21 days in Indonesia: Java, Bali, Lombok and Gili

Day by day

1. 1

   Day 1

   Arrival in Jakarta — flight to Yogyakarta

   Arrival at Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK). Depending on arrival time, two strategies: (1) immediate connecting flight to Yogyakarta (Adisutjipto/YIA, 1h15 flight, operators Lion Air, Garuda, Batik Air — book in advance, 300,000-600,000 IDR / €18-36); (2) overnight stay in Jakarta if too late to connect — transit hotels near the airport (Soewarna area, 15 min by shuttle) are fine for one night (300,000-500,000 IDR).

   If flying to Yogya the same evening: land at YIA airport (Yogyakarta International Airport, 40km west of the city) or Adisutjipto (more central, 7km). Transfer by Bluebird taxi or Grab to Jalan Prawirotaman (recommended area: quiet, boutique hotels, local restaurants). First meal: gudeg (Yogyakarta speciality of jackfruit braised in coconut milk) at a street warung, 25,000-40,000 IDR. Yogyakarta runs at a different pace from Bali — more authentic, less touristified, and deeply Javanese.

   Tips

   • · Jakarta → Yogyakarta flight: book via Traveloka or Tiket.com (Indonesian apps) — often 20-30% cheaper than international platforms. The 6-8am and 5-8pm slots have the most options.
   • · The Jalan Prawirotaman district in Yogyakarta is better than Malioboro for travellers seeking calm: boutique hotels from 200,000 to 500,000 IDR per night, 15 min walk from the Sultan's Palace.
2. 2

   Day 2

   Yogyakarta — Borobudur at sunrise

   Wake at 4am. Depart by taxi or organised minibus from Yogyakarta to Borobudur (42km northwest, 1h-1h15 drive). Sunrise over the world's largest Buddhist monument is one of the most striking visual experiences in Southeast Asia: morning mist lifts over 504 stupas, the 72 Buddhas of the upper level are silhouetted in raking light, and Merapi smokes gently in the background on clear days.

   Borobudur site entry: 350,000 IDR (~€21) for foreigners. Sunrise access from the top requires a special 'Manohara' ticket (~450,000-600,000 IDR with breakfast, book the day before via the official website or hotel). Allow 2-3h on site to explore the 9 pyramid levels and read the 2,672 bas-relief panels depicting the life of the Buddha. Back in Yogyakarta by noon.

   Recovery afternoon: light lunch at Warung Soto Kadipiro (Jalan Wates, classic soto ayam, 25,000 IDR), nap, then stroll through the Kraton (Sultan's Palace, 15,000 IDR entry) and the lanes of Kotagede (silversmith quarter).

   Tips

   • · The Manohara sunrise ticket for Borobudur books up increasingly early (up to 1 week ahead in July-August). Go through borobudurpark.com or the hotel as soon as you arrive in Yogya.
   • · Bring a torch or headlamp to climb Borobudur's levels in the dark before dawn. The stone steps are regular but some passages are poorly lit.
3. 3

   Day 3

   Yogyakarta — Prambanan and Javanese culture

   Day dedicated to the Hindu complex of Prambanan (17km east of Yogyakarta, 40 min by taxi or Grab, ~80,000-120,000 IDR) — the Shaivite Hindu counterpart to Borobudur, UNESCO listed. Entry costs 350,000 IDR for foreigners. The three central temples dedicated to Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva reach 47m high; Ramayana bas-reliefs cover the gallery walls throughout. Go between 8am and 11am before the day's heat — allow 2h on site.

   If the timing works out (May-October, full moon), the Prambanan Ramayana Ballet is performed outdoors at sunset in front of the illuminated temples (200,000-400,000 IDR depending on seat) — the most impressive cultural experience in Java.

   Lunch at Bale Raos (Sultan's Palace restaurant, Jalan Magangan, Javanese court cuisine, mains 80,000-150,000 IDR) or Via Via Cafe (Jalan Prawirotaman, well-executed local fusion). Free evening in the Malioboro district: batik, wayang puppets, gamelan music in the lanes.

