Are you dreaming of 3 days in Lombok itinerary?
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A hidden gem in the West Nusa Tenggara with crystal clear waters, lush greenery, and breathtaking beauty, this is Lombok. Lombok is between Bali and Sumbawa. The island is known for its towering volcanoes, lush rice paddies, and crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life.
With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder that Lombok has become a favorite destination for tourists seeking an authentic Indonesian experience. We visited Lombok some time back with only 3 days in Lombok, we created an itinerary that included a day trip, a visit to a traditional village, and enjoying beautiful sunsets from our beach hotel.
Lombok offers a perfect blend of adventure, culture, nature, and relaxation making it an ideal destination for travelers of all ages and interests.
Follow us as we explore Lombok through our eyes. Get ready for a memorable trip.
So, pack your bags and plenty of sunscreens, and let’s go for an adventure to the beautiful island of Lombok in our 3 days in Lombok itinerary.
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Soak up the sun, sea, and sand on the secret Gilis while looking out for sea turtles. Enjoy having lunch on a deserted beach and end your trip on Gili Kedis as you swim and snorkel in the turquoise waters.
Spend your time exploring Lombok’s Pink Beach and Gili Pasir which is a small uninhabited island that only appears during low tide.
Explore beyond the traditional sights of Lombok and embark on a walking tour of Tetebatu where you walk amongst beautiful rice terraces, see the black and grey monkeys of Lombok, and end your trip at the foothills of Mount Rinjani.
For the adventurous, hike your way up to Mount Rinjani in 3 days and 2 nights with an experienced mountain guide and porter. Breathe in the fresh air as you trek Lake Segara and down to Senaru Village.
Join a cooking class and garden tour by Anggrek Putih where you experience the different flavors of Indonesian cuisine while learning about the different herbs and spices used in traditional Indonesian food.
Where is Lombok?
Often overshadowed by its larger and more popular neighbor, Bali, Lombok is one of the many hidden gems of Indonesia. The island is in West Nusa Tenggara and offers stunning beaches with clear waters, lush forests, and traditions that date back centuries.
Besides beaches, the Tiu Kelep and Sendang Gile Waterfalls are popular among nature lovers. This is the perfect place to just sit back and relax and enjoy the serene surroundings. While the waterfalls are in the north, the beaches are in the south.
Kuta Beach, Selong Belanak, and Tanjung Aan are some of the pristine beaches worth exploring while in Lombok. Head to these beaches to get away from the hustle and bustle while soaking in the breathtaking views of the ocean.
Mountaineers and adventure seekers would love climbing Mount Rinjani, the second-highest mountain in Indonesia and an active volcano. While the climb is challenging, the diverse range of flora and fauna and the views are worth the effort to reach the top.
Lombok has it all. A trip to Lombok should not be missed from beaches to culture and history. We made a short trip here, hence our 3 days in Lombok itinerary where we visited the must-visits and made a day trip to Gili Trawangan.
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Visa Requirements
The visa requirements vary on the length of stay, nationality, and purpose. The common types of visas available are those with exemptions, visas on arrival, advanced visa, and those who require long-stay visas for work.
Citizens from the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand can enter Indonesia visa-free for up to 30 days. Tourists from ASEAN countries are exempt from visas, allowing them to enter Indonesia visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism purposes.
Indonesia has an electronic Visa On Arrival System (e-VOA) available to citizens from Austria, Thailand, Singapore, and India, which can be applied for at the Directorate General of Immigration Ministry of Law and Human Rights website.
Citizens from Yemen, Iraq, Iran, the United States Virgin Islands, and British Indian Ocean Territory must obtain a visa before arrival from the closest Indonesian Embassy or Consulate Office. However, long-term stay visas for more than 30 days are also available and require additional documents and a longer processing time.
Or, you can apply for an Indonesian Visa which aims to make traveling easier. With a global team that spreads across 17 countries, someone is available to answer your queries. Most importantly, your credit card details are always secure.
