Lombok Travel Guide 2025: The Ultimate 7-Day Island Itinerary
After nearly 2,000 days of living the endless summer, I’ve evolved from a solo nomad to a father of two biracial toddlers and a full-time expat dad in Singapore. But some things haven’t changed—my thirst for culture, my love of Southeast Asia, and my passion for discovering spots like Lombok, which rewards both the restless adventurer and the laid-back traveler.
If you’ve done Bali and are craving authentic island life, stunning volcanoes, and untouched beaches minus the party crowds, Lombok is your perfect escape in 2025. Here’s a curated 7-day Lombok itinerary full of sensory experiences, cultural moments, logistics that’ll make things easy, and yes—even one small mishap I'll never forget.
Day 1: Arrival in Lombok – Senggigi Sunset
Arriving: Fly into Lombok International Airport (LOP). If you're coming via Bali, flights are short and inexpensive. Transfer to Senggigi (about 1.5 hours by car).
Where to stay: Katamaran Resort – Modern Balinese-inspired resort with dramatic ocean views. Ideal for unwinding after travel.
Highlights:
- Explore Senggigi Beach: gentle surf, sunset bars, local fish grilled on warungs.
- Dinner at The Kliff: Panoramic sea views and fresh seafood.
Sensory Flashback: That moment when your feet sink into warm black volcanic sand as children played football in the golden dusk and a vendor handed me a still-warm pisang goreng (fried banana).
Practical Tips:
- Arrange a pre-booked taxi (Blue Bird or hotel) from the airport to Senggigi.
- Locals are warm but modest; greet with a smile and a nod.
Day 2: Waterfalls & Temples in North Lombok
Excursion: Early trip to Sendang Gile & Tiu Kelep Waterfalls near Senaru, roughly 2.5 hours north.
Cultural Highlight: Stop at Pura Batu Bolong temple en route—a seaside shrine perched on black rocks.
Lunch: At a mountain warung near Senaru serving hot soto ayam (chicken soup) and sweet tea.
Accommodation Tip: You can either stay overnight in Senaru (Rinjani Lodge recommended) or return to your Senggigi base if you're not hiking Rinjani.
Mishap Moment: Halfway back on a twisting forest road, I realized I’d left my camera at the waterfall. What followed was a U-turn, broken Bahasa Indonesia, and a kind local teen sprinting down the jungle path to recover it. Never again without a carabiner clip!
Day 3: Gili Islands Escape
Logistics: Catch a public boat or fast boat from Bangsal Harbor to Gili Air or Gili Trawangan (30–45 mins). Boats run regularly from morning until mid-afternoon.
Stay: Manta Dive Resort Gili Air – Great balance of diving opportunities and relaxed vibes.
Do:
- Snorkel with turtles just off the beach.
- Rent a bike (no cars on Gilis!) and cruise around the island.
- Dine coastal-side with grilled snapper and live reggae playing softly in the background.
Tip: Bring cash. While more ATMs exist now, power outages happen.
Day 4: Underwater Adventure or Just Chill
Option A – Adventure Addicts: Try a beginner scuba dive or freediving with established schools like Blue Marlin or Oceans 5.
Option B – Culture Lovers: Head to Gili Meno for a quieter day, bird park visit, and the hauntingly beautiful underwater statue circle.
Foodie Spot: Pachamama Organic Café (Gili Air) – smoothie bowls, fresh-baked sourdough, and homemade almond milk lattes.
Cultural Note: Although Gili islands are touristy, they’re also conservative Muslim communities. Cover swimwear outside beaches and be respectful during call to prayer.
Day 5: Head East – Tetebatu Rice Terraces
Travel: Return to Lombok’s mainland, rent a motorbike or arrange a car with driver (~2.5 hours to Tetebatu from Bangsal).
Stay: Les Rizieres Lombok – eco-lodge nestled among rice paddies.
Immersive Experience:
- Walk through rice fields with a Sasak village guide.
- Spot black monkeys in the foothills of Mount Rinjani.
- Learn to pound coffee the traditional way in a bamboo hut.
Vivid Memory: Watching my two-year-old laugh as he chased ducks between the rows of rice during golden hour, while the air smelled of woodfire and cloves.
Day 6: Southbound – Culture + Coast in Kuta Lombok
Travel: Drive to southern Kuta (approx. 2.5 hours). The road snakes through hills dotted with water buffalo.
Check In: Origin Lombok – Yogi-chic domes and hill views near downtown Kuta.
Things to Do:
- Visit Sade Traditional Village for a glimpse of Sasak homes and weaving traditions.
- Hit Tanjung Aan Beach for powder-white curves and turquoise waters.
- Grab dinner at Kenza Café for vibrant ambiance and crunchy tempeh salads.
Etiquette Tip: Always remove your shoes before entering someone’s home or a traditional structure—often signposted.
Day 7: Thrill or Tranquility – You Choose
Option A – Adrenaline Seekers: Book an ultralight flight with FlyLombok.id and soar above Kuta’s sky-blue coves and lush plateaus. It’s part flying, part pure joy—I swear my pulse matched the sound of the wind rushing past the wings.
Option B – Soul Soothers: Join a beachfront yoga session at Ashtari before a smoothie breakfast overlooking Gerupuk Bay.
Departure: Allow 1.5–2 hours to reach LOP depending on traffic if flying out.
Transportation Overview
- Car + Driver Rental: Starts around IDR 600,000/day (~$40 USD) including gas.
- Motorbike Rental: Common and cheap (~IDR 75,000/day), but only for confident riders.
- Public Boats/Fast Boats: Available between mainland and Gilis.
Use Grab or Gojek only in certain towns (not reliable island-wide). Pre-book airport transfer.
Safety & Practical Advice
- Lombok is generally safe with low petty crime. Lock scooters and keep valuables secure.
- Earthquakes can occur. Accommodation usually equipped with basic safety protocols.
- Tap water isn’t potable—buy bottled.
- Buy a local SIM (Telkomsel has best coverage).
- Dress modestly, especially inland.
Budget Snapshot (2025 Pricing)
- Shoestring Traveler: $30–50/day (hostels, street food, shared transport)
- Mid-range: $60–120/day (boutique hotels, rentals, casual cafes)
- Luxury Explorer: $150–300/day (resorts, private tours, ultralight flights)
Final Thoughts
Maybe you’re not looking to live the “endless summer” like I do, but even a week in Lombok feeds your wonder. Culture here isn’t a performance—it’s lived, layered, and shared. Whether in a Sasak village or flying over turquoise shores with FlyLombok.id, this island offers something memorably real.
Lombok isn’t just a Bali alternative—it’s a fully alive destination. All you have to do is show up.
Ready to see paradise from the skies? Experience the island from above—book your ultra-light flight at FlyLombok.id and let Lombok unfold like never before.
Happy wandering!