from Senggigi to West Sekotong, take a boat to Gili Nanngu, snorkel for two hours at Gili Nanggu, take a boat to Gili Kedis, snorkel for one hour at Gili Kedis, take a boat to Gili Sudak, have lunch at Gili Sudak and snorkel some minutes, take a boat to Gili Tangkong, snorkel for two hours at Gili Tangkong, take the boat back to West Sekotong, and drive back to Senggigi.

Day three: relaxing day in Senggigi

Today I will take it easy. In the morning, I spend some hours at the villa’s swimming pool and in the afternoon, I will move to a new place more downhill at the city center; Cozy Cottages Lombok .

After the check-in, I decide to explore Senggigi beach. The beach itself is not that spectacular, but good to visit for an afternoon and to relax. In the evening, I have some dinner at ‘Happy café’.

Day four: day trip from Senggigi to Mataram and Ampenan

Senggigi is a good base to see the rest of Lombok. Visiting Lombok’s capital Mataram is one of the interesting possibilities. The capital is only a 30 minutes ride from Senggigi and offers many interesting cultural sites.

During this day trip, you can explore the ‘Pasar Kebon Roek’ traditional market in Ampenan, learn about the pottery process at Banyumulek village, visit the ‘Pura Taman Mayura’ water palace, the ‘Pura Agung Narmada’ park, the Mataram shopping hall, and the ‘Islamic Centre Masjid Agung Baiturrahim’.

Day five: climbing to the summit of Mount Rinjani 3.726 meters –  Senaru village (601m)

Climbing to the top of Mount Rinjani, Lombok, in 3 days and 2 nights, will be one of your most memorable experiences ever! I can promise you that!

I climbed to the top of Mount Rinjani via Sembalun village, the Segara Anak lake, and finished in Senaru village. Around 14:00 pm the driver of Rinjani Fun Trekking picks me up and drives me to Senaru Village. From the well-known touristic area Senggigi, it takes about two hours before we arrive in Senaru. After meeting the owner, I put on my hiking boots to check out the nearby waterfalls; Sendang Gile Waterfall and Tiu Kelep waterfall. The waterfalls truly look amazing!

After the waterfalls, I get some dinner at the office of Rinjani Fun Trekking. It tastes delicious. After dinner, we get a briefing about how the next three days will look like.

Day six: Senaru village (601m) – Sembalun village(1.100m) – Sembalun crater rim (2.639m)

Today, I wake up at 6:00 am, enjoy the beautiful sunrise, and get breakfast. At the breakfast table, I met my other hike companions, a Dutch- and German girl. After breakfast, we drive to the Rinjani information center in Sembalun village, where we officially get registered. After a two-hour walk, we reach pos 1 (1300m), and after another 45 minutes we arrive at pos 2 (1500m) where we stop for lunch. After the delicious lunch, we continue walking to pos 3 (1800m) and finally, to the sembalun crater rim (2639m). Around 15.30, we finally arrive at the crater rim, where our first camping site will be located. The porters will set-up our tents, and start cooking for us. After a short rest, we are eating mie goreng while enjoying the sunset.

Day seven: Sembalun crater rim (2.639m) – Summit (3.726m) – Segara anak lake and hot spring (2.000m) – Senaru crater rim (2.641m)

It is early, but time to wake up! It is 02:00 am, and it is still dark outside. Together with our head lights, we start our way to the top. The beginning is fairly easy, but the higher you come, the harder it gets. The final part involves a steep climb over a loose volcanic scree with stones and a lot of sand. After 4 hours, I reach the summit and get rewarded with amazing views and a feeling of proudness.

After taking some photos at the summit of 3.726 meters, you will walk back down to the camp site and continue your way down to the Segara anak lake and hot spring. Finally, you will continue your way up again to the Senaru crater rim (2641m), the second campsite.

Day eight: Senaru crater rim (2.641m) – Senaru village (601m) – Kuta

Today you will start the trek down back to Senaru village. Back at the office of Rinjani Fun Trekking, a driver will bring you to your next destination. I am planning to visit the other tourist hub of Lombok; Kuta , the place for exploring some of the best beaches and surfing spots of Lombok!

In Kuta, you can find plenty of home stays and budget accommodations. I will overnight at the JM hotel Kuta Lombok , a nice and good hotel with a medium class price. Later, I have dinner at ‘Drifters’, a great place for burgers, wraps, falafel and other vegetarian dishes.

Day nine: relaxing day in Kuta

Today it is relaxing day!! My entire body hurts from climbing Mount Rinjani, so today the only steps I take are to the swimming pool and to the beach. In the night, I have dinner at ‘El Bazar’, a restaurant serving Mediterranean and Moroccan dishes.

Day ten: beach and sunset time!

There are plenty of amazing beaches close to Kuta, Lombok . There is Pantai Kuta, Mawun beach, Mawi beach, Selong Belanak beach, Sedek beach, Tanjung Aan beach, or Pink beach. Today, we can visit Sedek beach and Tanjung Aan beach.

In the night, it is a nice experience to drive uphill to Ashtari coffee house. From here you have an amazing view over Kuta and you can see one of the best sunsets ever. The views are truly stunning!

Day eleven: another beach day!

Time to visit some other beaches! First, we go to Mawun beach, followed by Mawi beach, and Selong Belanak beach. In the evening, I can recommend you to have dinner at ‘Mexican in town’. This place is pretty new and offers some really tasty Mexican food. You can eat all kind of things here like tacos, quesadillas, or other Mexican dishes. They even have vegetarian tacos and quesadillas with jack fruit. Very delicious! After dinner, we can party our ass off at ‘the bus’, a Volkswagen van that has been transformed into a cozy bar.

Day twelve: a beach of your choice

Today, you can visit Pink beach or any other beach of your choice! In the evening, it is fun to check out one of the parties. Perhaps at the ‘Surfers bar’!

Day thirteen: travel to the northern Gili islands

After spending twelve days on Lombok, it is time to move on to the Northern Gili Islands. A few years ago, I already spent some time at Gili Trawangan, so for now, I will only explore Gili Meno and Gili air. The Gili islands exists of really blue water, white beaches, palm trees, boats and lots of bikes. On all the islands no motorized vehicles are allowed, so you will only see bikes, cidomo (small horse-drawn carriage) or people who are walking. This makes the Gili islands very peaceful and quiet islands.

Day fourteen: travel back from the Gili islands to Bali

Today, I will travel back to Bali, but of course you can also continue your journey somewhere else, for example to another Gili Island, Komodo, or Flores.

I hope this itinerary can help you to better orientate and prepare for your trip to Lombok! Want to share your tips or comments? Got questions? Let me know in a comment!

Author: Daphne

This article is part of the GPSmyCity iOS app. You can download it, read this article offline and obtain travel directions (by foot, car or bicycle) to the places mentioned in this article. Click  here  to download it.

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16 comments, tonkin voyage travel.

Look likes your having had the awesome time in Lombok! Your post makes me surprised. Can’t believe that there are so many small Gili islands there. Thanks so much for the great post and keep moving!

Girlswanderlust

Yes and they are truly amazing! Can defenitely recommend you to visit the smaller Gili islands rather than Gili Meno, Air, and Trawangan. If you have any questions, let me know!

Hi there, I have read really conflicting advice about the Gili Islands. We are planning a trip to Gili Air next month – is it full of rubbish? We are looking to relax at the beach, a couple of cocktails but nothing too hectic. Is this right for us or should we book somewhere else? Thanks!

Hi Jo, personally I don’t know about the current (trash) situation on the Gili islands, but I know all three islands are crowded and probably full with trash and tourists. I don’t know how many days you have, but I would recommend you to visit Lombok and the gili islands near this island. They are still unknown and way more pleasant to relax =)

Hi, we are 3 girls in our mid 30’s travelling to Bali in March. We are planning on 5 nights in Kuta, Lombok and then 4 nights Ubud and 3 nights in Jimbaranbay. Is 5 nights in Kuta Lombok too long? Any other tips on Lombok are very welcome! Thanks so much

Hi Christelle, great that you are going to travel to Bali and Lombok! Personally I wouldn’t recommend staying 5 nights in Kuta. I stayed 5 nights and it already felt a bit too long, but I did stay so long, because the first days I had to recover from the intense volcano hike 😉 I would recommend you to stay 4 nights in Kuta, 1 night in Senggigi and 1 night on one of the amazing Gili islands. You will cross the Gili islands anyway if you are travelling by fastboat to Bali. Enjoy your trip!

I’ve been to Bali a few times and always think about exploring Lombok as well but have never got around to it. It looks like such a great way to see a different side of Indonesia. Reading your itinerary really makes me want to go sooner rather than later!

It definitely is! Bali is great, but I liked Lombok even better. Lombok is still more untouched and less touristic, definitely worth a visit! =)

What an incredible journey this is. I’ve not visited Indonesia or Bali before and all I ever see or think of is beaches and reseorts. I had no idea that it got cold in the mountains like that or that you could even hike up. What was the temperature?

Great I could broaden your view on Indonesia! It is indeed so much more than just beaches, resorts, and sunshine. On top of Mt. Rinjani, it was between 0 and 5 degrees. Pretty cold…. and that’s why gloves and a hat are really useful!!

Sandy N Vyjay

The 14 day Lombok itinerary sounds like 14 days in paradise. What a great experience and what I like about your itinerary is that it has so many varied experiences. Right from exotic islands and gorgeous beaches, mountain climbing, and great food, the trip seems to have been an unforgettable one.

Thank you!! All those varied experiences is exactly what I need on a holiday! Adventure, relaxation, nature, good food… A combination of all is amazing! =)

This itinerary looks amazing! So many bucket list experiences. I’d love to do the waterfall and rinjani, although rinjani sounds very challenging!

It was a great trip!! Hope you can enjoy one day this itinerary!

I hope to travel to Indonesia later this year and this post is very helpful. I wished I could do the 3-day hike as I love overnight hiking and hiking mounts but I won’t have enough time during that trip, unfortunately. Your descriptions of the islands in the south are so dreamy – I should definitely find time for these 😉

I hope you can visit later this year!! If you need any tips, just contact me! =)

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Lombok road trip itinerary

A little while ago, I went on a short road trip around Lombok with my Dad. When I was trying to plan the journey, I couldn’t really find anything online, so I thought I’d write a little something in case anyone else was thinking of doing a similar trip.

Lombok is an island in Indonesia, just east of Bali. Unlike Bali, it is still largely untouched by the infestation of tourists, and in some places you can go for quite a while without seeing another Bule (foreigner). Its landscape is beautiful and varied, ranging from rainforests and mountains in the north, to pristine white sand beaches in the south. The well-known Gili Islands, which are a part of Lombok, lie off the west coast, and are generally much more touristy than the island of Lombok itself. The roads in Lombok are surprisingly good – new, wide, mostly empty – far better than in Bali, which makes road tripping all the better! Bear in mind that while Bali is majority Hindu, Lombok and the Gilis are Muslim, meaning you will hear the mosque’s call to prayer quite often and should wear respectable clothing.

This itinerary is flexible. Instead of breaking it down into days, I’ve broken them into stops, so you can decide how long you want to spend in each place.

Stop 1: The Gilis

Get the boat from Padang Bai in Bali to the Gilis (I recommend Eka Jaya for ~ 500k IDR [€30] one way). The Gilis are pretty unique in that there are no motorised vehicles allowed on them, only push bikes and horse and carts! That means there’s no noise from cars or motorbikes, woo! Take your pick of Gili Trawangan (Gili T), Gili Air, or Gili Meno, or go to all three! Gili T is generally known as the party island, but there are some spaces of calm and relaxation there too. Gili Air is smaller, quieter, and more laid-back. And Gili Meno is smaller still, and many say it’s the perfect spot for couples. Spend a few days exploring the islands, snorkelling, diving, cycling around, or partying.

When you’ve had your fill of the Gilis, hop on the public boat to Bangsal, in Lombok. The boat should only cost about ~20k IDR [€1.50] one way. When you arrive in Bangsal, rent a car or a motorbike. Dad and I rented a car, which we had booked online with Car Rental Lombok beforehand. Be aware: most of the rental companies will say they have all these different models of cars, but in reality they only have about 4 cars of the same brand (usually Daihatsu). 

Stop 2: Senaru

Now you’re on Lombok, the road trip begins! Drive from Bangsal to Senaru, which should take about 1.5 hours. Senaru is a village in the mountains, near Rinjani, the second highest volcano in Indonesia. Climbing Rinjani is no easy feat, and would take you about 3 days with a guide. Senaru is one of the starting points for ascending Rinjani, so there are a few accommodation options.

We stayed in Pondok Guru Bakti Cottage for about 250k IDR [€15] a night. The rooms are simple, but clean. It’s located right at the top of a valley, so when you’re in the newly built swimming pool, the rainforest opens up before you.  

Just a short walk from Pondok Guru Bakti, lies the trailhead for Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep waterfalls. The walk to the waterfalls is flat for the most part, bringing you through jungle and along a man-made waterway where the locals get their water from. We saw some boys using the pipe as a water slide, and so we gave it a go too! Put some flip-flops under your bum to use as a sled as the concrete might hurt.

If you’re interested in the culture of the Sassak people (Lombok people), visit Senaru Traditional Village with a guide. You can see the traditional homes, made of bamboo and straw, meet some of the people who still live in the village, and maybe try some of the local rice wine – brem.

Stop 3: Sembalun

About an hour’s drive from Senaru, is another mountain town, Sembalun. Sembalun is also a starting point for climbing Rinjani, so there are a number of accommodation and food options. I didn’t actually stay here, but have stopped a few times. The temperature is noticeably cooler in Sembalun, which gives way to different types of farming: you’ll see many people selling carrots, onions, and strawberries along the side of the road, which feels somewhat European. Many of the strawberry farms let you pick your own strawberries, a kilo for about 100k IDR (~ €7), which makes you feel very wholesome. Kedai Sawah Sembalun offers this, and also has a quaint restaurant in the midst of a flower farm. Strawberries picked for the road, start winding your way up to the viewpoint, Wisata Pusuk Sembalun , where you can look out over the valley, surrounded by monkeys eyeing up your food.

Stop 4: Pink Beach

Moving away from the mountains, make your way down the coast all the way to a little peninsula where you’ll find the Pink Beach . The pink sand is broken down red coral, and is maybe not as pink as it looks in (highly edited) photos. But it’s still a serene place to go and stretch your legs after the long car journey. The water is clear and great for snorkelling. We met some guys there who were spearfishing, barbecuing up the fish and then camping overnight. I think camping there would be wonderful, even just in your car!

Stop 5: Kuta

Kuta (not to be confused with Kuta in Bali) is probably the most “Westernised” of all the places in Lombok. Many digital nomads, seeking a more tranquil life away from the crowds in Bali, have set up their lives in Kuta. You can see this reflected in the type of restaurants and services available there, as well as, as my (white) dad put it: “There’s so many white people here!” Indeed, it was the first time we had seen this many white people in our whole time in Lombok. 

Kuta has numerous stunning beaches, and has become known as a surfing hotspot. I can’t really speak on it as I know f-all about surfing, but it does seem pretty swell (ha). Tanjung Aan and Selong Belanak beaches are be-a-utiful.

We stayed in Cewin’s Homestay which was cheap and cheerful, but as it’s a bit of a tourist / nomad destination, there’s loads of accommodation options to choose from. 

Stop 6: Tetebatu

If you fancy more mountain and jungle time, I’d suggest heading up to Tetebatu. A small village on the south side of Rinjani, it is another starting point to go up the mountain. Surrounded by rice fields, dense forest, and waterfalls, it is definitely worth the inland trip. We stayed in Tetebatu Indah Homestay and our host was so friendly and helpful. His friend, Ros, brought us up through fields, over rivers (watch out for leeches), and through jungle, with Rinjani always looking over us. Ros told us about his life in Tetebatu and taught us about the plants we encountered on our journey. In the forest, you can find black monkeys high up in the trees, some of them with little orange babies. Just outside the monkey forest is a serene space called Black Monkey Go Green , with massive dream catchers hung all over the property. On Sundays, they run free yoga classes! 

Near the village of Tetebatu, there is Tetebatu waterfall, somewhat hard to find (we took a guide), but worth it when you do get to it. Tucked away amongst the rocks, it feels like a little slice of paradise. The water is refreshingly cool, and the pool is big enough to plunge in.

Stop 7: Senggigi

Further up the coast is the resort area of Senggigi. This area used to be more popular until they moved the airport closer to Kuta, and then Kuta took off as the tourist spot. Senggigi’s coastline is breathtaking, with white sand beaches stretching up and down the coast. Restaurants and bars litter the coastline, with some huge resorts looming over the cliffs. We stopped off in an unfinished cliff-top villa, Villa Hantu Senggigi , that has for some reason become a stop along the tourist route. Its abandoned nature makes it feel slightly eerie, but the unfinished windows look out over the land and sea, and make for some good photos! 

Leaving Lombok

From Senggigi, Bangsal is only a short drive away, so you can catch the boat back to Bali, which should take about 3 hours. Or if you’re in your own car or on your own bike, you can take the ferry from Lembar (~5 hours). Flying is obviously the quickest way to get to and from Lombok, with Praya airport being relatively close to Kuta and to Tetebatu, so you could change your route and itinerary accordingly. You can also go straight from Bangsal to Nusa Penida or Lembongan, find out how here . And once you’re in Penida, why not take a look at my guide to help you decide what to do?

Lombok is a gorgeous island: The people are welcoming, the Indonesian food is excellent, and the landscapes are beyond beautiful. If you want a more “authentic” Indonesian experience, definitely put Lombok on your bucketlist.

Let me know if you have any questions!

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How to Get From --> Bali to Lombok

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What to expect when visiting Lombok

Lombok is the more serene island paradise version of its neighbour Bali. Here you’ll find long, often near-deserted stretches of white sand beaches, amazing waves, beguiling waterfalls, and the majestic Mt. Rinjani — one of Indonesia’s highest volcanoes.

The South Lombok coastline is a true surfing mecca, while the main tourist hub Kuta is more peaceful than its hectic namesake in Bali. On the northern part of the island, you’ll see the heavenly Gili Islands, a group of three small islands that you can reach via a 30-minute boat ride from Lombok.

Want to go to the Gili Islands first? Check out our guide to find the best ferry from Bali to the Gili Islands .

Flight or ferry to Lombok?

Most travellers visiting Lombok either stay in Senggigi or Kuta, Lombok. Senggigi is a port town in West Lombok and is a popular choice to stay in if you want to trek Rinjani Volcano.

Kuta, in the south of Lombok, is more popular with surfers and travellers who want to enjoy Lombok’s beautiful beaches.

