The Perfect 5-Day Lombok Itinerary
After living in Lombok for over a year, I have had the chance to explore every corner of the island and uncover the best spots to visit. Whether you are drawn to epic surfing, stunning beaches, or conquering Rinjani, Lombok offers unforgettable adventures for every traveler. In this guide, I will lay out the perfect 5-day itinerary to cover all the must-see places in Lombok, so you feel like you have truly experienced all the island has to offer. From incredible viewpoints to local treasures, here is everything you need to make the most of your 5-day adventure!
Oh & as always practice sustainable tourism while traveling, please :)
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A 5 Day Lombok Itinerary
A view of Lombok Villas near Folk Cafe.
How To Get To Lombok
To get to Lombok, you can fly into the island at the international airport in Praya (LOP). The airport is around 30 minutes from Kuta, and local taxis and Grab Drivers are available to bring you to your accommodation. The cost should be around 150,000 IDR (9-10 USD). Be sure to counter the prices the local drivers give you—they will try to get you to pay more.
There are also numerous ferries daily from various ports in Bali to either the Bangsal/Senggigi Port in North Lombok. These ferries average around 3 to 4 hours (although the one I took felt much longer). I would not recommend this option to anyone who is easily seasick. They can be choppy the entire journey. The cost of the ferry varies from $12-30 USD, depending on the season. For the ferries, I always book ahead by searching on 12GoAsia or messaging the ferry companies directly on WhatsApp.
Public Ferries are an option for those who have more time and maybe want to pinch some pennies on their journey. The ferry is 4.5-6 hours long and departs from Padang Bai (Bali), sailing into Lembar (South-West Lombok). The cost is around 80,000 IDR (5 USD), and you can bring a motorbike onto the ferry with you. When you get to Padang Bai, you can ask the locals working at the ferry port where to buy a ticket for the public ferry to Lembar, and they should be able to direct you. There is no need to buy a ticket ahead of time for this option.
Where To Stay
Day 1-2: Kuta
For your first night in Lombok, the best place to stay is Kuta—a small surf village filled with expats, friendly locals, a mix of local and Western food, yoga options, and more. Many expats have made Kuta their home—it is conveniently near several beaches and popular spots. In my opinion, it is the best part of Lombok! Some tourists prefer staying in other areas, such as Selong Belanak or Tampah Hills. However, I recommend Kuta if you want to be close to everything.
Pro Tip: If you are a light sleeper, check if your accommodation is near a Mosque—the first call to prayer is at 4:00 AM.
Best Accommodation Options For Every Traveler
Backpacker/Hostel Option: Botchan Hostel (Dorm) or Ebucu (Private Room)
Best Low-Budget: Yuli’s or Mengalung Bungalow
Best Mid-Budget: Twiny's or El Tropico Boutique Hotel
Best High-End Budget: Mana Eco Retreat (Yummy restaurant and yoga shala attached) or Rascals Hotel
Best Luxury Budget: Lina Boutique Villas and Spa or Jivana Resort (Great massages)
Day 2-3: Tetebatu
Tetebatu, a small village renowned for its rice terrace and lush green farmland, is where you spend your second night in Lombok.
Best Accommodation Options For Every Traveler
Backpacker/Hostel Option: Tetebatu Hostel (Dorm) or Satu Lingkung (Private Room)
Best Low-Budget: Kembang Kuning Cottages
Best Mid-Budget: Novia Guest House Lombok-Tetebatu or Bunga Maliq Bungalow Lombok
Best High-End Budget: Les Rizieres Lombok or MyHome
Day 3-4: Sembalun
Sembalun is a small village near Mount Rinjani, with many Volcano treks beginning nearby. This is where you will stay for your third night in Lombok!
Best Accommodation Options For Every Traveler
Backpacker/Hostel Option: Radiya Guesthouse or Rinjani Family Homestay
Best Low-Budget: Bale Gantar
Best Mid-Budget: Rautani Sembalun (I stayed here, amazing location!)
