14 days in Indonesia: Bali, Lombok and the Gili islands

Day by day

1. 1

   Day 1

   Arrival in Denpasar — transfer to Ubud

   Landing at Ngurah Rai airport in Denpasar. Avoid unofficial taxis at the arrivals exit: use Grab (app), Bluebird Taxi or a pre-booked transfer from Ubud (~150,000 IDR / €9, 1h30 drive). The 'official' taxis at the door often ask 250,000-400,000 IDR for the same journey.

   Arrive in Ubud late afternoon or evening depending on the flight. Check into your villa or guesthouse, then walk down Jalan Dewi Sita or Jalan Hanoman for the first dinner: local warung, nasi goreng at 30,000-45,000 IDR (€2-3), cold Bintang at 35,000 IDR. Adjust to the time difference — nothing ambitious tonight.

   Tips

   • · Currency: withdraw rupiah from a BCA or Mandiri ATM at the airport (decent rates, €1 ≈ 16,000-17,000 IDR in 2025). Avoid exchange booths at the arrivals exit.
   • · Recommended Ubud area: target Penestanan or Sanggingan (quiet, rice terraces nearby) rather than Monkey Forest Road (noisy, tourist-heavy).
   Ubud →
2. 2

   Day 2

   Ubud — Tegalalang rice terraces and temples

   First full day in Ubud. Rent a scooter in the morning (70,000 IDR/day, ~€4, manual or automatic, helmet included — check the brakes before setting off). Head to the Tegalalang rice terraces (8km north of Ubud): free entry or sarong required for some sections, suggested donation 15,000-20,000 IDR. Go before 9am to beat the crowds and the heat.

   Afternoon: Pura Tirta Empul (purification temple, 50,000 IDR entry, sarong mandatory), then down to the Ubud Royal Palace (Puri Saren) to watch the sunset from the inner courtyard. Dinner at Warung Ibu Oka (babi guling, Balinese roast suckling pig, 100,000 IDR) — arrive early, they close when stock runs out.

   Tips

   • · Instagram shots of Tegalalang are best taken early morning (7-8:30am): golden light, no crowds, light mist on the terraces.
   • · Sarong mandatory in all Balinese temples. Vendors rent them at the entrance (free or 10,000-20,000 IDR deposit).
   Ubud →
3. 3

   Day 3

   Ubud — yoga class, market and local food

   A slower day, focused on local experience. Morning: yoga class at Yoga Barn (Jalan Pengosekan, 130,000-200,000 IDR / €8-12) or guided meditation — book the day before, the 8-10am slots fill up fast. Then explore Ubud Market (Pasar Ubud): tropical fruits (mangosteen, salak, rambutan), spices, textiles and crafts — always negotiate, opening prices are double.

   Afternoon: Balinese cooking class (many options from 300,000 to 500,000 IDR / €18-30, including market visit + preparation + tasting). Evening: Kecak sunset dance at Pura Uluwatu (if doing that excursion tomorrow, otherwise at Pura Dalem Ubud in town, 100,000-150,000 IDR).

   Tips

   • · Yoga Barn runs 2-3 class styles per slot (Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin). Arrive 20 min early to pick a mat and introduce yourself to the teacher.
   • · Cheap local lunch: Warung Teges (Jalan Raya Teges) or the market warungs downstairs, 25,000-40,000 IDR per dish.
   Ubud →
4. 4

   Day 4

   Mount Batur excursion — sunrise and waterfalls

   Wake at 2:30am (yes). Depart by scooter or organised pick-up from Ubud to Toya Bungkah (1h15-1h30 drive). Guided trek mandatory on Mount Batur: guide 300,000-450,000 IDR per person, headlamp rental 30,000 IDR if needed. Ascent 1h30-2h to the summit (1,717m), arriving before dawn. Sunrise over Batur with the caldera lake below and Rinjani visible on the horizon on clear days — one of the most striking views in the archipelago.

   Descend, breakfast of eggs cooked over volcanic steam vents (local tradition). Back in Ubud by 11am-noon. Afternoon: visit Tegenungan waterfall (10km south of Ubud, 20,000 IDR entry) or Kanto Lampo waterfall — swim in the natural pools, wear your swimsuit under your clothes.