Staying in Senggigi: Take the ferry

If you stay in Senggigi, we recommend taking the ferry from Bali instead of flying.

The drive from Praya Airport to Senggigi takes more than an hour. Including the 40-minute flight and the extra time you need to get through the airport, this trip will easily take more than 2 hours.

With the fast ferry, you can get from Bali to Senggigi in just 1.5 hours. Only Eka Jaya offers ferries from Padang Bai to Senggigi Pier, with one trip per day . It’s best to book this trip in advance .

If the ferry to Senggigi is fully booked, you’ll need to take a fast boat to Bangsal Pier, 40 minutes from Senggigi.

Staying in Kuta Lombok: Flying is faster

Thanks to a new expressway, the drive from Praya Airport to Kuta Lombok takes about 30 minutes. With a flight time of only 40 minutes, this is by far the fastest option to get from Bali to Lombok if you stay in Kuta.

If you take the ferry from Bali to Senggigi, it will take another 1.5 hours to reach Kuta from the pier.

See below the durations of all options to travel from Bali to Kuta, Lombok:

• By flight: 40 minutes + 30 minutes
• By fast ferry: 1.5-5 hours + 1.5 hours
• By slow ferry: 5-8 hours + 1.5 hours

3 ways to get from Bali to Lombok

Where to stay in lombok.

Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Lombok at the bottom of this page.

Bali to Lombok by Fast Ferry

When travelling from Bali to Lombok by fast ferry, you have several options. A number of companies operate on this route, but they don’t all leave from the same port in Bali or arrive at the same port in Lombok.

Ferry ports in Bali

From Bali, you can leave from three different ports: Padang Bai , Serangan Port and Sanur Harbour .

Although the locations of Serangan and Sanur look more convenient when you are staying in the south of Bali, there are fewer ferry companies operating from these ports. These ferries also have longer travel times and are generally more expensive than the ones departing from Padang Bai.

Another important thing to know is that ferries to Senggigi only depart from Padang Bai and not from Serangan or Sanur.

Padang Bai (Northeast of Bali)

Most ferries from Bali to Lombok depart from Padang Bai . Therefore, you can also find the most competitive ticket fares from this port and more regular departures.

Padang Bai is also the best departure port if you’re prone to motion sickness. Many ferries departing from Padang Bai can get you to Lombok in just 1.5-2 hours.

Note that you need to pay a terminal fee of 10,000 IDR ($0.60) upon entry at this port.

Serangan (Southeast of Bali)

Serangan Port is closer to many tourist areas in Bali like Kuta, Seminyak and Bali Airport. However, ferry tickets from Serangan are almost double the price compared to ferries leaving from Padang Bai.

Also, the ferry journey from Serangan can be twice as long as the ferry trip from Padang Bai.

Sanur (Southeast of Bali)

Sanur Harbour is 12 km north of Serangan Port. This new pier is one of the most modern ports in Southeast Asia.

From Sanur, a ferry ride to Lombok takes about 5 hours.

Ferry ports in Lombok

The two main arrival ports in Lombok are Senggigi Pier and Bangsal Pier.

Senggigi Pier (West Lombok)

Senggigi Pier is the most popular port to arrive at in Lombok. Many travellers choose to dock at Senggigi Port as it’s right next to some well-maintained beaches and just a short stroll to many of its hotels.

Senggigi is the gateway to Lombok’s main tourist spots. Not only is it the best place to organise trekking Mount Rinjani, but Senggigi is also Lombok’s most developed tourist town with the highest number of bars and restaurants.

With dozens of tour companies based here, it is the island’s main gateway to the abundant natural attractions in the west and central areas.

PRO TIP: Senggigi is a great place to stay if you are planning to climb Rinjani, while southern Lombok is better for relaxation and the beaches surrounded by cliffs are simply stunning.

As of August 2022, Eka Jaya has started to operate again on this route. This is your best option if you plan to stay in Senggigi or in Kuta, about 1.5 hours away by taxi. Private taxi fares to Kuta are approximately 300,000 IDR ($18.40).

Bangsal Pier (North Lombok)

Bangsal Pier , also called Teluk Kode, is situated just across the strait from the three offshore Gili Islands where most boats call before reaching the mainland. From Bangsal to the Gilis, boat tickets start from 20,000 IDR ($1.20).

This port is the gateway to North Lombok, dominated by the awesome Mount Rinjani volcano but also provides a few diving opportunities. If you have already booked Rinjani trekking online, your company might include free pick-up from Bangsal Harbour.

If you’re heading to Kuta from Bangsal Pier, taxi fares start from 400,000 IDR ($25). Gojek is not available directly at the harbour, but you might be able to book one if you walk to the main street.

Senggigi is a great place to stay if you are planning to climb Rinjani, while southern Lombok is better for relaxation and the beaches surrounded by cliffs are simply stunning.

Ferry schedule from Padang Bai to Senggigi Pier (Recommended)

Ferry schedules from padang bai to bangsal pier, ferry schedules from serangan port to bangsal pier, ferry schedules from sanur port to bangsal pier, bali to lombok by slow ferry.

Besides the fast ferries, there is another option to travel from Bali to Lombok by sea, which is the slow ferry.

However, the slow ferry is a highly time-consuming experience. The slow ferry usually takes 4h-6h, but it’s not uncommon that it takes up to 8 hours.

Considering how long the journey is, we only recommend taking the slow ferry if you are bringing a car or motorbike across to Lombok. It’s the only roll-on-roll-off vehicle ferry connecting the islands. One other reason to take this slow ferry could be because the oceans are too wild for the smaller fast boats.

The slow ferry, also called a public ferry, departs from Padang Bai and arrives at Lembar Port in West Lombok. This port is about 1.5 hours south of Senggigi and 1.5 hours west of Kuta, Lombok.

Schedules of the slow ferry

The slow ferry operates every 1.5 hour during the day, and every 2 hours at night.

Rates start from 160,000 IDR ($9.80) for a motorbike (incl 2pax) and 1,130,000 IDR ($69) for cars. Expect to pay about 10,000 IDR ($0.60)–12,000 IDR ($0.70) in extra processing fees on top.

If you don’t bring a vehicle, it’s 60,000 IDR ($3.70) per passenger. While a travel card used to required, they didn’t ask for this anymore the last time I travelled this route (March 2024).

The sea crossing takes at least 4 hours, but it can take more, around 7-8 hours. The seating category varies a lot per ferry. The large ferries have different compartments including good aircon seats and even resting areas with mattresses. However, the smaller boats only have limited air-conditioned rooms and seating is basic.

In Bali, you can choose from three ferry ports to reach Lombok: Padang Bai, Serangan Port and Sanur Harbour.

If your ticket doesn’t include hotel pick-up, you can use this guide to learn how to get to Padang Bai, Serangan Port or Sanur Harbour in Bali.

Padang Bai Port

Most of the fast boat companies depart from Padang Bai, northwest of Bali. Padang Bai is Bali’s largest port and also the only port from where the slow ferry leaves.

How to get to Padang Bai port

Padang Bai is located in the northwest of Bali and is the most popular ferry port for fast boats departing to the Gili Islands and Lombok. In addition, Padang Bai has a separate pier for large vehicle ferries which allows you to bring a motorbike or car to Lombok or Nusa Penida.

To get to Padang Bai Port, you have two options. You can take a minivan departing from Kuta or Ubud, or more conveniently, a taxi from your hotel.

Taxi fares to Padang Bai

You’ll find an estimation of the taxi fares from Bali’s most popular tourist destinations to Padang Bai in the table below. When sharing the costs with your travel buddies, it will be around the same price or cheaper than paying a higher-priced ticket including pickup.

An important advantage compared to a shared pick-up service is that your transfer won’t be delayed by picking up other passengers. This alone could already add 1-hour extra time to get to Padang Bai.

Estimated taxi fares to Padang Bai Port

Minivan to padang bai port.

As an alternative, you can also take the minivan operated by Perama Tour & Travel. The minivans depart at 07:00 from their offices in Kuta and Ubud .

See here the costs of the minivan tickets:

• From Kuta 225,000 IDR ($13.80)
• From Ubud 175,000 IDR ($10.70)

To be fair, the price of this ride is quite high and you’ll be better off sharing a taxi when you are travelling with two or more people.

Bali to Lombok by Flight

All flights from Bali depart from Denpasar Airport. The plane lands at Praya Airport in the south of Lombok, also known as Lombok International Airport.

The flight only takes about 40 minutes and fares start from 1,000,000 IDR ($61). Airlines serving the route include Citilink, Lion Air, and Wings Air.

Getting to Denpasar Airport

Note that the airport in Bali, also known as Ngurah Rai International Airport , is not actually in Denpasar. Ngurah Rai Airport is located just south of the beach resort town of Kuta. It’s about a 30-minute drive away from Kuta or an hour from Canggu.

Depending on your departure point, the easiest way to get to Denpasar Airport in Bali is to book with taxi-hailing apps like Grab and Gojek.

However, be aware that these taxi apps are not allowed in some areas of Bali. We recommend asking your hotel or guesthouse if it’s possible or asking them to arrange the transport.

Arrival at Praya Airport

Lombok (Praya) Airport is only a 30-minute drive from Kuta in the south of Lombok — the main tourist destination in Lombok for most travellers.

Only taxis are available from Lombok Airport to Kuta because buses do not operate on this route. Taxi fares start from 120,000 IDR ($7.40) with Grab and Gojek.

Shuttle buses departing from Praya Airport

At Praya Airport, two main airport shuttle lines are operated by DAMRI bus company. One bus serves the route between Mataram-Ampenan-Senggigi-Bangsal. The other bus service operates between the airport and Selong in East Lombok.

See here the fares from Lombok Airport to these destinations on the island:

• 3-hour ride to Bangsal Harbour – 50,000 IDR ($3.10)
• 1.5-hour ride to Senggigi – 50,000 IDR ($3.10)
• 1-hour ride to Ampenan – 45,000 IDR ($2.80)
• 1-hour ride to Mataram – 35,000 IDR ($2.10)
• 1.5-hour ride to Selong – 40,000 IDR ($2.50)

The shuttle buses depart every hour from 07:00 to 22:00. You can buy your tickets at the DAMRI counter in the outdoor arrivals concourse or on the bus itself.

Visit our page on Lombok Airport for more info on the transportation available.

TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.

Best places to stay in Lombok

Lombok is a magnificent and diverse island with so much to offer. Most people visiting Lombok tend to base themselves in Kuta or Sengiggi.

Kuta — Not to be confused with Kuta in Bali, is a paradise for surfers and beach lovers. Located on the south coast it boasts a laidback and relaxing vibe that some refer to as Bali 10 years ago

Sengiggi — is a popular basecamp for visiting Mount Rinjani. Its location on the west coast of Lombok, next to the port makes it a popular destination to stay. We don’t think you should spend too much time here. Sure, it has a nice beach, plenty of restaurants and some nightlife, but you’ll find all of this in and around Kuta, but ten times better.

Check out our favourite accommodations in both of these places:

Rascals Hotel - Treating Yourself

Rascals Hotel is one of the most popular places to stay in Kuta and it’s easy to see why. There’s a beautiful swimming pool area fitted with sun loungers, bean bags and cabanas. Their onsite restaurant serves some of the best food in Kuta — it’s so good you won’t want to eat anywhere else. And their coffee is great!

The rooms are spacious, bright and designed with a Balinese flair. Some of the rooms even have a dreamy outdoor bathroom where you can shower under the stars. As if it couldn’t get any better, the staff are some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet.

• Amazing swimming pool
• Beautiful and spacious rooms
• Onsite delicious restaurant and bar
• Exceptional breakfast included

Double rooms start from  $50+  per night

Check Available Rooms

Sunset Lavinia - Mid Range

If you decide to stay in Senggigi, Sunset Lavinia is the place to stay. It’s a small five-room boutique hotel situated in Sengiggi that will guarantee you a comfortable stay. The size of the hotel creates an intimate atmosphere where the staff welcome you like family.

The views of the ocean and mountains are unbeatable. And they can be enjoyed from the swimming pool or your private balcony. The rooms are bright, spacious and very clean. Plus, the beds are huge! Before you leave, you have to enjoy a meal in the delicious onsite restaurant.

• Amazing staff
• Swimming pool
• Beautiful views
• Delicious breakfast included

Double rooms between  $30-50  per night

Cewin's Homestay - Budget Friendly

Located in Kuta, in the south of Lombok, Cewin’s Homestay offers incredible value for money, with rooms starting from $16. The stunning Indonesia-style bungalows boast high ceilings made from bamboo and the bathrooms are decorated with stone walls, making you feel like you are in nature when you’re showering.

Here you’re located a few minutes from the main street and less than 1km from Kuta Beach. The staff here are incredibly friendly and will help you with anything you need.

• Great location
• Amazing value for money
• Spacious and clean rooms
• Awesome staff

Double rooms between  $15-30  per night

Frequently Asked Questions about Bali to Lombok

How far is lombok from bali, is it worth going from bali to lombok, what's the cheapest way to get from bali to lombok, what's the fastest way to get from bali to lombok, gili islands or lombok.

The Gili Islands are just 30 minutes away from Lombok by ferry and we recommend exploring both if you have the time.

The Gili Islands are known for their fine beaches, clear waters and coral reefs, making them great for swimming, snorkelling and diving. If you love turtles, you will enjoy the Turtle Sanctuary at Gili Meno.

Lombok, on the other hand, is a larger island that offers a bit of everything. On top of its beaches, Lombok also has mountains, forests, and a rich culture. It’s a good destination for those who want to explore beyond the beach.

Ultimately, both the Gili Islands and Lombok have a lot to offer, so consider what you want to do and see while on vacation before making a decision.

What are the best things to do in Lombok?

Where to surf in lombok.

Like Bali, Lombok boasts of great swells, sans Bali’s crowds. You can find a good surfing spot here all year round.

During the dry season (May to September), you can get the best waves at Mawi and Dessert Point. When you’re visiting in the rainy season (October to April), the swells at Seger Reef and Are Guling are better.

Other popular surfing spots on the island include Ekas, Don-Don and Selong Belanak, among a few others.

How many days should I spend in Lombok?

Will i get seasick on the boat from bali to lombok, rounding it up.

We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Bali to Lombok . If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.

PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!

Routes from Lombok

• Lombok Airport
• Lombok to Nusa Penida

Most popular routes in Indonesia

• Bali to Gili Islands
• Bali to Nusa Penida
• Jakarta to Yogyakarta
• Yogyakarta to Bali
• Yogyakarta to Ijen

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Based in Bali, Maarten’s passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you’ll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.

Abby is a writer who finds joy in mountains, beaches, and road trips. She considers her solo backpacking trip to the rice terraces of Bontoc one of the most fulfilling moments in her life. She’s loyal to the islands of her home country, the Philippines, but Thailand’s beaches also have a special place in her heart.

Hello, Thank you for all your help! We are interested in a surf instructor, but the link for Bibi’s instagram is not working. Do you know how we can contact him?

Hey Bridget,

Thanks for notifying us on that! We’ll find his up-to-date contact details and update them on the website. Make sure to check back soon!

hoi Maarten Wij zijn van plan om in oktober vanaf Sanur naar Lombok te gaan met de snelle boot. Kan je mij vertellen welke fastboat gaat en wat de tarieven zijn

Hey Eric, there are several fast ferry companies operating between Sanur Port to Lombok, however we recommend to travel via Padang Bai. The ferries from Sanur Port take about 5 hours, while you can reach Lombok from Padang Bay in about 2 hours. It’s always more comfortable to travel 1.5 hours more by car instead of 3 hours extra by ferry.

PS: Dit antwoord is in het Engels geschreven zodat we er ook andere reizigers van andere nationaliteiten mee kunnen helpen. Je kunt Google Translate gebruiken om dit antwoord naar het Nederlands te vertalen.

Hi, I had a question about the fast boats. Are there options for bigger fast boats for pregnant women and kids? I’m concerned the smaller fast boats will be very rough.

Hi Marie, the ride with smaller fast boats from Bali to Lombok can be quite bumpy, and it’s not the best option for pregnant women and children. While there are bigger fast boats, like the Eka Jaya Ferry, they don’t recommend pregnant passengers to take their fast ferry. This is specified on their Terms and Conditions page .

For a safer and more comfortable journey, consider taking a flight from Bali to Lombok instead.

Hi Marteen and Abegail, It is probably not a really common question but I am landing very soon in Denpasar and will be backpacking solo with my hammock. I plan to walk from Denpasar to Padang Bai and go to Lombok with a fast boast. However, I do love snorkeling and I am contemplating going through Gili to spend one or two days before hoping to Lombok. I know that sleeping in a hammock in Indonesia is not a very common practice and that Gili is quite touristy compared to Lombok so I wanted to know if you feel that I should be able to find two or three trees on Gili to set up my hammock without getting in trouble? 🙂 Thanks. Pierre

Hello Pierre, as far as we know, there aren’t specific laws or regulations that strictly prohibit sleeping in a hammock in Indonesia. However, it’s important to consider the location where you want to set up your hammock. If you set up your hammock on someone else’s property, you will need to ask permission. To our knowledge, there are no designated areas to set up your hammock in the Gili Islands, and I’m not sure if the locals will be happy with this.

A reminder: Always be respectful of the environment and the local community. If you want to camp or save money, it’s best to book accommodation with camping facilities.

Hello, thanks a lot for your blog! Its really helping us in our itinerary. I do have a question, if we will be in Bali (not sure yet which part/port) and we are planning to go to Lombok and Gili Islans then head back to Bali. Which should be our arrival island and which our leaving island? to not repeat routes

We willen met de ferry boot naar Gili eilanden en naar Lombok. Kan ik mijn koffer meenemen van 25 kg op de boot? Las ergens dat je slechts 10 kg aan handbagage mee kunt nemen. Wat is de beste manier om van Bali naar Lombok te gaan?

Hi Harrie, the fast ferry is a great way to travel from Bali to Lombok. You’ll avoid the long waiting times at the airport and it’s also better for the environment. If you are not planning to visit the Gili Islands and booked a stay in Kuta Lombok, however, then it might make more sense to book a flight as Praya airport is very close to Kuta, Lombok.

Regarding the fast ferries: The boat companies usually set their luggage policies. However, based on my own experience, the staff don’t really check the weight of the luggage. I regularly take my surfboard on board to different islands around Bali and it has never been a problem either. I don’t think it will happen, but the worst-case scenario would be that you need to pay a little additional charge for your oversized luggage, but this is very unlikely.

PS: Dit antwoord is in het Engels geschreven zodat we er ook andere reizigers van andere nationaliteiten mee kunnen helpen. We raden aan Google Translate te gebruiken om dit antwoord naar het Nederlands te vertalen.