Read more:
- A Beautiful Bali Itinerary 5 Days 4 Nights
- 3 Days in Yogyakarta: How To Make the Most Out of Your Trip
- 3 Days in Bali Itinerary: Your Guide to the Best Sights of the Island!
- Hidden Gems In Bali: Top 7 You Now Know!
- 3 Days in Yogyakarta: How To Make the Most Out of Your Trip
How do you get around in Lombok?
While Lombok is a popular tourist destination, the island has no public transportation. What we loved about Lombok was the lack of traffic which made traveling around the island easy and hassle-free.
Getting To Lombok
The easiest way to get to Lombok is to get to Gili Trawangan is the fast boat with an optional Bali transfer. Alternatively, you can hire a private transfer between Sengigi and Teluk Nara and Bangsal harbor with a pre-booked transfer.
Bluebird Taxi
These are the most convenient way to get around Lombok. Bluebird Taxis are cheap, convenient, and quickly flagged down in any area in Lombok. Finding a taxi in the main towns of Mataram and Sengigi is not a problem.
However, it is best to pre-book by phone if you travel to less busy areas of Lombok after dark. We love that a special care taxi is available by phone. These special care taxis cater to older people, pregnant women, and special care individuals without compromising comfort.
Download the Bluebird App on your mobile and make your travels easier. Bluebird Taxis are also available in Bali and around Indonesia. The taxis are metered, so there is no need to negotiate the rate before entering the cab.
What can you do with 3 days in Lombok?
Get ready for a whirlwind adventure with our 3 days in Lombok itinerary. We experienced a little bit of everything Lombok had to offer. From an abandoned mansion to a day trip to Gili Trawangan, walk with us on our unforgettable journey.
Day 1: Arrival
We made the first day of our 3 days in Lombok itinerary relaxing. We flew Air Asia from Kuala Lumpur and reached Lombok within 3 hours. For this trip, we stayed at Sheraton Sengigi Beach Resort.
This 154-room hotel is a large property that boasts sea, garden, and pool views. The resort is on Sengigi Beach and has two restaurants and an outdoor bar with views of Mount Agung in Bali.
We loved that our room was a large room and natural daylight from the large windows. There was a touch of Lombok with several traditional art pieces hung around the room. Since we had nothing on this day, we rested and explored our hotel.
The hotel’s beach was clean and well-kept while the buffet breakfast was wonderful with a wide selection of both local and continental cuisines. Plus points were that the staff were helpful and always smiled and greeted us whenever we walked past.
The beds were also comfortable and although we didn’t swim, the swimming pool was large. And, the sunsets here are one of the best in Lombok. Don’t believe me? This was our sunset on the day we arrived.
We are chasing the best sunsets in South East Asia. These are some of our travel tips which would be useful for first-timers to Lombok.
- The best time to visit Lombok is during the dry season from May to September as the weather is warm, sunny, and pleasant. The shoulder season from April to May and September to October sees fewer crowds and rainy days.
- The island is home to the Sasak people who have maintained their rich cultural heritage to this day. Spend some time visiting a traditional Sasak village to learn more about their unique customs, architecture, and weaving techniques.
- As Lombok is a predominantly Muslim island, dress respectfully and modestly. Always cover your shoulders and knees, especially when visiting religious sites and rural areas.
- Try the ayam taliwang which is grilled chicken in a spicy sauce or plecing kangkung which was water spinach salad or its spicy variation. Don’t forget the plecing sambal which is in a spicy tomato-based sauce.
- Always take precautions and be aware of your surroundings, like in any other travel destination. For solo female travelers, avoid walking in isolated areas at night and always stay hydrated.
Day 2: Villa Hantu, Gili Trawangan, Malimbu Hill
Villa Hantu
The first of our second day in our 3 days in Lombok itinerary was Villa Hantu or Ghost Villa. This abandoned villa was about 5 miles from our hotel. When we arrived, the villa was already filled with domestic tourists.
