Discover the Hidden Treasures of Lombok & Sumbawa - 20 Days

Day 1: Arrival in Lombok

Welcome to Lombok! When you arrive at the airport you will be met by your guide and welcomed in the traditional way of the Sasak people who greet guests who visit their home by gifting them a selandang (scarf).

On your way to your hotel in Kuta, stop by the Ende Sasak Village, where you will get to witness kids playing Gendang Beleq (a music and dance performance with big drums) and Peresean—fighting with rattan sticks—an ancient martial art that recreates the legend of Mandalika Princess. This ceremonial fight also serves to ask the Gods to bless them with rain for the planting season, with the ancient belief being that the more blood spilled, the more rain would follow.

After that, take a 30-minute tour around the village, meeting the locals and learning about the traditional ways of life here on Lombok. Then, make your way to the chilled out surf capital Kuta, where you'll have the afternoon free to relax and explore the beaches. Go for a swim or a surf, chill in one of the beachside cafes, go for a wander through the neighborhood, or take a nap before making your way into town for dinner and an ocean sunset.

Day 2: Kuta & TeteBatu Day Tour: Rice Paddies, Villages, and Waterfalls

Start your first full day in Lombok with a day tour through TeteBatu. After breakfast, you will be picked up from your accommodation in Kuta and go for a drive up to the north, where you will explore local villages, hike through rice paddies, and visit fruit and vegetable plantations where you'll get to sample local delicacies like rambutans, jackfruits, and guavas.

After lunch, go on a short hike through the jungle to Sedang Gile, the tallest waterfall in Lombok. Take a dip in the plunge pool at the base and brave a natural massage from the falling water, before making your way back to Kuta. You'll arrive back in the late afternoon, just in time to go for a walk on the beach and grab dinner at sunset.

Day 3: Lombok's Southern Beaches

The aim of the day today is sun, sand, sea, and relaxation. After a leisurely morning, your private driver will pick you up to go on a laidback tour of Lombok's most beautiful beaches, from Blongas to Tanjung Aan.

Spend as long or as little on each beach as you like, ask your driver for off-the-beaten-path suggestions, including the best look-out spots, and swim, sunbathe, and relax to your heart's content on some of Indonesia's most picturesque coastal hotspots.

When you're ready, return to Kuta, where you'll spend the evening at leisure.

Day 4: Kuta to Gili Gede, Island Boat Trip, & Snorkeling

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and meet your driver who will take you to the harbor. When you arrive, jump into a local fishing boat and go on a day trip around the secret Gili Islands: Gili Nanggu, Gili Sudak, and Gili Kedis. 

Meaning 'small island' in the local Sasak language, these Gili islands may be lesser known than their famous counterparts, but they're just as beautiful. Spend your day exploring above and below the water, with plenty of time to go snorkeling on the coral reefs that surround the island. Keep your eyes peeled for starfish and tiny blue seahorses in amongst the colorful coral.

Stretch your legs on the sandy beaches of Gili Kedis, a tiny heart-shaped tropical island and ask your captain to take you to Nemo's Spot to see clownfish hiding amongst the anemones, before jumping back on board and heading over to Gili Gede, where you will spend the night.

Travel Time: 2 hr
Travel Distance: 50 miles (80 km)

Day 5: Gili Gede: Free Day

Kick back and relax as you enjoy a free day to explore Gili Gede at your own pace. Although Gili Gede means 'big island', at just 2.5 miles (4km) long, and one mile (1.6 km) wide, it isn't really that big.

Still relatively untouched by tourism, the tropical Gili Gede is like what the better known Gilis—Gili Air, Gili T, and Gili Meno—were a decade or two ago, with long empty beaches and crystal clear water. Spend the day exploring, relaxing, swimming, and snorkeling, before climbing into a hammock with a coconut or a cocktail to watch the sunset over the ocean.

Day 6: Gili Gede to Kuta via Sukarare Village & Banyumulek Village

It's time to say goodbye to your tropical island paradise and make your way back to the mainland. Check out from your hotel and hop on the shared ferry back to Lombok, where you'll visit Sukarare Village and Banyumulek Village.

