What to do in Lombok, Indonesia (A 10 Day Itinerary)

Bali is hectic these days. Between the increasing waves of holiday-makers, and the permanent population of nomads trying to “find themselves,” it can feel more crowded than relaxing.

Lombok, on the other hand, is what people say Bali was like ten years ago. Its quieter, rawer, and still a little under the radar (for now!)

The island is exciting but also spread out. Between beaches, waterfalls, surf breaks, and Rinjani, there’s plenty to do — but trying to cram it all into a short trip can leave you feeling like you’re racing the clock.

In this post, I’m going to share my 10-day itinerary. It’s a loop that cuts down on backtracking and keeps things simple: You’ll start on the Gilis, head inland for Rinjani, swing down south for Kuta and the beaches, and finish off at the Secret Gilis.

Less stress, more adventure. Sounds good?

Key takeaways from my trip:

• There’s a lot less to do in Lombok than you’d expect (certainly compared to Bali)
• Distances and travel times are large, so it’s best to travel in a loop to cut down on the commute.
• The food scene around Kuta is EXCELLENT

Day 1: Slow it right Down on Gili Air

The Gili Islands may pop up on other people’s Bali itineraries (many visit from Bali without ever setting foot on mainland Lombok), but these islands are part of Lombok and the perfect starting point for your holiday.

Gili actually means ‘island’ in the local Sasak language, so ‘gili island’ is a bit redundant – but it reads better so I’m going to keep using it until someone complains..

If you’re short on time, I suggest taking fast boats. They can get you to the Gili Islands within 15-30 minutes. You can find fast boat services from various harbors in Lombok.

I took the a morning boat to Gili Air, which strikes the right balance between relaxed and lively. 

Gili Trawangan was too party-focused for my taste, and Gili Meno is ideal if you’re looking for a peaceful retreat. Also getting to Gili Meno requires an additional island hopper boat transfer from Trawangan or Air.

The highlight of the morning was snorkelling. The water around the Gilis is clear, with plenty of opportunities to spot various marine life. If you’ve never snorkelled before, rest assured, the Gilis have calm currents, good visibility, and plenty of accessible spots right from the shore. 

By the afternoon, I was back on Lombok’s main island and explored the smaller beaches south of Senggigi. 

Tips: 

• Catch an early boat to avoid crowds.
• Pick two or three beaches to hop between on the way back. Less is more. 

Day 2: Lets go Diving

Gili Air has access to some of the best dive sites around the whole of Lombok. In fact, many Bali dive trips head to the Gilis too!

If you are new, it’s incredibly easy diving. Sites like Turtle Heaven and Hans Reef are just a 10-minute boat ride away. I booked a two-tank morning dive with Manta Dive, and within minutes we were finning alongside turtles and clouds of reef fish.

Tip: Diving around the Gilis is as logistically easy as it gets — short boat rides, calm seas, and warm water. If you’re not a certified diver, most schools here also offer try-dives or open water courses.

Day 3: Yoga, Waterfalls, and a Ferry

We didn’t rush off Gili Air straight away. Instead, we joined a morning class at Flowers and Fire Yoga. Stretching with the sound of waves in the background at their new waterfront studio, it was the perfect prep for tomorrows trek.

Next a quick brunch at Kopi Susu. They do a tapas style breakfast there where you chose a bunch of small items and assemble your own breakfast. I’m sure this isn’t new, but it was new to me so i really enjoyed it. Good coffee too!

Finally, we ambled down for the late-morning boat back to Bangsal Harbour on mainland Lombok.

Ferries are going roughly every hour, so you don’t need to book. Just rock up when you’re ready to go

On the drive inland, I made a stop at Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep waterfalls. A short jungle walk, plenty of spray, and the kind of cold dip that wakes you right up. Lunch was a simple but spicy nasi campur (pronounced chum-pour) at a roadside warung before pushing on to Sembalun village by late afternoon.

Most trekking companies own or partner with a guest house to provide accommodation for the night before. Treks leave early, so there’s no time to sort gear, travel, and pre-hike briefings.

Other options if you’ve got time to kill:

• Take a snorkelling trip to the underwater statues at Gili Meno.
• Stop at Nipah Beach on Lombok for grilled fish on the sand.

Day 4: Start the Mount Rinjani Trek

Our guide was ready and waiting at 630am outside the gueshouse. We had half an hour to breakfast and pack before we were on the road to the trailhead.

The morning began with a gentle climb through open meadows. The trail gradually steepened as we passed Pos 1 (1,300m) and Pos 2 (1,500m), where we paused for lunch. By mid-afternoon, the climb got more serious, but we eventually reached the Sembalun crater rim. 

The rim is your overnight stop. Basic camping is included with simple but filling meals. 

Tips: Pack light, but don’t skimp on warm layers. It’s usually around -1 degree at the top, and there were a lot of cold tourists when we summited. Check out my full Rinjani Guide here.

Day 5: Summit and Descent to Sembalun

The alarm went off at 2 a.m., and after a hot drink and light breakfast, we started the summit push. By sunrise., we reached Rinjani’s summit. The sunrise from the top was worth every step. Expect panoramic views of Lombok and the crater lake below.