Best High-End Budget: Rinjani Lodge (Out of Sembalun)
Day 4-5 (for non-Rinjani Trekkers): Gili T, Air, or Meno
If you are not trekking Rinjani, then your fourth night will be spent in Gili T, Air, or Meno (depending on your preference). If you are looking for a party and a lively atmosphere, Gili T is the place to be, with plenty of day clubs and bars. Couples often gravitate toward Gili Meno, a smaller, less developed island, while Gili Air offers a balanced option—fewer crowds but not as intimate as Meno.
If you trek Rinjani instead, your fourth night will be on the Volcano.
Best Accommodation Options For Every Traveler
Backpacker/Hostel Option:
The House Hostel (Gili T)
Tipsea Turtle or Begadang (Gili Air)
Villas Ganjor (Gili Meno) I stayed here and enjoyed my stay!
Best Low-Budget:
Mango Tree House or Havana Hideaway (Gili T)
Kaluku Gili Resort (Gili Air)
Meno Dream Resort (Gili Meno)
Best Mid-Budget:
Martas Hotel (Gili T)
Jago Gili Air (Gili Air)
Les Villas Ottalia Yoga & Diving (Gili Meno)
Best High-End Budget:
Ponte Villas or Kardia Resort (Gili T)
The Koho Air Hotel or Hani Hideaway (Gili Air)
Gili Meno Escape - Adults Only (Gili Meno)
Best Luxury Budget:
PinkCoco Gili Air - Adults Only or Villa Tokay (Gili Air)
BASK (Gili Meno)
You can also find hotel deals at Agoda and Hostel World! You can help support my travel blog by clicking and booking through the links!
Where To Eat
Kuta:
SeaSalt (for fish)
Mana (the best gluten-free and vegan food)
Ashtari (Indian)
Elamu (Mediterranean)
The Well (Gluten-Free)
The Warung (local food)
Warung Bude (local food)
Warung Rezeky (local food)
Pro Tip: You can check out which food places have deals or discounts on Lombok Lately.
Outside of Kuta:
Warung Monkey Forest (Tetebatu)
Sembalun Clasik Cafe (Sembalun)
Coffee & Thyme Gili Trawangan (Gili T)
Hellocapitano Lifestyle Café (Gili T)
Bubbles Bar & Resto (Gili Meno)
Pituq Café (Gili Air)
How To Get Around Lombok
The best form of transport in Lombok is by motorbike. Points of interest in Lombok (and even in Kuta alone) are a bit spread apart, and the area is very hilly, so walking could take too long. It is also easier to cover more ground in 5 days when you can move about on your schedule.
Daily motorbike rentals are usually around 75,000/80,000 IDR (per day) for a small motorbike or scoopy. If you plan to have two people and bags on one bike, renting a bigger bike with more CC is best. The bigger the bike, the more expensive it will be, but you will have an easier time climbing hills, especially near Rinjani. You will find better deals for longer-term rentals versus daily. Be sure to negotiate pricing, as some places will throw out a more expensive price to see if you will take it.
Be sure to wear your helmet while riding.
Some roads around Kuta are not paved properly, so watch out for potholes, etc.
Be careful of trucks, especially once you are outside of downtown Kuta—they are reckless drivers.
Be careful of dogs crossing the street while riding!!
Local taxis are around, and you can usually hire one from your accommodation. Grab and Gojek are not as prominent in Lombok yet. You can hire a private driver for the entire day here. Or, many of the locals are happy to arrange a driver for the day for you as well.
The 5-Day Lombok Itinerary
New surfers getting into the waters at one of the best beaches near Kuta, Lombok — Selong Belanak.
Day 1: Surf Day & Chill
For your first two days in Lombok, you will reside in the popular beachside town, Kuta, known for its beautiful blue beaches, delicious cafes, and waves that cater to surfers of all levels. Surfing is the highlight of Southern Lombok, attracting both beginners and seasoned surfers from around the world. So, of course, your first day will spent catching some waves!
Almost every beach in Kuta has surfboards and instructors right on the beach, making catching some waves even easier. If you are a beginner, you can head to Selong Belanak, where you can surf waves in waist-high waters to help you feel more confident and safe. The beach is lined with surf shops and instructors for you to choose from. You can book a lesson ahead of time here or book one on the beach the day of! My lesson was around 20 USD. Selong Belanak has cafes, beach chairs, umbrellas, clean sand, and the perfect waters for swimming. It is also an ideal beach for swimming.