   Tips

   • · Borobudur and Prambanan offer a combined ticket (600,000 IDR) valid for 2 days — worth buying if visiting both sites on the same day or the next.
   • · The Prambanan Ramayana Ballet only runs on full moon nights (roughly 3 performances per month in season). Check the calendar at ramayana-ballet.com when booking the trip.
4. 4

   Day 4

   Flight Yogyakarta → Surabaya — minibus to Mount Bromo

   Transit day across eastern Java. Domestic flight Yogyakarta → Surabaya (JOG → SUB, 1h, Lion Air or Citilink, 200,000-400,000 IDR / €12-24, book in advance). Arrive at Surabaya's Juanda airport. From the terminal, meet the shared or private minibuses to Bromo — departures from the arrivals zone or from a Grab-accessible hotel in Probolinggo.

   Two logistics options: (1) organised minibus Surabaya → Cemoro Lawang (village on the caldera rim, 3h-3h30 drive, ~150,000-200,000 IDR shared bus) — book via a Yogya agency or online; (2) Grab to Probolinggo (2h, ~200,000-300,000 IDR) then local jeep to Cemoro Lawang (1h, ~100,000 IDR). Arrive at Cemoro Lawang in the late afternoon.

   Cemoro Lawang (2,200m altitude) is a truly unique village: perched on the rim of the Tengger caldera, it looks directly down onto the sea of sand and smoking Bromo. Recommended accommodation: Lava View Lodge (250,000-450,000 IDR per night, direct volcano view from the terrace). Dinner on site, early to bed — wake-up call at 3:30am.

   Tips

   • · The Yogyakarta → Surabaya flight can be replaced by the Argo Wilis train (Yogyakarta Tugu → Surabaya Gubeng, 5h, 150,000-350,000 IDR by class) — more comfortable but longer; book via KAI Access (official Indonesian railway app).
   • · The Bromo jeep booking (mandatory for sunrise) must be done the evening before, on arrival in Cemoro Lawang: guides and drivers are present in the village. Standard jeep rate for 4 people: 700,000-900,000 IDR for the full sunrise + crater programme.
5. 5

   Day 5

   Mount Bromo — sunrise and descent into the crater

   Wake at 3:30am. Depart by 4x4 jeep from Cemoro Lawang to the Mount Penanjakan viewpoint (2,770m, 45 min of tracks in the dark). On arrival, join the crowd at the overlook — in July-August, several hundred people. The spectacle remains extraordinary: Bromo (2,329m) spits white smoke into a sky shifting from violet to bright red to gold, with Semeru (3,676m, Java's highest peak) smoking in the background. Bring a fleece, hat and gloves — it is 5-10°C at the summit at dawn.

   Jeep descent to the sea of sand (Tengger), then on foot or by horse (50,000-100,000 IDR one way) to the Bromo crater. Climb the 253 steps to the rim of the active crater — looking straight down into the smoking mouth, sulphur smell, black volcanic soil. Total time from the sea of sand: 45 min-1h. Back in Cemoro Lawang by 10am, late breakfast, shower, check-out.

   Offerings from the Yadnya Kasada festival (full moon of Kasada month, month 12 of the Tengger calendar, usually July-August) are thrown into the crater by the Tengger community — if the visit coincides, it is a unique cultural experience.

   Tips

   • · Penanjakan car park is packed in high season. Some jeep drivers know alternative viewpoints (Seruni Point, King Kong Hill) that are less crowded with comparable views — ask the hotel the evening before.
   • · Entry to the Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park is 350,000 IDR for foreigners on weekdays, 400,000 IDR at weekends. This ticket includes volcano access but not the jeep or horse.
6. 6

   Day 6

   Bromo → flight Banyuwangi → ferry → Bali → Ubud

   Long transit day — the most logistically complex of the trip. From Cemoro Lawang, descend by jeep or minibus to Banyuwangi (3h-3h30 from Bromo, taxi or organised bus, 200,000-300,000 IDR). Domestic flight Banyuwangi → Denpasar (BWX → DPS, 1h, Wings Air, 300,000-500,000 IDR) — or the cheaper but longer alternative: minibus Bromo → Banyuwangi then Ketapang → Gilimanuk ferry (45-min crossing, 10,000 IDR) then bus or Grab Gilimanuk → Ubud (3h30, 200,000-350,000 IDR).

   Recommendation: fly Banyuwangi → Denpasar if budget is comfort-level, since the ferry + bus combination exceeds 7h transit and burns a full day. Land at Ngurah Rai in the early afternoon. Grab or taxi to Ubud (1h30, 180,000-250,000 IDR). Arrive Ubud late afternoon — check in, evening walk on Jalan Dewi Sita, light warung dinner, recovery after 6 intense days in Java.