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• Lombok To Nusa Penida

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Bali & Lombok Adventure

15 days | be romanced by culture and hospitality on bali and lombok.

Get ready for a magical getaway on the picturesque Islands of Indonesia on this tropical adventure. Travel through Bali and Lombok blending gorgeous beaches, great food and rich cultures with Indonesia’s warm weather and sapphire seas. This trip is guaranteed to leave you enthralled as you walk, cycle, snorkel, hike and swim through pristine environs and discover the allure of these two unique islands. Both Bali and Lombok are famous for their beauty and welcoming spirit, which you will experience at every turn of this trip.

Trip overview

• Adventure to the summit of Mt Batur, where, on a clear morning, dazzling sunrise vistas stretch across the Lombok Strait, all the way over to the peaks of Mt Rinjani
• Snorkelling the crystal waters around Menjangan Island reef and also off the east coast of Lombok. Hopefully spot some tropical fish and perhaps if you are lucky some sea turtles.
• Get an insight into the real Indonesia, with cultural activities and visiting local villages.
• See the contrasts in religion and culture between Bali and Lombok.
• Lombok and the Gili Islands are less frequented than their Balinese neighbour. Stay on the East Coast of Lombok in an area off the tourist trail.
• By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Coral Triangle Center Foundation. Donations help expand their coral restoration project and support their educational outreach activities for local schools in Nusa Penida.
• A good level of fitness is essential, as there are a range of physical activities included (cycling from Ubud, hiking Mt Batur, village walks and hikes in Lombok and two snorkelling trips).
• There is one very early start – your sunrise climb of Mt Batur kicks off at 3 am. This means you'll be walking over some gravel and volcanic rock in the dark. Head torches, warm clothing and good walking shoes are a must. The view at sunrise is well worth the effort, especially if the weather's fine!
• Bali and Lombok are blessed with fairly consistent temperatures year round, however the rainy season is usually from October through to March. During this time there are generally frequent downpours, although generally these do not last long and the temperatures are usually still warm
• There are two included snorkelling trips - for confident swimmers this is a great chance to see the sealife
• Lombok is more conservative than it's Balinese neighbour. Particularly in smaller towns and during village walks, it is best to dress conservatively

Om Swastiastu! Welcome to Ubud, Bali's largest Hindu town, and artistic and cultural heart. Your adventure officially kicks off with a welcome meeting at 6 pm where you’ll meet your group leader and travel companions. If you arrive early, you might like to wander the traditional market stalls near the centre of town, pop into a local café or stretch out your muscles after your flight with a spot of yoga at one of the zen studios in town. After your Welcome Meeting this evening, perhaps head out to for a group meal at one of the delicious local restaurants.

• Resort (1 night)

There are no meals included on this day.

If you have prebooked an airport arrival transfer upon arrival at Bali please make your way to the Golden Bird Lounge after clearing immigration. After you exit customs walk to the Golden Bird Lounge which is on the right side (around 50 meters from where you exit customs). The Golden Bird lounge is before the area where all the drivers are waiting.

See our guide to Ubud here: intrepidtravel.com/adventures/what-to-do-in-ubud-bali

It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

Start the day with a guided walking tour around Ubud with your local leader (about 2.5 hours). Gain an insight into daily village life as you pass lush rice fields, an alang alang valley (type of wild grass used to make the roof of traditional buildings) and stop by a Balinese home for coffee and experience the traditional Balinese offering. The tour ends in central Ubud, where you'll have time to explore the many cafes, galleries and shops on your own. In the evening, sit down and enjoy a traditional Kecak dance performance. Driven not by musical instruments, but by human chanting, this fascinating theatrical performance is considered a highlight by many of our travellers.

• Ubud - Campuhan Ridge & Village walk
• Bali - Kecak Fire Dance
• Ubud - Home visit, local coffee & Balinese offering
• Ubud - Saraswati Temple Lotus Garden - Free
• Ubud - Whitewater rafting - IDR740000

Please note that when Kecak dance performance is not available, the dance will be replaced by other Balinese dance performance.

Today you’ll explore the area from a different angle – from the saddle of a bike. Enjoy a 2.5-hour tour through backstreets, villages and rice fields. It’s a relatively easy ride – much of the route is downhill – and there will be plenty of opportunities to stop for photos or a brief rest. You’ll also stop to check out some small, intricately carved temples, before concluding your bike tour back in Ubud. After refuelling with lunch, head for the hills to the village of Undisan, via private minivan. Set against a backdrop of Bali's highest peak, Mt Agung, the peaceful village of Sidemen is proof that Bali still has some pockets that are untouched by tourism.

• Hotel (1 night)
• Ubud - Bayung Gede (Kahyangan) Village to Tampak Siring cycling tour

Today’s driving time is approximately 2 hours.

Bicycle helmets are included on your ride, and there is a support vehicle if the going gets too tough. Keep in mind, it's a little cooler up here, thanks to the elevation. You may need to pack some warmer clothes.

Take a morning walk (approximately 2 hours) around Undisan's rice terrraces, visiting the craftspeople of the traditional trade, village temples and enjoy a traditional 'bungkus' lunch with refreshing coconut. The walk is a great chance to take in the beautiful scenery before we bid a farewell to Undisan and make tracks to Sibetan Village . You’ll be given a special welcome by the chief of the village, then check into your homestay accommodation before enjoying some free time in the afternoon. You might like to explore the traditional village a little or simply just relax and take in the atmosphere here. Alternatively, you could take on an optional cooking class and learn the secret ingredients and spices of the traditional cuisine here. This evening, you’ll enjoy some time spent with the locals and be treated to a typical dinner of salak (snake fruit), prepared for you by the villagers.

• Homestay (1 night)
• Undisan - Village tour
• Undisan - Traditional Village Lunch
• Local community cooking class - IDR150000

Today’s driving time is approximately 30 minutes.

This morning, you’ll enjoy a guided walk through an ancient Salak Plantation with the opportunity to interact with the local community. Here, you’ll see cultural heritage plants – the remains of a white mango tree which was first planted in Sibetan in the 16th century as well as a Jaka Moding Plant (a type of palm tree) which is a relic plant. You’ll tuck into Tipat Blayag (Rhombus) for lunch; rice wrapped in young coconut leaves, combined with side dishes of chicken and vegetables. After some time exploring the village and surrounds on foot, you’ll take to four wheels for a journey higher into the mountains, driving along the crater rim road to a fishing village on the edge of Lake Batur. Volcanic Mt Batur (1717 metres/5633 feet) sits inside a stark and spectacular caldera and with Lake Batur below, it's a stunning sight. The lake supports the local fishing industry, while many of the villagers work as guides for the volcano climb. Your accommodation for the evening is in a great location to start tomorrow's early morning trek without extra travelling time.

• Local community Salak plantation walk

There are often mosquitos and bugs around Lake Batur, so be sure to pack your insect repellent. Long pants and sleeves will also be useful to protect from insects.

It’s a very early start today – you’ll wake bright and early at around 3 am to begin the 1.5 to 2-hour walk to the summit of Mt Batur in order to reach the top before sunrise. Trust us, it’s worth the effort. On a clear morning, it's possible to see all the way across the Lombok Strait to the peaks of Lombok's Mt Rinjani. The view of the gorgeous sunrise over the valleys of Bali may well be the most memorable part of your trip. Do keep in mind, however, that the weather can be unpredictable and sometimes the view is obscured by clouds. After descending the volcano, there's an option to soak in hot springs with fantastic views over the lake and caldera. Then make the journey from the mountains to the small coastal town of Lovina, made famous by its dolphins that patrol the coast. It's also a great spot for fine food, traditional massages and yoga – just what the doctor ordered after today’s epic mountain climb.

• Mt Batur - Sunrise volcano climb
• Mt Batur - Hot springs - IDR300000

Today’s driving time is approximately 3 hours.

The summit trail starts more easily, while heading to the crater it climbs steeply with switchbacks over volcanic rocks and gravel. A good level of fitness is required. The path can be slippery, particularly after rain so good shoes are essential. Please bring your headtorch and a warm layer to wear at the summit. The climb may be cancelled during heavy rain and unsafe conditions.

Explore a traditional market in the morning first and then enjoy a day of snorkelling amongst Menjangan Island’s coral reef, part of the Bali Barat National Park. On the way back from your undersea adventures, you’ll stop for a soak at Banjar Hot Springs, a small spring popular with locals. In the afternoon, stop in to enjoy a tasty cup of coffee with a difference at Global Kafe, a diner whose profits support the Global Village Foundation, providing wheelchairs and mobility aids for people with disabilities and assisting those with illnesses with their medical costs. Tonight, head to Ibu Wayan's to learn about Balinese cuisine before sitting down to a home-cooked meal.

• Lovina - Banjar Hot Springs
• Lovina - Global Kafe Visit
• Lovina - Menjangan Island Reef snorkeling tour
• Lovina - Seririt Market visit
• Lovina - Yoga class - IDR120000

You will travel 1.5 to 2 hours by road (each way) and then take a boat ride of around 20 mins into the National Park at Menjangan.

After a storm or erratic weather there can be a problem with rubbish in the water around Menjangan, and also throughout Bali's coastal areas. Intrepid does not support dolphin-watching trips as an optional activity, as there is little regulation of this activity. Previous travellers have raised concerns over many motorised boats pursuing dolphin pods.

This morning we’ll wave goodbye to Lovina and make our way to Sanur. Along the way, we’ll visit Gitgit waterfall and Lake Bratan before continuing to Sanur to enjoy some free time in the afternoon. Perhaps, enjoy a stroll along Bali's first beachfront walk, watch the fishermen in the shallows or kick back and relax at one of the beachside restaurants. Get a feel for the traditions and local customs which are well maintained here. Ancient temples are also easily accessible – just a short distance away from the beach.

• Bedugul - Pura Ulun Danu Bratan Temple
• Gitgit - Waterfall walk

Today’s total driving time is approximately 3.5 hours. As this is a combination trip, you may have other travellers joining you tonight for another briefing for the second part of your trip to Lombok.

Travel by minivan from Sanur to the port of Padang Bai (approximately 1.5 hours). Then you'll take a fast boat that takes you from Bali to Lombok (approximately 1.5-2 hours). Stop for lunch in a basic warung – a traditional Indonesian-style cafe, before taking a minibus to Tetebatu (approximately 2 hours). On the way, stop at Masbagik Village which is well known for its pottery products and where you will get to see it being made on a short walk around the village. The hill retreat of Tetebatu is situated in the centre of Lombok, at the southern base of Mt Rinjani, and boasts spectacular views. Tonight, you will enjoy an included dinner at a family-run restaurant that provides traditional Lombok-style cuisine.

• Balinese Massage - IDR150000
• Sanur - Yoga Lesson - IDR120000

This morning's travel usually starts early. If you did want to opt for a Yoga lesson or Balinese massage, you may prefer to take part in these in the evening of day 8.

Traditionally in Lombok, weddings are normally held on Sundays. Sometimes our local leaders may know about a wedding that coincides with your visit to Lombok. If this is possible your group leader can organise for you to attend a local wedding and help you to understand the many customs that you will see and experience. You will need to be dressed appropriately so they will organise traditional clothes to be hired and a small donation is given to the bride and groom. Please note this activity is only offered when a wedding coincides during your village visit.

Enjoy a guided walk through lush rice fields and see how the region's farmers have tended the land for centuries, still using traditional water buffalo ploughs. Climb a little higher and pass through clove and coffee plantations and stop at a local warung to try some local coffee (approximately 2.5 hours total). Visit the local village of Pringgasela to learn traditional weaving and enjoy a delicious Sasak feast. In the afternoon, return to the hotel then travel to Labuhan Pandan on the east coast of Lombok. This remote beachside location is lesser visited by tourists but is a beautiful stretch of coastline. Tonight you’ll stay in bungalow accommodation amid the peace and quiet of the secluded east coast.

• Beach bungalow (1 night)
• Pringasella - Village walk

Take a trip out to the nearby coral reef and enjoy some fantastic snorkelling off the boat. Stop in at a secluded island for lunch with Mt Rinjani towering over Lombok. Tonight, eat a fresh seafood barbecue on the beach. This is island living and relaxation at its best, so soak it all up!

• Labuhan Pandan - Snorkeling
• Labuan Pandan - BBQ dinner
• Labuhan Pandan - Island Picnic Lunch

Travel by minibus around the spiritual centre and sleeping giant of the island – Mt Rinjani (approximately 2 hours). Arrive around midday (12 pm) at Senaru – a small, rustic village nestled between the base of Mt Rinjani and the edge of the jungle. Take a guided tour of the local Sasak village to learn about the history and culture of these people who have long lived on the slopes of the mountain. Here, your local guide is part of a female guiding association that trains and develops women in tourism. You will also take a walk to the spectacular Sendang Gile waterfall, and perhaps take a refreshing shower underneath it!

• Guesthouse (1 night)
• Senaru - Waterfall walk
• Senaru - Sasak village walking tour

Continue to the west coast today by minibus (approximately 2.5 hours). The Gili Islands (Tiga Gili) are a cluster of three small islands – Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air. Transfer by small boat to Gili Air (approximately 30 minutes), where you can take in the breezy atmosphere and stroll down stunning white beaches that rival those of the neighbouring islands. Your hotel is about a 15-minute walk from the port. Your bags can be transported by cidemo (horse cart) from the port to the hotel.

Your accommodation on the island has private outdoor bathrooms, with a lockable external door.

The island is your oyster, so today you are completely free to relax or explore. Perhaps take in another snorkelling trip or catch a ferry across to the other islands of Gili Trawangan and Gili Meno and work out for yourself which one has the better beaches. This evening, enjoy an optional group dinner on the beachfront as you reminisce on memories of your Lombok adventure.

• Gili Air - Yoga Class - IDR120000
• Gili Air - Cooking Class - IDR395000

With no activities planned for today, you are free to leave at any time, provided you comply with the hotel’s internal check-out times, usually at 11.30 am. This doesn’t mean your adventure has to come to an end! If you would like to extend your stay on the blissful Gili Air, we’ll be able to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).

If you are flying out of Bali Denpasar Airport, or Lombok International Airport, please allow enough time for boat and land transfers before your flight. We suggest you don't book flights before 7pm from Bali or 1pm from Lombok.

This trip concludes on Gili Air. The closest departure flights operate from Bali (Ngurah Rai, DPS) Airport or Lombok International Airport. Public ferry tickets are not pre-bookable and operate on a ‘first come first serviced’ basis. For those travelling back to Bali a fast boat option is available, and pre-bookable through Intrepid.

14 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners

Boat, Bicycle, Private Van

Beach cabin (2 nights), Guesthouse (2 nights), Hotel (10 nights)

Dates and availability

Important notes.

1. A Single Supplement to have your own room is available on this trip and excludes nights of Day 9 &12 where you will be in shared accommodation, and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for more details. 2. FINISH POINT: This trip concludes on Gili Air. The closest departure flights operate from Bali (Ngurah Rai) Airport or Lombok International Airport. You can travel by fast boat back to Bali or Lombok. Please allow sufficient time for daily boat transfers and travelling time to meet your onward arrangements. We recommend onward flights that depart after 7pm from Bali or after 1pm from Lombok.

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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Lombok Itinerary | 10 Days in Indonesia’s Paradise

Planning for where to stop during long-term travel is a bit like trying to hold onto a melting ice cube: it’s uncomfortable, slippery, and changes fast. Our first stop in Asia, and the first on our entire trip, was also one of the least planned and most overwhelming. We knew Bali was in the itinerary for our around the world trip before we even knew it was going to be an around the world trip, but what we could not know was that two weeks before we were scheduled to fly out, Mt. Agung started rumbling and changed our plans. So we scrambled for an alternative, yelled at a bunch of poor airline workers, and flew to Jakarta instead.

After a few days of exploring ancient Buddhist and Hindu sites on Indonesia’s most populated island, we were desperate to chill and stumbled upon the perfect place for it. We did not happen to Lombok so much as Lombok happened to us. What I mean is, we were not expecting to fall so in love with this lesser visited neighbor of tourist-filled Bali. But fall in love we did, and in love we remain long after we’ve left it.

Below is a complete Lombok Itinerary for 10 days

Day 1 land at lombok international airport and head south.

This is the easiest and most common way to get into the country. The distance from Lombok International airport to Kuta Beach is about a half hour, though it can take longer depending on weather, road conditions, and traffic. Taxis are waiting at the airport exit whenever flights land and can make the quick trip down to Kuta. Prices are always negotiable and some taxis have meters.

Days 2-4, Kuta, Lombok: Day 2 Explore Kuta Beach and Town

Exploring the beaches in and around Kuta on the Southern tip of Lombok is a must for any visit. The easiest way to do this is by scooter, however, there are drivers available for rent if you are not comfortable on a scooter.

Start off the first day exploring the cute surfer town, grab a surprisingly good coffee from one of the many shops and make your way to Kuta Beach. Stop by one of the many stores and haggle down for any item that catches your eye on the way. A good day can be spent on this beach, sipping from fresh coconuts and enjoying what we found to be a mostly empty setting. It is not nearly as beautiful as the other ones, and like all of the beaches we saw in Lombok, has a problem with trash, but it was quite peaceful. For a bit of wildlife viewing, head to the Eastern end and watch the monkeys come down for sunset.

After you’ve had your fill of the sun, head back to one of the bordering beach restaurants for decent food and cold beers or, if you leave with enough time, up the mountain to watch the sunset from the Ashtari Lounge. *Note the food at Ashtari is mediocre at best, it’s the gorgeous views that make the restaurant memorable. It’s probably best to eat food elsewhere and come here for a beverage instead.

Day 3 See Surrounding beaches

Spend at least one full day (more if you have time) exploring the best beaches in Lombok. We chose to hire a driver for the day at the equivalent of about $35 USD/day, but there are cheap scooters for rent if you’re comfortable riding them (about $1-5 USD/day). Many of the guesthouses have them on site for rent.

We did a full rundown of this day in our Kuta itinerary , see it for more information on this. End the day with sunset at Sunset Point.  

Where to Stay in Kuta, Lombok

Shu Villa:  Perfect for it you want more privacy and a more luxurious setting. Shu Villa is a perfect fit. Sit by the pool and enjoy the daily breakfast with your private villa. ($50 USD/night)

Yuli’s Guesthouse:  A cheaper alternative, Yuli’s is the place to go if you’re looking to make some friends or a more family-friendly spot during your time in Kuta. A super relaxed and comfortable atmosphere, the actual rooms are much less luxurious but serve every purpose you could need.

