Planning a trip to Indonesia and struggling to choose between Bali and Lombok? The good news is, you don’t have to. The two islands are so close together that with the right Bali Lombok itinerary, you can experience the best of what both destinations have to offer. The contrast between Bali’s incredible temples, rich culture, and trendy cafés, and Lombok’s pristine beaches, awe-inspiring mountains, and quieter island life… pairing the two destinations creates the perfect Indonesia trip.
In 2026, Bali is a far cry from the undeveloped paradise it once was. Every time I return, I’m shocked by just how much it has changed - areas feel completely different year to year, and there’s a constant cycle of businesses opening and closing. I still think it’s worth visiting - especially for first-time visitors, as Bali is ideal for easing into Indonesia. Its infrastructure is excellent, transport is easy, and there’s a huge range of accommodations.
However, I’m a big advocate for balancing Bali with a visit to Lombok. This island lies just 60 km to the east of Bali, yet it could not feel more different. It’s brimming with jaw-dropping natural scenery and azure beaches, yet receives only a fraction of the tourists that Bali does. While it’s gained more popularity (and in turn, development) in recent years, it still feels relatively untouched. It’s the perfect place to slow down at the end of your trip.
Tip: From a logistics perspective, Bali to Lombok travel is straightforward, with fast boats and short flights making island hopping easy. That’s why this route has become one of the most popular Indonesia island hopping itinerary options.
If you’ve decided you want to experience both islands, but are struggling figuring out how best to plan your trip, I’ve got you! I’ve put together the perfect Bali Lombok itinerary, designed with no backtracking to make the most efficient use of time. It moves logically eastward, balances sightseeing with downtime, and avoids rushing between destinations.
How to Get from Bali to Lombok
Getting from Bali to Lombok is pretty simple, but there are two ways to travel between the islands - by boat or by plane.
Fast Boat (Most Popular Option)
Fast boats run daily from Padang Bai, Serangan, and Sanur in Bali to Bangsal Harbor or Senggigi in Lombok. The journey takes between 1.5 - 3 hours (depending on sea conditions and the type of boat), and tickets can either be booked in advance online or at the port.
This is the most budget-friendly way to get to Lombok from Bali, and tickets usually cost between 250k and 500k IDR. It’s a nice scenic journey - I’ve even spotted dolphins taking this boat trip before!
Fast boats are ideal if your Bali and Lombok itinerary includes the Gili Islands (like this one does), as many boats stop there en route.
Flying (Fastest Option)
Flights from Denpasar (DPS) to Lombok International Airport (LOP) take about 40 minutes. This is the best choice for anyone super tight on time, or travelers prone to seasickness.
It’s more expensive to fly - flights range in price and can cost anywhere from 350k to 1.5m IDR, depending on availability and time of year.
Day 1: Arrive in Bali - Seminyak or Canggu
Start your Bali Lombok itinerary on Bali’s west coast. If you’re traveling from overseas, you’ll likely have had a very long journey to reach Bali, so ease into your itinerary by spending your first night on the west coast, as it's close to the airport.
I recommend staying in either Seminyak or Canggu. Both have pretty similar vibes - they’re beach-centric areas popular with travelers, with plenty of shops, bars, and restaurants to enjoy. Seminyak is the slightly more upscale of the two and has a very trendy dining and bar scene, while Canggu is more of a laid-back surf spot, popular for its cafe culture and with digital nomads.
Spend your first day unwinding. Enjoy a beach walk, sunset drinks, and an early night. There isn’t really a lot to do in either area except enjoy the beach and make the most of the dining scene, so this is a good chance to ease yourself into your busy Bali and Lombok itinerary.
Our Favorite Places to Stay in Seminyak
1. Potato Head Suites Luxury
Perfect for couples or solo travelers wanting a luxurious beachfront stay with a renowned beach club, stylish rooms, and an infinity pool overlooking the ocean.
2. Cocowhite Villa Large Groups
Ideal for families or groups. Close to the main attractions like 'Eat Street". Boasting a large outdoor swimming pool and 3 large bedrooms & just 500 m from the beach.
3. Grandmas Plus Hotel Budget
Offering budget-friendly comfort near Seminyak Beach, with cozy rooms and an on-site restaurant. A great pick for budget or solo travelers wanting to meet new people.