   Tips

   • · Wings Air Banyuwangi → Denpasar has limited rotations (often 1-2 per day). Book as soon as the trip is planned to avoid falling back on the ferry route.
   • · Arriving in Ubud after Java is a reverse culture shock: the intensity of Bromo and the temples gives way to the calm of rice terraces. Plan 2 nights without heavy early morning schedules to recover from the pace change.
   Ubud →
7. 7

   Day 7

   Ubud — Tegalalang rice terraces and Pura Tirta Empul

   First full day in Ubud after Java. Wake without an alarm to recover, then rent a scooter mid-morning (70,000 IDR/day, ~€4, helmet included — check the brakes). 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 10am to beat the crowds.

   Afternoon: Pura Tirta Empul (purification temple founded in 962, 50,000 IDR entry, sarong mandatory, rented at the entrance). Balinese pilgrims purify themselves at the 13 sacred fountains — respect the ritual, do not photograph up close without permission. Down to the Ubud Royal Palace (Puri Saren, free access to the outer courtyard) for the golden hour. Dinner at Warung Ibu Oka (babi guling, Balinese roast suckling pig, 100,000 IDR) — arrive before 12:30pm or 6:30pm, they close when the pig runs out.

   Tips

   • · Tegalalang shots are best taken early morning (7-9am): golden light, light mist, no mass crowds. Skip the pay-to-swing platforms (30,000-50,000 IDR) — kitsch and unsupervised.
   • · Sarong mandatory in all Balinese temples. Temples provide sarongs at the entrance (free or 10,000-20,000 IDR deposit) — no need to buy one if you're not keeping it.
   Ubud →
8. 8

   Day 8

   Ubud — yoga, market and local food

   Slower day, cultural immersion. Morning: yoga at Yoga Barn (Jalan Pengosekan, 130,000-200,000 IDR / €8-12, multiple slots from 7am to 7pm, Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin styles) — book the day before online or at reception. Then explore Ubud Market (Pasar Ubud, Jalan Raya Ubud): fresh mangosteen, salak, rambutan, spices, textiles, crafts — prices double for tourists, always negotiate.

   Lunch at the warungs on the lower market level (25,000-40,000 IDR per dish) or at Warung Teges (Jalan Raya Teges). Afternoon: Balinese cooking class (many options 300,000-500,000 IDR / €18-30, including market visit + preparing 3-4 dishes + tasting) — Lobong Culinary, Paon Bali or Casa Luna are the references. Evening: Kecak dance at Pura Dalem Ubud (100,000-150,000 IDR) or Pura Taman Saraswati depending on the evening programme.

   Tips

   • · Yoga Barn offers drop-in classes without mandatory booking outside July-August. In high season, arrive 30 min early to secure a spot — morning classes sometimes fill up.
   • · Balinese cuisine differs from general Indonesian cooking through heavy use of base genep (fresh spice blend: galangal, turmeric, lemongrass, garlic, shallots). Learning its composition in the cooking class is the best way to bring Bali back to your kitchen.
   Ubud →
9. 9

   Day 9

   Ubud — free day, temples and nature

   Third day in Ubud with no fixed programme. The town and surroundings deserve this free time. Suggestions depending on mood:

   Option A — Gorge and temples: descend into the Campuhan Ridge Walk gorge (start at Jalan Raya Campuhan, 2h return, rice terrace and hill views, free) then visit Pura Gunung Kawi (Tampaksiring, 50,000 IDR, 11th-century rock-cut temples) by scooter (20km northeast).

   Option B — Monkey Forest and museum: Sacred Monkey Forest (75,000 IDR, free-roaming monkeys, hidden forest temples, 2h on site) then Puri Lukisan Museum (Jalan Raya Ubud, 85,000 IDR, Balinese school painting collection). Lunch at Bridges Ubud (Jalan Campuhan, gorge view, mains 120,000-200,000 IDR).

   Option C — Spa and recovery: Ubud is Bali's wellness capital. Full Balinese treatment (massage + lulur + floral bath) in a Sanggingan spa: 250,000-500,000 IDR depending on the establishment. Karsa Spa (Jalan Bisma) and Tjampuhan Spa (built into a historic hotel on the gorge edge) are the two references.