These traditional villages are some of the local centers for handicrafts, with Sukarare best known for its traditional weaving, and Banyumulek for its pottery.  Watch as the local artisans demonstrate their weaving and pottery techniques using traditional tools, whilst learning about the history of the villages and the people who live there.

After, return to Kuta, where the afternoon and evening are free for you to do as you please. If you'd like, you can organize surfing classes or other tours and half-day trips locally to get out to lesser-visited villages and beaches.

Travel Time: 2+ hr
Travel Distance: 50 miles (80 km)

Day 7: Kuta to Senggigi, Cycling Tour around Surenadi

Wake up early this morning as you say goodbye to Kuta and head out to Karang Bayan to go on a cycling tour around Suranadi. Enjoy the golden hour light as you head out into the rice paddies and jungle. Stop off for a coffee break in one of the traditional villages you pass through.

After lunch, you'll make your way to Senggigi and check into your hotel. Enjoy a free afternoon exploring at leisure before taking in another amazing ocean sunset.

Travel Time: 1.5 hr
Travel Distance: 40 miles (65 km)

Day 8: Senggigi: Free Day

Today you're free to explore Senggigi. Enjoy the laidback pace of life here as you go for a wander along the beach or through the village, check out the local cuisine and delicacies, including BBQ seafood and Sate Ikan, satay Blue Marlin.

At sunset, take a walk to the Haunted Villa—an old abandoned building project that offers great views and photo opportunities from its cliffside location—or just relax on the beach with a cocktail or two, before retiring to your hotel or hitting the town.

Day 9: Senggigi to Senaru via Pusuk Forest

After breakfast, it's time to say goodbye to Senggigi and continue on your journey around Lombok with a trip up to Senaru in the north. Close to Mount Rinjani, Senaru is the jump-off point for exploring the volcano, as well as for trekking through the jungle and visiting waterfalls.

Stop en-route to visit Pusuk with its cheeky monkeys, before visiting a traditional market where you will be able to buy local fruit like rambutans, dragonfruit (pitaya), srikaya (custard apple), and even the infamous durian.

Once you arrive in Senaru, check into your hotel and spend the evening relaxing and enjoying the tropical views and the sounds of the jungle all around you.

Travel Time: 2 hr
Travel Distance: 50 miles (80 km)

Day 10: Waterfalls & Wildlife Tour

Head out into the jungle to go chasing waterfalls and wildlife as you embark on a guided trip out to Sendang Gile Waterfall and Tiu Kelep, keeping an eye out for butterflies, birds, and other wildlife along the way. When you arrive, take a shower in the refreshing falls.

Afterward, pay a visit to a local village, where you'll learn about the different ways of life here in Lombok, and see how the traditional styles of housing and dress change from area to area. This afternoon, return to Senaru where the evening is yours at leisure.

Day 11: Flight to Sumbawa, Penyaring

It's time to say a temporary goodbye to Lombok and make your way to the airport, where you'll board a short flight to neighboring Sumbawa.

Upon arrival, you will be met by your driver who will take you to the coastal town of Penyaring in northern Sumbawa, where you'll check into your hotel and then have the rest of the day free to explore. 

Travel Time: 2 hr (30 min flight time + transfers)
Travel Distance: 124 miles (200 km)

Day 12: Penyaring & Snorkeling in Paserang and Kenawa

Experience the beauty of Sumbawa today with a trip out to Paserang Island and Kenawa Island. Start your day of exploration with a short drive to Poto Tono Harbor where you will jump on a local boat over to Paserang. 

Only a third of a mile in diameter, this grassy island is ringed by white-sand beaches and has a small hill in the middle that offers great views of the islands around, as well as Lombok and Sumbawa. When you arrive, take a walk from the long wooden jetty through the grassland up to the viewpoint.

After you've explored the island, hop back on the boat and go snorkeling through the colorful reefs in the shallow waters between the islands. After lunch, moor up on Kenawa, where you can go for a wander through the grassy interior, walk up the hill, and relax on the beach before making your way back to the mainland for another night in Penyaring.

