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Bali’s Wild Little Sister: 5-Day Lombok Itinerary for Nature Lovers & Adventure Seekers

Lombok wasn’t really on my radar — until it totally stole my heart (and a good part of my shoe soles).

Think of this as your ultimate Lombok travel guide. Bali’s wilder little sister: fewer crowds, rawer landscapes, crazier adventures, and sunsets that hit you right in the soul.
Just a quick speedboat ride from Bali, and suddenly you’re on empty beaches, hiking misty hills at sunrise, chasing waterfalls straight out of a dream, and snorkeling with turtles who seem to genuinely enjoy your company.

In just five packed days, we crammed in wild coastlines, hidden jungle waterfalls, volcano views, rice field strolls, and enough nasi goreng to fuel a small expedition.

If you’re up for an adventure that’s a little rough around the edges but all heart — welcome to Lombok. Here’s how I did it:

  1. Day 1: Coastal Cruising & Sunset Magic in Senggigi
  2. Day 2: Snorkeling Gili Islands & Chasing Jungle Waterfalls
  3. Day 3:Sunrise Hike & Village Life in Sembalun
  4. Day 4: Monkey Forest, Hidden Falls & Southbound Adventures
  5. Day 5: Pink Beaches, Cliff Views & Sunset Farewell
  6. Practical Info

Day 1: Coastal Cruising & Sunset Magic in Senggigi

  • Morning: After a breezy speedboat ride from Bali to Lombok, we stepped off the boat with windswept hair, wide eyes, and a thirst for off-the-grid adventure.
  • Afternoon: We kicked things off by cruising along Lombok’s wild west coast. First stop: Senggigi Beach for a laid-back lunch with ocean views, followed by a scenic ride up to Bukit Nipah and Malimbu Hill. These hilltop lookouts are postcard-perfect, offering sweeping views of the sea and Bali in the distance — with Mount Agung and Mount Batur peeking dramatically through the clouds like they’re showing off.

💡 Tip: Time it right and you’ll catch one of Lombok’s best sunsets. There are plenty of roadside spots to pull over, crack open a coconut (or a cocktail), and let the sky steal the show over the volcanoes.

Day 2: Snorkeling Gili Islands & Chasing Jungle Waterfalls

  • Morning: We hopped on a traditional slow boat and set out to explore the legendary Gili Islands — Gili Air, Gili Meno, and Gili Trawangan. Three snorkeling stops gave us a peek into an underwater world full of crystal-clear waters, colorful coral reefs, and turtles. One highlight? The famous Nest underwater statues near Gili Meno — surreal, haunting, and very Instagrammable (if you can hold your breath long enough for the perfect shot). Midway through the morning, we docked on Gili Meno for a relaxed lunch and a short stroll. Keep your eyes peeled — we spotted baby turtles cruising the shallows.
  • Afternoon: After our island fix, we hit the road for a scenic 3-hour drive to Sembalun, passing lush valleys and sleepy villages. Along the way, we made a must-stop detour to Sendang Gile & Tiu Kelep Waterfalls — the perfect excuse to stretch our legs and cool off with a short, jungle-lined hike to two of Lombok’s most magical waterfalls.

Day 3:Sunrise Hike & Village Life in Sembalun

  • Early Morning (3-4 AM): Ready for a sunrise adventure? We tackled the Pergasingan Hill hike in Lombok (1,700m elevation, ~700m gain, ~4-hour round trip). It’s a steep climb in the dark, so bring a headlamp and good shoes — but the reward is unbeatable: Mount Rinjani glowing at dawn above a patchwork of colorful plantations. The stillness, the crisp air, and the sweeping views make every step worth it.

💡Tip: Not up for a steep hike? No problem! Bukit Selong and other high points around Sembalun offer incredible sunrise views with far less effort.

  • Afternoon: After the hike and a well-earned breakfast, we drove ~2 hours to Tetebatu, a peaceful village nestled on the southern slopes of Rinjani. We spent the afternoon wandering through rice terraces, chatting with locals, and soaking in the slow rhythm of village life. The views were green, quiet, and soul-soothing — a perfect contrast to the morning’s climb.
  • 🏡 Where to stay: Nirvana Hotel
  • 🍜 Where to eat: Pondok Tetebatu Resto & Bar (loved the chicken randang)

Day 4: Monkey Forest, Hidden Falls & Southbound Adventures

  • Morning: We spent the morning exploring Tetebatu’s rice fields, following hidden paths that opened up to stunning viewpoints — all under the watchful eye of majestic Mount Rinjani. Along the way, we stumbled across small, refreshing waterfalls, perfect for soaking tired feet and cooling down. We kept going until we reached the Monkey Forest, where we caught a glimpse of the rare and shy black langurs (known locally as Lutung).Forget the rowdy macaques, these rare black langurs are shy, peaceful, and genuinely curious.