If you have had a few surf lessons before but want to level up a bit, you can try Tanjung Aan Beach, where the waves are still smaller but more challenging than Selong Belanak. Gerupuk is another option, but the water is quite dirty and usually packed with people. Both Tanjung Aan and Gerupuk have surf instructors with boards available to you, and amentities including food and beverages when you need a break.
For those with more experience, you can check out the surf forecast (here) for beaches like Mawi, Serangan, Ekas, or Areguling. Want the best beach, where you can chill on the sand between multiple sessions and grab some food? Try Mawi or Serangan. For the most beautiful waters, try Ekas–though it is a bit of a drive out from Kuta, and you will need to pay for a boat to take you out to the surf (400,000 IDR—it is best to go with a group so you can split the costs).
For my more daring surfers, try Desert Point–an epic spot with world-renowned waves. Desert Point is around 1.5 hours from Kuta.
A view of the ocean and hills beside Ryan Cafe’s near Kuta, Lombok. One of the best places to watch the sunset.
Conclude your day by enjoying the sunset. Kuta, Lombok sunsets may not be quite as epic as other places in Indonesia like Uluwatu, however, they are still worth it. The landscape has many hills that are well worth climbing for a panoramic view of the ocean, beaches, surrounding hills, and stunning sunsets over them. You can watch it from beaches like Tanjung Aan and Mawi, or head to popular sunset spots like Ryan’s Cafe, Bukit Seger, or Bukit Merese.
A photo of the bats from the bat cave flying in a mass over Kuta Villages in Lombok.
Seger Beach (Bukit Sunset Seger) - This is by far my favorite. When you park at the beach near the Buket Sunset Seger location, walk up the hill to the right of the Warung for the most insane views of the multi-colored water at Seger. You may even see some seaweed farmers working.
Bukit Merese - This is another well-known hill for watching the sunset— this one is closer to Tanjung Aan.
Ryans Cafe - This cafe sits on a hill over a valley and village in Kuta, offering some incredible sunset views over it. If you do not want to sit at the cafe and purchase something, you can park in the open area to the right of the cafe and choose a spot there! I prefer the sunset in this area.
Located close by to Ryan’s Cafe is Goa Bangkang Prabu Bat Caves! You can join a tour of the caves and spot bats this way. However, I recommend watching the sunset from the open area beside Ryan’s Cafe (mentioned above) for a remarkable experience. Once the sun begins setting, you will see a mile-long line of bats exiting the cave and flying over the road and into the field. It is like a river of bats that never ends. With the river of bats, the skies painted by the sunset, and the smoky air drifting from the village below, you can capture some truly incredible photos.
Some other things for your first day:
Want a sauna and ice bath to decompress after a tiring surf day? — Try Loka!
Want the perfect place to enjoy a back massage? Try Matcha or Jivana!
Don’t want to surf but still want to enjoy some beaches? Try Tanjung Aan, Selong Belanak, or Mawun!
Prefer scuba diving over surfing? Try scuba diving with either Blue Marlin or Adventure Divers!
Looking for a yummy coffee to start your day? Try Mushroom Espresso or Munchies!
The best breakfast?
Vegans: Mana.
Gluten-Free: The Well or Gecko for delicious gf waffles!
For Every Diet: Munchies.
The Cheapest Breakfast: Warung Rezeky or Gecko for their eggs, toast, and coffee breakfast deal for 45,000 IDR (just under 3 USD).
Day 2: More Surfing, beach hopping, & Snorkeling
A photo of the beautiful blue waters at one of the best beaches near Kuta, Lombok—Ekas Beach.
Option 1: Surfing
If you have fallen in love with surfing or want to continue taking advantage of the waves here, you can spend the second day in Kuta catching more waves. Many of the instructors at the beach will be willing to travel to other beaches with taller waves to help you level up.
Option 2: Beach Hopping
Kuta has beautiful sands and ombre blue waters all over its coast, making it the perfect spot for a beach day. The best beach spot with every amenity you need to spend an entire day without leaving is Tanjung Aan Beach. Warungs line the beaches, offering chairs, umbrellas, food, and coconuts. Surf instructors, surfboards, volleyball nets, and more are at this beach too.
