Lombok Travel Tips I Wish I Knew Before My Trip
Let me tell you why I’m writing this: I learned these tips because I did the exact opposite and paid for it in stress, exhaustion, and a bruised ego (thanks Nusa Penida cliffs). These are the hard-earned Lombok Indonesia travel tips I wish someone had stuffed into my daypack before I tried to do everything all at once.
Here’s what happened. After 20 days ripping through Bali, Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, the Gilis, and finally Lombok—I was fried. My energy was gone, my schedule was chaos, and my budgeting? Let’s just say I hope Visa enjoyed the ride. But the kicker? Lombok could’ve been the calm paradise I desperately needed if I’d understood how to plan better.
Lesson #1: Don’t Try to “Conquer” Lombok in Two Days
I laugh now thinking about how I planned to hit Senggigi, waterfalls around Senaru, surf in Kuta, AND hike to the Rinjani crater rim in under 48 hours. Rookie mistake.
Here's what works:
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Pick one base location: If it's beaches and sunset beers, choose Senggigi. For laid-back surf vibes and warungs, head to Kuta, Lombok. If it's nature and treks, go up north to Senaru or Sembalun and stay near the mountains.
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Realistic pace: Lombok is bigger and less developed than Bali. Roads are winding and rides are longer than Google says. Getting from Senggigi to Kuta is over 2 hours, without traffic.
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Hiring a driver for a day trip is common and surprisingly affordable. We paid 650K IDR (~$41 USD) for 10 hours with an English-speaking driver, who also knew the best photo stops (and where NOT to stop).
Lesson #2: How to Get to Lombok Indonesia (Without Losing Your Sanity)
Ah yes, the journey itself. I arrived by fast boat from Gili T to Bangsal Harbor—cheap and quick but mildly terrifying in rough seas.
Options:
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Fast boat from Bali (Padangbai or Serangan) – Takes around 2-3 hours to Bangsal Harbor. Costs between 350K–550K IDR one way. Be picky with your boat company—BlueWater Express is reliable, but not the cheapest.
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Flight from Bali’s Ngurah Rai (DPS) to Lombok International (LOP) – About 25 minutes. Tickets start at 500K IDR (~$33 USD) if booked early. Watch for baggage restrictions on budget airlines.
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Public ferry (Padangbai to Lembar Port) – Cheapest option (~60K IDR) but takes 4–5 hours. Plus extra time to reach your destination.
After sweating it out with luggage on the Bangsal pier for 45 minutes waiting for an overpriced cab, I swore I'd book in advance next time. Lesson learned.
Lesson #3: Waterfalls Are Gorgeous… If You Leave at 6 AM
Here’s where I messed up badly: I left Senggigi at 9:30 am to hit Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep waterfalls near Senaru. I got stuck behind a truck full of live chickens and a family of five on a motorbike doing 30 km/h.
Get this right:
- Leave EARLY. Aim to be at the waterfall by 8–9 AM.
- Bring water shoes or sandals with grip. You'll cross rivers.
- Hire a guide at the gate (about 150K–200K IDR). They’ll help you navigate, carry bags, and take killer videos of you walking under Tiu Kelep.
- Entry fee: Around 10K–20K IDR total.
Also: Don’t go after heavy rain. Landslides happen. Ask locals first—they know.
What to Skip (Unless You Like Disappointment With a Side of Dust)
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Trying to drive yourself. Unless you're confident on dodgy roads with no signage, hire a driver. My scooter experience involved missing a turn and adding an hour to my day.
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Cultural missteps. Don't wear tank tops when visiting mosques or rural villages—Lombok is majority Muslim, and it’s respectful to cover shoulders. I carried a lightweight scarf in my bag just in case. Super handy.
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Assuming everything is open. In true island time fashion, businesses open and close at their leisure. Always confirm hours in advance.
Money-Saving Hack: Travel Like a Local Between Towns
Taxis and private cars get pricey fast. If you're feeling adventurous, try public bemos (mini-vans) or shared shuttle services like Perama Tour. A shuttle from Senggigi to Kuta cost me 100K IDR, vs a cab at 450K+.
Or, do what I didn’t: Buddy up with other travelers headed in the same direction. Post in hostel WhatsApp groups or Facebook travel forums—splitting a car cuts costs and makes the long ride fly by.
Backup Plan? Be Ready to Stay Longer
Weather, boats, and “Bali belly” don’t care about your spreadsheet itinerary. Always have:
- 1 extra day buffer at major transitions (especially before flights)
- Offline maps downloaded (Google Maps works well offline in Lombok)
- A local SIM card with data. Telkomsel has the best Lombok coverage.
If the fast boat cancels due to weather (like mine did), use that bonus day to explore nearby beaches. Malimbu Hill, anyone?
A Smart Shortcut: FlyLombok.id for the Win
One thing I would absolutely do next time: book an aerial tour with FlyLombok.id. Their helicopter tours don’t just give you jaw-dropping views—they help you actually scout locations. Want to know if that beach is worth the 3-hour drive? See it from the sky first.
Plus, they can help map out flyover routes that match your interests (waterfalls, surf breaks, crater lakes—whatever you're chasing).
Give yourself permission to slow down. Lombok isn’t meant to be rushed. Leave room for detours, naps, and second bowls of mie goreng from a roadside stall. You’ll enjoy every moment more—and trust me, your legs will thank you after not hauling them down yet another cliffside staircase to that “must-see” viewpoint the internet raved about.
And hey—if you do need to make up time or get your bearings fast? Let the sky be your shortcut.
Safe travels, and don’t forget your dry bag.