After soaking in the vistas, we descended back to the crater rim for breakfast and then continued down to Sembalun village, a long but satisfying trek. 

Back in Sembalun at the guest house, the guides had already arranged our transport down to Kuta. We quickly showered, ate, and buckled up for a sleepy 3-hour sojourn to the south.

Tips: Pace yourself on the descent; knees take a beating. Bring a headlamp and gloves for the summit.

Day 6: Surf Lessons in Kuta

Waking up in Kuta, the energy just feels different. 

I booked a surf lesson at Selong Belanak, one of the schools for various skill levels. The bay is wide, the sand is soft, and the waves roll in at a pace that gives you enough time to stand before being swallowed by water. The instructors are patient, and you really do start to feel small wins by the end of the session. 

After a hearty lunch it was time to Recover via a Sasak Massage

If you’ve done the Rinjani trek, I’d strongly recommend adding this day. Enjoy a traditional Sasak massage to work out the post-trek stiffness. I found a spa nearby, and I’m glad I squeezed this in before moving on tho the next day. 

The technique uses firm, rhythmic pressure with the forearms and elbow to work out tension. Once I’d recovered, I was ready to head south for more beach adventures

Tips: 

• When visiting the waterfalls, wear shoes you don’t mind getting wet. 
• Go with a local guide if you’re unsure of the route. 
• Bring dry clothes if you plan to swim. 

Where I stayed

I spent the night at Batatu Resort. The villa has simple rooms and a pool you can soak in while enjoying the excellent view. 

Day 7: a roadtrip to the high country

After surfing, I wanted a change of pace, so I took a detour inland to explore the Benang Stokel waterfalls. The waterfall greets you with twin streams of water falling into a shallow basin, which is accessible with a short walk. It’s perfect for a refreshing dip or finding a quiet moment under the mist. 

A short hike later, you reach Benang Kelambu, whose name means thread curtain. Here, the water gently streams over lush greenery in thin veils. 

Day 8: Swim at Tanjung Aan Beach and Hike Bukit Merese Hill

Tanjung Aan Beach reminded me why Lombok’s south has such a different energy from Senggigi. The turquoise water is almost unreal. It’s bright enough that no photo fully captures it. It’s calm enough to swim or watch the fishermen go about their day. 

From here, I hiked up Merese Hill. The climb is moderate, and I encountered rolling hills that meet crescent beaches. 

Tips: 

• Bring water, sunscreen and a hat, and a light snack for Merese Hill. The trail is hot.
• Arrive early if you want a serene beach experience. Local fishermen usually leave by late morning. 

Where I stayed

I stayed at Jeeva Klui Resort, about a 10-minute drive from Tanjung Aan. Rooms are spacious and clean, and the property has a small beachside area for lounging. I wrapped up my evening with dinner and sunset drinks on the terrace. 

Day 9: Explore Mawun Beach and Enjoy Local Cuisine

Mawun beach is a crescent-shaped bay that’s quiet on one side and wavy on the other. It’s ideal if you want to read or float in the water, so I spent hours switching between the two sides. 

Later, I explored Kuta Lombok’s restaurants. El Bazaar stood out for the Mediterranean dishes and the vibrant atmosphere. The mix of locals, travelers and backpackers gives a genuine sense of the town’s character. 

Tips: 

• Bring flip flops or water shoes. The sand at Mawun can get warm by late morning. 
• Lunchtime is best around noon if you want fewer people on the beach. 
• Kuta Lombok is compact, but scooters make exploring nearby beaches faster and more flexible. 

Where to stay

Staying near Mawun or central Kuta is convenient for beach access and meals. Options like Kuta Cabana Eco Lodge offer simple comfort with friendly staff. 

Day 10: Start at Senggigi and Watch the Sunset at Pura Batu Bolong Temple

My first night was in Senggigi, which was perfect for easing into the island’s laid-back pace. 

I dropped my bags, walked down to the beach, and wandered to Pura Batu Bolong temple. It sits right on the edge of the coastline, with a backdrop of crashing waves and Bali’s Mount Agung visible across the water if the skies are clear.  

The sunset here is stunning. After enjoying the view, you can head over to one of the nearby stalls to buy drinks or souvenirs. 

Tips: 

• Go for sunset to catch the softer light and cooler temperatures. 
• Dress modestly. Sarongs are usually available at the entrance.
• Keep the day light. Jet lag or travel fatigue is real, and you’ll thank yourself the next day. 

Where I stayed

I booked into Puri Mas Boutique Resort. A stunning, luxurious place with quiet gardens, beachfront views and an on-site restaurant. 

Back To Bali

After 10 days circling Lombok, you’ll probably feel two things at once: refreshed by the slower pace, but also ready to collapse on a beach lounger in Bali.

The loop gives you a little bit of everything — island time in the Gilis, high-adrenaline trekking on Rinjani, well earned beach bliss around Kuta, and a touch of culture in Senggigi.

I left feeling that Lombok doesn’t try to be Bali, and that’s exactly the charm. It’s raw, slower, and still a little under the radar – but with enough variety that 10 days feel full without being frantic.