Pro Tip: My favorite spot on this beach is Pink Swing!
Mawun Beach is also an excellent option for those who prefer a spot with minimal surfers. The drive from downtown Kuta to Mawun is breathtaking, so make sure to look around at the landscape as you drive. If you want a more remote beach with the most beautiful waters and zero services, try Ekas Beach. Be sure to pack your water, food, towel, etc.!
Pro Tip: Lombok is much less developed than Bali, so yes, some beaches have trash lying around, and every so often you will see some floating in the water.
Option 3: The Secret Gilis
A photo from the Secret Gili’s day trip, one of the best day trips to take advantage of in Lombok!
There are many small “Gilis” or “Islands” around Lombok open for exploring and snorkeling. The best way to experience them is with a snorkeling tour along the magical sparkling turquoise blue waters. My favorite tour includes a stop in Gili Kedis, Nanggu, and Sudak. All the islands are quite small, with tiny populations, if any at all. Gili Kedis is the smallest of 3, and when you are standing on one side of the island, you feel like you can nearly touch the other side—that is how tiny it is.
On the tour, you will hop on a small fishing boat and explore each island and its waters teeming with life, including triggerfish, cowfish, turtles, angel fish, corals, and so much more! You can find one of the best tour options here! Or, you can drive to the boat docking area here and hire one of the boat guides to take you out for around 350,000 IDR per boat (around 22 USD). The drive from Kuta is around 1.5 hours.
Bonus Tip: You can camp out overnight on one of the smaller islands like Gili Kondo and Gili Kedis. This is an incredible experience to meet other travelers and for stargazing. You can find the Gili Camping Experiences at one of the many tour shops in town!
Option 4: Project Hiu Day Trip
Searching for a way to give back to help marine conservation? Joining a Project Hiu day trip is an amazing way to do this and gives you a full day of adventure on the water searching for sharks! The project focuses on shark conservation efforts and the day trip offers a unique opportunity to support the conservation efforts while exploring the incredible marine environment. By joining the trip, you engage in eco-friendly tourism that directly supports local fishermen in transitioning from shark fishing to sustainable tourism activities, all while exploring the reefs and wildlife of East Lombok.
Want to learn more about Project Hiu’s shark conservation efforts? Head here for all the information on joining a Project Hiu trip!
In the evening of your second day, head up to the rice terrace village, Tetebatu, where you will spend the night! The drive will be around 1.5 hours, depending on which area you choose to stay. If driving by scooter, I recommend leaving by 5:00 PM while it is still light out and you can see the roads better.
Day 3: Explore Tetebatu
A view of some of the rice terraces in Tetebatu.
Hey Bali! Lombok has some incredible rice terraces too! Welcome to Tetebatu Village, an absolute gem just south of Mount Rinjani, where you will find some of the most beautiful rice terraces on the island. The landscape here has an abundance of green rice fields pouring over Lombok’s hillsides. Walking around here is magical, and you can get a glimpse of the local farmers working the fields. If you are looking for a slower pace and a true taste of Lombok’s beauty, Tetebatu is the place to escape and the perfect place to relax and enjoy nature before your intense Rinjani trek in the coming days.
Pro Tip: There are two waterfalls nearby, Sarang Waltet and Tetebatu, both open for swimming in!
Tetebatu also has a Monkey Forest, which offers a completely different experience from Bali’s more touristy monkey encounters. Here, the monkeys are truly wild and roam freely through the jungle, so you will not find them waiting for snacks or posing with you for selfies (thank goodness). To spot them, you will venture into the jungle, searching for them and jumping from tree top to tree top, high above you. It is much more rewarding. If you want a more authentic, off-the-beaten-path monkey adventure, the Monkey Forest in Tetebatu is the best place to visit!
Want a tour that includes transport and the monkey forest, Tetebatu rice terraces, and the waterfalls? Head here! You can also try hiring a guide through your accommodation!