Days 4-6, Rinjani, Lombok: Day 4 Make You Way North To Mt. Rinjani

This is a situation where you may have to hire a driver as this is legitimately on the complete opposite side of the island. This was about a 4 hour drive, which did include a bit of time to stop in the Indonesian jungle to see monkeys. *Note these monkeys scared the crap out of us. They are used to humans and expect food, one of the big ones was walking towards us baring its teeth until our driver stepped between us, yelled at the scary monkey, and then looked very disappointed with our inability to handle this normally fun situation. Whoops.

After a quick break, head over to Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep waterfalls. These both can be done in a few hours and are truly breathtaking–we prefer Tiu Kelep. Hire one of the guides that hang at the entrance if you want or simply go exploring. It’s easy enough to get there alone, though takes a bit of navigating. After this, get some food at your hotel and rest as the next few days ahead are truly life changing.

Days 5-6 Trekking Mt. Rinjani

We went over the fears and experience in full detail on our beginner’s guide to trekking Mt. Rinjani , but there is even more to say about this. This experience, while challenging, will push you to your limits in all of the right ways. Whether it is for 2 days 1 night or 3 days and 2 nights, this is a cannot miss while in Lombok and will be one of your favorite memories from any trip.

Where to Stay in Rinjani, Lombok

Rinjani Lodge : Ok, this is definitely a splurge (rooms range from $71-135 a night depending on room type) but either before, or after a grueling trek, this is exactly what you need. Spend some time in the infinity pool, have a cold drink–filtered ice here too–and get some much needed relaxation.

Day 7-9 Sengiggi, Indonesia: Day 7 Getting to Sengiggi

This is another situation where you’ll need a driver, but be grateful after the trek to sit and relax. This is about a 2:30 hour drive. Sengiggi is the most populated area in Lombok, and it easily has the most American features compared to the rest of the island–there is even a KFC here which cracked us up considerably. However, after doing the Rinjani trek, you will need a day of rest, so get to your room, get some sleep and be ready to go the next day.  

Day 8-9 Exploring the Gili’s

We unfortunately ran out of money on this part of our trip and sadly didn’t make it to these, but the Gili’s may be the biggest reason most people visit Lombok. Head to Gili Trawangan (Gili T) if you’re looking to party and dance the night away. Gili Meno is the most romantic of the three, with white sand beaches and small little bars lining the coast. Lastly, Gili Air is a chill mix of the two, with a more local feel. All three of these are accessible by the Sengiggi port–don’t forget to haggle people!–and can be a great way to get off the mainland for a few days.

Where to Stay in Sengiggi, Lombok

Mama Bella’s Retreat : An incredibly relaxing setting with a beautiful pool, Mama Bella’s is the perfect mix of cost friendliness ($30 per night) and luxury. We ended up staying here for 2 days longer than originally planned because they were so accommodating and the pool was so perfect.

Day 10 Leave Lombok

Either through the airport or on a boat to one of the many other islands in Indonesia. If finishing in Sengiggi and heading to Bali, the boat is your best option. Otherwise, it is a little over an hour drive to get back to the airport.

Some Extra Tips to get the most out of Your Lombok Itinerary

-We got around by hired driver because regardless of how much time we spend traveling, you couldn’t get us on a rented scooter anywhere in the world, but especially not one where the driving was this bloody crazy. Drivers broke our budget but we felt comfortable and safe, however, scooters can be rented for the equivalent of $1USD a day in many parts and remain the best way to get around in the dirt and potholed roads connecting the islands Southern beaches.

-Trash is a huge problem in Indonesia. Don’t bring items that will need to be disposed of while you are there and avoid buying anything disposable if you can help it.

-We flew into Lombok from Yogyakarta and flew out from Bali. To get to Bali we took a fast boat from Lombok which included a shuttle to the Bali airport.

The both of us! We love to share with the world our running adventures one post at a time!

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Indonesia Two Week Itinerary – Java to Flores Without Flying

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Itinerary Indonesia 2 weeks with map: You wonder where to go in your two weeks in Indonesia (and we don't mean just Bali)? Our indonesia trip plan shows you how to travel Java, Bali, the Gili islands, Lombok, the Komodo National Park, and Flores in just 14 days.

Our Indonesia backpacking route has some serious Indonesia island hopping in store for you. We have extended the typical backpacking Java, Bali, Lombok itinerary to include

• the Gili Islands
• the Komodo National Park

We have actually managed to see all these places during 2 weeks in Indonesia and so can you!

Our fast paced Indonesia travel itinerary relies completely on public transport: buses, trains, boats, and the occasional taxi - all without any inland flights!

Backpacking Indonesia Itinerary 14 Days

Indonesia travel route day 1 – arrival in yogyakarta, indonesia travel route day 2 – day trip to borobudur and prambanan temples from yogyakarta, indonesia travel route day 3 – train from yogyakarta to probolinggo, indonesia travel route day 4 – day trip bromo volcano from probolinggo, optional: tumpak sewu waterfall, indonesia travel route day 5 – day trip ijen volcano from banyuwangi, bali itinerary, indonesia travel route day 6 – explore ubud and its surroundings, indonesia travel route day 7 – bali to lombok, optional: gili islands, indonesia travel route day 8 – day trip to the secret gilis from sekotong, lombok, indonesia travel route day 9 - 12 boat trip to flores via komodo national park, indonesia travel route day 13 – labuan bajo, java indonesia itinerary.

Arrive in Yogyakarta, settle in and take in the atmosphere. We thoroughly enjoyed exploring this city and the Taman Sari Water Castle is a real hidden gem.

In the evening, go to Malioboro Stree t where you'll find a lively night market full of super delicious food stalls as well as clothes and probably the cheapest souvenirs you'll find on this whole trip. Enjoy some street food and your first Bintang beer.

Borobudur is the largest Buddhist temple in the world. And while its sheer size is impressive, there are also plenty of details to explore, like the stupas and Buddhas on top and some intricate rock carvings. Additionally, the views are amazing.

Prambanan is the largest Hindu temple in Indonesia and we're sure that it's equally as impressive and shouldn't be missed on your Indonesia travels.

How to get from Yogyakarta to Borobudur and Prambanan

If you only have a limited amount of time, don't repeat our mistake to try and take local buses . Yes, it's possible but it's time-consuming and they sometimes break down altogether (we write this from experience). If you want to see both of these amazing temples in one day, take a tour. They are not expensive and you can make the best of your limited time!

The next stop on this itinerary is Probolinggo because it's the perfect base to explore the Bromo volcano. It might seem excessive to dedicate a whole day of your limited time to a train journey but you'll need it. The ride itself takes at least 7 hours and is a super interesting experience in itself. And trust us: You want this day of rest before the next two days that are about to come.

How to get from Yogyakarta to Probolinggo with public transport

There are several trains from Yogyakarta to Probolinggo. Just go to the station and buy your ticket. Currently, the best option seems to be the direct train leaving at 11:15 am and arriving at 6:19 pm.

Again, if you have a limited amount of time, you want to take a tour to explore the Bromo Volcano . It's possible to do this self-guided with a scooter, but it's going to take more time. Our guided tour was amazing. You'll get up in the dark to drive to a viewpoint and see the sunrise over the volcano. This might be the best picture spot we've ever been to. Afterwards, you drive through the caldera and make the short climb to the crater rim. If you are early and a fast walker you can leave the other tourists behind. Standing on the edge and looking down into an active volcano is an indescribable feeling. But beware, the rim might be a bit disconcerting if you are scared of heights.

Because this tour is a morning activity, you can hop on another train in the afternoon to Banyuwangi, the perfect base to explore the Ijen volcano. Make sure to get a good night's rest because this next hike is going to be tough.

Travel Guides

Bromo or Ijen – Which Volcano Should You Visit?

Comprehensive Bromo vs. Ijen guide. Including how to visit – independent and with a tour.

How to get from Probolinggo to Banyuwangi with public transport

The train journey from Probolinggo to Banyuwangi takes roughly four hours. Although there are several direct trains per day, the 3:42 pm train currently seems to be the best option.

If you have a day to spare visit the super instagrammable Tumpak Sewu waterfall. It's on the south coast of Java, opposite Probolinggo. Apparently, the way down is quite a hike but it seems to be quite worth it to see the several streams of water flowing down a cliff edge with a volcano in the distance.

Book a guided tour to the Ijen Volcano . You want to have a gas mask with you. And we don't assume that it's part of your regular travel gear. You'll leave in the middle of the night because the ascend begins at 1 am. You want to be in the crater before sunrise to see the unique blue flames! Don't underestimate this hike. Some people don't make it and you can even let yourself be pulled and pushed up the hill by several porters.

After you make it to the rim you'll start your descent into the crater. Here you'll see the famous blue flame. The colour originates from the sulphur, which is still actively mined in this volcano. To see the porters carry 80 kg (175 lbs) of sulphur and more up this steep mountain is awe-inspiring. And they do this several times a day! When the sun goes up you will be able to see the highly acidic crater lake. Once you make it back up to the rim, you can see the amazing views which you missed on your ascend during the pitch-black night.

Because this is a morning activity again, you can make your way to Bali in the afternoon.

Mount Ijen Tour – Our Honest Review

Seeing the blue flames of Mt. Ijen was a major bucketlist item for us. Can we recommend a Mount Ijen tour or not?

How to get from Banyuwangi, Java to Ubud, Bali with public transport

The ferry to Bali leaves from Banyuwangi and a bus will take you from Gilimanuk on Bali to Mengwi, from where you can take a quick taxi to Ubud. The journey should take around 5 hours.

Bali Indonesia Itinerary

We chose Ubud as a place to stay on Bali because it's central and there will be plenty of beaches waiting for you in the days to come. This is not a Bali guide, there a plenty of those online already. Instead, we'll give you a few of our must-dos.

We loved exploring Ubud with the instagrammable vegan restaurants and its beautiful temples, like the Saraswati water temple. In Ubud's surrounding, our favourites were of course the Tegallalang rice terraces and the Tirta Empul Temple.

On Bali, there are so many temples and waterfalls to visit, just pick the ones that sound most appealing to you! Of course, you can prolong your stay on Bali to your heart's content if you do have the time.

Lombok or Bali – Which Island is Better to Visit?

Should you visit Bali or Lombok? Our comprehensive comparison shows the main differences and similarities of Bali and Lombok.

Today, take the ferry from Bali to Lombok.

How to get from Ubud, Bali to Sekotong, Lombok with public transport

First, you need to take a taxi to Padang Bai.

If you don't plan to visit the Gili Islands, we advise you to take the local ferry to Lembar on Lombok, because it will bring you closer to your next destination Sekotong in southern Lombok.

If you do plan to visit the Gili Islands, there are speed boats readily available.

From Lembar, you will have to take another taxi. The taxi drivers there are quite aggressive. As the whole journey should take you around 5 hours, try to arrive in Lombok during the daylight hours.

How to Get to Lombok from Bali –Ferry or Fast Boat?

You wonder whether you should go from Bali to Lombok by ferry or by fast boat? Our quick Bali to Lombok Island by boat guide has got you covered!

Lombok Indonesia Itinerary

If you do decide to visit the Gili Islands, there are three options:

• The party island Gili Trawangan.
• The quieter Gili Air.
• The romantic Gili Meno.

There are plenty of guides out there on the Gili islands.

We on the other hand have a different idea for your trip: the secret Gilis – a less touristy alternative to the three main Gili islands.

The Secret Gilis are a group of small islands off the coast of Sekotong, Lombok. Most of the islands are uninhabited but some do feature guesthouses. If you do have time to spare, spend a night on one of the islands. But they are also great for a day trip. The snorkelling we've done in this area was among the best we have ever done. You'll see plenty of soft corals and have a good chance to find a turtle or two. The beaches are beautiful and more often than not you'll have them all to yourself.

How to Get to the Secret Gilis from Sekotong, Lombok

The best way to go to the Secret Gilis from Lombok is by an island hopping tour:

Complete Secret Gilis Travel Guide (2023)

We loved our time in the Secret Gilis, Indonesia, and so will you – whether you opt for a day trip or an overnight stay to get off-the-beaten path!

Komodo Islands itinerary

This is where the real adventure of your trip starts. There are plenty of mixed reviews of this boat tour online and we advise you to read a couple of them before you decide to do this trip. Our journey was incredibly choppy, even the captain didn't come out of his cabin for a day because he was feeling unwell.

The boat leaves in Lombok in the afternoon and you'll watch the sunset on one of the small islands off the coast of Sumbawa. On the next day, you'll visit the beautiful waterfall on Moyo Island .

Day three is where the adventure begins. You'll visit Komodo Island where you'll get a first glimpse of the majestic Komodo Dragons. Afterwards, you'll visit Pulau Padar with the amazing pink beach (yes, it's really pink) and the Instagram-famous viewpoint.

On day four, grab the opportunity to visit the Komodo Dragons again on the island of Rinca . When we were there, we saw fewer tourists and more Komodo Dragons. Do opt for the longest hike, trust us, it's worth it! Afterwards, you'll go to Manta Point to try and find these majestic ocean dwellers.

In the evening, you'll be dropped off in Labuan Bajo . Our recommendation is to visit the local fish market for dinner, where you can gorge yourself on fresh fish for reasonable prices.

How to get from Sekotong, Lombok to the Komodo islands

The tours normally leave in the Mataram / Senggigi area so you have to make your way there first. A bus will pick you up and bring you to the dock. From here, you can try and enjoy 550 km ( 350 mi) trip along the course of 4 days / 3 nights.

Lombok to Komodo Boat Trip – Our Experience

We took the boat from Lombok to Flores. This is our honest review.

Flores Indonesia Itinerary

Today, explore the surrounding of Labuan Bajo. Don't miss the stunning Gua Rangko Cave , which you can only reach by boat. Additionally, there are some great waterfalls like the Cunca Wulang Waterfall and great viewpoints like the Bukit Amelia Sea View .

If you're not ready to fly home just yet, you can travel further east on Flores and explore the traditional village Wae Rebo and the three coloured lakes of the Kelimutu volcano.

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10 hari 3100 km, Road Trip seru Jawa-Bali-Lombok PP (Itinerary)

Total 3.121 km. Ya, tiga ribu seratus dua puluh satu kilo meter, jarak yang ditempuh kami selama 10 hari lebih, road trip Jawa, Bali dan Lombok pulang pergi. Hitungannya dilihat dari speedo meter mobil sejak keluar dari garasi rumah, sampai kembali lagi di garasi rumah. Itu belum termasuk penyeberangan kapal di Ketapang Banyuwangi   – Gilimanuk Bali, dan penyebrangan Bali ke Lombok (Padang Bai – Lembar) pulang pergi. Belum lagi penyeberangan pendek ke tiga gili; Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, dan Gili Air di Lombok.

Selain keliling Lombok yang jadi tujuan utama, tujuan prioritas berikutnya adalah kota Batu Malang, dan tentunya Bali. Walaupun anak-anak sudah pernah roadtrip Bali juga ( baca di sini ) –waktu itu sekalian ke Bromo — tapi pulau yang satu ini tetap saja menarik. Kembali, Bali dengan pantainya yang jadi tujuan utama. Selain itu, tentunya kami mau ngerasain juga malam tahun baruan di Bali. Tepatnya di Pantai Kuta.

Dua tenda dan perlengkapan camping sudah standby di bagasi mobil. Tadinya mau curi-curi waktu buat nginap camping di Batu Malang atau Sembalun. Tapi karena di lokasi pas lagi hujan dan seringnya datang kemaleman, jadinya agak males juga buat gelar tenda. Gagal dah campingnya. Lagian pas di Sembalun, Yossie dan anak-anak juga lagi butuh air panas buat mandi setelah badan lengket habis snorkeling di Gili Meno dan Gili Air.

Jadi, dari 10 hari road trip Jawa Bali Lombok, kira-kira inilah realisasi itinerarynya. Untuk waktu jam dan menit, margin errornya mungkin sekitar 1-5 menit hehe

  –     Nasi Grombyang H. Warso, langganan transit setiap lewat Pantura

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Road trip 10 hari++ yang menyenangkan. Dan yang lebih senang lagi adalah pas kita sudah di rumah, tidur di kamar lagi bareng-bareng dengan suasana happy dan tenang. Seperti masing-masing sudah mengantongi kenangan yang terus menghiasi pikiran dan menambah aura positif ke depannya. Melihat lagi keluarga tercinta tidur pulas di kasur kamar dengan raut muka (gosong) sumringah. Mungkin dengan bunga mimpi bawaan dari Jawa Bali Lombok.

Video road trip Jawa Bali Lombok sudah kami upload di youtube.   Video Rute #1 , perjalanan dari Depok hingga Gili Trawangan.  Video Rute #2 , perjalanan dari Gili Trawangan lanjut menjelajah pulau Lombok, Bali, hingga kembali lagi ke rumah kami. Di video ini kami cantumkan juga biaya dan kebutuhan BBM. 

• Kampung Muslim dan Kuliner Halal di Siem Reap Kamboja
• Terkuak Di Balik Foto Kece The Lodge Maribaya Lembang Bandung

Hallo, kami Herwin-Yossie-Lana & Keano, keluarga dengan dua anak penggemar traveling. Backpacking, budget traveling, hiking, & camping bersama anak menjadi favorit kami. Di sini kami berbagi cerita traveling dan pengalaman bertualang. Dan percayalah, bagi anda yang suka traveling dan wisata petualangan, melakukannya bersama anak dan keluarga jauh lebih menantang, sekaligus menyenangkan.

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12 thoughts on “ 10 hari 3100 km, road trip seru jawa-bali-lombok pp (itinerary) ”.

Mantap pengalamannya..

siap. makasih kak sudah mampir

Inspiratif bisa jadi buat acuan yg mau roadtrip

Thanks ya sudah mampir ke ajakanak.com

Saya rencana bulan Desember ini mau ke Lombok juga. Tahun 2018 udah pernah sampai Bali dari Depok. Tahun 2019 ke KM 0 Kota Sabang.

Saya domisili di Depok juga. Om Depok nya dimana?

Wah keren dari Depok sampai ke Sabang berapa hari perjalanan itu? Boleh sharing dong Om. Di Depok kita tinggal di Tole Iskandar, dekat pasar segar.

sangat menginspirasi, sudah pernah sampai batu malang, rencana berikutnya memang mau ke bali lombok, tapi menunggu negara corona dihancurkan dulu

Terima kasih sudah mampir ke http://www.ajakanak.com semoga Corona lekas tumbang

Halo om, kalau rute depok bali ini apakah ramah untuk mobil lcgc seperti calya ? (dengan full penumpang + barang)

untuk jalanan nya apakah sudah ok aspal semua ? dan untuk jalanan apakah menanjak banget / sedang saja ?

rencana mau road trip depok bali di juni 2021 (semoga corona sudah pergi)

Depok-Bali, jalan sangat ramah. Hampir gak ketemu jalan rusak. Semuanya mulus beraspal. Jalan menanjak hanya untuk tujuan tertentu saja. Misal waktu mau ke danau Tamblingan di Bali, karena letaknya di dataran tinggi jalannya menanjak banget. Tapi kalau menyusuri jalur biasa atau jalur pantai, jalan relatif landai bersahabat. Kunjungi juga artikel road trip terbaru kami Depok-Labuan Bajo . Ini jalan yang menurut kami juga ramah terhadap mobil LCGC. Road trip Depok-Labuan Bajo kami jalani Desember 2020 lalu.