   Tips

   • · Temperature at Batur summit: 10-15°C even in dry season. Bring a fleece or windbreaker — several hikers turn up in flip-flops and t-shirts and regret it.
   • · Ubud agencies offer the Batur trek as a package (transport + guide + breakfast) for 350,000-500,000 IDR. Book the day before by 6pm.
   Ubud →
5. 5

   Day 5

   Ubud → Canggu — getting into the surf scene

   Leave Ubud mid-morning after check-out (taxi or Grab, ~120,000-180,000 IDR / €7-11, 45 min-1h depending on traffic). Arrive in Canggu, northwest Bali's surf district — radically different atmosphere: scooters, temples, laptop-friendly cafés and a surf break two minutes away.

   First reconnaissance: walk down to Batu Bolong Beach in the late afternoon, watch the surfers on the right-hand break, and catch sunset from the sand. Dinner at Old Man's (Jalan Pantai Batu Bolong) — beachfront bar-restaurant, fish & chips 85,000 IDR, beer 40,000 IDR, laid-back vibe. Book if possible — very popular.

   Tips

   • · Stay in Canggu: Berawa or Batu Bolong for walking distance to surf breaks. Avoid Pererenan without a scooter (too far out).
   • · Rent a scooter on arrival in Canggu (same agency as Ubud or new rental locally, 70,000 IDR/day). Essential for getting between spots.
   Canggu →
6. 6

   Day 6

   Canggu — surf, beach clubs and sunset

   Canggu day done right. Morning: beginner or intermediate surf lesson on Batu Bolong or Echo Beach — recommended school: Rip Curl School of Surf (400,000-600,000 IDR / 2h, €24-36), or an independent instructor on the beach (~200,000-300,000 IDR for 90 min). Canggu waves are beginner-friendly in dry season.

   Light lunch at Warung Dandelion or Satu Satu (healthy bowls, 60,000-90,000 IDR). Afternoon: La Brisa (Jalan Munduk Catu, beach club wrapped in tropical foliage, cocktails 120,000-180,000 IDR) for the sunset session. Arrive before 5:30pm to get a table — free entry, minimum spend 150,000-200,000 IDR. Alternative: La Plancha on Seminyak Beach, 20 min by scooter, festive crowd and colourful beanbags.

   Tips

   • · Batu Bolong is the best spot for beginners: regular left-hander, sandy bottom, instructors on-site. Echo Beach is more powerful — for experienced surfers only.
   • · La Brisa and La Plancha are packed in July-August. Book via Instagram DM or WhatsApp 24-48h ahead to secure a sea-view table.
   Canggu →
7. 7

   Day 7

   Canggu — free day, exploration and evening

   Unscheduled day — Canggu's gift. Options depending on mood: (1) morning surf session then café and coworking at Dojo (Jalan Batu Mejan, co-working café, day pass 75,000 IDR); (2) scooter trip to the Sanur pier and day-trip to Nusa Penida (35-min boat, ~150,000 IDR return) for Kelingking Beach and Crystal Bay snorkelling — plan the whole day; (3) visit Pasar Sindhu market in Sanur in the morning, then stroll along the waterfront.

   Evening in Canggu: dinner at Shady Shack (Jalan Tanah Barak, inventive plant-based cuisine, mains 80,000-130,000 IDR), then drinks at Pretty Poison or The Lawn depending on the vibe. Old Man's often runs a quiz or themed evening on Wednesdays.

   Tips

   • · The Nusa Penida day-trip from Sanur (40km from Canggu, 1h by scooter) requires leaving before 7:30am for the first boat. Beaches like Kelingking involve serious cliff climbing — good physical condition required.
   • · For local shopping: Jalan Batu Bolong and Jalan Raya Canggu are lined with Balinese brand stores (clothing, crafts, surf gear) at 30-50% less than Seminyak boutiques.
   Canggu →
8. 8

   Day 8

   Uluwatu excursion — temples, cliffs and south beaches

   Day in the Bukit peninsula, southeast Bali — 45min-1h from Canggu by scooter. Morning: Pura Luhur Uluwatu (entry 50,000 IDR, sarong provided), temple perched 70m above the Indian Ocean on a cliff edge. Beware of macaque monkeys — they snatch glasses, phones and plastic bags with alarming precision. Allow 1h on site, Kecak sunset dance show (100,000 IDR, 6pm, book in the morning).