Day 2 & 3: Explore Bali’s Cultural Heart
Start your day bright and early and head inland toward Ubud, Bali’s cultural center. Try to avoid the morning rush hour of 7:30 - 9:30, particularly if you’re traveling from Canggu - Bali traffic is no joke, so set off outside these hours to save yourself the frustration! The drive should take just over an hour and is a nice scenic journey, passing through rice fields and small villages.
Ubud is often described as Bali's spiritual heart. It’s where the film ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ was filmed and is the place to get your fill of temples, yoga, and meditation. The town is set amongst breathtaking natural surroundings (think: verdant jungle landscapes, and sculpted rice terraces), and the vibe here is slow and spiritual.
There’s plenty to do in Ubud, with many different options to suit whatever your travel style might be. My top recommendations for your time in Ubud are:
- Experience the Sacred Monkey Forest, where you can get up close and personal with Balinese Long Tailed Macaques.
- Tour the iconic Tegallalang Rice Terraces, one of the most photogenic spots in Bali.
- Visit the sacred Hindu Tirta Empul Water Temple and take part in a purification ritual believed to remove negativity and renew the mind, body, and soul.
- Conquer the volcano, Mount Batur, on a stunning sunrise hike.
- Take in the views on the Campuhan Ridge Hike.
- Head out on a waterfall tour - there are so many amazing waterfalls to visit around Ubud. Tibumana and Kanto Lampo are my two top recommendations.
- Unwind by taking a yoga class, or have your ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ moment at this sound yoga and energy healing experience.
- Indulge at one of the many cool day clubs in Ubud - I recommend Cretya, Omma, and Jungle Fish.
- Learn how to cook local food in an Indonesian cooking class.
In this itinerary, you’ll have one full day, one afternoon/evening, and one morning in Ubud - which is a good amount of time to do most things on this list, if you’re happy to have busy days. A good way to make the most of your time in Ubud is by booking a day tour that ticks off the main sites. This Private Ubud Highlights Tour visits three waterfalls, Tirta Empul, and the Tegallalang Rice Terraces, and is a great way to see the best of what Ubud has to offer without the stress and hassle of the logistics.
Day 4: Ubud to Charming East Bali
I highly recommend starting day 4 with a sunrise hike up Mt Batur - it’s a very early start (pickups are usually at 2 am!), but it’s one of the most breathtaking views I’ve ever seen.
Set off from Ubud around midday to the next stop on this Bali Lombok itinerary - Sidemen. This rural village is located in the tranquil and more traditional East Bali, so it is a great place to get some insight to more local feeling of Balinese life. It’s a beautiful spot to spend a night, set in the shadow of Mount Agung and surrounded by verdant fields and rice paddies.
Sidemen is a great place to kick back and enjoy the beautiful surroundings, but there are a handful of great things to do here as well. My top picks are:
- Visit a viewpoint, like the incredible Lahangan Sweet Volcano Viewpoint. If you do one thing in East Bali, let it be this. It’s just over an hour's drive from Sidemen, but the views are unreal, and it’s very worth the journey!
- Make your own souvenir at a Balinese silver workshop, led by skilled local artisans. I did this at Widana Sidemen and had so much fun creating a ring - the staff here are so knowledgeable and helpful, and it’s a lovely souvenir to remember your trip.
- Experience Sidemen's waterfalls - if you haven’t had your fill of waterfalls in Ubud already, there are some great ones surrounding Sidemen. Gembleng Waterfall and Tukad Cepung are my two top picks.
Tomorrow you’ll have a travel day to Lombok. Sidemen is around a 25 minute drive from the port, so it is a great stop in between Ubud and Lombok that avoids backtracking.
Day 5: Travel From Sidemen to the Gili Islands
Today, you officially shift islands, starting the next phase of your Bali Lombok itinerary. Your next stop is the Gili Islands. The Gili Islands are a small archipelago off the coast of Lombok's mainland, made up of Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air. Gili Trawangan is the largest of the islands and has a lively backpacker scene and a strong scuba diving community. Gili Meno is known as the quiet island and is less developed, making it the perfect place for secluded relaxation. The vibe on Gili Air is in between the other two - it’s got a slow, relaxing pace, but there’s a decent number of places to eat and drink, and a bit more atmosphere.
