3 days in Lombok

Day by day

1. Day 1: Gili Trawangan and Mount Rinjani trek

   Gili Trawangan, Mount Rinjani trek and Gili Meno and the Nest, then Gili Trawangan in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Gili Trawangan

      The largest of the Gili Islands has no cars or motorbikes, so visitors get around by bicycle, on foot or by horse cart.

   2. Late morning

      Mount Rinjani trek

      Choose the Sembalun route for the crater rim and summit, carry warm clothes for near-freezing nights, and book only through operators licensed by the national park.

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Ayam taliwang

      Specialist ayam taliwang restaurants in Mataram and warungs across the island.

   4. Afternoon

      Gili Meno and the Nest

      The smallest and quietest Gili is ringed by white sand and reef.

   5. Evening

      Gili Trawangan

      Beach bars and a small club scene along the east-coast strip, with different bars hosting parties on different nights.

2. Day 2: Gili Air and Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep waterfalls

   Gili Air, Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep waterfalls and Tanjung Aan, then Kuta in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Gili Air

      Walk or cycle the full circuit of the island, about 5 km, and stop for a swim at the quieter north-west corner.

   2. Late morning

      Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep waterfalls

      Two waterfalls in the forest below Senaru: Sendang Gile, a short walk down a stairway from the village, and the taller Tiu Kelep, about 30–45 minutes further through the jungle and across streams.

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Plecing kangkung

      Almost every warung serving Sasak food; ask for the sambal on the side if you prefer less heat.

   4. Afternoon

      Tanjung Aan

      Come in the morning for calm water and fewer hawkers, and combine it with sunset on Bukit Merese next door.

   5. Evening

      Kuta

      Surf bars, live music and late parties around the main streets and on the hill above town.

3. Day 3: Bukit Merese and Mawun Beach

   Bukit Merese, Mawun Beach and Gerupuk surf breaks, then Senggigi in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Bukit Merese

      This grassy headland between Tanjung Aan and the Mandalika coast rises above the sea with views over the bays, the cliffs and the surf.

   2. Late morning

      Mawun Beach

      Rent a sunshade at the beach stalls and bring cash; there is a small parking fee and few other facilities.

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Sate rembiga

      Satay stalls in the Rembiga area of Mataram, near the old airport.

   4. Afternoon

      Gerupuk surf breaks

      From the fishing village of Gerupuk, east of Kuta, boatmen ferry surfers out to several breaks in the bay that suit beginners through to advanced riders, depending on the swell.

   5. Evening

      Senggigi

      A handful of bars and live-music venues in the hotels along the main road.

Before you go

• Mount Rinjani trek: The national park usually closes the trails in the wettest months and limits daily climbers; book with a licensed operator well ahead for July and August.

If it rains

• Swap in Islamic Center Mosque, Mataram (Mataram): Visit outside prayer times, dress modestly (women should cover their hair), and ask at the entrance about access to the tower.

Where to stay for this itinerary

With 3 nights, Kuta and Mandalika keeps most of this route within easy reach. For a calmer or cheaper base, Selong Belanak ($$$) suits beach, couples, families and quiet stays. Compare every area.

Pace and daylight

The sights in this plan add up to roughly 20–27 hours of visiting over 3 days, before meals and getting between them. Daylight runs from about 11.6 hours in June to 12.6 hours in January.

More or fewer days

• One day in Lombok
• 2 days in Lombok
• 5 days in Lombok

Questions travellers ask