Highlights
- Surf the famous swells off the beaches of South Bali
- Visit the party island of Gili Trawangan for the culture and nightlife
- On Lombok Island, swim beneath a jungle waterfall (or two)
- Spot shipwrecks and sea turtles while snorkeling in the Gili Islands
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Bali, Transfer to Seminyak | Seminyak, Bali |
| Day 2 | Surfing Workshop in South Bali, Explore Seminyak | Seminyak, Bali |
| Day 3 | Transfer to Gili Trawangan | Gili Trawangan |
| Day 4 | Island Hop & Snorkel in the Gili Islands | Gili Trawangan |
| Day 5 | Waterfalls & Culture on Lombok Island | Gili Trawangan |
| Day 6 | Explore the Underwater Worlds of Gili Nanggu & Gili Kedis | Gili Trawangan |
| Day 7 | Transfer to Bali, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Bali, Transfer to Seminyak
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Welcome to Bali, Indonesia! After you arrive at Denpasar International Airport, you'll meet your driver, who'll be waiting to transfer you to your hotel in the beachside town of Seminyak. Take the remainder of the day to adjust to the local time and rest, or explore the area at your leisure.
A coastal town in southern Bali known for its pristine beaches, vibrant nightlife, and luxury resorts, Seminyak will provide you with plenty of opportunities for relaxation, entertainment, and those quintessential Bali views. Spend time lounging on the beach under the colorful umbrellas at Seminyak Beach, experiencing the white sands at Double Six Beach, or enjoying the beach clubs at Kayu Ayu Beach.
You can also participate in water activities like surfing, standup paddleboarding, and kayaking at any beach. Taste the worldly flavors on Eat Street, get a foot rub and a hair trim at Bali Barber & Spa, or pamper yourself with a traditional Balinese massage with a view at one of the many beachside spas.
Day 2: Surfing Workshop in South Bali, Explore Seminyak
Grab a surfboard and spend your morning riding the waves of South Bali. With its picturesque beaches and consistent swells, South Bali attracts surfers from all over the world who flock to the waters at Uluwatu, Padang Padang, and Bingin Beach. Catch your first wave or get some experience-enhancing tips from an expert during this morning's four-hour workshop.
After your surfing lesson, fill the rest of the day as you choose. Explore the other vibrant beachside towns of South Bali, such as Kuta, for waterslides and beachy cafés. For one-stop entertainment, head to Finns Recreation Club, which offers a chance to participate in various water sports, hit up a waterpark, and relax at a spa. Visit Echo Beach to catch the sunset with a side of music from one of the many beachside clubs.
Day 3: Transfer to Gili Trawangan
It's off to new shores this morning as you transfer to Serangan Harbor to catch your morning ferry for Gili Trawangan. The largest of the three Gili Islands located off the coast of Lombok Island, "Gili T" has a reputation as a party spot but also has its fair share of sandy beaches and yoga studios, along with crystal-clear water beloved by snorkelers and divers. Upon arrival, a horse cart will take you to your hotel (there are no cars or motorized vehicles on the island).
After you settle in, you'll have the rest of the day to explore. An essential activity in Gili Trawangan is a visit to Sunset Point on the southwest part of the island to watch the sunset from the many lively beach bars or overwater swings. If you want to immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of the island, make a stop at the Gili Trawangan Cultural Center, which showcases traditional art and music and offers classes in Balinese cooking and crafting.
Day 4: Island Hop & Snorkel in the Gili Islands
Today you'll catch another boat for a day of island-hopping and snorkeling between the Gili Islands. These three small pieces of paradise, Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air, offer world-class snorkeling, picturesque coves, and their own distinct charms. Each island has its share of sandy beaches fringed with palm trees, as well as coral reefs, teeming with any marine life you could imagine, just offshore.
Starting at Gili Trawangan, you'll snorkel to Wreck Point to spot its famous sunken ship. Look for sea turtles in the water off Turtle Point on the serene Gili Meno. On the luxurious Gili Air, several popular snorkeling spots include the Gili Air Wall, Haan's Reef, and Nemo City. In addition to sea turtles, keep an eye out for sharks, moray eels, colorful coral, and many tropical fish. At the end of the day, you'll head back to Gili Trawangan in time for dinner.
Day 5: Waterfalls & Culture on Lombok Island
Hop on a boat this morning to travel between Gili Trawangan and the enchanting island of Lombok. Considered by some to be the "undiscovered Bali," Lombok is full of sandy beaches, jungle waterfalls, and volcanoes, all without the crowds. It's also an ideal spot to immerse yourself in Balinese culture, as the island has retained much of its traditional heritage.
Begin with a visit to Benang Stokel Waterfall, reached via an easy trail surrounded by jungle views. Listen to local guides share myths about the waterfalls and swim in the refreshing pools. Your next stop is the Benang Kelambu Waterfall, which is also found deep in the Lombok rainforest. The waterfall resembles a hanging curtain made of benang (thread) cascading down from the rocks, inspiring its name. Swim in the natural pools formed at the base of the falls and enjoy the cooling mist coming from the rocks.
Next, you'll learn more about the distinct culture of Lombok by visiting several traditional island villages. Witness the mastery of traditional weaving techniques by skilled artisans in Sukarara before learning how to create your own handcrafted memento. End the day with a visit to Desa Sade, which has preserved its ancient Sasak (the Indigenous peoples of Lombok) customs. The village is renowned for its conventional thatched-roof houses of clay and rumah adat (cow dung) and traditional activities like weaving, pottery making, and rice farming. At the end of your adventure, a boat will be waiting to take you back to Gili Trawangan.
Day 6: Explore the Underwater Worlds of Gili Nanggu & Gili Kedis
Your last day in Indonesia will take you back to into the archipelago's underwater worlds. Take a snorkeling tour through the small and enchanting "Secret Gilis" of Gili Nanggu and Gili Kedis. These little pieces of paradise, surrounded by the azure waters of the Indian Ocean, are known for their colorful coral and vibrant marine life.
Gili Nanggu, located around 25 miles (41 km) south of Gili Trawangan, is nearly deserted—there are only a few small bungalows and a single restaurant. Just over a mile away, you'll find the tiny but picturesque Gili Kedis, with nothing but several basic amenities. On these "secret" islands, you'll feel like you've found a whole new, undiscovered Indonesia. Snorkel in the calm waters right off the white-sand beaches while watching for turtles and sharks, feed the fish from the shallows, or savor the peace on the shore.
Day 7: Transfer to Bali, Depart
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