Whichever of the islands you choose, spend the day soaking up the sun and sea - that’s precisely what the Gilis are for! All three islands have idyllic white sand beaches, and there’s lots of great snorkeling and scuba diving around them.
Day 6: Head to Mainland Lombok
From the Gili Islands, it’s just a short boat ride to the mainland - the journey usually takes around half an hour.
There are a few options of areas to stay in Lombok - for first-time visitors, I recommend basing yourself in Kuta, a laid-back surf town that’s one of Lombok's tourist hubs. Kuta was once a sleepy fishing village, and has started gaining popularity with travelers over the years - but the beach remains perfectly unspoilt, and there’s such a great atmosphere here.
Your boat will likely have arrived at Bangsal Port, and it’s about a two-hour drive from here to Kuta. Spend your first afternoon in Lombok getting settled into your accommodation and enjoying the beach.
Tip: I’ve put together the Lombok days of this itinerary in a logical order for travelers staying in Kuta. If you opt to stay in another area, some days it might make sense to visit attractions in a different order - check travel times before heading out for the day!
Day 7: South Lombok Beaches + Sasak Culture
Day 7 starts with a half-hour drive from Kuta to Sade Village, a traditional Sasak settlement. The Sasak people were Lombok's first inhabitants, arriving on the island from Java around 1,500 years ago. A visit to this traditional village is a great way to get a feeling of what Lombok was like before it gained popularity with tourists; you’ll see thatched, clay and bamboo houses, and get to watch ancient crafts like weaving and batik dyeing.
After spending the morning exploring Sade, the rest of the day is for experiencing Lombok's south beaches. I recommend visiting these three:
- Selong Belanak, a charming, laid-back beach, which is a great spot for beginners to try surfing. It’s famous for its water buffalo which cross the beach each day, between 4 and 5pm.
- Mawun Beach, a serene crescent bay with bright white sand and dazzlingly blue water. This one is a lesser-known Lombok beach, so it’s usually super quiet.
- Tanjung Aan, a long, peaceful beach with very shallow water and calm surf. Tanjung Aan is the closest to Kuta, so it's a good beach to end your day on if you opt to go beach hopping.
Visit all three, or choose just one to kick back and relax on for the afternoon.
Day 8 – East Lombok Highlands + Pink Beach
Get started early - there’s around 5 - 6 hours of driving time in today's itinerary, so I recommend setting off around 6:00 - 7:00 am.
Morning - Sembalun, Tepi Sawah Sembalun and Bukit Selong
It’s a 2.5-hour drive from Kuta to Sembalun, and the journey will take you through incredibly scenic mountain roads. Sembalun is located at an elevation of around 1150 meters, and is a beautiful mountain region with epic views. Mount Rinjani is located within this area, and Sembalun offers the best view of the volcano - without climbing it, that is!
Head to Tepi Sawah Sembalun, a small strawberry farm with a little cafe that has amazing views of Mount Rinjani. It’s a great spot to grab coffee and breakfast while taking in the incredible views. Make sure to try one of their special strawberry drinks - it doesn’t get much fresher than this.
Afterwards, it’s a short drive to Bukit Selong. This is an epic star-shaped viewpoint, with a panoramic view over a perfect patchwork quilt of rice paddies, set into the backdrop of Mount Rinjani. There’s a short 15-minute hike up to it, and you’ll need to pay an entry fee of 10,000 IDR.
Afternoon - Tangsi (Pink) Beach
Lombok is home to many incredible beaches, but one of them is particularly unique. Tangsi Beach, on the island's southeast coast, doesn’t share the same bright white sand as the rest of Lombok's islands - instead, its sand has a remarkable pink colour.
The sand is pink due to waves washing up a mixture of tiny red coral fragments, which mix with the white sand to create a pretty pink hue. The colour is particularly strong closest to the sea, and if you watch the waves breaking on the sand, you’ll see the colour get brighter right before your eyes.
There’s a 50,000 IDR fee to enter the beach, and there’s not much here in terms of development except a handful of small bamboo warungs. Grab lunch here, and spend the afternoon snorkeling and exploring - the beach is a horseshoe shaped bay with a few cliffs on either side, one of which has a cool hidden cave.