   Tips

   • · Sacred Monkey Forest opens at 9am — go at opening to avoid the 11am-3pm tour groups. Ubud's monkeys steal glasses, open bags and plastic packets with the same dexterity as Uluwatu's.
   • · The Campuhan Ridge Walk is doable year-round but mud in rainy season makes paths slippery. In dry season (May-September), go before 8am or after 4pm to avoid the heat and see the hills in their best light.
   Ubud →
10. 10

    Day 10

    Excursion — Mount Batur or Tegenungan waterfalls

    Excursion day from Ubud. Two classic options:

    Option A — Mount Batur (sunrise): wake at 2:30am, depart by scooter or organised pick-up from Ubud to Toya Bungkah (1h15 drive). Guided trek mandatory: guide 300,000-450,000 IDR per person, headlamp rental 30,000 IDR. Ascent 1h30-2h to the summit (1,717m), arriving before dawn. Sunrise over the caldera with Lake Batur below and Rinjani on the horizon. Descent, volcanic steam breakfast, back in Ubud by 11am. Free afternoon to recover.

    Option B — Waterfalls and rice terraces: depart by scooter around 9am. Visit Tegenungan waterfall (10km south of Ubud, 20,000 IDR entry, swimming possible in the pool in low season) then Kanto Lampo waterfall (20,000 IDR, highly photogenic, fewer people). Warung lunch en route. Afternoon: Tukad Cepung bamboo forest (waterfall inside a bamboo cave, 20,000 IDR) — arrive in the morning for the natural light filtering through the canopy.

    Tips

    • · Temperature at Batur summit: 10-15°C even in dry season. Bring a fleece or windbreaker — this is the most common complaint from unprepared hikers.
    • · Tegenungan is packed between 10am and 2pm. If choosing Option B, start with Kanto Lampo or Tukad Cepung first and finish at Tegenungan in the late afternoon when tour groups leave.
    Ubud →
11. 11

    Day 11

    Ubud → Canggu — transition to the coast

    Check out of Ubud mid-morning after breakfast. Transfer by Grab or taxi to Canggu (~120,000-180,000 IDR / €7-11, 45 min-1h depending on traffic). Arriving in Canggu from Ubud is a complete change of register: from silent rice terraces to commercial lanes, from Buddhist calm to surf-café-coworking energy.

    Accommodation: aim for Berawa or Batu Bolong to be walking distance from surf breaks. Guesthouse budget: 200,000-350,000 IDR/night, private pool villa: 500,000-900,000 IDR/night. Rent a scooter on arrival (70,000 IDR/day).

    First Canggu reconnaissance: walk down to Batu Bolong Beach late afternoon, watch surfers on the left-hand break, sunset from the sand. Dinner at Old Man's (Jalan Pantai Batu Bolong) — beachfront bar-restaurant, fish & chips 85,000 IDR, Bintang beer 40,000 IDR. Laid-back atmosphere, easy evening.

    Tips

    • · Canggu is not a single neighbourhood but a generic name for a wide area. Berawa is quieter and more residential, Batu Bolong is the lively hub. Pererenan to the north is growing fast but hard to navigate without a scooter.
    • · The Ubud → Canggu Grab journey is sometimes refused by drivers in high season (inter-regional route). Solution: book a Bluebird taxi via the MyBluebird app — fixed rate, more reliable for this journey.
    Canggu →
12. 12

    Day 12

    Canggu — surf lessons and beach clubs

    First full day in Canggu. 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 with a consistent sandy bottom at Batu Bolong.

    Light lunch at Warung Dandelion or Satu Satu (healthy bowls, 60,000-90,000 IDR). Recovery, shower. Afternoon: La Brisa (Jalan Munduk Catu, tropical beach club, cocktails 120,000-180,000 IDR) for the sunset session — arrive before 5:30pm, minimum spend 150,000-200,000 IDR. Alternative: La Plancha (Seminyak, 20 min by scooter, festive on-sand atmosphere with coloured beanbags).

    Tips

    • · Batu Bolong is the best beginner spot: regular left-hander, sandy bottom, instructors on site. Echo Beach is more powerful and hollow — experienced surfers only.
    • · La Brisa and La Plancha are packed at weekends and in July-August. Book via Instagram DM or WhatsApp 24-48h ahead to secure a sea-view table.
    Canggu →
13. 13

    Day 13

    Canggu — free surf, exploration and evening out

    Second full day in Canggu, free pace. Options depending on mood and weather:

    (1) Autonomous morning surf session at Batu Bolong or Echo Beach if the level acquired the day before allows, followed by coffee and coworking at Dojo (Jalan Batu Mejan, co-working café, day pass 75,000 IDR) or Biasa Art Space.