For Those Trekking Rinjani: After getting your rice terrace and monkey fill, continue your journey to Sembalun Village (or Senaru, depending on your trek), where you will rest for the night before you embark on your Rinjani Trek the next day. The drive from Tetebatu to Sembalun Village is just under 2 hours. I suggest heading here around mid-day to give yourself plenty of time to travel there, grab water and snacks for tomorrow, and relax before getting a good night’s sleep.
For Those Not Trekking Rinjani: Explore some nearby waterfalls!
A photo of a wild Ebony Monkey in Lombok's monkey forest.
Me in front of Sesere Waterfall, the second waterfall along the trek to Benang Stokel and Kelambu Waterfall.
Benang Kelambu Waterfall.
Just a quick and beautiful 30-40 minute drive from Tetebatu is a waterfall trek, which includes 4 falls! The ride to the falls runs through smaller local villages filled with farmland and rice terraces. You can see some authentic Lombok daily life here!
As for the waterfalls, trek through the jungle and discover 4 stunning and very different waterfalls, including Benang Stokel, Benang Kelambu Waterfall, Sesere Waterfall, and Batu Janggot. You can choose a tour that includes just the first two waterfalls, but I recommend making the most of it by visiting all four!
If you prefer a tour with transport included, you can find one here! Otherwise you can hire a guide at the waterfalls!
Entrance Fee: 125,000 IDR (8 USD), including a guide
Pro Tip: Beware of the monkeys! It is recommended not to swim in the waterfalls in a bathing suit out of respect for the local religion.
Regardless, after exploring the waterfalls, you will drive up to your next stop (Sembalun Village). The drive is just under 2 hours. I do not recommend driving during nighttime.
Day 4-5: Rinjani Trek
Trekking Mount Rinjani is an unforgettable adventure and is often said to be one of the best things to do in Lombok, but it is not for the faint of heart. The hike typically takes 2 to 4 days, depending on the route and your pace. It is a challenging trek with steep ascents, rocky terrain, and high altitudes, so it requires a good level of fitness and preparation. Along the way, you will pass through flourishing jungles and forests, crater lakes, and incredible landscapes that make the tough climb worth it. The summit, at 3,726 meters (12,224 feet), offers one of the most epic views in Indonesia, but be prepared for early morning starts and long, demanding days.
The Sembalun Crater Rim route tends to be the most popular and “easiest” trekking path, taking you just below the summit. This is usually shorter (1 night) and the cheapest option–around 1.5 to 2.5 million IDR (100-150 USD)
Some tour options include:
Crater Rim Trek: 2 Days, 1 Night (Not to the summit)
3 Days, 2 Nights Via Sembalun (Summit Rinjani)
3 Days, 2 Nights Plus Hot Spring (Summit Rinjani)
You can also wait to book your tour with one of the tour guides or offices in Kuta. This is also a good way to ensure you are in perfect health for the trek. It is tough! Every person I know who has done it said they almost did not make it. The final hours of the trek are the toughest.
If you decide to trek for 2 days, I recommend booking a comfy place for your final night to help you decompress before either ferrying back to Bali or flying out of Lombok’s airport.
Now, I will be honest, even after being in Lombok for over a year, I have not done the Rinjani Trek. Instead, I hiked up one of the many hills that gives you a sunrise view over Rinjani. The hike was MUCH shorter (2 hours each way) and a lot cheaper (around 1.50 USD). If this sounds like something that is more your vibe, you can instead follow the 5-day Lombok itinerary below that excludes time allocated to the Rinjani 1-2 day trek.
A photo of Rinjani, the volcano located on Lombok.
Day 4-5: Without Rinjani Trek
A view over Sembalun Village, one of the best villages to visit from Kuta, Lombok. This is also where many of the Rinjani Treks begin!
Don’t want to trek up Rinjani but still want some unforgettable views of the volcano? Sembalun Village is the perfect place to spend day 4! Sembalun is a picturesque, rural community at the base of Mount Rinjani, known for its beautiful green landscape and mountain climate. It is also the starting point for many of the Rinjani treks.
For those who do not want to hike at all, you can watch the sunrise over Rinjani from your accommodation or Bukit Selong Rice Field Viewpoint. Mornings offer the highest chance of a clear view of the volcano.
Me sitting in front of Mount Rinjani on Pergasingan Hill. The best trek to do after Rinjani.
