Seven days in Lombok and the Gili Islands is a slower, beachier alternative to Bali — three nights in Kuta Lombok for empty surf beaches, a night in Senaru chasing Rinjani's waterfalls, and two nights of snorkeling and island life on Gili Trawangan.
Lombok and the Gili Islands are ideal for travellers who want beaches and island life without making Bali the centre of the trip. Lombok feels more spacious and less crowded, while the Gilis bring clear water, turtles, bicycles and a car-free island rhythm. The plan: three nights in Kuta Lombok, one night in Senaru and two nights in Gili Trawangan.
Trip overview
Length: 7 days. Route: Kuta Lombok → Senaru → Gili Trawangan. Best for: beach lovers, couples, friends and relaxed travellers. Pace: balanced. Best time to go: April to October. Start point: Lombok International Airport. End point: Lombok or onward boat connection to Bali.
Before you fly: sort your Indonesia data
Get your Indonesia eSIM with Airalo before you board. Activate it on the plane so you have data, maps and messaging the moment you land.
Day 1: Arrive in Lombok and go to Kuta
After landing at Lombok International Airport, book a private airport transfer to Kuta Lombok — the drive is straightforward and Kuta is the best base for exploring the south coast.
Check in, rest and spend the evening around town. Kuta Lombok is small but easy, with restaurants, cafés and a relaxed traveller atmosphere.
WHERE TO STAY IN KUTA LOMBOK (3 nights): Search Booking.com. Guesthouses and boutique hotels from $25/night. Tanjung Aan and Selong Belanak beaches are within easy reach.
Day 2: Tanjung Aan and South Lombok beaches
Start with Tanjung Aan — one of the most beautiful beaches in South Lombok — then continue to nearby viewpoints and smaller beaches depending on the day.
A South Lombok beach tour works well because the beaches are spread out and having a driver makes the day easier. If you want something more active, book a beginner surf lesson at Selong Belanak — one of the most forgiving waves in Lombok for first-timers.
Return to Kuta for dinner.
Day 3: Selong Belanak and slow beach day
Use Day 3 for Selong Belanak — one of Lombok's most accessible beaches for beginner surfing, long walks and a slower beach rhythm. Have lunch near the beach, swim if conditions are good and return to Kuta before sunset.
If you want more structure, a private South Lombok beach and surf day (SEARCH viator.com: "South Lombok private beach surf day") can connect Selong Belanak with other nearby beaches.
Day 4: Travel to Senaru and waterfalls
Leave Kuta and travel north to Senaru — the village area near Mount Rinjani and Lombok's most famous waterfalls. The drive is long, so leave early.
In the afternoon, visit Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep waterfalls. A Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep waterfalls day trip helps manage the route and gives the day a clear structure.
Stay overnight in Senaru. The atmosphere is cooler, greener and very different from South Lombok.
WHERE TO STAY IN SENARU (1 night): Search Booking.com. Simple guesthouses near the waterfalls.
Day 5: Senaru to Gili Trawangan
After breakfast, travel from Senaru to the harbour and continue by boat to Gili Trawangan. Booking a fast boat from Lombok to Gili Trawangan is the easiest way to connect the mountain and island sections.
Once you arrive: no cars or motorbikes — bicycle, walking or horse cart only. Check in, spend the afternoon by the beach and go to the west side for sunset.
WHERE TO STAY IN GILI TRAWANGAN (2 nights): Search Booking.com. South and west sides are most convenient for restaurants and beach.
Day 6: Snorkeling around the Gili Islands
Use your full day in Gili Trawangan for snorkeling. A 3-island Gili snorkeling tour usually stops around Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air, with chances to see turtles, coral, tropical fish and the underwater statues near Gili Meno.
Keep the afternoon slow. Cycle around the island, relax at the beach or stay by the pool.
Day 7: Slow morning and onward travel
Spend the final morning slowly. Breakfast by the beach, one last swim or cycle around the island before leaving.
From Gili Trawangan you can return to Lombok, continue to Bali by fast boat or extend the trip with more time on Gili Air or Gili Meno.
Where to stay — full summary
Kuta Lombok — 3 nights (Booking.com)
Senaru — 1 night (Booking.com)
Gili Trawangan — 2 nights (Booking.com)
Practical info
- Best time to visit
- May to September (dry season). Avoid the rainy months for Rinjani area.
- Getting there
- The easiest way to reach Lombok is to fly into Lombok International Airport (LOP) in Praya and continue by private transfer and fast boat to the Gili Islands. Compare the best flight, stay, and transfer options before you go.
- Getting around
- Private driver for Lombok, fast boats for the Gili Islands. Scooters are popular on Gili Trawangan.
- Currency & money tips
- Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). ATMs in Kuta Lombok and on Gili Trawangan. Carry cash for Gili Air and Gili Meno.
- SIM card / connectivity
- Sort your Indonesia eSIM with Airalo before you board. Activate it on the plane so you have data, maps and messaging the moment you land. A local SIM (Telkomsel or XL Axiata) is also available at airport arrivals for around $5–8.
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