    (2) Scooter exploration to Seminyak (20 min south): Balinese fashion boutiques, Ku De Ta for lunch (beach view, mains 150,000-250,000 IDR), art galleries, Seminyak Square market.

    (3) Nusa Penida day trip (depart Sanur, 40km from Canggu, 1h by scooter — fast boat return ~150,000 IDR / 30 min): Kelingking Beach, Crystal Bay snorkelling — book early as boats leave at 8am.

    Canggu evening: dinner at Shady Shack (Jalan Tanah Barak, creative plant-based cuisine, mains 80,000-130,000 IDR), then drinks at Pretty Poison or The Lawn depending on the vibe.

    Tips

    • · The Nusa Penida day trip from Sanur requires leaving Canggu before 7:30am to catch the first boat. Kelingking Beach demands good physical fitness (steep cliff descent and climb, 20-30 min each way).
    • · Jalan Batu Bolong and Jalan Raya Canggu are lined with Balinese brand stores (clothing, crafts, surf gear) at 30-50% less than Seminyak boutiques — better to shop here before departing.
    Canggu →
14. 14

    Day 14

    Canggu — Uluwatu day trip: cliffs, temples and Kecak

    Excursion to the Bukit peninsula, 45 min-1h from Canggu by scooter. Morning: Pura Luhur Uluwatu (entry 50,000 IDR, sarong provided), temple perched 70m above the Indian Ocean — one of Bali's six directional temples. Beware of macaques: they snatch glasses, phones and bags in seconds. Allow 1h on site.

    Afternoon: head down to the peninsula beaches — Bingin Beach (steep 10-min staircase, powerful waves, beachside warungs, mains 50,000-80,000 IDR) and Padang Padang Beach (15,000 IDR entry, squeeze through a rock crevice). Warung lunch by the beach. Return to Uluwatu for the Kecak sunset dance show (100,000 IDR, 6pm — book on site in the morning).

    Dinner at Single Fin (Jalan Labuansait, 180° panoramic Indian Ocean view, mains 120,000-200,000 IDR, beer 45,000 IDR) — the restaurant with the best view in the entire peninsula. Return to Canggu in the evening.

    Tips

    • · At Uluwatu temple: hold your phone with both hands and tuck sunglasses into a closed pocket. Temple keepers retrieve stolen items in exchange for a banana or snack — bring small change.
    • · Single Fin is packed on Sundays (DJ set, Sunday Sessions). On weekdays, you eat in peace with an unobstructed view. Book 24h ahead for sunset dining, especially July-August.
15. 15

    Day 15

    Fast boat Padang Bai → Gili Trawangan

    Transfer day to Gili Trawangan. 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 Scoot Fast Cruises, Blue Water Express, Eka Jaya — tickets 600,000-700,000 IDR / €36-42, journey 1h30-2h. Book online at least 5-7 days ahead in high season (July-August). Arrive on Gili T in the early afternoon.

    No cars or motorised scooters on the Gili islands — only permitted transport: bicycles (50,000-70,000 IDR/day) and cidomo (horse-drawn cart, 50,000-100,000 IDR per journey). Check in to your bungalow or hotel — recommended: Pearl of Trawangan or Desa Dunia Beda (north/east coast, quiet, reef-facing). First bike ride around the island (45 min at a leisurely pace), grilled fish dinner on the north waterfront with Rinjani in the background.

    Tips

    • · The fast boat can be choppy depending on weather. Take Dramamine or ginger if prone to seasickness — the crossing is 1h30-2h non-stop. Sit inside at the centre of the boat to minimise rocking.
    • · On Gili T: stay on the east or north coast (quiet, reef accessible from shore, sunset over Lombok) rather than the central west coast (bars, noise until 3am in high season).
    Gili Trawangan →
16. 16

    Day 16

    Gili Trawangan — snorkelling with turtles and diving

    Gili Trawangan is one of the best places on earth to see green and hawksbill sea turtles in the wild, at 5-15m depth. Morning: snorkelling from the northeast beach (bring your own mask and snorkel or rent on site, 50,000-80,000 IDR/half-day). Turtles feed in seagrass beds less than 50m from shore between 7am and 10am.

    Alternative: boat snorkelling trip around all three Gili islands (Trawangan, Meno, Air), 4-5 stops including Turtle Point and Shark Point — operators on the north waterfront, ~150,000-200,000 IDR / €9-12 (mask and snorkel included).