For those who want a shorter, more manageable trek, try Pergasingan Hill. This trek offers some stunning views without the intense trekking on Mount Rinjani. The hike takes around 3 to 5 hours round trip, with a steep incline for the first mile, and a more gradual one following. It is manageable for most fitness levels—though it will still get your legs working! I found this trek more difficult than I anticipated– I found Batur to be a walk in the park compared to this. The trail leads you up through terraced fields, with the reward of panoramic views over Sembalun Village and Mount Rinjani itself. This trek is best for sunrise views over Rinjani, and it makes for a great addition to any list of things to do around Kuta Lombok.
You can find a cute little reel of me walking around the viewpoint here for reference of how epic it is!
A complete guide to trekking Pergasingan Hill is available here!
Following the sunrise, breakfast, & maybe a nap: Head to Sedang Gile and Tiu Kelep Waterfalls!
Sedang Gile from peeking through Lombok’s jungle. This is the first of the two waterfalls along the trek near Rinjani.
Me, wandering in front of Tiu KelepWaterfall, one of the best waterfalls in Lombok to visit!
Not far from Sembalun Village are Sedang Gile and Tiu Kelep Waterfalls (around 50 minutes), two of the most beautiful waterfalls in Lombok. Sedang Gile is an easy 10-15 minute trek down a long set of stairs to its 31-meter (100-foot) cascade pouring over a two-tier cliff. Tiu Kelep is then another 20-30 minute trek through a dense jungle and across a shallow river. Both waterfalls are perfect for those looking to experience Lombok’s natural beauty up close.
Entrance Fee: 20,000 IDR (a little over 1 USD)
There is an additional fee for a guide if you prefer to have one. The pathway to the first waterfall is straightforward, but the second can be a bit confusing with the river crossing, especially if you are the only one there.
If you prefer a tour with transport, you can find one here!
If you go on your own, head to Gate 2 to enter.
Pro Tip: Watch for wild monkeys! I saw an Ebony Monkey swinging from the trees above while I was there!
After visiting the waterfalls or Sembalun (if you joined a tour with transport), head to Bangsal Port to catch the ferry to Gili T, Meno, or Air. The slow public ferry is the best and most affordable way to travel to any of the Gili islands. The fare is around 20,000 IDR (just over 1 USD), and the ride takes approximately 15 to 30 minutes, depending on which island you are heading to. Be prepared for a sometimes bumpy ride. If you get lost in the harbor while trying to find the ticketing office or ferry, you can ask the locals for help.
Otherwise, if you prefer to book ahead, you can book a ferry here with one of the local companies that run a fast ferry to the islands. The cost is usually around 8-10 USD and can be a little quicker for those who are easily seasick.
What to do with your motorbike at the harbor?
If you plan to fly from Lombok to your next destination, you can park your motorbike overnight at the ferry port for around 10,000 IDR (less than 1 USD). This ensures your bike will be waiting for you when you return.
If you plan to travel onward from Gili T to destinations like Nusa Penida, Lembongan, or Bali, you can inquire if your motorbike rental provider will pick up your bike from Bangsal for an additional fee. Be sure to ask at the start of your trip, so you can choose a rental place that agrees to arrange bike pickup from Bangsal Harbor in advance.
Day 4 (Evening) - Day 5
The beautiful ombre waters of Gili Meno.
Welcome to the famous Gilis: Trawangan (T), Meno, and Air. These islands offer incredible opportunities for scuba diving, free diving, and snorkeling, with an abundance of underwater life and shipwrecks waiting to be explored. You will see the usual marine life of Lombok, but you might also get the chance to encounter reef sharks, eels, MASSIVE turtles, and other unique aquatic creatures.
If you are looking for a party and a lively atmosphere, Gili T is the place to be, with plenty of day clubs and bars. Couples often gravitate toward Gili Meno, a smaller, less developed island, while Gili Air offers a balanced option—fewer crowds but not as intimate as Meno. None of the islands allow motorbikes or cars, which makes them even more enjoyable for walking and cycling around.
If you want to hop around all three islands in one day, you can find a great tour here!
Sustainability Tip: Please do not use the horses as transportation. It is highly unethical and inhumane.