Mampukah Xenia Bututku Melaluinya….? Dengan Sedikit Pengalaman Touring Dengan Motor, Tentu Akan Berbeda Dengan Membawa Mobil… Di Tambah Membawa Keluarga,… Beda Dengan Sendiri Atau Rombongan Club… Perlu Di Coba, Tanpa Di Coba Ga Tau Rasanya…

Tapi Inget Pas Di Lombok Waktu Mampir Ke Pantai Senggigi Lewat Tebing Puncak, Sinyal HP Ilang, Google Map Yang Bisa Diandelin Pun Hilang… Itu Yang Bikin Ser Ser… Tapi Tenang Warga Penduduknya Ramah Ramah Ko…

Memang Perlu Di Coba…

Semangaat, bukan soal kendaraannya. Tapi cari pengalaman dan niatnya. Kami mengulangi trip ini bahkan sampai Labuan Bajo dengan mobil tua, Land Rover tahun 1964.

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Les Deux Petits Baroudeurs – Blog Voyage

Voyager et en prendre plein les mirettes , visiter l’indonésie – guide pratique.

Cinquième pays sur l'itinéraire de notre tour du monde, l'Indonésie!  Nous y sommes restés 2 semaines enfin même 16 jours! Nous avons eu le temps de visiter 2 îles: Bali et Lombok! 2 îles très différentes ! Toutes les deux pleine de charme mais aussi très controversées ! On vous laisse découvrir !

Vous trouverez notre Guide pratique en bas de page ! Avec toutes les infos qui vous permettront de voyager sereinement! Les Vaccins, le budget, la langue parlé, la monnaie, le décalage horaire... ! Tout ce qui vous aidera pour bien préparer votre voyage !

Que faire à Lombok

Découvrez Lombok ! Une île de l'Indonésie incroyable ! Entre Volcan, plage et cascades !

Ubud et son charme fou

Découvrez Ubud et ses alentours ! Temples, rizières, volcans, singes, shopping et marchés, on vous raconte tout ce qu'il ne faut pas louper !

Amed et son volcan

On vous raconte notre escapade de quelques jours à Amed. Entre temples de dingue, volcan et plongée vous allez être conquis !

Bilan,  itinéraire et budget, 2 semaines en Indonésie

On vous raconte tout ! Ce qui nous a surpris, nos coups de coeur mais aussi nos petits flops ! Et puis bien sûr notre budget pour ces 2 semaines en Indonésie.

Pour bien préparer votre voyage en Indonésie, on vous a concocté un petit Guide pratique ! Vous y trouverez toutes les informations dont vous avez besoin pour préparer votre voyage sereinement et ne rien oublier !

Notre itinéraire

Denpasar ↠ Ubud ↠ Amed ↠ Lombok

L'Indonésie   est un pays incroyable ! Elle comptabilise plus de 13 000 îles! Nous avons seulement eu le temps de découvrir ces 2 splendides îles: Bali et Lombok ! En 2 semaines nous sommes tombés amoureux ! L'ambiance de Bali est vraiment incroyable et inimitable ! C'est sûr, on y retournera ! Ses paysages, ses habitants, sa culture, c'est sûr, vous serez envoûtés !

Quand partir voyager en Indonésie ?

En Indonésie, il existe deux saisons, une saison sèche et la saison des pluies , des moussons ! Autant vous dire qu'on a bien sûr envie d'éviter cette fameuse saison des pluies ! La saison des pluies se déroule de  Novembre à Mars.

On vous conseille bien évidement de vous rendre en Indonésie  pendant la saison sèche qui est de Mai à Octobre !

Vous pouvez aussi envisager de visiter l'Indonésie en Avril et Novembre  c'est la saison intermédiaire, entre la saison haute et la saison basse !

On vous conseille d'éviter Juillet et Août qui sont des mois où la fréquentation touristique est très très importante ! Surtout à Bali !

Infos Pratiques

Se  déplacer en Indonésie

C'est très simple de se déplacer en Indonésie ! Le tourisme est très important et tout est mis en place pour faciliter les déplacements entre les île mais aussi sur les îles !

Santé  en Indonésie

En ce qui concerne les vaccins, l'Indonésie ne demande pas de vaccination pour entrer dans le pays ! On vous conseille tout de même d’en parler avec votre médecin traitant ou un centre de vaccination !

Nous avions fait tous les vaccins pour notre tour du Monde donc nous étions à jour pour l'Indonésie ! Retrouvez tous les vaccins et leurs prix ICI ! Les vaccins tout de même fortement conseillés pour visiter  l'Indonésie  sont DTPC, hépatite A, la fièvre typhoïde et l’hépatite B ! L’encéphalite japonaises recommandée et conseillée à tous les voyageurs se rendant en zone rurale et dans les rizières en particulier ! On vous conseille d'en parler avec votre médecin et de vous faire votre propre avis en fonction de votre voyage. Le Paludisme est aussi présent de partout en Indonésie sauf à Bali ! Parlez-en à votre médecin pour voir si un traitement  anti-palu est nécessaire !

Protégez-vous des Moustiques ! De nombreuses maladies se propagent en Indonésie ! Pensez à vous protéger grâce aux répulsifs ! ! Et évitez le contact avec des chiens errants porteurs malheureusement souvent de maladies

Quoi qu’il en soit on vous conseille de prendre une assurance maladie pour voyager ! On vous en parle plus particulièrement ici !

➳ Monnaie: La Roupie indonésienne !  1€ = 15632,35 roupies Indonesienne

➳ Budget:  Le budget dépend surtout de votre mode de voyage !  Mais à Bali vous pouvez profiter d'un très bon confort en dépensant presque rien ! C'est en Indonésie que nous avons trouvé le meilleurs rapport qualité prix de tout notre tour du Monde! En termes d'hôtel mais aussi de repas ! Nous nous sommes régalés à Bali ! Rien que d'y penser, j'en ai l'eau à la bouche ! On vous laisse lire notre article bilan où on vous détaille  notre budget total pour 16 jours en Indonésie !

➳ Ou retirer:  Vous pouvez très facilement faire changer vos euros dans les aéroports,  en bureau de change !

Vous pouvez retirer de l’argent avec votre carte bancaire dans les nombreux ATM (distributeurs de billets) dans les grandes villes! On vous conseille de privilégier les distributeurs des grandes banques !Privilégiez les banques nationales comme BRI, Mandri et oubliez les distributeurs dans les supermarchés !

➳ Frais de retrait et bancaire:  Vous aurez des frais de retrait aux distributeurs ! Ils diffèrent d'un distributeur à l'autre. Un montant maximum de retrait est indiqué  ! Vous ne pouvez pas retirer plus en une seule fois ! Une fois votre retrait effectué, vous pouvez bien évidement retirer une nouvelle fois mais vous devrez payer une nouvelle fois les frais de retrait !

EN ce qui concerne les frais bancaires , ils dépendent de votre propre banque ! Nous avions un compte bancaire chez N26 ou les frais bancaires sont inexistants dans n’importe quelle pays ! Appelez votre banque avant de partir pour éviter les mauvaises surprises !

La Sécurité en Indonésie

Nous nous sommes jamais sentis en insécurité en Indonésie ! Les habitants ont toujours été très agréables envers nous ! D'une gentille incroyable même !

Bien sûr on vous conseille de faire attention à vos affaires dans les transports en commun mais comme lorsque vous voyagez au quotidien !

L'inquiétude peut venir des conditions naturelles de ce pays! L'Indonésie a subit ces derniers années des catastrophes épouvantables telles que des séismes, éruptions ou des tsunamis. Ces catastrophes ont affecté violemment la population! Renseignez-vous bien sur les conditions météorologiques lors de votre départ.

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- Suivez-nos aventures ! -

Taking the Ferry from Bali to Lombok: Everything you Need to Know

Posted on Last updated: April 28, 2024

If you are looking to take the ferry from Bali to Lombok , I’m here to help you with ALL the info you need. We took this public ferry upwards of 5+ times during a stint in Bali where we, for some reason, decided to do our visa extentions in Lombok. It saved us heaps of money on Bali agents, but definitely did not save us trips on this extremely mediocre ferry ride.

I am honestly very glad I had the experience of taking this ferry – it has beautiful views and is definitely a more local experience. We have taken the Bali to Lombok ferry with a scooter and without a scooter and will elaborate on all of our experiences.

All of the different ways to get to Lombok have their benefits, and this one is especially great to bring a scooter over or to save money (in most situations).

Getting to Lombok from Bali

Ferry from Bali to Lombok: The Bali to Lombok ferry is definitely the cheapest way to get to Lombok. It will set you back only about 52k rp ($3.60ishUSD) for a one-way trip, and about 144k rp ($10.15ishUSD) for two people WITH a scooter (or one person – essentially for a scooter and whatever fits on it). For tariffs of cars and trucks, check here .

The trip is about 5-6 hours, and ferries leave nearly every hour. This is the best way if you want to be able to get around Lombok on your scooter without renting another one or getting taxis, both of which are more expensive there.

Flying from Bali to Lombok: flying to Lombok from Bali is extremely cheap as far as flights go. The cheapest flights with LionAir or similar will cost you only 250k rp ($17.50ishUSD) for a 30-40 minute ride. But then, of course, you will need to organize taxis and transport from the airport which could cost more than the flight itself.

Speedboat to Gili Islands from Bali: Taking a speedboat to the Gili Islands is quite expensive for a boat, which generally includes pickup or dropoff top the Bali tourist areas but will cost you about 450k rp ($31.70ishUSD)

Other Boats from Bali to Lombok: There are a few other speedboat connections to Lombok from Bali. Check Directferries for all the times and departure points – these are MUCH more expensive than the slow/public ferry but get you there quicker.

So, clearly, the ferry from Bali to Lombok is the best price. Make sure you apply for Bali tourist visa online before arriving, but that goes without saying!

Before you leave Bali, Check Out Some More Resources I Compiled:

• Scuba Diving in Bali: A Guide to Dive Sites + Shops
• Bali Bamboo House Rentals You Need to Know About
• West Bali Road Trip + Things to Do
• Unique Places to Stay in Bali : Our FAVES!
• 12 Bali Net Bed Hotels (The Ones you see on IG)

What to Consider before taking the Ferry from Bali to Lombok

The slow ferry leaves from Padang Bai Port on Bali and arrives in Lembar, Southwest Lombok . Both of these ports are industrial and have a big quantity of shipments moving around the Indonesian Islands and not many tourists.

Padang Bai is Bali’s main port town for Nusa Penida and Lombok. It’s on the southeast corner of Bali, and has a few hotels and beaches but not too much around it. It’s a great place for Bali scuba diving but you can access the dive sites from other places like Sanur. To be honest, we don’t recommend staying here if you can help it.

Lembar is Lombok’s port town – and it’s really not much more than that. I honestly would spend as little time as possible in both towns – they might be my least favorite places in all of Bali and Lombok combined, haha. They are full of grime, people trying to hassle you to buy things or scam you for taxis (which is rare espesically in Bali).

Getting to Padang Bai for the Ferry

To get to Padang Bai you must either rent a scooter or get a Gojek/taxi.

If you bring a scooter to Lombok from Bali, make sure that it has current registration papers as you will often need to stop and show these to police while getting off or on the ferry. Most scooter rentals include papers, but we had a sketchy experience without them once that we wouldn’t recommend.

If you won’t be taking a scooter, you will have to get a ride to Padang Bai. I recommend ordering a Gojek as these are the cheapest ways to get around in Bali.

Different Bali/Lombok Ferry Boats

There are actually quite a few different kinds of ferry boats that move between Lombok and Bali. Some have TV’s that play movies, some have more plugs than others, and some have more outdoor space than others or even rooftops.

Some have tables, while others have rows of seats, and some are cleaner than others (but most haven’t been cleaned in… years ). There’s no way to tell what kind of boat you will get, but be prepared for the worst.

What to Bring/Pack for the Ferry Bali to Lombok

The ferry trip is 5-6 hours long, so make sure you have something to keep yourself occupied.

If you want food, it’s smarter to bring it with you, as food is more expensive to buy on the ferry… but they do have food available (keep reading).

Make sure to bring some sanitizer/wipes and maybe a sarong to sit on for dirtier ferries.

Charge Everything : There aren’t many power outlets (see below), so make sure to come with a charged-up phone, computer, headphones, and anything else. Maybe download a movie or two or get some work tabs open on your computer, because there’s definitely no wifi on these old ships.

Once You Arrive in Padang Bai for the Ferry to Lombok

When you get to Padang Bai, you will want to walk inside and buy your ticket from counter OR drive through the appropriate lane with your scooter if you have it. Again, you may have to show scooter papers, drivers license, or printed covid test results to get your ticket.

Once you buy your ticket, you can either board the ferry or wait for the next one to dock. Scooters will park in the middle lane amongst cargo trucks, and humans will have to walk into the bottom cargo portion and go up the stairs.

How the Bali to Lombok Ferry Works

Each ferry fills completely with cars, trucks, and scooters, closes up, and then leaves. Usually there is enough transit between Bali and Lombok to fill ferries all day every day, but if another ferry arrives, the one before it will leave even if not full.

This means that there are no specific ferry times, or need to book a specific ferry time . You honestly just show up and it’s the luck of the draw whether you sail straight away or wait an hour or two… not ideal, but hey, this is Indonesia.

There is also no specific seating or seating areas – it’s a free-for-all and the earlier you board, the more you have to choose from.

What to Know Aboard the Ferry from Bali to Lombok

Cleanliness : The Bali to Lombok ferries are mostly very DIRTY! Some are better than others, but prepare for spaces that are not very enticing and full of crumbs and stains. Bring sarong/sanitizer spray for this.

Power Outlets : Most boats have MAYBE one or two accessible power outlets that you will have to SEARCH for. Some have more outlets but most are out of service. If you want to find a working plug, I suggest looking near any TV’s as there are usually some spare around TV plugs.

Sleeping Space : Most ferries have places that you can sleep – or at least larger couches you can curl up on. Again, bring a blanket or sarong to lay on.

TV Area : Usually there’s an area with a TV – sometimes they play movies, sometimes they don’t. Sometimes you can score an English movie, other times not.

Ferry Time: The ride usually takes 4.5-5.5 hours – maybe 6 on a bad day. I would recommend taking an earlier ferry so you have enough time to get to your destination before it’s too late at night.

Food on the Bali to Lombok Ferry

Food on the boat is available for purchase if you need. They have a stand with some snacks like chips, cups of noodles, tea, cookies, soft drinks, chocolates, and other basic things. If you want to save money, it’s best to buy food cheaper at the stands across from the ferry terminal in Padang Bai.

There are also TONS of vendors who come on the ferries before they leave and try to sell you snacks and hot water, which will also be a bit cheaper. If you bring your own noodles you can also buy hot water for about 10k.

When You Arrive in Lembar, Lombok

When in Lembar, stay as little time as possible!! It’s not a very ‘happening’ town – I would go as far as to say it’s even a bit sketchy, especially at night. It’s very industrial and hardly even has places to eat. There are a few roadside stands and an Indomaret – that’s about it.

We made the mistake of staying a night in Lembar once (I think there’s only one hotel) and it might have been our worst stay in all of Indonesia. Again, arrive with enough time to get to your destination!

Traveling from Lembar

If you didn’t bring your scooter, arrange a taxi beforehand if at all possible. There are taxis at the port waiting to take you where you need to go, but make sure they don’t overcharge you.

Getting to the Gili Islands from Lembar : You should pay 300-400k for a taxi up to Bangsal if you are going to the Gili Islands, where you can get a public boat for only about 30kpp. I have a couple contacts from my friends in Gili – follow + send me a message on Instagram if you’d like me to share them.

This taxi is the expensive part of the journey, and if you are taking the Bali to Lombok ferry to save money, you’ll have to weigh the differences between getting a fast boat to Gili for about 450k all-up and doing the ferry from Bali to Lombok, getting a taxi, and then a public boat. It would be cheaper with more people but not AS much cheaper with less people (especially with 1). It’s up to you if you’d like to save time or money.

If you have a scooter, you won’t be about to bring this with you to Gili. There are some places in Bangsal that will allow you to leave your scooter for cheap – maybe the equivalent of a few dollars per day. This would be a good idea if you want to spend a few days in Gili and then explore Lombok, but not as much if you’ll be in Gili for a few weeks.

If this all seems too much, check out the other fast ferries from Bali to Lombok that are about the same price as the fast boat (or pricier).

Getting to Kuta Lombok or Sengiggi: The other main places in Lombok that you’d be going from Lembar are Kuta Lombok and Sengiggi, which are both about an hour away. I have not gotten a taxi for this journey but I would assume you wouldn’t pay too much more than 150-200k if it’s 300-400k to get to Bangsal.

There you have it – my best tips for taking the ferry from Bali to Lombok. I hope I’ve answered any questions you might have, but if not, leave me a comment below and I will get back to you!!

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This paradise island has got its mojo back – cheaper than Bali and without the crowds

Indonesia’s islands still conjure up alluring far-flung escapism, but with that comes an influx of crowds. ally wybrew finds an affordable, slower-paced destination for a getaway, in lombok, article bookmarked.

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“The closest thing I’ve ever seen to Eden” – this is how award-winning actor Sam Neill describes Bali , and for many years the Indonesian island – one of 17,000 – has been a paradisiacal getaway for famous folk and the rest of us civilians.

But the past few years have seen its idyllic reputation begin to tarnish. Its oh-so-attractive beaches are suffering: due to waste management issues, much of the country’s 300,000 tons of plastic waste end up on its beaches or waterways. Often you’ll see reports of unruly tourists violating holy sites, drink-driving and causing fatal road accidents.

In 2023, 5.2 million people descended on Bali looking to experience its alluring blend of desert island vistas, hospitality for all budgets, world-class scuba diving and heady nightlife. By August of that year, 213 of those visitors had been deported for inappropriate behaviour. Today, the streets of Seminyak are still bustling, with bars of every kind doing a roaring trade alongside boutique fashion outlets and somewhat bawdy souvenir shops.

