The bountiful islands of Indonesia don’t end in Bali, so this trip showcases the best of Lombok and Gili Trawangan, too.
Everyone knows about the tropical allure of Bali, its spiritual temples and luscious jungles, bordered by pristine stretches of sand. However, we feel that to visit this iconic island and not explore its neighbor, Lombok, is a travel crime. The latter is far less discovered, much more rugged and features far fewer tourists. So, this itinerary takes you to the must-see sights and sounds of Bali – Mount Batur, Lempuyang Temple and Tirta Gangga – but also whisks you away to the majestic landscapes of Lombok, Mount Rinjani and the beautiful Sasak people who populate the region. All that plus a little mid-trip detour to the tiny tropical paradise of Gili Trawangan – a snorkeling haven – makes this the ultimate trip to southwest Indonesia.
Highlights:
Welcome to paradise! You’ve arrived on this famously beautiful Indonesian island, and now all you have to do is make your way to the first hotel of our trip. From there the logistics are ours to worry about, so kick back, freshen up and we’ll see you early this evening for a welcome meeting with our Local Insider and the rest of the group, followed by a welcome dinner – the perfect way to get to know your fellow travelers.
Activities included:
Místo startu
Arma Resto Ubud, Jalan Made Lebah, Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
18:00
After breakfast at the hotel we’ll set off on a morning walk to Campuhan Ridge. It’s the perfect introduction to Bali, as you wind along jungle trails and gaze across countless pretty rice fields, bathed in the gorgeous morning light. We’ll stop off for a coffee with some locals who’ll teach us how to make a traditional Balinese offering using flowers. We’ll continue the cultural learnings at a private family temple, where you’ll be taught about the symbolism of statues and altars inside. Next up is Gunung Kawi Sebatu Temple, one of the island’s most picturesque, where overgrown moss adds atmosphere to the intricate stone carvings and shimmering pools of water. You’ll get to take part in a purification ritual, which involves bathing in holy waters and cleansing your spirit. Whether or not the ritual moves you, this is a valuable experience to understand and respect the quiet power of Bali’s spiritual heritage.
Activities included:
Optional activities:
A key principle of this itinerary is not to overload our schedule. Bali is a place to slow down, to take in the moment and enjoy the finer things in life. That’s why we’re leaving today largely open for you to enjoy the island at your own pace. You might want to explore Ubud or organize an excursion to the coast, or you could simply take advantage of the gardens, pools, spa facilities and onsite art museum (yes, that’s right) in our dreamy Balinese resort. If you would like some guided fun, feel free to join a morning Fly High Yoga class or, to really get the adrenaline pumping, some white water rafting!
Optional activities:
Set your alarms early this morning, as we’ll be heading out for one of the most essential Bali experiences, watching the sunrise from atop Mount Batur. This active volcano offers magical views across the island’s tropical landscapes, which look their absolute best under the warm hue of the rising sun. We’ll set up shop at an open air restaurant at the peak of the mountain, so you can tuck into breakfast as the sun shines onto the mountain and namesake lake. We’ll follow that up with an invigorating dip in a hot water pool beside Lake Batur, before we transfer to our next destination, Candidasa. After checking-in to our next hotel the rest of today is yours, whether you want to continue the adventures or catch up on sleep is up to you!
Included activities:
If yesterday’s early start has you craving a lie-in, then be our guest! However, we will be heading this morning to Lempuyang Temple and its famous Gate of Heaven, perhaps one of the most iconic spots in Bali. After that we’ll visit the ornate gardens of Tirta Gangga, a former royal palace, where you can now enjoy a dip in the spring-fed pool as you explore the grounds. Back at the hotel, you can spend the rest of today as you wish. Spa time, perhaps?
Included activities:
Today we leave the island of Bali behind in favor of the magical Gili Islands. This tiny archipelago is just off the coast of Lombok, and though we’ll be staying on the largest of the three islands – Gili Trawangan – it’s still only 3km long and 2km wide. We’ll arrive in style onboard a speedboat at around lunchtime, before checking into our luxurious island resort. Spend the day lounging by the pool, chilling on a sandy beach or exploring the island’s amazing nightlife.
Included activities:
Optional activities:
The definitive experience to have in the Gili Islands is to explore under the water, so today we’ll head out on a snorkeling trip around the archipelago. Gaze in awe at the kaleidoscopic communities of fish populating coral reefs, hang out with sea turtles and get up close to the hauntingly beautiful statues of Gili Meno, a series of 48 human-sized stone carvings on the seabed, which also act as an artificial reef.
Accommodation:
Included activities:
This is our last day on Gili Trawangan, so you choose how you’d like to spend it. Our Local Insider is on hand to advise on potential activities like boat trips, bicycle rentals or a visit to the Turtle Sanctuary. The island is so small that you could even walk along the entire coastline in a few hours. Don’t worry though, we won’t judge if you prefer to kick back at our beach resort all day. Just be sure to get involved for our evening barbecue and cocktail dinner – the perfect way to toast to our time on the Gili Islands!