There is no entrance fee to visit this villa, however, this place is very much “enter at your own risk”. The story of this villa is that a foreigner bought the land and began building the villa. Due to financial constraints, the foreigner left Lombok and the villa was abandoned, as is.
The villa is completely covered in graffiti on all floors and this added on to its abandoned villa charm.
What we loved here were the stunning views, from whatever viewpoint we stood. As we walked into the building, we imagined how luxurious it would have been if it had been completed.
We walked along what could have been a swimming pool before walking to the first floor which had incredible views of the blue skies and ocean in what could have been the master bedroom.
We slowly made our way to the rooftop for a bird’s eye view of the sea, the beaches, and the surrounding areas. It was mesmerizing. After an hour here, we made our way to the jetty for our next destination, Gili Trawangan.
Gili Trawangan
The second in our 3 days in Lombok itinerary was a day trip to Gili Trawangan. This island is part of the 3 Gili Islands on the northwest coast of Lombok. The three islands are Gili Air, Gili Meno, and lastly, Gili Trawangan.
Gili T is the largest island among the three and derived its name from a tunnel built on the island during the Japanese Occupancy of Indonesia during World War 2. The 3 islands do not have any motorized vehicles and the only mode of transportation is a bicycle or a horse cart.
Although tourism is the island’s main economy, the earliest inhabitants were fishermen and farmers from Sulawesi.
We arrived here just before lunch and spent the rest of the day exploring the main street, Jalan Pantai Gili Trawangan. We wanted to rent a bicycle and were told that we had to book them in advance. In the end, we explored the street and bought some souvenirs from our short trip here.
By 4 pm, we made our way back to Lombok and visited one last place in our itinerary for the day, which was Malimbu Hill.
10 Travel Tips To Gili Trawangan
1. Plan your trip during the dry season.
2. Pack essentials.
3. Choose accommodation wisely.
4. Rent a bicycle or take a horse cart.
5. Snorkel or dive.
6. Watch the sunset.
7. Explore the local cuisine.
8. Enjoy the nightlife.
9. Take a day trip to the other Gili islands.
10. Respect the environment.
While these are some tips we recommend and things you can do in Gili Trawangan, a mistake we realize is that a few hours in Gili Trawangan was not enough. This is why we suggest you spend a few more days on this beautiful island.
Malimbu Hill
The third in our 3 days in Lombok itinerary was the Malimbu Hill Viewpoint where we had a panoramic view of the three Gili Islands. The island on the left is Gili Trawangan, the island in the center is Gili Meno, and the last island on the right is Gili Air.
This mesmerizing destination is perched atop a hill and is a popular spot known for its breathtaking views and tranquility. As we ascended the top, we were greeted by lush green hills and a sense of serenity.
When we reached the top, we were in awe. The sweeping vistas, on a clear day, unfolded with a view of Mount Agung and unparalleled views of the coastline.
As the sun began to descend, the sky transformed into a palette of vibrant colors and cast a golden glow over the landscape. This was the last photo we took with a view of Mount Agung in the background. The sunset left us in awe.
Day 3: Pura Batu Bolong, Hubbul Watan Mosque, Kuta Beach, Traditional Sasak Village
Pura Batu Bolong
The fourth in our 3 days in Lombok itinerary was Pura Batu Bolong is perched on a rocky outcrop near Sengigi Beach. Similar to its Balinese counterpart, the name Batu Bolong means a “hole in the rock”.
What we loved about this temple, other than its quiet serenity was that it faced Mount Agung in Bali. As this is a living temple, we dressed modestly. If you don’t have a sarong, you can always rent one from one of the stalls nearby.
Interestingly, there is an empty chair here and according to local legends, virgins were once sacrificed to the sea to please Lord Brahma. While this is no longer practiced, the chair still stands at its spot.