I stayed in the city earlier this year, on the way to Lombok, Bali’s sister island, which is just a 90-minute ferry ride away. Of similar size but with fewer inhabitants, Lombok possesses Indonesia’s mix of intricate temples, tropical climate and earthbound beauty, yet without the excessive crowds and inflated costs of its neighbour.

Despite its proximity to Bali, mainland Lombok – unlike the popular partying and diving destination of the Gili Islands – is often overlooked by tourists, despite the country’s efforts to attract them. The tourism industry began to blossom in the 1980s, but took a hit in the late 90s when a financial crisis and political unrest destabilised the region.

Read more on Asia travel :

• The best countries to travel to in Southeast Asia
• Drenched by Super Soakers and blasted by buckets of water: Celebrating Songkran in Chiang Mai
• The best Vietnam holiday destinations: When to travel and where to stay

It began growing again in 2010. Then, in August 2018, a 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck the island , followed by a tsunami, killing over 500 people and collapsing residences and resorts across much of the north. Subsequent years saw incremental revival attempts, but then Covid hit. According to Tanmay Vaidya, general manager of The Oberoi Beach Resort, Lombok, this duo of disasters set the country’s hospitality industry back “20 years”.

But now, Lombok is on the way up.

Since the pandemic, the country has welcomed a new panoply of travellers. In 2022, the destination was added to the MotoGP calendar, its high-spec Mandalika International Street Circuit seducing petrolheads from around the world. Last year, Singapore Airlines launched a new route to Lombok, connecting those Indonesian shores to a new market. What’s more, development has been booming in Lombok’s less populated regions, developers seeing opportunities in much of its untouched southern coastline.

Innit Lombok is one of these openings. A cluster of six, high-concept villas sitting on a private beach in Awang Bay. Accessing the property requires driving across miles of farmland on rough roads before navigating a steep dirt track that seemingly leads into the wilderness. The nearest shops are a 20-minute drive away, and “local amenities” consist of a surf-friendly ocean, private beach and beautiful sunsets. Upstairs, guests enjoy unbroken sea views from the moment they sit up in bed in the morning, while downstairs the living area connects seamlessly with the beach: having just three walls means it is open to the oceanfront, and a sandy floor sees crabs scuttle beneath kitchen cabinets. It’s remote and luxurious – a USP that Lombok is finessing.

One high-end hotel chain has had this nailed for a while. Oberoi Hotels and Resorts has properties in both Bali and Lombok, and though they share similarly seductive design, decor and decadent services, they also feel distinctly different.

Opened in 1978, The Oberoi Beach Resort, Bali , was the first hotel in Seminyak – it made such an impression that many locals still refer to the area itself as “Oberoi”, and as such benefits from a spacious, 60,000 square-metre plot unrivalled by other local hotels. Mornings here are spent enjoying Balinese massages to a soundtrack of twittering honeyeaters, afternoons being hypnotised by the sun-soaked tides, and evenings sampling the indigenous delights of mangosteen, snake fruit and rambutan. It’s peaceful by any stretch of the imagination, yet in Lombok, Oberoi somehow takes it further.

Extending across 97,000 square metres of impossibly green, tropical topography, The Oberoi Beach Resort, Lombok greets guests with a pavilion-framed view of staggered infinity pools, a sapphire Indian Ocean and the low, green humps of the Gili Islands on the horizon. Villas here are positively palatial; a Luxury Ocean View Villa with private pool spreads over a sprawling 255 square metres. While both Indonesian properties overlook sandy beaches, Bali’s are speckled with runners, horse riders and tourists taking a dip, while Lombok’s are untouched, the only movement the swaying silhouettes of netted hammocks and fretting palm fronds.

Tanmay is convinced Lombok has the edge when it comes to tourist appeal: “[Lombok] has got great potential, way better than Bali,” he explains. “Once you’re here, you have great beaches, golf, diving, hiking – and fewer people around you. It’s much better value for money, too.”

His last point is a key factor in the destination’s growth. For those not able to fly direct, while the extra cost of a ferry or connecting flight is a consideration, once on the ground, pretty much everything in Lombok costs less than in Bali – particularly if travellers visit in the off-season.

February might be a time when rain-phobic Europeans run the other way from the threat of monsoons, yet in the two weeks I stayed, I experienced only one half-hour downpour and a spattering of welcome, cooling showers. Otherwise, temperatures held steady at around 32 degrees celsius, backed by scorching sunshine and blue skies.

But beyond accommodation, Lombok feels different from Bali. Its ferry port is quieter and the roads less frantic. There’s interesting conservation work going on here too, offering travellers meaningful ways to contribute to the community, learn about the local culture, and soak up the region’s incredible natural offerings.

One such company is Project Hiu , a two-year-old shark conservation enterprise established by filmmaker and influencer Madison Stewart. Her outfit has been hiring boats and their crews for monthly stints to show tourists some of the destination’s best snorkelling spots. In theory, for each month the fishermen are employed by the project, roughly 60 sharks evade capture. Indonesia frequently tops charts as the country catching and exporting the most sharks globally, and while some species are protected, it’s barely regulated.

My time with them was eye-opening. Aside from enjoying a guided snorkel at Pink Beach, watching nesting bats and swimming with black tip reef sharks, I learned about the crew’s day-to-day lifestyle.

The six members manning our boat have been working in this industry since they were young boys, they can’t read or write, and the job is excruciatingly physically demanding. They sleep in a deck area barely tall enough to crouch in while shark carcasses decompose below the boards beneath them. One crew member chuckled while showing us a video of a shark hook being removed from his hand. He nearly lost his thumb. In a bid to break the cycle of an inherited industry, Project Hiu is sponsoring two of the crew’s children to go to university. It’s a far cry from the luxurious lifestyle many tourists head to the destination for.

Bali is certainly convenient, but the extra effort to visit Lombok – very little, really – is worth it. Ferries between the islands are plentiful, fast and, while not exactly luxurious (many cram in hundreds of passengers and are strung all over with air fresheners failing to mask the heated human stench) they aren’t expensive; some routes are as little as $11 (£8.60). More comfortable transfers are available, such as private speedboats, or travellers can skip the water altogether and simply fly the 40 minutes between Bali to Lombok.

While sitting on a sofa in the sand, or watching sleeping turtles being buffeted by underwater currents, it’s hard to imagine Lombok as the new Bali. I think that’s a good thing. Lombok’s peace is precious, and something to soak up before the rest of the world catches up.

How to do it

Prices start at £4,200pp (based on two sharing), including return flights, all transfers and seven nights’ B&B accommodation, with two nights at The Oberoi Beach Resort, Bali, two nights at The Oberoi Beach Resort, Lombok, and three nights at Innit with Original Travel. Also included is the Project Hiu snorkelling, the waterfall trek and a day’s diving. originaltravel.co.uk

Read more: Indonesia travel guide – everything to know before you go

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How to visit Bali on a budget

Jan 17, 2024 • 6 min read

Let's demystify how to visit Bali when you're skint © Cheryl Ramalho / Getty Images

Bali on the cheap? Most would struggle to find ways to spend an entire lottery jackpot on the sun-drenched Indonesian island.

Still, there are times when we need to tighten the purse strings. Such as when you're at the beach, cocktail in hand, and you start daydreaming about extending your Bali stay again. For, say, another month to two. But with some careful planning and an open mind, Bali can be completely accessible for travelers of any budget.

Here are 10 tips to keep costs down.

Daily costs

• Hostel room: IDR 200,000 per night (in a shared dorm)
• Basic hotel room for two: From IDR 545,000 per night
• Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb): From IDR 280,000 per night
• 15-minute Grab ride-share journey: IDR 116,000
• Cocktail at a beach bar: IDR 100,000
• Bottle of Bintang beer: IDR 31,000
• Dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant: IDR 374,000

1. Work out your priorities

One of the most common questions from travelers heading to Bali is whether it’s cheaper than  Thailand (or various other popular destinations in  Southeast Asia ). But it’s important to remember that both are relatively large countries, so it depends on where you visit and  what you like to do . Popular  beach resorts such as  Kuta and  Seminyak are generally more expensive. Lesser-known areas tend to be better value for money.

Cheap vacations in Bali don’t have to mean skimping on everything. Simply work out what your priorities are. Lesser-visited spots, such as  Canggu on the southern coast, are more likely to have cheaper accommodation, but you’ll inevitably need the odd taxi journey to reach the shops or nearby nightlife spots. More popular areas have no shortage of ridiculously cheap hostels, but bars and restaurants tend to be more expensive in remote areas.

2. Eat (and drink) like a local

One of the best ways to cut the costs of a Bali vacation is to make a beeline for warungs – small, family-run restaurants and street food stalls. The food isn’t only ridiculously cheap but delicious, too. Popular warung dishes include nasi goreng (fried rice served with chicken or prawns) and mie goreng (fried noodles). Most warungs serve food to-go, so they’re great for take-out meals. Save more by drinking local, too. Opt for Indonesian lagers like Bintang.

3. Do I need to leave a tip?

Tipping isn’t customary in Indonesia , although gratuities of 10-20% are common if the service is great. A word of warning, though: it’s increasingly common for restaurants to add service charges to bills. Always check what’s included before you tip.

4. Don’t forget your travel insurance

Skimping on travel insurance might sound like a great way to save cash, but in reality, you could end up significantly worse off. Bali’s roads aren’t the safest, and if you’re planning on hiring a moped or motorbike (both brilliant options when it comes to  getting around Bali ), you’ll need to make sure your insurance policy will pay out in the event of an accident.

It’s also worth noting that simple things – such as not wearing a helmet or adequate clothing when riding a scooter – can invalidate insurance. If you’re considering certain high-risk activities, such as a PADI scuba diving course or a jet-skiing session, standard insurance policies likely won’t cover you. Add protection for these activities before you go.

5. Use ridesharing apps

Uber is no longer available in Bali (the company pulled out of Southeast Asia in 2018), but there are two great ridesharing apps: Indonesian company Gojek, and Grab. Gojek’s rates are generally lower, and transport options include mopeds (drivers will typically provide helmets).

For  longer distances , such as from  Denpasar in the south to  Padangbai on the eastern coast (the departure point for ferries heading to the  Gili Islands ), taxis will likely be the best option. For cheaper fares, negotiate a price beforehand. You should also buddy up with some fellow travelers if you can. You're almost guaranteed that someone in your hotel or hostel will be heading to the same place or somewhere along the route.

6. Invest in a water purification device

Drinking tap water is generally not a good idea in Bali. Nor is spending out on ocean-polluting plastic water bottles. Buy a water purification device before you head to Bali instead. The most common types are bottles with built-in filters from brands such as Lifestraw or Brita. Steripen also makes pocket-sized water purifiers, which use UV light to kill harmful bacteria.

7. Head off the beaten path

Kuta is a lot of fun.  Ubud is beautiful. But prices are higher in Bali’s more popular areas. Almost everything costs less in off-the-beaten-path destinations. Try  Sanur , a low-key beach resort with great snorkeling,  Uluwatu , known for its Hindu temples and a growing number of hip hotels, or laid-back  Lovina , which has black sands and rushing waterfalls.

If being close to the action is a priority, avoid staying in the immediate center of the town or the beach resort in question. It is surprising how much cheaper hotel prices are a little further out – and the noise of the nightclub or beach bar is less likely to disturb your sleep.

8. Haggle (within reason)

In recent years, there’s been somewhat of a backlash against haggling, but we’re in favor of it – within reason. If you’re nervous about asking for a discount but suspect the price of that beautiful sarong or plastic “I love Bali” magnet is too high, shop around. Likely, the item will still be in stock when you return. Especially that magnet. You will almost always be able to get a reduction on the listed price. Just don’t offend by being unreasonable.

9. Avoid peak season

The cheapest time of year for a Bali vacation ? Rainy season (October to February). But wait – it's also one of the best times to visit. This is when the island explodes with lush greenery and its waterfalls transform into thundering backdrops for selfies. Visitors also don't suffer from the inevitable heat-related fatigue travelers can experience during the sunniest months. Rains also tend to be short and sweet (January is the month with the most rainfall), so even if you’re caught in a downpour, your clothes will usually be dry in a matter of minutes.

10. Ask for discounts for longer stays at hotels

Negotiating a discount for longer stays can be a useful tactic to save money on accommodation. This works best at hostels and independent hotels – requesting a discount at the Four Seasons or Ritz-Carlton is unlikely to result in a discount (although if you’re staying in either, you’re probably not bothered about saving a few dollars).

It’s much easier to ask for this kind of discount when you’re on the ground, so If you’re worried about ending up with nowhere to stay, consider booking your first night through a website that allows for last-minute cancellations, then try and bag a better deal once you’re out there.

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Des idées pour voyager au bout du Monde

Bali : Itinéraire de 3 semaines

Dernière mise à jour : il y a 7 jours

Voici l'itinéraire de mon voyage de 3 semaines à Bali. Nous avons opté pour un rythme de voyage relaxant et avons dû faire des choix. Nous nous sommes concentrés sur les attractions incontournables de l'île, en veillant à expérimenter un peu de tout ce qu'elle offre : temples, rizières, plages et spectacles traditionnels. Nous avons commencé notre circuit par les hautes falaises de la péninsule de Bukit au sud, avons poursuivi par les plages, les palais sur l'eau et les temples sacrés de la côte est, avons roulé entre les volcans et les montagnes du centre avant de regagner Ubud, ses rizières en terrasse, ses singes, son palais et son ambiance bohème. Un périple parfumé, spirituel et envoutant, rythmé par des nuits dans des villas somptueuses !

Voyager à Bali

Carte de l'itinéraire à Bali

Étapes de l'itinéraire à Bali

Conditions du voyage

Transports de l'itinéraire à Bali

Quand partir à Bali ?

Bali avec des enfants.

Budget du voyage à Bali

Bali en Indonésie

Bali en Indonésie évoque un paradis de rizières, de plages, de fonds marins colorés, de temples hindous vertigineux, de palais sculptés, de volcans, de traditions millénaires et de danses envoutantes... mais Bali rime aussi avec tourisme de masse ! C'est pour cette raison qu'un voyage sur l'île des dieux se prépare au risque de tomber dans des pièges à touristes et dans des usines pour occidentaux bien loin de la vie locale. Et puis, s'il y a bien quelque chose d'extraordinaire à Bali, ce sont les somptueuses villas qui rivalisent de beauté et de qualité avec leurs collections d'œuvres d'art, leurs jardins tropicaux et leur service irréprochable.

L'Indonésie regroupe presque 13 500 îles, ce qui en fait le plus grand archipel au monde. Bali fait partie des plus petites, mais elle est la plus célèbre tant son esthétisme impressionne, tant ses palais sont majestueux. C'est bien simple, à Bali, tout n'est que luxe, calme et volupté !

Road trip de trois semaines à Bali

Nous sommes partis en famille pour un voyage de 3 semaines à Bali. Ce road trip de 21 jours fut une expérience inoubliable, une parenthèse enchantée sur l'île des dieux . Oui, l’île de Bali en Indonésie est sublime, c'est une œuvre d'art à ciel ouvert, chaque parcelle est décorée avec une incroyable finesse : ses rizières en terrasse, ses palais dorés, ses temples sacrés, ses jardins tropicaux, ses cascades, ses fonds sous-marins, ses massages et ses danses en font un endroit qui rime pour beaucoup avec paradis. ​

Nous avons sillonné l'île lentement , découvrant chaque jour de nouvelles facettes d'une tradition culturelle forte et colorée. Uluwatu nous a laissés sans voix avec ses falaises abruptes et ses danses au coucher du soleil. Les rizières de Jatiluwih nous ont transportés dans un monde verdoyant fascinant. Les nombreux temples et palais aux alentours d'Ubud ou de Candidasa nous ont subjugués. Je vous détaille notre voyage itinérant dans cet article pour vous aider à préparer le vôtre.

Carte de l'itinéraire

Voici la carte de l'itinéraire de ce road trip balinais qui nous a conduit sur les côtes et dans les terres de l'île, de plages en temples et de rizières en villas de luxe.

Si vous préparez un voyage à Bali , vous pouvez vous inspirer que cet itinéraire qui peut se réaliser en 15 jours si vous séjournez moins longtemps dans chaque étape. Vous pouvez ajouter une découverte de l'île Nusa Penida que nous avons du zapper mais que l'on regrette beaucoup !

Retrouvez le budget de ce voyage à Bali .

Les étapes de l'itinéraire de 3 semaines à Bali

Ci-dessous les étapes de cet itinéraire de trois semaines sur l'île des Dieux. Je vous indique les lieux où nous avons séjourné, mais également les sites naturels et monuments incontournables que nous avons exploré sur la route. Pour chaque étape, vous trouverez un article de blog qui détaille mes découvertes, mes repérages et mes recommandations.

Sanur et Nusa Penida

Le Pura Goa Lawah Temple

Le Tirta Gangga Water Palace

Le Ujung Water Palace

Lovina Beach

Nous avons débuté notre périple balinais par l'extrême sud, à Uluwatu sur la péninsule de Bukit. Totalement perdus au cœur de paysages sauvages, ce fut un point d'entrée parfait pour découvrir les plages au pied des gigantesques falaises et assister à notre premier spectacle de danse Kecak au temple d'Uluwatu.

➜ Nous y avons passé : 2 nuits

➜ Notre Trajet : De l'Aéroport de Denpasar jusqu'à Uluwatu : 1h30 en taxi

➜ Notre logement : les Villas Hideaway , une magnifique villa avec piscine privée au milieu de nulle part

➜ À lire pour découvrir cette étape : Que faire sur la péninsule de Bukit et à Uluwatu ?

2. Sanur et Nusa Penida

Nous sommes venus à Sanur dans le but de rejoindre l'île de Nusa Penida, célèbre pour ses plages de sable blanc , ses eaux cristallines et ses récifs coralliens. L'île est accessible en 40 minutes via un ferry qui part du port de Sanur à Bali. Elle est réputée pour ses plongées avec les raies mantas.

Malheureusement, nous avons donc été contraints de zapper Nusa Penida et de rester à Sanur que j'ai arpenté de long en large. Station très familiale, elle propose de nombreuses activités. J'ai essayé tous les massages possibles et j'ai aimé y déguster des Nasi Goreng les pieds dans le sable, sur les plages occupées par les bateaux de pêche.

➜ Notre Trajet : De Uluwatu jusqu'à Sanur : 1h en taxi. Pour aller sur Nusa Penida, nous aurions du prendre un ferry qui fait la liaison en moins de 45 minutes.

➜ Notre logement : les Bungalows Natah Bale Villa , une esthétique parfaite, un grand jardin, des bassins de poisson, des lits d'extérieurs pour des siestes trois étoiles. Bref, le bonheur à l'état pur !