Day 9 – North Lombok Waterfalls + Malimbu Hill
Morning - waterfalls
Start the last day of your Bali to Lombok itinerary by driving to Senaru, a picturesque village in the north of the island. This unassuming village is home to two breathtaking waterfalls, which are pretty much at the foot of Mount Rinjani - Sendang Gila and Tiu Kelep.
Both waterfalls share an entrance, and there's a 10,000 IDR entrance fee to pay. Sendang Gila is first up, and it’s a short trail through the jungle, then down a few steps to reach the waterfall. This one is cool, but I consider it to be a bit of a warmup for Tiu Kelep as it’s ten times cooler!
After Sendang Gila, you’ll continue on the trail for around 25 minutes and will have to cross the river a few times - it’s a pretty easy, but super scenic hike. At the end, you’ll arrive at Tiu Kelep, Lombok's most famous waterfall.
I was absolutely blown away when I visited this waterfall - the water streams down in a sort of curtain-like formation, through leaves and vines and all the vegetation that’s growing on the cliffs. It’s completely otherworldly and is a real Bali and Lombok itinerary highlight.
Afternoon – Senggigi and Malimbu Hill
Stop for lunch in Senggigi. This area is the oldest and most established tourist area on Lombok, and there are lots of great restaurants and little shops here. The town is centered around a pretty decent beach, and it’s a nice place to spend a couple of hours.
End your last day in Lombok by heading to Malimbu Hill to watch the sunset. This is the best sunset spot on Lombok (in my opinion!) - it faces directly west, so you get unobstructed views as the sun dips down over the horizon. There are a few different vantage points, one of which has a clear view over the three Gili Islands. It’s a great spot for the last sunset of your Bali and Lombok itinerary!
Getting Around Bali vs Lombok
There are some minor differences in getting around Bali and Lombok, and it’s important to keep these in mind when planning your trip.
Bali
Lots of travelers choose to hire scooters/motorbikes to get around Bali - you’ll find rental places everywhere you go. If you have experience driving bikes in Asia, this is a super affordable and convenient way to get around.
If you don’t have any bike experience, I recommend opting for alternative transport. Traffic can be crazy (especially in the south of Bali), local drivers are often pretty unpredictable, and a lot of roads aren’t in great condition. Save yourself the stress - and risk!
Instead, you can get around using ride-hailing apps like Grab and Gojek - they’re very affordable and reliable. Alternatively, private drivers are easy to find and offer a stress-free way to get from A to B.
Lombok
Lombok is less developed, which has a few pros and cons. Ride-hailing apps are pretty limited outside of Kuta, Senggigi, and the area surrounding the airport, so they aren’t as reliable. I would say it’s more worthwhile to book a private driver here. You can book a driver for your time in Lombok really easily online, or at the port when you arrive.
Hiring a scooter or bike is a great way to get around Lombok - the roads are usually very quiet, and incredibly scenic. Just make sure to consider driving distances; some of the Lombok days on this itinerary involve over five hours of driving, which is a long time to sit on a bike! Additionally, it’s good to know that while the main roads around the island are modern and in good condition, roads to attractions and viewpoints are often hilly dirt tracks, unsuitable for non-confident drivers.
Best Time to Do a Bali Lombok Trip
The best time for a Bali Lombok itinerary is during the dry season, which runs from May until October.
- May to October: Offers the best weather, but these are the busiest months to travel in Indonesia.
- July and August: This is when you can expect peak crowds and prices.
- November to April: This is the wet season, when you’ll find fewer crowds but heavier rain.
Practical Tips for a Bali - Lombok Itinerary
- Pack light. Boats and transfers are easier with minimal luggage. I’m generally team backpack over suitcase anyway, but especially in this region - it’s so much easier navigating boats and bikes with a backpack. Plus, pavements in Indonesia are often in an awful condition (or non-existent at all!), which would be tricky to navigate with a wheeled suitcase.
- Book boats in advance - especially during high season, as they do sell out.
- Respect local customs: The main religion in Lombok is Islam, and Bali is predominantly Hindu. Additionally, as Lombok is less touristy, it’s definitely more conservative than Bali - be mindful of this, and make sure to be respectful during your trip.
- Carry cash: In Bali, you can pay using a credit/debit card in many places, but not everywhere, so you’ll need to keep cash on you. In Lombok, cash is still used in most places. All entry fees in both Bali and Lombok must be paid in cash. You should also be aware that ATMs are less reliable outside cities - this isn’t really the case on Bali, but it applies to Lombok.
