Discover Lombok
Get the lowdown on Bali’s beautiful neighbour on an eight-day tropical adventure in Lombok. Spend time in rural communities, meet lots of locals and discover the fascinating Sasak culture through their food, music, home industry and local crafts. From the laidback vibes of Labuan Pandan and the idyllic Gili, you’ll be lazing beachside in no time on one of Indonesia’s most pristine islands. With all the organising taken care of, just sit back and relax on the crystal-clear waters of the Bali Sea, feast on the array of fresh seafood and enjoy the friendliness of the locals as they welcome you to their slice of paradise.
8 days, from
$787
per person
GROUP SIZE
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Details
Countries Visited:
Indonesia
Accommodation: Beach bungalow (2 nights), Guesthouse (2 nights), Hotel (3 nights)
Transportation: Boat , Private Vehicle
Included Meals:
- 7 breakfasts
- 3 lunches
- 2 dinners
Group size: Minimum 1, Max 12
Minimum Age: 15
Stay on the often-overlooked east coast of Lombok with some time spent in Labuan Pandan, taking a snorkelling trip, and enjoying a secluded island lunch and sumptuous seafood barbecue dinner.
Support the island’s communities during your time in Senaru by embarking on a tour run by passionate local women who are developing skills in tourism.
Explore Lombok by visiting the Masbagik pottery village, Tetebatu and Senaru, which will all give you a true insight into local customs and culture – as well as the delicious local food – of the island.
The Gili Islands may just be some of the most stunning stretches of sand you’ve come across. Relax on the shores of Gili Air, taking the day at your own pace – swimming, snorkelling, eating and repeating.
Begin your island jaunt with a night in Sanur on Bali’s east coast. This beachside haven has all of the ingredients for a relaxing stay, so why not consider extending your time here before your Lombok adventure?
Itinerary
Om Swastiastu! Welcome to Bali. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm this evening. You can arrive at any time during the day as there are no activities planned until this important meeting. Start your adventure in Sanur, giving you a quick taste of Bali. Sanur is home to one of best Balinese Night Markets, so be sure to gather some of your newfound travel pals together for a night of shopping and feasting on some street food.
Travel by minivan from Sanur to the port of Padang Bai (approximately 1.5 hours). Then you'll take a fast boat that takes you from Bali to Lombok (approximately 1.5-2 hours). Stop for lunch in a basic warung – a traditional Indonesian-style cafe, before taking a minibus to Tetebatu (approximately 2 hours). On the way, stop at Masbagik Village which is well known for its pottery products and where you will get to see it being made on a short walk around the village. The hill retreat of Tetebatu is situated in the centre of Lombok, at the southern base of Mt Rinjani, and boasts spectacular views. Tonight, you will enjoy an included dinner at a family-run restaurant that provides traditional Lombok-style cuisine.
Enjoy a guided walk through lush rice fields and see how the region's farmers have tended the land for centuries, still using traditional water buffalo ploughs. Climb a little higher and pass through clove and coffee plantations and stop at a local warung to try some local coffee (approximately 2.5 hours total). Visit the local village of Pringgasela to learn traditional weaving and enjoy a delicious Sasak feast. In the afternoon, return to the hotel then travel to Labuhan Pandan on the east coast of Lombok. This remote beachside location is lesser visited by tourists but is a beautiful stretch of coastline. Tonight you’ll stay in bungalow accommodation amid the peace and quiet of the secluded east coast.
Take a trip out to the nearby coral reef and enjoy some fantastic snorkelling off the boat. Stop in at a secluded island for lunch with Mt Rinjani towering over Lombok. Tonight, eat a fresh seafood barbecue on the beach. This is island living and relaxation at its best, so soak it all up!
Travel by minibus around the spiritual centre and sleeping giant of the island – Mt Rinjani (approximately 2 hours). Arrive around midday (12 pm) at Senaru – a small, rustic village nestled between the base of Mt Rinjani and the edge of the jungle. Take a guided tour of the local Sasak village to learn about the history and culture of these people who have long lived on the slopes of the mountain. Here, your local guide is part of a female guiding association that trains and develops women in tourism. You will also take a walk to the spectacular Singang Gila waterfall, and perhaps take a refreshing shower underneath it!
Continue to the west coast today by minibus (approximately 2.5 hours). The Gili Islands (Tiga Gili) are a cluster of three small islands – Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air. Transfer by small boat to Gili Air (approximately 30 minutes), where you can take in the breezy atmosphere and stroll down stunning white beaches that rival those of the neighbouring islands. Your hotel is about a 15-minute walk from the port. Your bags can be transported by cidemo (horse cart) from the port to the hotel.
The island is your oyster, so today you are completely free to relax or explore. Perhaps take in another snorkelling trip or catch a ferry across to the other islands of Gili Trawangan and Gili Meno and work out for yourself which one has the better beaches. This evening, enjoy an optional group dinner on the beachfront as you reminisce on memories of your Lombok adventure.
With no activities planned for today, you are free to leave at any time, provided you comply with the hotel’s internal check-out times, usually at 11.30 am. This doesn’t mean your adventure has to come to an end! If you would like to extend your stay on the blissful Gili Air, we’ll be able to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).