➜ A lire pour découvrir cette étape : Que faire à Sanur à Bali ?

Sidemen est un petit village traditionnel niché dans les collines de Bali qui offre un cadre paisible et authentique. Cette bourgade authentique est encerclée de rizières verdoyantes et de sites typiques des campagnes balinaises, bien loin des foules. Les rizières en terrasse sont superbes et les ruelles paisibles qui mènent aux temples ou aux cascades sont un véritable bonheur.Nous avons beaucoup marché mais nous avons aussi emprunté quelques taxis lorsque la marche était trop longues avec notre fils.

➜ Nous y avons passé : 1 nuit

➜ Notre Trajet : De Sanur jusqu'à Sidemen : 1h en taxi

➜ Notre logement : Le Rumah Sidemen

➜ A lire pour découvrir cette étape : Que faire à Sidemen à Bali ?

4. Le Pura Goa Lawa Temple

Sur la route entre Sidemen et Candi Dasa, nous avons fait une halte au temple Pura Goa Lawa, aussi connu sous le nom de Temple des chauve-souris . C'est un haut lieu de l'hindouisme balinais dans lequel les pratiquants viennent faire des offrandes et implorer la protection des Dieux. Un site fascinant qui abrite des sculptures qui racontent des histoires mystérieuses et des ornements cachés dans tous les recoins.

➜ Nous y avons passé : 2 heures

➜ Notre Trajet : De Sidemen jusqu'au temple Pura Goa Lawa : 30 min en taxi

➜ A lire pour découvrir cette étape : Le Pura Goa Lawah Temple à Bali

5. Candi Dasa

Candidasa, petit village de pêcheurs paisible sur la côte est de Bali, possède dans ses alentours des joyaux balinais incontournables et nous n'avons pas manqué d'occupation entre les temples, les villages, les sorties en bateau et les plages ! Le village repose entre la mer et un lagon d'eau douce et ses sanctuaires sont tous posés sur l'eau, offrant des reflets somptueux aux palais royaux et aux temples sacrés. Nous apprécions dans la ville une jolie plage de sable blanc et une atmosphère tranquille et détendue.

➜ Nous y avons passé : 3 nuits

➜ Notre Trajet : Du Pura Goa Lawa jusqu'à Candidasa : 30 min en taxi

➜ Notre logement : La Villa Sasoon une villa splendide avec piscine privée et végétation luxuriante.

➜ A lire pour découvrir cette étape : Que faire et que voir à Candi Dasa ?

6. Tenganan

Tenganan est considéré comme étant le plus ancien village de Bali . Ce village ancestral vivait encore en totale autarcie il y a 45 ans car il était complètement isolé jusqu'aux années 1970.

C'est un lieu de traditions encore peu fréquenté qui nous a offert une bouffée d'air pur et de sérénité. Les habitants de Tenganan sont des "Bali Aga", considérés comme les descendants des premiers habitants de Bali, avant l'arrivée des royaumes hindous de Java. Ils sont animistes, ont leur propre dialecte, leur propre système social, leur propre religion et leur propre traditions. Leur artisanat fabriqué entièrement à la main est célèbre dans le pays, notamment la fabrication de tissus traditionnels appelés "ikat". Faire vos achats ici permet de soutenir la communauté.

Ce fut une découverte paisible et riche en surprises pour les nombreux artistes et artisans qui vivent ici et parce qu'on y élève des coqs de toutes les couleurs !

➜ Nous y avons passé : 3 heures

➜ Notre Trajet : De Candidasa jusqu'à Tenganan : 10 min en taxi

➜ A lire pour découvrir cette étape : Le village ancestral de Tenganan à Bali

7. Le Tirta Gangga Water Palace

Le Tirta Gangga Water Palace est un palais d'eau qui possède de sublimes bassins alimentés par une source naturelle d'eau douce, des jardins luxuriants parsemés de sculptures et une extraordinaire architecture traditionnelle balinaise. Ce lieu de toute beauté posé sur les eaux sacrées était autrefois un lieu de retraite pour la famille royale de Karangasem.

Nous explorons les jardins paisibles, empruntons les chemins en pierre et les ponts qui traversent les bassins, admirons les œuvres en pierre sculptée et le spectacle des grosses carpe koï dans les eaux cristallines.

➜ Notre Trajet : De Candidasa jusqu'au Tirta Gangga Water Palace : 30 min en taxi

➜ À lire pour découvrir cette étape : Le Tirta Gangga Water Palace à Bali

8. Le Ujung Water Palace

Le Ujung Water Palace est, comme son nom l'indique, un autre palais d'eau balinais. Situé sur les rives de la côte Est de Bali, il semble flotter sur les eaux et est entouré par des montagnes majestueuses et offre une vue spectaculaire sur l'océan indien. Le Ujung Water Palace est également connu sous le nom de "Palais de l'Eau de Karangasem" et était autrefois un lieu de retraite pour la famille royale. On déambule dans les allées du palais, entre des bassins en pierre sculptée, des plantes tropicales luxuriantes et des sculptures de dragons, de divinités ou de lions qui ornent les jardins.

Un décor qui a des airs de paradis, un véritable bijou d'architecture comme on en voit qu'à Bali !

➜ Notre Trajet : De Candidasa jusqu'au Ujung Water Palace : 20 min en taxi

➜ À lire pour découvrir cette étape : Le Ujung Water Palace Sukasada à Bali

9. Amed Beach à Bali

Amed Beach est située sur la côte Nord-Est. Contrairement à d'autres plages de Bali, Amed Beach est relativement peu fréquentée car elle possède un sable plutôt gris qui ne concurrence pas avec les plages du sud. Sa plage est cependant agréable et bordée de palmiers.

Amed Beach est réputée pour ses spots de plongée mais voyageant avec un jeune enfant, nous nous sommes contentés de faire du snorkeling tour à tour sur la jolie plage de Lipah Beach à proximité. Ici, on admire des milliers de poissons tropicaux à seulement 3 mètres de la plage, on loue un petit bateau pour se la couler douce sur les flots et on se fait masser à l'huile de coco sur la plage !

➜ Notre Trajet : De Candidasa jusqu'à Amed Beach : 1 heure en taxi

➜ Notre logement : Le Melasti Beach qui offre de jolis bungalows, des espaces verts spacieux et surtout la plage à proximité !

10. Lovina Beach à Bali

Lovina Beach, située sur la côte nord de Bali, est une plage de sable noir paisible et moins fréquentée que les autres plages de l'île.

A Lovina, nous avons déambulé sur la plage et dans le village. Nous sommes aussi allés faire un tour aux sources d’eau chaude de Banjar et dans le village de Singaraja , deux excursions proches (à 20 minutes en taxi) qui mérite le détour.

Lovina est une étape appréciée des plongeurs mais voyageant avec notre fils de 2 ans, nous avons du nous en priver. La baignade depuis la plage ne donne pas envie et n'est pas conseillée, pour profiter des eaux limpides, il faut trouver un bateau pour s'éloigner un maximum de la côte. La baie de Lovina est aussi très réputée pour ses dauphins, il faut se méfier des pièges à touristes et des embarcations "sauvages" peu respectueuses de la faune marine et de l'environnement.

➜ Notre Trajet : De Amed Beach jusqu'à Lovina Beach : 2 heures en taxi

➜ Notre logement : Le Ju Blu , une jolie villa en bord de mer, au top

Nous avons quitté les plages pour monter à 800 mètres d'altitude afin d'atteindre Munduk, niché dans les montagnes. Sur la route, nous avons fait une première escale au monastère Brahma Vihara Arama .

Nous avons ensuite découvert à Munduk un village très vert qui abrite des plantations de café et d'épices , des cascades majestueuses et des rizières en terrasses. Nous en avons pris plein les yeux face aux rizières et avons rejoint une cascade au milieu des montagnes pour une pause rafraichissante. Munduk a aussi été l'occasion de visiter une plantation de café et de déguster le nectar avec une vue imprenable sur les rizières.

➜ Nous y avons passé : 1 journée

➜ Notre Trajet : De Lovina Beach à Munduk : 45 minutes en taxi

➜ A lire pour découvrir cette étape : De Munduk et Bedgul à Bali

12. Bedugul

Après avoir quitté Munduk, nous avons grimpé en altitude pour rejoindre la région de Bedugul perchée à 1500 mètres d'altitude. Le temps est devenu brumeux et pluvieux, changeant du soleil de plomb des plages. Mais malgré les conditions météo qui étaient contre nous, nous avons apprécié ses paysages de montagne pittoresques sur le lac Bratan, un lac volcanique entouré de forêts luxuriantes et de vergers en terrasse.

Nous avons visité sous les nuages l'incontournable temple de Pura Ulun Danu Bratan , construit sur une petite île du lac Bratan. Considéré comme l'un des plus beaux temples de Bali avec ses toits en forme de pagode et ses jardins ornés d'œuvres balinaises.

➜ Notre Trajet : De Munduk à Bédugul : 40 minutes en taxi

➜ Notre logement : la Giriwood Hotel & Villa , un grand hôtel avec une vue panoramique sur le lac depuis notre chambre.

Ubud est le point culminant de ce voyage car c'est le centre culturel de Bali . On s'y rend pour découvrir les rizières en terrasses, les temples creusés dans la roche, les paysages balinais colorés, la forêt de singes mais aussi des villas somptueuses.

La ville réputée pour son artisanat est entourée de sanctuaires hindous impressionnants et possède des paysages agricoles époustouflants. En outre, les nombreux restaurants d'un incroyable finesse offrent une expérience parfumée, gourmande et revitalisante. A Ubud, il y a foule, mais on apprécie son esthétisme et l'ambiance bohème des rues, des cafés et des boutiques.

➜ Nous y avons passé : 4 nuits

➜ Notre Trajet : De Bedugul à Ubud :1 heure en taxi

➜ Nos logements : le Komaneka at Rasa Sayang , un bel hôtel avec piscine, très bien placé pour les deux premières nuits et une villa au vert ( Villas Arya ) pour les deux autres nuits.

➜ A lire pour découvrir cette étape : Où loger à Ubud et Que faire et que voir à Ubud ?

14. Les Rizières de Jatiluwih à Bali

Les Rizières de Jatiluwih sont le must du voyage ! Rien que pour voir ça, le voyage à Bali en vaut la peine. A proximité d'UIbud, ce sont des rizières en terrasses verdoyantes qui s'étendent à perte de vue. Alimentées par un système d'irrigation traditionnel appelé subak, ce lieu est basé sur le principe de la communauté et de la coopération entre les agriculteurs.

Nous avons marché toute l'après midi dans un décor spectaculaire et particulièrement paisible. On se sentait comme seuls au monde, ce qui nous a énormément surpris mais surtout beaucoup plu. En immersion dans cette œuvre d'art du riz, nous avons pu explorer les différentes étapes de sa culture, depuis la plantation jusqu'à la récolte.

Ces plantations monumentales sont le fruit d'un travail exécuté selon une méthode traditionnelle qui se transmet depuis des siècles de génération en génération. Entre la forêt tropicale et les ravins escarpés, c'est un lieu inspirant qui donne envie de ne plus le quitter.

➜ Nous y avons passé : Une journée

➜ Notre Trajet : De Ubud aux rizières de Jatiluwih : 1h30 en taxi

➜ A lire pour découvrir cette étape : les rizières de Jatiluwih

15. Nusa Dua à Bali

Pour la fin du voyage, retour à la péninsule de Bukit pour retrouver les plages de sable fin. Nusa Dua est une station balnéaire qui possède les plus belles plages de l'île mais aussi une atmosphère luxueuse, bien loin des villages de campagne authentiques.

Nous avons passé deux jours dans un hôtel assez incroyable, sur une plage privée de carte postale, avec un service de première classe et des restaurants dignes de chefs étoilés. Nous avons également assisté à un grand spectacle de danse traditionnelle balinaise au Théâtre des arts.

➜ Notre Trajet : De Ubud à Nusa Dua : 1h en taxi

➜ Notre logement : Le Samabe Leisure and Spa qui propose des villas privées qui dominent une longue plage de sable couleur champagne. Tout est pensé ici pour que vous ne pensiez à rien et que vous savouriez le grand confort de ce complexe hôtelier d'un esthétisme impressionnant. Des tarifs élevés mais un service inimaginable.

➜ A lire pour découvrir cette étape : Nusa Dua à Bali

16. Seminyak

Tout près de l'aéroport, nous avons passé la dernière nuit à Seminyak pour des raisons purement pratiques. Réputé pour être le "St Tropez de Bali", nous n'avions pas prévu d'y passer de temps. Cependant, faisant face à l'Ouest, Seminyak offre des couchers de soleil flamboyants à l'heure du diner.

Les rues animées de Seminyak sont bondées et sont un labyrinthe de commerces de toutes tailles et en tous genres. La ville possède de beaux hôtels permettant à ceux qui prennent l'avion un peu trop tôt de passer une dernière nuit à la balinaise.

➜ Notre Trajet : De Nusa Dua à Seminyak : 30 minutes en taxi

➜ Notre logement : Le Cielo dans une chambre avec piscine privée pour finir en beauté car voyageant en couple avec un jeune enfant, la piscine dans la chambre est un bonheur qui n'a pas de prix.

Les conditions de ce voyage à Bali

Voici quelques éléments de détails sur les conditions de ce voyage de trois semaines à Bali :

Sur la route, nous étions deux adultes et un enfant de 3 ans.

Nous avons voyagé dans des hébergements plutôt "haut de gamme" sur cette destination car les villas balinaises sont une expérience en soi et les piscines privées sont un must après les journées à crapahuter sous le soleil dans les rizières et les temples.

Nous avons fait la folie d'aller à Bali au mois d'août , la période la plus chargée de touristes, pour le meilleur et pour le pire ! Car Bali fait partie des meilleures destinations de voyage en août pour son climat.

Le point noir de notre voyage : les transports ! Je pense que Bali se prête bien à un voyage en 2 roues, mais les voyages en voiture au mois d'août, ça casse un peu le charme (vive les embouteillages). Nous aurions dû opter pour une voiture avec chauffeur, car réserver chaque jour un taxi différent sans connaître l'état du trafic ni les potentielles galères sur la route, ça nous a un peu gâché le voyage. Rien à voir avec d'autres pays d'Asie où on monte facilement dans un tuk-tuk ou un bus. ➜ Je recommande à ceux qui veulent en profiter un maximum et ne rien manquer de demander un devis (gratuit et sans engagement) pour avoir l'idée du budget d'un voyage avec chauffeur.

Les transports à Bali

C'est le gros point noir de l'île : quasiment pas de transport public à part quelques rares bémos (minibus) pour les courtes distances et des lignes de bus sur les axes principaux. Les tuk-tuk et les bus, si présents partout ailleurs en Asie, nous ont beaucoup manqués. Le scooter est une bonne solution pour les backpackers mais quand on voyage en famille, on a le choix entre les taxis ou les chauffeurs privés. De plus, il existe de nombreux "faux taxis" c'est donc une vraie galère de se déplacer sans avoir à négocier, vérifier, se méfier sans cesse... Vous pouvez aussi louer un véhicule si vous êtes à l'aise avec l'idée de conduire à gauche et de vous confronter parfois à des embouteillages interminables ou des pistes peu entretenues.

Les taxis à Bali

Pour les déplacements, puisque Bali n'est pas pourvue de transport en commun simples à utiliser en famille, nous avons opté pour des taxis. Si vous souhaitez improviser, sachez qu'il n'y a rien de plus facile que de trouver un taxi à Bali. Dans les zones isolées, les hôtels vous appellent un taxi.

➜ Réservez des transferts (taxis ou navettes) pour les grands axes. Ca vous évite de négocier en indonésien pour vos premiers trajets.

Le tarif des taxis à Bali

Avant de monter dans un taxi, définissez toujours le tarif.

Les taxis officiels (compagnie Blue Bird) ont des compteurs et appliquent un tarif standard :

Prise en charge : 7 000 roupies

Prix du kilomètre : 7 525 roupies

Par exemple, pour un trajet de 60 km (1 heure environ), la course en taxi vous coutera 400 000 roupies, soit 25 euros.

Certains taxis peuvent ne pas utiliser le compteur, il est donc important de négocier le prix avant de monter pour éviter un abus sur la facture finale !

Le scooter à Bali

Si vous voyagez sans enfants, optez pour un scooter, c'est certainement le meilleur moyen de sillonner les routes balinaises en évitant les embouteillages !

➜ Louez un scooter livré à votre hôtel

Les chauffeurs ou "autotours" à Bali

Pour les familles, quitte à payer des taxis tous les jours, vous pouvez opter pour un chauffeur qui vous fera découvrir quelques petits joyaux cachés sur la route ! Ou bien, si vous êtes à l'aise avec la conduite à gauche en circulation dense et parfois chaotique, optez pour un autotour (vous avez une location de voiture avec un circuit programmé et une assis tance sur place).

➜ Je recommande à ceux qui veulent un véhicule de A à Z de demander un devis (gratuit et sans engagement) pour un voyage en autotour ou avec chauffeur .

Les voitures de location à Bali

➜ Vous pouvez louer un véhicule si vous avez de la patience, le goût de l'aventure et un permis de conduire international (facile à obtenir). A Bali, la conduite se fait à gauche et soyez prêt à faire face à des nids de poule, des graviers et d'autres obstacles. Privilégiez un véhicule tout terrain pour davantage de tranquillité.

Voici les distances que nous avons effectuées à Bali. Vous verrez que les trajets effectués sont relativement courts, sauf en cas d'embouteillages (fréquents dans les zones touristiques).

Denpasar > Uluwatu : 1h30 en taxi

Uluwatu > Sanur : 1h en taxi

Sanur > Candidasa : 3h en voiture avec chauffeur (circulation dense à cause d'une manifestation)

Candidasa > Amed : 1h30 en taxi

Amed > Lovina Beach : 3h en taxi

Lovina Beach > Munduk / Bedugul : 1h30 en taxi

Bedugul > Ubud : 1h30 en taxi

Ubud > Nusa Dua : 1h30 en taxi

Nusa Dua > Seminyak : 1h30 en taxi

➜ Réservez des transferts privés

➜ Trouvez des bus pour les grands axes

Le climat à Bali est équatorial et est agréable tout au long de l'année. Il fait en moyenne 30° en journée.