After exploring the temple, we walked around and discovered an entrance that led to a beach. We were lucky that day as during high tide, this entrance is unreachable. The beach at the other end of the tunnel was beautiful and after a lot of selfies, we moved to our next destination, the Hubbul Watan Mosque.
Hubbul Watan Mosque
The fifth in our 3 days in Lombok itinerary was the Hubbul Watan Mosque. This is the largest mosque in Lombok and although it was cloudy, the mosque was beautiful. The mosque has five domes, five towers in a 4 story structure.
Other than a place of congregation, the mosque is also home to the Islamic Center in Mataram. Our guide explained that Lombok is also known as the Land of a Thousand Mosque and this mosque signifies the thriving Muslim community on the island.
Kuta Beach
The sixth in our 3 days in Lombok itinerary was Kuta Beach in Lombok. This white sandy beach is on the south coast of Lombok. While the town of Kuta is very much a sleepy fishing village, the beach is a hive of activity.
About a mile from this beach is Pantai Puteri Nyale which is where Novotel Lombok Resort & Villas is located. This is a secluded beach, you need to arrange your transportation to get here.
Traditional Sasak Village
The seventh and last in our 3 days in Lombok itinerary was a visit to a traditional Sasak Village. Our guide took us to the Sasak Ende Village. The Sasak are the largest ethnic group in Lombok and are the original inhabitants of Lombok.
They are farmers and weavers who live in small villages with about 5 to 20 families. With the rise of cultural tourism, the Sasak Ende village is accessible to tourists.
There is no entrance fee and we walked around every nook and cranny of the village. Our guide explained that 35 families were living in the village. With permission, we entered a home and watched a lady weaving songket.
Our guide explained the unique feature of the homes is that the entrances do not face Mount Rinjani. This is to show respect to the mountain spirit. We noticed that the homes were made from palm fiber for the roof, bamboo for the interiors, and soil for the floors.
Our guide explained that the people in this village have maintained their homes just as how their forefathers did it. Interestingly, the entrances to the homes are kept low so that visitors are forced to bow their heads signifying respect to the dwellers of the home.
After spending an hour here, we made our way back to our hotel. We donated as a token of appreciation.
What are the best hotels to stay in Lombok?
The hotels we have chosen have unparalleled comfort and are the gateways to Lombok’s traditional architecture and culture. Create memories that last a lifetime and immerse yourself in its rich culture while enjoying the warm hospitality that these establishments have to offer.
Sheraton Sengigi Beach Resort
Our first choice for our 3 days in Lombok itinerary was Sheraton Sengigi Beach Resort which is a 154-room luxurious beachfront hotel nestled between lush green hills and clear waters of the Indian Ocean.
With a range of accommodation options, all rooms are spacious and designed with traditional Indonesian touches completed with modern amenities. We chose the views of the green gardens and other options include views of the pool or the ocean.
During our stay, we loved that the staff smiled and greeted us whenever we passed by. The staff was helpful and friendly. However, we loved the buffet breakfast spread which had plenty of choices and was delicious.
Although the hotel is dated, the sunset views and natural surroundings made this place a peaceful getaway for us. Staying here was a memorable experience for us, one we remember today.
The Oberoi Lombok
Our second choice for our 3 days in Lombok itinerary was the Oberoi Lombok which is a 50-room luxurious resort that offers tranquility and serenity for discerning travelers. The hotel boasts a range that accommodations that include standard rooms and villas.
Both rooms and villa seamlessly blend Indonesian heritage with modern amenities while maintaining guests’ privacy and stunning ocean views of the resort’s manicured gardens.
We chose this as the Oberoi brand is known for its impeccable service and attention to detail with helping, friendly staff who are dedicated to ensuring guests have a memorable and enjoyable stay.
Some positive reviews include smooth check-in, clean and tidy rooms, and helpful staff. Although WiFi in the resort could be improved, the relaxing stay and beautiful sunset views coupled with plenty of Instagrammable spots within the hotel made the stay worth it.