Accommodation:
Included activities:
Now it’s time to explore the magical island of Lombok. Think of this place as Bali before it was discovered by mass tourism. Just as beautiful, but far less trodden. Our first stop will be the charming Pringgasela Weaving Village, where you’ll marvel at the craftsmanship behind Sasak cloth before tucking into a delightful Sasak lunch in a local villager’s home. The Sasak people come from a culture closely related to Balinese and are mostly found on Lombok. After lunch we’ll head to our home for the night, Tetebatu Village. After settling into your accommodation, we’ll regroup in the evening for a mini parade led by local Gendang musicians, which ends at a community center with a traditional Sasak dinner prepared by local women.
Included activities:
This morning you’ll be guided on a light cycling adventure around Tetebatu village, the ideal way to get a glimpse of local life and soak in the stunning views of rolling hills and pretty rice fields. After lunch we’ll head to Senaru, our home for the evening, stopping en route at the spectacular Pusuk Sembalun viewpoint for breathtaking mountain panoramas. After arriving at the hotel you can spend your evening in Senaru as you wish.
Included activities:
Our time in Lombok is centered around the regions surrounding Mount Rinjani, the domineering volcano keeping watch over the island. The best way to explore the mesmerizing tropical scenery of this region is on a half-day Senaru Panorama Walk. You’ll be led by expert local female guides, starting in the foothills of the volcano, near the Gunung Rinjani National Park border, and winding through bamboo groves, village gardens and expansive rice terraces. Discover tropical plants, encounter playful long-tailed monkeys, cool off in tumbling rainforest waterfalls and get a taste of rural village life. The walk culminates with a phenomenal crescendo as Mount Rinjani itself emerges into view, rising above the countless rice terraces to grace you with its majestic presence. You’ll enjoy a well-earned lunch with a view, before transferring to our hotel in Senggigi beach, on the island’s sublime west coast. We’ll spend one last evening together at a farewell dinner, to reminisce on the trip of a lifetime.
Included activities:
Sadly our time in Indonesia has come to end. You’ve been spiritual in Bali, kicked back on the beaches of Gili Trawangan and basked in the majestic beauty of Lombok, but after breakfast it’s time to go our separate ways. Whether or not your adventures in Lombok are at an end is up to you, but if you do need to make it back to Bali, don’t hesitate to ask us for help in arranging return transport.
Koncové místo
Aruna Senggigi, Jl. Raya Senggigi, Lombok Barat, West Nusa Tenggara 83355, Indonesia
12:00
11 nights hotel accommodation
Arma Ubud Hotel, Ubud
This unique resort in Ubud will have you sad to leave for your daily excursions, such is the wealth of offerings onsite. Explore the perfectly pruned gardens, soak in the outdoor pools and book a massage at the spa. Alternatively, spend an afternoon browsing the hotel’s art museum, founded and curated by the owner, Agung Rai.
Utama Villas Beach Candidasa, Candidasa
This charming complex, found in the coastal town of Candidasa, is practically within reaching distance of white sands and lapping ocean waters. If that’s still too far you could opt for a dip in the beachfront pool, while the airy room design and peaceful garden landscaping makes for an especially relaxing stay on the Balinese coast.
Frii Resort Gili Trawangan, Gili Trawangan
It’s hard to find a hotel on Gili Trawangan that isn’t a beach hotel, but this one stands out from the crowd. The sunsets here are extraordinary, best enjoyed with a delicious dinner and cooling cocktails at the lovely ocean-view restaurant.
Nirvana Hotel Tetebatu, Tetebatu
Nestled amid the overgrown greenery of Lombok’s gorgeous Tetebatu region, this pretty little hotel is an oasis of peace and tranquility. Stylish contemporary rooms, a stunning pool and garden area, plus genuinely excellent dining facilities will have you wanting to stay here forever.
Pondok Senaru, Senaru
North of Mount Rinjani, in scenic Senaru, is this charming cottage complex with amazing views of the surrounding mountainous landscape. The buildings here are simple and comfortable, but it’s the outdoor dining area and stunning viewpoints that will leave a memorable imprint on your mind for years to come.
Aruna Senggigi, Senggigi
This beach resort on the western coast of Lombok is the final hotel on our trip, but we won’t be surprised if it’s reason alone for you to extend your stay. From the stylish lobby and all-day dining areas to the gorgeous outdoor swimming pool and top class spa, this place has everything you need for a spot of relaxation on the Indonesian coast.
Please note that, while unlikely, the accommodation indicated may be subject to change (see T&C’s). On a rare occasion, alternative arrangements may be necessary – this may be due to a lack of availability at our preferred accommodation, or other reasons outside our control. We’ll do everything we can to prevent this from happening; however, in cases where it is unavoidable, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
Local Insider
Indonésie
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