   After the temple, head down to the peninsula beaches: Bingin Beach (steep 10-min staircase access, powerful waves, beachside warungs, mains 50,000-80,000 IDR) and Padang Padang Beach (entry 15,000 IDR, squeeze through a rock crevice, ideal for snorkelling). Warung lunch by the beach. Head back to Uluwatu for the Kecak sunset show, then dinner at Single Fin (Jalan Labuansait, 180° panoramic ocean view, mains 120,000-200,000 IDR, beer 45,000 IDR) — unmissable.

   Tips

   • · At Uluwatu temple: hold your phone with both hands and tuck sunglasses into a pocket. The monkeys are fast. A temple keeper can retrieve the item in exchange for a banana or snack (bring small change).
   • · Single Fin is packed on Sundays (Sunday Sessions, DJ set). On weekdays, you can eat in peace with an unobstructed view. Reservation recommended for sunset dining.
9. 9

   Day 9

   Fast boat Padang Bai → Gili Trawangan

   Transfer day — the most logistically important of the trip. Early departure from Canggu to Padang Bai (east Bali port, 1h30-2h drive by taxi or Grab, ~200,000-250,000 IDR). Fast boat to Gili Trawangan: main operators Eka Jaya, Scoot, Blue Water Express — tickets 600,000-700,000 IDR / €36-42, journey 1h30-2h. Book online at least 24-48h ahead in high season (July-August). Arrive on Gili T early afternoon.

   No cars or motorised scooters on the Gili islands — only transport: bicycles (rental 50,000-70,000 IDR/day) and cidomo (horse-drawn cart, negotiated fare, 50,000-100,000 IDR per journey). Check into your bungalow or hotel, first bike ride around the island (full loop in 45 min at a leisurely pace), grilled fish dinner on the north waterfront.

   Tips

   • · The fast boat can be choppy depending on weather. Take Dramamine or a ginger candy if prone to seasickness — the crossing is 1h30-2h non-stop.
   • · On Gili T: stay on the east or north coast (quiet, sunsets, reef nearby) rather than the central west coast (bars, noise until 3am).
   Gili Trawangan →
10. 10

    Day 10

    Gili Trawangan — snorkelling with sea turtles

    Gili Trawangan is one of the best places on earth to see green and hawksbill sea turtles in the wild, at just 5-15m depth. Morning: snorkelling or free-diving from the northeast beach (free entry, bring your own mask and snorkel or rent on site, 50,000-80,000 IDR/half-day). Turtles feed in the seagrass beds less than 50m from shore.

    More structured option: boat snorkelling trip around all three Gili islands (Trawangan, Meno, Air) with stops at 4-5 sites including Turtle Point and Shark Point — operators on the north waterfront, ~150,000-200,000 IDR / €9-12 (mask and snorkel included). Afternoon: PADI Open Water dive course if first certification (2,500,000-3,500,000 IDR / 4 days, recommended shops: Manta Dive, Blue Marlin Dive). Sunset from the northwest corner of the island with Rinjani in the background.

    Tips

    • · For diving: Manta Dive and Blue Marlin Dive are the two most reputable shops on Gili T, with English-speaking instructors and up-to-date equipment. Avoid operators undercutting at 100,000 IDR per dive (no safety standards).
    • · Sea turtles are present year-round, but sightings peak between 7am and 10am when seagrass beds are less crowded by snorkellers.
    Gili Trawangan →
11. 11

    Day 11

    Gili Trawangan — cycling, relaxation and evening

    Second island day, more relaxed. Morning: bike the island anti-clockwise, stop on the east coast (quietest side) for a swim in crystal-clear water above coral. The east coast also suits unguided snorkelling: perch at 3-4m depth over largely intact coral.

    Lunch at Warung Sunrise on the east side — catch of the day grilled with rice and vegetables, 80,000-120,000 IDR. Afternoon: hammock, reading, Balinese massage (150,000-200,000 IDR/h). Late afternoon, head to the Swinging Bar hill on the east side for sunset — yes, the swings are kitsch, but the view of Lombok and Rinjani is real. Dinner on the north waterfront, lobster or grilled tuna, cold Bintang.