Mount Rinjani and Adapting This Bali to Lombok Itinerary
You might have noticed that I haven’t included the epic Mount Rinjani hike in this itinerary - this is for a few reasons.
It’s an incredible hike, and is easily one of the best things you can do on Lombok. But it’s a multi-day hike and involves an overnight camp - in my opinion, if you only have 9 days to experience both Bali and Lombok, opting to do this hike eats into too much of the itinerary.
Additionally, it’s a pretty challenging hike! The summit is at 3,726 m (12,224 feet), and it’s fairly gruelling in parts. You need a good level of fitness for this hike, so it won’t be for everyone. It’s very worthwhile, though, and if you’re into hiking, it should definitely be on your Indonesia bucket list. Just adapt this itinerary slightly - either by adding a few days onto your trip, or cutting two days from this itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 9 days enough for Bali and Lombok?
Yes, 9 days is a great amount of time to experience the highlights of both Bali and Lombok without feeling rushed. This itinerary is designed to move logically eastward — starting on Bali's west coast, moving through Ubud and East Bali, then crossing to the Gili Islands before reaching Lombok's mainland. You'll have time for temples, rice terraces, waterfalls, beaches, and cultural experiences across both islands. That said, if you want to add the Mount Rinjani hike, you'll want to extend your trip by at least 2–3 days.
How long does it take to get from Bali to Lombok by fast boat?
The fast boat from Bali to Lombok takes between 1.5 and 3 hours, depending on sea conditions, your departure port, and the type of boat. Boats depart from Padang Bai, Serangan, and Sanur in Bali, arriving at either Bangsal Harbor or Senggigi in Lombok. Many boats stop at the Gili Islands en route, which makes the fast boat the most convenient option if your itinerary includes the Gilis. Tickets cost between 250,000 and 500,000 IDR and can be booked in advance online or at the port. If you're short on time or prone to seasickness, flights from Denpasar (DPS) to Lombok International Airport (LOP) take around 40 minutes.
Which Gili Island is best for first-time visitors?
It depends on what you're looking for. Gili Trawangan is the best choice if you want a lively atmosphere, a wide range of restaurants and bars, and a buzzing scuba diving scene — it's the largest and most developed of the three islands. Gili Air is the sweet spot for most first-time visitors: it has a relaxed, unhurried pace, but enough cafés and beach bars to feel social. Gili Meno is the quietest of the three — ideal if total seclusion and pristine snorkeling are your priorities. All three have beautiful white sand beaches and excellent snorkeling, so you really can't go wrong.
What is the best time of year to visit Bali and Lombok?
The best time to visit Bali and Lombok is during the dry season, which runs from May through October. You'll get the most reliable weather, calm seas for boat crossings, and ideal conditions for hiking, snorkeling, and beach days. July and August are peak season — expect larger crowds and higher accommodation prices, but the weather is at its best. If you prefer fewer tourists and lower costs, May, June, and September are excellent shoulder months with great weather and a quieter atmosphere. The wet season runs from November through April, bringing heavier rainfall and choppier seas — boat crossings can be rougher during this period, and some outdoor activities may be disrupted.
Do I need a visa for Indonesia?
Most visitors to Indonesia can enter visa-free for up to 30 days under the Visa-Free Entry policy, which applies to citizens of over 90 countries including the US, UK, Australia, and most of Europe. If you plan to stay longer than 30 days, you can apply for a Visa on Arrival (available at major entry points including Bali's Ngurah Rai Airport), which allows up to 60 days and can be extended once for an additional 30 days. Always check the latest entry requirements before your trip, as visa policies can change. Indonesia's official immigration website is the most reliable source for up-to-date information.
Is Lombok safe for tourists?
Lombok is generally a safe destination for tourists. The island is welcoming and the local Sasak people are known for being warm and hospitable. Standard travel precautions apply — keep an eye on your belongings in busy areas, use reputable transport, and be cautious swimming at beaches without lifeguards, as some of Lombok's south coast beaches have strong currents. One cultural note worth keeping in mind: Lombok is a predominantly Muslim island and is more conservative than Bali. Dress modestly when visiting villages and religious sites, and be respectful of local customs. This is especially relevant in rural areas away from the main tourist hubs of Kuta and Senggigi.