5 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

      Rent a bicycle and ride the coastal path anticlockwise in the late afternoon to arrive on the west coast for sunset. (1–3 days, low cost).

   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. (2–4 days, expensive).

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Ayam taliwang

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

   4. Afternoon

      Gili Meno and the Nest

      Snorkel the Nest early in the morning, before group boats arrive, and look out for turtles along the drop-off to the north. (Half a day to 2 days, low cost).

   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. (1–3 days, low cost).

   2. Late morning

      Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep waterfalls

      Wear sandals or shoes you can get wet, as the path to Tiu Kelep wades through a stream; local guides are available at the entrance. (2–3 hours, low cost).

   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. (Half a day, free).

   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

      Arrive at least 45 minutes before sunset to find a place on the ridge, and bring a torch for the walk down. (1–2 hours, free).

   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. (Half a day, free).

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Sate rembiga

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

   4. Afternoon

      Gerupuk surf breaks

      Agree the boat price and waiting time before setting out, and go early when the wind is offshore. (Half a day, mid-priced).

   5. Evening

      Senggigi

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

4. Day 4: Day trip to Gili Nanggu, Sudak and Kedis

   About 2 hours by car, then a short boat each way. Getting there: Car to Sekotong, then a chartered boat.

   1. Morning

      Travel to Gili Nanggu, Sudak and Kedis

      About 2 hours by car, then a short boat (Car to Sekotong, then a chartered boat); about 70 km.

   2. Day

      Gili Nanggu, Sudak and Kedis

      Three small islands off the Sekotong peninsula in the south-west, with white sand, very clear water and coral reefs for snorkelling. Best for beach, couples and quiet stays.

   3. Evening

      Back in Lombok

      Dinner: try Sate bulayak.

5. Day 5: Selong Belanak and Sade village

   Selong Belanak, Sade village and Pura Batu Bolong, then Sunset on Bukit Merese in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Selong Belanak

      Book a lesson in the morning when the waves are smaller and the wind lighter. (Half a day, free).

   2. Late morning

      Sade village

      A guided walk is expected; agree on a donation or fee at the start and buy weaving directly from the makers if you want a souvenir. (1 hour, low cost).

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Sate bulayak

      Stalls around Narmada and Lingsar east of Mataram, and on the road at Senggigi.

   4. Afternoon

      Pura Batu Bolong

      Visit at sunset and wear a sarong and sash, usually lent at the entrance for a small donation. (45 minutes, low cost).

   5. Evening

      Sunset on Bukit Merese

      Watch the sun go down over the south-coast bays from the grassy headland near Tanjung Aan.

Before you go

Reserve timed tickets for Mount Rinjani trek before you travel; the rest of this plan needs no advance booking.

Where to stay for this itinerary

With 5 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 24–33 hours of visiting over 5 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
• 3 days in Lombok

Questions travellers ask