I hope you enjoy your 5-day adventure in one of my favorite places in Indonesia!
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit?
Rainy Season: November - March | Dry Season: April - October
The best time to visit Lombok is anywhere during the dry season, however, the surf tends to be better during the wet season (less windy). If you want to see Lombok at its greenest, you can visit during the wet season or right after (in March/April) if you prefer sunny skies and green hills. If you visit towards the end of the dry season Lombok’s terrain will be drier and brown. I have been in Lombok for every season, and it did not rain too much in November / December. It was mostly short showers or one full day of rain. January and February were very rainy, and March was somewhere in the middle.
If you plan to Trek Rinjani, keep in mind the trail is closed from January 1 to March 31.
Is Lombok Safe?
Lombok has always felt safe to me. However, I recommend staying up to date with your country’s travel advisories. Follow basic rules of safety while traveling in addition to:
Always triple-check vaccination requirements and recommendations for countries. Some potential illnesses include Typhoid and Hepatitis A.
Pack mosquito spray to protect yourself from Dengue and Malaria. There have been recent cases of Dengue in the region.
Wear your helmet when riding your motorbike. So many people do not wear helmets, which could save your life.
Be careful with the street dogs. Due to previous abuse, some tend to be afraid of humans or feel the need to warn us off to protect themselves.
DO NOT drink the tap water. Keep your mouth closed in the shower and even use bottled water for toothbrushing, especially if you have a sensitive stomach like me!
Mistakes can happen, especially when trekking and walking around slippery areas or surfing, so I recommend always having some form of travel medical insurance. Safety Wing is by far the best travel medical insurance. It has saved me numerous times by covering hospital visits when I was sick during my travels in Asia.
Get an eSIM—so you do not get lost navigating your way. I always use Airalo for my eSims.
Emergency Contact Number: Police: 110 | Fire: +62 (0)370 672013| Ambulance: 118
You can find a complete list of Lombok and Gili Island’s Emergency #’s here.
Is Lombok Worth Visiting?
YES! It absolutely is. Many people refer to Lombok as the “old Bali,” referring to when Bali was better—less busy and less developed. The beaches are beautiful, the surf is less crowded, the viewpoints are incredible, and the landscape is picturesque.
Is Lombok better than Bali?
Everyone will respond to this question differently, but I prefer Lombok. It is less crowded, less Westernized, and has more of an authentic Indonesian feel. However, I think both are worth the visit!
Which part of Lombok is the best?
My favorite parts of Lombok are the areas included in this itinerary: Kuta, Sembalun, Tetebatu, and the Gilis. Kuta is my preferred area and is where I spent my year living.
How many days do you need in Lombok? Is 5 days or a week better?
This all depends on what you want to do. If you only want to see Kuta and catch some waves, then 1-3 days is fine. Although, most people end up staying for an entire week. If you want to trek Rinjani, visit the waterfalls, and do all the best things, then yes, 5 days is fine, but 8-10 offers a more relaxed schedule.
You can find the perfect 7-10 day Lombok itinerary here!
There Are So Many Stray Dogs In Lombok, How Can I Help?
Lombok’s culture is MUCH different from Bali's, and the island is far less developed–therefore the dogs are treated very differently here.
Without getting into the nitty-gritty of what life is like for stray dogs, just know that you can make a positive impact on their lives in some of the simplest ways. This can be through something as simple as giving a street pup a meal, rice, and plain chicken is best, or something to drink like water or even coconut water! A lot of the dogs are terrified of human interaction here, especially as you get further out of downtown Kuta, so you can always place the food and water nearby to the dog and then give it some space to eat and enjoy. I promise you they will eat it once you walk away!
If you want to be more involved, you can volunteer with The Shelter for Lombok Dogs (my favorite place in the world) by helping with sterilizations, feeding the baby street pups, or helping at their shelter near Mawun Beach. If you want more information on how you can help, head here!
If you are thinking: ‘Feeding and volunteering is not for me,’ you can also donate money to their GoFundMe, donate items they need (usually collars, towels, medications, etc.), or purchase some of their merchandise from Flow or Elamu! Every donation makes a huge difference in the lives of the Lomdogs!
