We spent a solid month exploring the Indonesian island and documenting all the best things to do in Lombok. So here’s our easy to follow Lombok itinerary.
How To Get Around Lombok
Before we start, if you’re looking for transfers from the airport to your hotel, you can secure a cheap and easy Lombok Airport Private Transfer by Car.
Getting around Lombok couldn’t be easier. There are generally 3 options:
Scooter
We always choose to rent scooters, which start at around 50,000 IDR per day, and explore ourselves.
These can usually be rented from your accommodation, or they will at least point you in the right direction to securing one.
Driver
Another option is to rent a driver, which is pretty popular for day trips around Lombok, and they start at around 500,000 IDR per day (8 hours).
Again, you can ask at your accommodation for this service, or search for a local travel agent on the streets.
Tour
Some of the best days out we’ve had in Lombok have been on private tours.
For those short on time, or that prefer everything to be organised for them, there are some awesome tours on Get Your Guide available to book in advance.
From surfing to waterfall treks, there’s plenty to keep you busy on this bustling island!
Best Time To Visit Lombok
The driest months on the island of Lombok are July and August, although the weather is pretty good all year round with a mix of wet and dry as the climate moves towards the drier season.
The peak season for tourists is between May and October and it does get pretty busy.
Remember, this is just a guide, so you may want to mix it up and add/subtract different attractions.
What To Pack
3 Weeks In Lombok Itinerary
Kuta
The tourist capital of Lombok, and conveniently the closest stop to the airport!
We arrived in Kuta and spent a good week exploring the south coast and all that it has to offer.
From hopping some of the best beaches in Lombok, to visiting mystical bat caves, there is so much to do in and around the Kuta area.
The main town of Kuta is one of the only places on the island where you’ll find a good standard of westernised foods. So if you’re looking for some good pizza or pasta, this could be the place.
Other than that, we’re sure Kuta will be top of your Lombok itinerary, as it makes for a great place to start your journey from – or to base yourself for a few days.
Central Lombok
When we say middle we basically mean Benang Stokel & Benang Kelambu Waterfalls.
We took the drive up from Kuta on scooters, which took around 1 hour and 30 minutes, and it was well worth the visit.
You could definitely work your way up and stay in a local guesthouse nearby, before moving on to the Northern section of Lombok.
If you’re uncomfortable exploring alone, or looking for a guided tour of the falls, you can even book a private Benang Kelambu and Benang Stokel Waterfalls Trek.
The falls are pretty impressive, and although there’s not a lot else to do in the area, they’re definitely worth adding to your Lombok itinerary!
Northern Lombok
From the middle, the next stop is the big boy, Mount Rinjani! A MUST on your things to do in Lombok itinerary.
We took the 3D2N trek of Mount Rinjani which you can read all about in our Mount Rinjani Trekking guide.
Whilst up North though, two other hotspots you should definitely visit are Tiu Kelep Waterfall & Sendang Gile Waterfall and Bukit Selong Rice Field Viewpoint.
The waterfalls are located in Senaru town which is where you’ll probably start your Rinjani trek. So save a day before or after the trek to cool off! You can even book a Tiu Kelep and Sendang Gile Waterfall Trekking Tour.
Bukit Selong is around an hour from Senaru so depending on your next destination could take a detour to the viewpoint.
The Gili Islands
From Senaru the natural next stop is over to the Gili Islands. A trio of islands that should be top of everybody’s things to do in Lombok list!
The Gili Islands are one of the most popular places for tourists to visit from both Bali and Lombok.
You catch the ferry over to Gili T from Bangsal ferry port. Or you can book onto a private Full-Day Gili Islands Snorkeling Trip from Lombok.
Incase you don’t know, the Gili’s are made up of 3 tropical islands – Gili Trawangan, Gili Air and Gili Meno. They’re known mostly for awesome snorkelling, crystal beaches and laid back vibes!
They are also famous for their swings and sunsets. It’s a completely different kind of island life compared to Bali or Lombok.
Gili Trawangan is an all round backpacker vibe, with bars and water related activities along the main strip of the island.
Gili Air and Gili Meno however are way less quiet, and although there are a sparse number of accommodations on each, day trips alone are much more popular.
We also have a things to do in Gili Trawangan blog, that explains more in depth of how to get there and the best things to do from snorkelling with turtles, to having a massage on the beach and eating at the night market.
Senggigi
Senggigi used to be the main tourist strip of Lombok, stretched out along several kilometres of the beachfront, just to the north of the capital Mataram.
After spending a lot of time in the water in the Gili Islands, a stop in Senggigi for a couple of nights will complete your Lombok itinerary nicely!
There’s not a lot to do in Senggigi, apart from relax, so it’s the perfect final destination to switch off and enjoy island life.
If you’re looking for the ultimate place to unwind we can highly recommend staying at Living Asia Resort and Spa. The guys really looked after us and couldn’t have made the end of our Lombok trip any more perfect!
Where To Stay In Kuta
Luxury
Boasting a year-round outdoor pool, Mana Retreat offers an accommodations in Kuta Lombok.
The hotel has a sun terrace and a spacious area with wooden flooring where guests can take daily yoga classes with a surcharge.
Free private parking is available on site. All units have a seating area with views of the tropical garden.
Every room comes with a private bathroom and a bidet.
There is a shop and a vegetarian restaurant at Mana Retreat. Guests can also enjoy a movie in the evening, 4 times a week.
Mid Budget
Offering an outdoor swimming pool and an on-site restaurant, Puri Rinjani Bungalows is a beachfront property located in Kuta in Lombok.
Free WiFi access is available in public areas.
This holiday park is only about a 2-minute walk from Kuta Lombok Beach and Lombok International Airport is reachable within 30 minutes by car from the property.
The bungalows at Puri Rinjani come with air conditioning and a flat screen TV with satellite channel, a wardrobe, and a safety deposit box. The private bathroom features shower facility.
There is also a terrace with seating area overlooking the lush garden and pool.
Budget
Located 11 miles from Selong Belanak Beach, Kebun Homestay offers a garden, a terrace and air-conditioned accommodations with a patio and free WiFi.
There’s a fully equipped private bathroom with bidet and free toiletries.
The family stay offers a continental or à la carte breakfast.
Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at Kebun Homestay.
Kuta Beach is a 12-minute walk from the accommodation, while Tanjung Aan Beach is 6 miles away.
For more places to stay in Kuta, you can check the latest prices on Booking.com.
More Lombok Blogs
Lombok Waterfalls – Top 4 Waterfalls In Lombok
The Top 7 Things To Do In Kuta Lombok
Mount Rinjani Trekking – All You Need To Know
A Guide To Your Gili Trawangan Snorkeling Tour
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Silvia
Sunday 6th of August 2023
Hi! Do. you have any private drivers you would recommend for the area? Thanks
Alex
Monday 1st of July 2019
Thanks for this helpful guide guys! We are heading to Lombok in a few weeks, excited to finally check this one off our bucket list :D
Charlie Pauly
Monday 8th of July 2019
Ahh thanks so much! Glad it can come in handy and have an awesome trip! :)