Day 13: Daytrip to Moyo Island, Diwu Mbai Waterfall & Matajitu Waterfall

Get off to an early start this morning to maximize your time on the picture-perfect Mojo Island off Sumbawa's northwestern coast. Part of the Moyo Satonda National Park, Moyo is much bigger than the islands yesterday, with a densely forested interior and plenty of exotic wildlife. Far off the tourist trail, this all but uninhabited island is a true hidden gem.

Once you arrive at the harbor, you'll meet your boat captain and head over to Labuan Aji by speedboat. From there, take a ride on the back of a scooter out to Diwu Mbai Waterfall, where you'll stop for lunch before continuing on your journey through the heart of the island to Matajitu Waterfall.

Hidden away in the middle of a forest, this waterfall consists of a series of stepped, turquoise pools that were carved out over millions of years. Go for a relaxing dip in these natural swimming pools before heading back to the port and jumping on the speed boat back to the mainland.

Day 14: Penyaring: Free Day to Surf or Explore

Enjoy two free days to relax, see the sights, and/or learn to surf in Penyaring. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, Sumbawa's northwestern beaches are perfect for surfing, with everything from beginner waves to expert level beach breaks. Sign up for a lesson or two or rent a board from the beach and head out.

If surfing isn't your thing, then fear not, there's plenty more to do. Explore the vibrant markets and street food scene in neighboring Sumbawa Besar, visit the old Sultan's Palace, which has been restored to its former glory, or head out to explore some different beaches or local villages and make new friends.

Day 15: Penyaring: Free Day to Surf or Explore

Today is another free day to explore Penyaring and Sumbawa Besar and the northwestern side of Sumbawa. Continue on your surfing escapades, relax on the beaches, or explore the town and the local markets.

You could also rent a bike or hire a driver to go a bit further afield.

Day 16: Fly to Lombok, return to Kuta

This morning, make your way to the airport to board a flight back to Lombok. Once you arrive, you'll be met by your driver who will take you back to Kuta, where you can spend the next few days relaxing, sightseeing, or continuing your surfing adventures.

Travel Time: 2 hr (30 min flight time + transfers)
Travel Distance: 124 miles (200 km)

Day 17: Kuta/Southern Lombok: Free Day

Round off your trip with three free days to explore Kuta and Lombok at your own pace. Spend your time surfing, relaxing on the beaches, shopping in the markets, and sightseeing, or head out a little further afield.

There are plenty of beaches to explore along the south coast, or if you want, you can also add on or substitute in a few other side trips, including visiting the western Gili Islands or hiking up Mount Rinjani.

Day 18: Kuta: Free Day

Settle into the laidback pace of life here with another free day to explore or relax to your heart's content. With plenty to see and do, it's unlikely you could ever get bored here, but on the off chance you need some inspiration, then you might want to check out the nearby Goa Buwun Prabu, or the Mystical Neverland Bat Cave, also known as the Three Rays Bat Cave, named after the light rays that shine down into the underground cavern through tiny holes in the roof.

A 10-minute drive from Kuta, this cave is well worth a visit. It's best to arrive around midday when the light is highest in the sky. It's also home to thousands of bats, so if you visit at dusk you'll be able to witness them all streaming out into the twilight sky.

Day 19: Kuta: Free Day

Enjoy your final day on Lombok with a relaxing breakfast, before heading out to do some last-minute exploring and sightseeing, souvenir shopping, or surfing, or just staying around the hotel, topping up your tan, relaxing by the pool, or enjoying a cocktail or a coconut or two in a hammock.

If you feel up to it, you can also hire a car and a driver to explore some of the most beautiful beaches nearby or return to any places you've loved on your trips and want to go back to before you leave. 

At sunset, make your way to the beach to enjoy the colorful skies for one last time, before enjoying dinner at your favorite restaurant or trying out one last new spot.

Day 20: Departure from Lombok

After 20 amazing days exploring Lombok and Sumbawa, the time has come to say goodbye. After breakfast, make your way to the airport to board your flight and begin your onward journey.  If you have time, squeeze in some last-minute shopping, sunbathing, or swimming before you head out.