Lombok: Day Trips and Tours from Bali

Venture east of Bali to an oasis that’s only a two-hour boat trip away, Lombok. The unspoiled island, primarily a hub for surfing, has become a reputable spot for its volcano treks, panoramic views, cascading waterfalls, colorful underwater views, and pristine beaches.

Swim with the fish off of the coast of the Gili islands and visit Mount Rinjani or the sparkling waterfalls in the north; experienced surfers can catch a wave at Desert Point in the south!

The surplus of activities on the island paired with its untainted, relatively untouched nature makes Lombok feel like Bali’s quiet, innocent sister.

Here's all you need to know about Lombok, one of the most exciting day trips from Bali.

What will you see during your Lombok day trip?

The real question is: what do you want to see? From jungle-ridden treks to waterfalls nestled between towering flora-covered cliffs to rip curls tailor-made for surfers of all levels to swimming with fish in crystal-clear sea waters and more, it’s safe to say that there’s something for travelers of all ages!

However, only superhumans could visit the entire island within a day, so it’s important to note that some day trips may include more beach-friendly options while others will show you a more authentic, traditional Lombok experience!

What will you see on the island, where flora, fauna, and sparkling water collide to create one magical, unforgettable experience?

• Bangsal, a sleepy, charming village
• Pantai Sira, the white sandy beach
• Colorful fish and stunning coral reefs
• Vibrant, lively jungles—if you opt to go on a trek
• Numerous beautiful waterfalls
• A view of a stark blue lake surrounded by volcanic craters (if you hike up Mount Rinjani)
• Back-tail monkies, pigs, and deer living in Rinjani National Park
• Waves perfect for surfers of all levels
• Banyumulek and Jangkuk — two villages that excel in producing pottery and crafting items from wood
• Marvel at the seafood, fruits, and vegetables in the Mandalika market
• A royal garden that harks back to the 17th century
• Experience snorkeling in Gili Islands

What can you do in Lombok?

From snorkeling to hiking to visiting local villages to relaxing on the beach, you can choose from a variety of activities.

You can snorkel and marvel at the colorful fish swimming in and out of the coral reefs or trek through the jungle to magnificent waterfalls like Sendang Gile! If you have time, you can hike to the top of Mount Rinjani. It’s usually a 2-day journey. If you don’t want to hike, but want to bask in Lombok’s scenery, you can always meander through the rice fields at the bottom of Mount Rinjani.

Experience local culture! You can choose an excursion that takes you around local villages like Banyumulek and Jangkuk, where you can learn how locals make a living via creating pottery and other handcrafted materials.

If you want to surf the world-class waves crashing in Desert Point, you can travel to the southwestern region!

How much does an excursion to Lombok from Bali cost?

The cost of your excursion will depend on your location in Bali and your final destination in Lombok!

It’s also important to note that some day trips may embark to Lombok from Bali via the public ferry (3.5 USD, 3.17 EUR), while others may take you to the island via fast boat (around 28 to 40 USD, 26 to 37 EUR for a roundtrip), or airplane (around 60 to 70 USD, 54 to 63 EUR for a roundtrip). You may need to keep these prices in mind if your day trip does not include transportation fees.

Most tours include lunch, a guide, and hotel pick-up!

How to get to Lombok from Bali?

You can either opt to fly, take a fast boat, or go by ferry. When you fly, the plane lands about 25 minutes from Kuta, a popular area in the south, and 1.5 hours from Senggigi.

Or you can catch a fast boat from Benoa Harbour, Padang Bai Harbour, or Serangan (close to Benoa).

If you have a lot of time on your hands, you can take the public ferry, which departs from Padang Bai Harbour.

How long does it take to get to Lombok from Bali?

If you want to make the most of your day trip from Bali to Lombok, you can save time by flying! The flight only takes 25-minutes, while the fast boat takes around 2 hours. The public ferry may take a whopping 4 or 5 hours—but it’s super cheap!

When is the best time to visit Lombok?

Luckily, tourists can flock to Lombok during any time of the year! Most visitors tend to travel to the island during the dry season—May to October—while fewer tourists visit the tropical paradise during the rainy season. Therefore, if you want to escape crowds and don’t mind a little rain here and there, you may prefer going during the wet season. The thought of visiting the island during the rainy season may scare you, but it typically only rains for around an hour per day.

Travel tips

• If you have children, you may want to fly to from Bali to Lombok due to the choppy waves.
• If you want to munch on delicious food, Senggigi offers a wide range of restaurant options that will undoubtedly please all palettes and cravings.
• Gili Trawangan only allows horse carts, bikes, and walking as modes of transportation—no cars or motorbikes.
• Bring lots of cash! Your credit card may work at more luxurious restaurants, but it won’t work at food stalls, that’s for sure.
• You can wear your bathing suit on the beach, but try to cover up when you are in the towns since the majority of the population are Muslim. We suggest bringing a sarong—it’s light, breathable, and you can use it to easily cover yourself up!
• The weather doesn’t get as wet as Bali does during the rainy season, so wet season may appeal to those who want a drier climate.