💡Tip: Short on time? Hire a local guide — they know exactly where to spot the langurs high up in the trees.

  • Afternoon: After our wildlife encounter, we hit the road to explore the twin jungle gems: Benang Stokel and Benang Kelambu Waterfalls. Tucked deep in the forest, the hike to reach them feels like stepping into a hidden paradise. You might even spot more black monkeys swinging through the trees! From there, we began our 2-hour drive toward Kuta Lombok, with a cultural stop at Sade Village — a traditional Sasak settlement where ou can get a glimpse into traditional Sasak culture, architecture, and daily life. If you still have some energy left, Selong Belanak Beach is the perfect detour. Its wide bay is ideal for a sunset swim or a quick surf session.

Day 5: Pink Beaches, Cliff Views & Sunset Farewell

Morning: We ventured to the eastern tip of South Lombok to explore the island’s famous Pink Beaches (Pantai Tangsi). There are several to discover, each boasting soft sand with a light blush — best seen in the early morning light before the local crowds arrive. You can relax, swim, or hop on a boat to nearby snorkeling spots around the small, off-the-radar Gilis.

After soaking in the beach vibes, we continued our journey eastward to the Tanjung Renggit Viewpoint. From here, you’re rewarded with a dramatic view of the coastline, where deep turquoise waves crash into rugged cliffs and a nice outlook of Sumbawa. It’s untamed, dramatic, and completely worth the detour. Just a heads-up: food options are sparse, so make sure to pack snacks and water for the ride!

Afternoon: We couldn’t resist a final dip at one of the pink beaches — a last moment to enjoy the unique waters. Be mindful of the coral underfoot, wear reef-safe sunscreen and help keep this paradise thriving. Then we made our way back to Kuta Lombok, timing our return to catch the sunset at Bukit Merese, overlooking Tanjung Aan Beach.

💡Tip: This vast grassy headland offers panoramic views from every angle. Give yourself time to wander — each turn reveals a fresh perspective of Lombok’s southern coast. It’s the perfect way to end the day.

More Time in Lombok ? Explore West Gili Islands or Rinjani

If you’ve got more time, check out the West Gili Islands — Gili Nanggu, Sudak, and Kedis. These islands offer serene beaches and great snorkeling without the crowds. You can also try the Orang Bukat Trail for some more jaw-dropping views.

Feeling adventurous? Take on the Rinjani Trek for an epic climb to the summit. It’s a challenging hike, but the views are worth every step. 👉 Mount Rinjani 3-Day Trek with Summit and Lake

Practical Info

  • 📆 Best Time to Visit: April to October (Avoid peak season in July/August for a quieter experience).
  • 🏡 Accommodation: From eco-lodges to luxury resorts, Lombok has something for everyone.
  • 🍽️ Food: Don’t miss out on local Lombok food favorites, from spicy nasi goreng to rich chicken rendang and traditional Sasak cuisine.
  • 💰 Budget: Expect to spend $50-100 per day on mid-range travel. You can lower costs by staying in simpler accommodation and eating at local warungs.
  • 👗What to Pack: Light, breathable clothes (trust me, you’ll need them). A warm jacket for the evenings, especially near Rinjani.
  • 🚗 Getting Around: You can use Gojek or Grab in some areas. Rent a scooter or hire a driver for more remote spots.
  • ✈️Getting There: Speedboat from Bali (2-3 hours). Flights available from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, and other Indonesian cities.
  • 🌐 Internet: Mostly accessible, except in some remote areas.

These 5 days were packed with unforgettable landscapes: dreamy waterfalls, tiny islands with vibrant coral reefs, sweeping views of Mount Rinjani, lush rice fields, and dramatic coastlines with cliffs that make your heart skip a beat. Lombok gave me a taste of Indonesia’s best, and I’m already planning my next adventure here.

For the top 10 unmissable spot in Lombok check my post 👉

Happy Adventures!

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