La meilleure période pour découvrir l'île de Bali se situe d'avril à octobre pendant la saison sèche, le must étant la période de juin à septembre . Le mois le plus prisé par les touristes est le mois d'août, période à laquelle nous sommes partis (quelle folie !). Les sites les plus populaires sont parfois bondés aux heures de pointe, mais nous avons malgré tout souvent été très tranquille dans les lieux un peu plus éloignés. Bali a un climat tropical avec deux saisons distinctes :

La saison sèche (d'avril à septembre)

C'est la période la plus populaire pour les touristes car le temps est ensoleillé et sec avec des températures agréables et peu d'humidité. C'est également la meilleure période pour pratiquer des sports nautiques tels que la plongée et le surf, ainsi que pour explorer les sites touristiques. Les mois de juillet et août peuvent aussi être très fréquentés et les prix des hébergements et des activités peuvent être plus élevés.

La saison des pluies (d'octobre à mars)

Elle est caractérisée par des pluies abondantes et une humidité élevée, bien qu'il y ait également des journées ensoleillées entre les averses. Les prix peuvent être plus bas pendant cette période et les foules moins nombreuses. C'est par ailleurs une période idéale pour explorer les rizières en terrasses luxuriantes de Bali et les forêts tropicales. En général, il est conseillé d'éviter les mois de janvier et février qui sont les mois les plus pluvieux à Bali. La saison des pluies reste envisageable, car vous ne serez que rarement sous l'eau du matin, au soir, il s'agit plutôt d'averses courtes et chaudes.

Bali est une destination qui se prête vraiment à un voyage avec des enfants , pour les raisons suivantes : ​

les visites des temples, à ciel ouvert, émerveillent petits et grands

les longues plages se prêtent à des après-midi farniente et la mer est propice à la baignade

les villas offrent tout le confort pour séjourner en famille avec les piscines et les vastes espaces qu'elles proposent

la cuisine, variée et exquise ne pose aucune difficulté, même pour les palais difficiles, il y a de tout et partout

les rizières offrent des possibilités de promenades accessibles à tous

les spectacles de danse traditionnelle fascinent tous les âges

les Balinais accueillent les enfants à bras ouverts

Budget du voyage à Bali en famille

Ce voyage a un coût assez élevé, 3 150 € par adulte pour 21 jours à Bali, car nous avons testé des villas assez incroyables à des tarifs parfois mirobolants pour un tarif moyen de 170 € la nuit. Nous étions avec un enfant, donc nous avons opté pour des villas spacieuses avec piscine la plupart du temps. Vous pouvez faire votre budget en fonction de votre limite sur les villas. Vous trouverez de superbes adresses de charme à 30€ la nuit, mais comptez plus de 120 € la nuit pour goûter au luxe à la Balinaise.

➜ Nous avons acheté séparément l'aller-retour Paris-Kuala Lumpur et l'aller-retour Kuala Lumpur-Bali, ce qui nous a permis de passer deux jours à Kuala Lumpu r avant notre périple balinais. ➜ Pour trouver un vol pour Bali au meilleur prix, je vous recommande Skyscanner . ​ ➜ Si vous souhaitez créer votre voyage sur mesure en fonction de votre budget et de vos priorités, demandez un devis , c'est gratuit, rapide et sans engagement. Ça vous permettra d'avancer dans votre projet et d'avoir de nombreuses réponses à vos questions ! ​ ➜ Vous pouvez aussi réserver des excursions courtes à Bali pour vous faire accompagner sur certains sites clés

Les préparatifs d'un voyage à Bali

Pour les démarches et préparatifs d'un voyage à Bali , voici ce que vous devez savoir et prévoir.

Quand commencer les préparatifs ?

Trois mois avant le départ , je me suis documentée sur le pays, sa culture et ses sites culturels et naturels. À partir des lieux que je souhaitais découvrir, j'ai alors tracé un itinéraire sur excel de 3 semaines. J'ai axé mon circuit sur les principaux temples et curiosités de l'île, ce qui nous a obligés à emprunter des voies un peu saturées, surtout à cette période.

Un mois et demi avant le départ, j'ai fait le tour des démarches nécessaires pour voyager à l'étranger , j'ai réuni les affaires à mettre dans nos bagages et j'ai commencé à me mettre à l'Indonésien.

J'ai réservé la majorité des villas et des hôtels un mois avant le voyage, car je ne voulais pas galérer à trouver un logement avec un enfant sur les bras. Les villas que nous avons réservées sont pour la majorité assez luxueuses, c'était un peu le thème de ce voyage, goûter aux joies des villas balinaises. Je n'avais jamais connu un service aussi extraordinaire et tant de beauté. Alors oui, le budget était conséquent, mais je dois dire que ça en valait la peine !

Démarches et préparatifs

Découvrez tout ce qu'il faut savoir et prévoir avant le départ :

➜ Vérifiez que vous avez pensé à tout avant de partir à Bali

➜ Trouvez un vol pour Bali au meilleur prix ​

Lisez mes articles sur Bali :

Que faire à Ubud

Que faire à Uluwatu

Que faire à Munduk et Bedugul

Que faire à Candi Dasa

Que faire à Nusa Dua

Visiter les rizières de Jatiluwih

Que faire à Kuala Lumpur (nous y avons passé trois jours avant d'arriver à Bali)

Mots-clés :

• Asie du Sud Est

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Voyage à Bali : Démarches et préparatifs

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Pouvez-vous me dire comment avez-vous réalisé votre carte (Itinéraire) ? svp

Avec photoshop :)

Bonjour, merci pour cet article truffé de bons plans. Nous envisageons de faire un voyage similaire au vôtre avec un enfant de 6ans et un bébé de 6mois. Pensez-vous que c’est envisageable avec un petit bébé? Votre opinion m’intéresse. Merci d’avance

C'est envisageable oui :) La seule chose à faire selon moi est de suivre les conseils de votre médecin et d'avoir une bonne trousse de secours pour les petits pépins éventuels !

Bonjour, merci de nous faire partager toutes ces informations, le voyage fait rêver ! Pouvez vous svp me dire à quelle période vous aviez réservé les vols d'avion. Merci d'avance pour votre réponse. Alizée

Mois d'août :)

Bonjour nous allons a Bali trois adultes et deux enfants de six ans. Nous hésitons entre taxi, chauffeur ou location de voiture. Dans votre budget vous avez mis 300€/couple. Les chauffeurs que l'on contacte nous propose 60€/jours soit 1200 pour 20 jours. Auriez vous un avis a me donner svp ?

Nous avons fait appel aux taxis de façon improvisée au jour le jour, c'est bien plus économique qu'un chauffeur à temps plein, mais bien moins confortable

bonjour, merci et bravo pour votre blog , je prévoie de venir a bali 3 semaine avrirl mai 2024.

je ferais le meme circuit que vous mais dans l autre sens pour finir 4 ou 5 nuits a la plage faut il mieux les faire a nusa dua ou a nusa penida .

merci par avance

Nusa Dua = Hôtels de luxe et plages de rêve privées, coupés du monde et de la vie locale Nusa Penida = Plages plus sauvages et plus authentiques

Réservez vos voyages avec mes partenaires

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written by Dre Roelandt

updated 11.06.2024

Exploring Bali with your little ones in tow? Figuring out how to navigate the island's vibrant scene while keeping them happy and comfy might feel like a puzzle, but you’re in the right place. Here’s our guide to travelling to the “Island of the Gods” with the whole family, including tips, advice, and the best things to do in Bali with kids. 

Is Bali suitable for kids?

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6 days  / from 830 USD

Bali's Beaches and Temples

Experience Bali's brilliant beaches and temples with this stunning trip. Marvel at ancient temples like Tanah Lot and Pura Besakih, soak in stunning sunsets, stroll bare-footed along the best beaches in Bali and haggle at local markets – experience all of this, and much more, with this unique trip!

10 days  / from 1600 USD

Rest and Relaxation in Bali and Lombok

This unique trip will take you to some of Bali and Lombok's most traditional places. Look forward to driving through tropical landscapes and spending time in villages nestled in scenic spots of traditional luxury with infinity pools and stunning vistas over the ocean.

10 days  / from 2100 USD

Royal Bali - Culture & Beaches

Enjoy a luxurious stay in Bali, with hand-picked 5 Star Hotels. This trip includes privately guided tours as well as leisure time, ideal for families with kids. Highlights include sea temple Tanah Lot, Jatiluwih rice terraces and Uluwatu temple with its famous Kecak dance.

14 days  / from 4025 USD

The Best of Bali

This trip will take you from the modern-day Bali to the traditional one. Bali has many adventures to offer, tour the countryside with a Vespa or glide through the hidden canyons. You will also be able to enjoy visits to enchanting villages, where you can take in the local way of life.

10 days  / from 1783 USD

Java and Lombok - culture and beaches

Start your trip in Yogyakarta (also called Jogja) with its rich cultural past such as the Borobudur temple. From there continue to hike Mount Bromo and explore more of East Java in Malang and Surabaya. End your trip on the dreamy beaches of Kuta/Lombok, dubbed 'the next Bali'.

12 days  / from 1250 USD

Singapore & Bali - A Unique Exploration

Combine Southeast Asia's smallest country Singapore with its largest country: Indonesia. Spend a few days exploring the metropolis before flying to the magical island of Bali. Temples, volcanoes and ceremonies are part of your itinerary, as are the gorgeous beaches of Nusa Lembongan.

Absolutely! Bali is a fantastic destination for families with kids. The friendly locals, diverse attractions, and family-oriented facilities make it an ideal spot for a memorable vacation. 

You’ll find plenty of activities for children of all ages, from serene beaches and lush jungles to cultural experiences and thrilling adventures. With many resorts and restaurants catering specifically to families, Bali ensures a fun and stress-free holiday for everyone.

Things to do in Bali with kids: Sacred Monkey Forest © Shutterstock

Traveling with infants and toddlers in Bali is a breeze. Baby-friendly hotels and resorts are common, and mini-markets are everywhere, usually stocked with baby wipes. For diapers, you might need to hit up a larger store like Carrefour near the airport, which is a convenient place to stock up at the start of your trip. 

While you can find baby food, the variety is limited, so bring your favorites from home. Remember to also bring swimming diapers from home if you plan to hit the pool.

Given Bali's uneven ground, a baby carrier is more practical than a stroller. You can also rent baby gear like car seats and baby baths, and many hotels offer babysitting services and kids' clubs. 

Lombok Senggigi Beach © Shutterstock

Bali is a playground for kids. The island's beaches, like Sanur and Nusa Dua, are perfect for young ones, with calm waters ideal for swimming and playing. Waterbom Bali in Kuta is a hit, offering slides and pools for all ages. 

If your kids love animals, the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is a must-visit to see monkeys up close. 

Cultural activities like watching Balinese dance performances and exploring temples can be both fun and educational. Just be cautious with the local water—use filtered water for brushing teeth and be picky about where you eat to avoid any tummy issues.

Batu Bolong Beach, Bali  © Shutterstock

There is no shortage of of things to do in Bali with teenagers.

Adventure enthusiasts can check out Bali Treetop Adventure Park (featuring zip lines and suspended bridges), the thrilling Bali Swing (which offers fantastic views and a rush of adrenaline), or Seawalker Bali (which allows teens to walk on the ocean floor with a special helmet). 

Surfing lessons can be a blast—just pick a good school and bring the right gear like wetsuits. 

For a cultural twist, catch the Devdan Show, visit Tirta Empul, take a rice paddy walk, or explore Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park which features a massive Vishnu statue and hosts cultural performances.

If your kids love the outdoors, you might enjoy snorkeling at Blue Lagoon in Padangbai, known for its clear waters and vibrant marine life.

Batur sunrise Bali © Shutterstock

Picking the right spot to stay in Bali with kids can make or break your vacation. You'll want to stay somewhere central to avoid spending most of your day in the car, especially with Bali's notorious traffic. Plan smartly and you'll spend more time exploring and less time stuck on the road.

Central Ubud for a central stay

If you want to be in the heart of the action, Central Ubud is a fantastic choice. Nestled in the jungle, Ubud is close to major attractions like temples, waterfalls, and the famous Monkey Forest. You’ll find plenty of shops and restaurants here too. Just be prepared for a bit of traffic – it can get pretty busy, so plan your outings accordingly.

Kuta for turtles and more

Kuta is a great spot if you’re looking for fun and convenience. You’re right near Waterbom Park, which is a hit with kids, and there are tons of resorts and shopping centers. 

Plus, Kuta has turtle conservation efforts that are educational and interesting for the whole family. However, the beaches here can be pretty crowded, which might be a downside if you’re looking for a quieter beach experience.

Enjoying sunset on beach of Seminyak © Shutterstock

Sanur for a more relaxed pace

If a laid-back beach holiday is more your speed, Sanur is perfect. The beaches are pristine and safe for swimming, and the area is easily walkable. You’ll find plenty of affordable family villas, making it a great place to kick back and relax.

The downside? There’s not as much to do here compared to busier spots , but if you’re happy with beach time and relaxation, Sanur is ideal.

For a luxurious stay, Nusa Dua

For those wanting a touch of luxury, Nusa Dua is the place to be. The area is packed with high-end, all-inclusive resorts that offer everything you need for a comfortable stay. It’s great for water sports and just hanging out at the hotel. 

Plus, you’re close to local markets and restaurants, so you can easily explore without straying too far from your comfy base.

The entrance to the elephant cave "Goa Gajah", Bali © Shutterstock

Some areas in Bali are better avoided if you’re traveling with kids, mainly due to overcrowding or lack of family-friendly activities.

Canggu is buzzing with activity, which might not be ideal for a family stay. The heavy foot traffic and narrow paths can be tricky with a stroller, and the area is less walkable compared to other parts of Bali. It’s super busy and packed with car traffic, making it more suited for surfers and nightlife seekers than families.

Denpasar , the bustling capital of Bali, can be overwhelming for families. The traffic and constant activity can be exhausting, and it lacks the laid-back vibe that makes for a relaxing family holiday. While there’s plenty to see, it’s probably not the best place for a stress-free stay with kids.

Lovina, in the north, offers beautiful, tranquil beaches but not much else. If you’re looking for activities to keep the kids entertained, you might find Lovina a bit lacking. It’s peaceful and quiet, which is great for some, but if you’re after a more dynamic vacation with plenty to do, Lovina might not hit the mark.

Gili Nanggu Island in Bali, Indonesia © Shutterstock

Planning your itinerary in advance is key for a great family vacation in Bali. If you would like to skip the hassle of planning, see our tailor made trip service . Our trips are created by local travel experts and are completely customizable. While on your trip, you and your family will have support 24/7. See our existing itineraries for inspiration.  

Pura Luhur Uluwatu, Bali © Shutterstock

Itinerary #1: Bali’s beaches and temples.

On this  week long itinerary , you and your family will discover Bali’s best beaches and temples. As you touch down at Ngurah Rai International Airport, and relax on  day one .

You'll then be whisked away to Candidasa, where your family can ease into the holiday spirit.  Day two  invites you to explore the enchanting Karangasem Regency, uncovering the majestic Taman Ujung and Tirta Gangga water palaces, followed by a delightful feast of traditional Balinese cuisine at Bali Asli. 

On day three , dive deeper into Balinese life with a rural discovery tour in Sidemen, where your family can partake in local farming activities and visit the sacred Pura Besakih temple. Transitioning to Ubud,  days four is filled with family-friendly exploration, from museum visits to scenic walks through rice terraces. 

The adventure continues on  day five with a scenic drive to Lovina, where you'll encounter historic temples and iconic landmarks. Finally,on the last day you’ll wrap up your Bali escapade with a visit to the mesmerizing Tanah Lot Temple, creating cherished memories before bidding farewell to the island from Ngurah Rai International Airport.  Read more . 

Things to do in Bali with kids: Ubud Market © Shutterstock

This  two week itinerary is best for those with older kids and starts with a drop down at Denpasar airport. You’ll spend the  first day at your accommodation resting from your travels.  Day two invites you to explore the hidden treasures of Sidemen with a serene trek through lush landscapes, followed by a leisurely afternoon at your hotel.

On  day three , get ready for an adrenaline rush as you dive into Bali's Hidden Canyon before returning to Villa Sidemen to unwind. On  day four you and your family will visit an ancient temple and participate in a traditional purification ceremony. The excitement continues on  day five  with a thrilling Vespa tour, uncovering cultural gems and indulging in a seaside picnic. 

Transitioning to Lombok on  day six , you'll settle into your hotel and take a countryside tour on day seven , followed by a snorkeling adventure in Gili Trawangan on  day eight . 

Returning to Bali on day nine , you'll find yourself at Como Uma Canggu, where days are filled with leisurely strolls and culinary adventures. 

Take part in a food safari on  day ten , while  day eleven brings an exhilarating survival trek in Mt. Batukaru Rainforest. 

Days twelve and thirteen  promise relaxation at Finns Beach Club and thrilling horseback rides along the beach, respectively, before a half-day tour to Uluwatu on  day fourteen , concluding your trip.  Read more . 

Sea turtle sanctuary in Gili Meno island, Indonesia © Shutterstock

Here are some tips and tricks for your family trip to Bali. 

Getting around Bali with kids

Navigating Bali's streets with kids can be tricky, as many sidewalks are narrow, uneven, and full of holes, making strollers a bit of a hassle. Your best bet is to bring a baby carrier if you have young children.

You also might want to hire private drivers to whisk you around, especially since traffic jams are a common occurrence. Alternatively, apps like Grab make it easy to hail a taxi for stress-free transportation.

How many days with kids?

Wondering how long to stay in Bali with the little ones? A week gives you a taste of everything, but if you've got the time, stretching it to ten days or even two weeks lets you take it slow and soak up all the island has to offer without rushing the kiddos.

Taman Ayun Temple - Bali, Indonesia © Shutterstock

Staying healthy

When travelling with your kids in Bali, there are some health concerns to stay vigilant about. 

Be cautious with water consumption, as tap water may contain bacteria that could upset young bellies. Always use bottled or filtered water for drinking and brushing teeth. If your young ones end up with an upset stomach, a movie night at the hotel can often help while they recover. 

There are several reputable hospitals that are English-speaking in Bali, just be sure to book travel insurance before you go. Mosquito repellent is also must to protect against mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever and malaria.

Be sure to stay clear of cats and dogs

While Bali's stray cats and dogs may seem adorable, it's crucial to keep your distance, especially with children. Strays can carry diseases like rabies, and encounters can lead to bites or scratches, posing a risk of infection. Educate your kids about the importance of admiring from a distance to stay safe and healthy during your adventures.

Pick the right beach

When it comes to beach days with the family, choose wisely for maximum fun and relaxation. Look for beaches with calm waters and family-friendly amenities. Sanur and Nusa Dua are solid picks, offering smooth waves and plenty of spots to grab a snack or find some shade. 

Dre Roelandt is originally from the United States but lives and works in Berlin, Germany. Dre is a freelance writer and artist with a passion for travelling. They are an in-house Content Editor at Rough Guides.

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