Novotel Lombok Resort & Villas
Our third choice for our 3 days in Lombok itinerary was Novotel Lombok Resort & Villas which is a 102-room beachfront resort known for its luxurious amenities, beautiful sceneries, and warm hospitality.
All rooms are elegantly decorated with comfort and convenience in mind. The well-appointed rooms are equipped with WiFi, and flat-screen television while some villas feature private pools with views of the ocean or gardens.
Guests loved that the check-in was smooth and the staff was helpful. While the WiFi connection could be improved, the rooms were clean and tidy. The resort’s quiet location and stunning sunsets were also plus points for guests staying here.
The Kayana Beach
Our fourth choice for our 3 days in Lombok itinerary is Kayana Beach which is a 32-room luxury resort known for its stunning natural landscapes. The private villas and suites were designed with comfort and serenity in mind.
With its beachfront, guests can enjoy watersports such as diving or snorkeling. Or, they can jungle trek through the lush forest or visit local villages to experience the culture and traditions of the Sasak people.
Guests loved the spacious and luxurious feel of the villas and the beautiful views from the clifftop restaurant. As the location is secluded, be prepared to pay for a taxi to take you to the other areas near the hotel.
The Lombok Lodge Suites & Private Villas
Our fifth and last choice for our 3 days in Lombok itinerary is the Lombok Lodge Suites & Private Villas which is a luxury boutique hotel on the northwest coast of the island.
With spacious suites that combine traditional Indonesian design and modern amenities, the suites and villas create a relaxing and harmonious atmosphere for discerning guests. Its personalized service and attention to detail are additional plus points.
Guests loved the beachfront infinity pool and the excellent customer service and the welcoming staff. The food at the restaurant was also delicious with the breakfast being amazing.
Frequently Asked Questions on Lombok
The best months to visit Lombok is from April to September which is the dry season. The weather during these months is typically sunny with very little rainfall. This makes this season popular for hiking, trekking, swimming, and snorkeling.
Yes, Lombok is close to Bali. The closest point between both islands is about 25 miles with the islands separated by the Lombok Straits. A ferry ride between the islands takes slightly more than an hour.
Lombok Island is famous for its beautiful beaches, its traditional Sasak heritage, the gateway to the Gili Islands, and its majestic Mount Rinjani. The island also boasts several waterfalls for an escape to nature.
Although Gili and Lombok are geographically close, they are not the same island. Lombok is an island on the east of Bali while the Gili Islands are a group of three small islands on the northwest coast of Lombok.
The best side to stay in Lombok depends on what you plan to do there. If you prefer surfing and beautiful beaches, head south near Kuta Town. Staying in the center of the island is ideal for trekking waterfalls while the northern area of Senaru is perfect if you plan to hike Mount Rinjani.
The main capital city in Lombok is Mataram. The other notable cities are Praya in the central region and Selong in the eastern region. Mataram is the educational, cultural, and economic hub of the island.
The main language spoken in Lombok is the Sasak language. The Sasak writing system is traditionally similar to Balinese scripts. However, Bahasa Indonesia is the official language and is understood by the locals in Lombok.
English is not widely spoken in Lombok. However, English is spoken in tourist areas and accommodations where locals can speak basic English. The traditional language spoken in Lombok is the Sasak language while Bahasa Indonesia is understood by many on the island.
The quietest and smallest of the three Gili Islands is Gili Meno. This idyllic island is perfect for honeymooners who are drawn to its serene and tranquil beaches. Gili Meno is also a popular island for snorkeling and is home to diverse marine life.
Yes, Lombok does have an airport. It is the Zainuddin Abdul Majid International Airport (LOP) which replaced the previous airport in Ampenan.
Yes, Lombok is worth visiting. With clear beach waters, majestic mountains, and unique cultural experiences, Lombok has something for every type of traveler. If you seek relaxation, adventure, or cultural immersion, Lombok is one destination that must be on your bucket list.