    Tips

    • · The swing on Gili T's east hill is free to access but the bar charges premium prices (cocktails 120,000-180,000 IDR). Bring a Bintang bought at a shop (25,000 IDR) if budget is tight.
    • · Massage: avoid the 'salons' on the central waterfront (poor value). Better to use massage houses in the inner lanes — same quality at 30-40% less.
    Gili Trawangan →
12. 12

    Day 12

    Boat Gili Trawangan → Lombok — arrival and first look

    Public boat crossing from Gili Trawangan to Bangsal (north Lombok, 30 min, 25,000 IDR) or direct fast boat to Teluk Nare/Lembar depending on your accommodation. From Bangsal, taxi or ojek (motorbike taxi) to Senggigi (30 min, 80,000-120,000 IDR) or Kuta Lombok (south coast, 2h-2h30, 250,000-350,000 IDR).

    Two base options in Lombok: (1) Senggigi (west coast, convenient access, good value, sunset with Bali visible across the water); (2) Kuta Lombok (south coast, wild beaches, fewer tourists but rough roads). Most 14-day travellers choose Senggigi for proximity to Mataram and the port. Arrive mid-afternoon, sunset stroll on the local beach, dinner in a Senggigi restaurant (Warung Menega, grilled fish, 120,000-200,000 IDR).

    Tips

    • · From Gili T to Lombok: the public boat (25,000 IDR) is less comfortable but perfectly fine for 30 min. The direct fast boat (150,000-200,000 IDR) is worthwhile if heading straight to Kuta Lombok (faster via Teluk Nare).
    • · Lombok is predominantly Muslim (90% Sasak population). Dress more conservatively than in Bali, especially in inland villages and markets — respect local codes.
    Lombok →
13. 13

    Day 13

    Lombok — trekking, beaches and wild landscapes

    Day according to mood and fitness. Option A — Short Rinjani trek: drive to Sembalun (2h from Senggigi) for a day hike to the Crater Rim without summiting (1,800-2,100m altitude, 6-8h return, local guide mandatory ~300,000-400,000 IDR). Spectacular view over Segara Anak caldera lake and the Rinjani cone (3,726m). Book the guide the day before in Senggigi or through the hotel.

    Option B — South coast beaches (from Kuta Lombok): scooter or pick-up trip to Selong Belanak (15km from Kuta, horseshoe beach ideal for beginner surfing), Mawun (turquoise water, rarely crowded) and Tanjung Aan (two bays separated by a headland, white sand, warungs under coconut trees). Budget 80,000-120,000 IDR for a warung lunch on the beach. Back to Senggigi / Kuta Lombok by late afternoon.

    Tips

    • · The full Rinjani summit trek (3,726m) requires 2 to 3 days of camping — incompatible with a 14-day itinerary. The one-day 'crater rim' version is the right compromise to experience the volcano without sacrificing the rest of the trip.
    • · Selong Belanak in dry season (May-September): regular waves, perfect for beginners. In wet season (October-April): sea can be strong — check conditions before surfing.
    Lombok →
14. 14

    Day 14

    Lombok → Denpasar → departure

    Last day and departure logistics. From Lombok, two options: (1) direct flight Lombok (LOP) → home city if Lombok airport is served (Lion Air, Garuda, Batik Air to Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Jakarta); (2) transfer to Denpasar via fast boat from Lembar or Bangsal (1h30-2h, 250,000-400,000 IDR) or internal flight Lombok → Denpasar (~400,000-600,000 IDR / €25-36, 25 min, book in advance).

    If flying international from Denpasar: arrive at Ngurah Rai with at least 3 hours to spare in July-August — the airport is chronically overcrowded and security lines extend. While waiting for the flight, final Bali coffee, final nasi goreng, final Bintang. Bring back a bag of kopi Bali (roasted Balinese arabica) and local spices — Ngurah Rai duty free is decent but Ubud market is 40% cheaper.

    Tips

    • · Internal flight Lombok → Denpasar: book via Traveloka or Tiket.com (local apps, often 20-30% cheaper than international booking sites). Lion Air and Wings Air are the main operators on this route.
    • · Indonesian customs on departure: no export of protected marine products (corals, shells, CITES-listed species). Bag checks at Ngurah Rai are thorough on this point.
    Lombok →

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