    Afternoon: first or second guided dive with Manta Dive (Jalan Sunset, reference shop, English-speaking instructors, certified equipment — fun dive 550,000-650,000 IDR / €32-39) or Blue Marlin Dive (same reputation). Complete beginners: PADI discovery dive (baptism dive, 600,000-800,000 IDR). Sunset from the northwest tip of the island with Rinjani as a backdrop.

    Tips

    • · Manta Dive and Blue Marlin Dive are the two most reputable shops on Gili T. Avoid operators undercutting at 100,000 IDR per dive — no certified equipment or safety standards.
    • · Sea turtles are present year-round at Gili T, but sightings are more frequent between 7am and 10am when seagrass beds are less crowded by group snorkellers.
    Gili Trawangan →
17. 17

    Day 17

    Gili Trawangan — cycling, east coast and quiet evening

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

    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 at an inner-lane massage house (150,000-200,000 IDR/h — avoid central waterfront salons, poor value).

    Late afternoon: Swinging Bar hill on the east side for sunset — the swings are kitsch but the view of Lombok and Rinjani is real. Dinner on the north waterfront: lobster or grilled tuna, cold Bintang, no schedule, last evening on the island.

    Tips

    • · The swing hill is free to access but the bar charges premium prices (cocktails 120,000-180,000 IDR). Bring a Bintang from a corner shop (25,000 IDR) if budget is tight.
    • · Gili Trawangan has active nightlife on the west coast (themed parties, traditionally Monday and Thursday). If that's not the goal, staying on the east coast guarantees quiet nights even in high season.
    Gili Trawangan →
18. 18

    Day 18

    Boat Gili Trawangan → Lombok — arrival and settling in

    Boat crossing from Gili Trawangan to Lombok. Two options: (1) public boat Gili T → Bangsal (north Lombok, 30 min, 25,000 IDR) — ideal if staying in Senggigi or north Lombok; (2) direct fast boat to Teluk Nare (150,000-200,000 IDR, 30-40 min) or Lembar (southwest Lombok, 2h, 250,000 IDR) if staying in Kuta Lombok.

    Recommended base for 3 nights: Kuta Lombok (south coast) — wild beaches, less touristified than Senggigi, direct access to the island's most beautiful beaches. Journey Bangsal → Kuta Lombok: 2h-2h30 by taxi or ojek (250,000-350,000 IDR). Alternatively, Senggigi (west coast) is logistically easier but less wild in feel.

    Arrive in Kuta Lombok mid-afternoon. Check in, first dinner at a local warung — nasi campur sasak (Sasak people's composed plate, Lombok's majority ethnic group), 30,000-50,000 IDR. Lombok is 90% Muslim — social norms differ from Bali, dress more conservatively away from beach areas.

    Tips

    • · Roads in Lombok, especially towards South Kuta, are steadily improving since 2022 (Mandalika development investment) but some coastal tracks remain rough. Allow for a 4x4 or experienced local driver on coastal trails.
    • · Kuta Lombok has nothing in common with Kuta Bali: no clubs, no backpacker crowds, no Jalan Legian. It is a coastal village in quiet development — some travellers are surprised to find so little nightlife, others love it precisely for that.
    Lombok →
19. 19

    Day 19

    Lombok — mini Rinjani trek or Selong Belanak

    Day according to energy level and physical condition. Two options:

    Option A — Mini Rinjani trek (crater rim): early departure from Kuta Lombok to Sembalun (2h-2h30 drive). Day hike to the Rinjani caldera rim (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). Picnic lunch at the top. Book the guide the day before at the Kuta hotel — some local agencies offer packages with transport included (~500,000-700,000 IDR all-in).

    Option B — Selong Belanak and coastal exploration: scooter or pick-up trip from Kuta Lombok to Selong Belanak (15km, horseshoe beach ideal for beginner surfing, regular gentle waves in dry season), then Mawun (rarely crowded turquoise waters, dream beach). Warung lunch under coconut trees (70,000-100,000 IDR). Surf lesson at Selong Belanak if desired (~150,000-200,000 IDR/h with board included).

    Tips

    • · The full Rinjani summit trek (3,726m) requires 2 to 3 days of camping — incompatible with 3 nights in Lombok. The one-day crater rim version is the right compromise to experience the volcano without sacrificing beaches.
    • · Selong Belanak in dry season (May-September): regular waves perfect for beginners. Don't confuse with Kuta Mandalika (MotoGP circuit, 10km east) — Selong Belanak's beaches remain unspoiled.
    Lombok →
20. 20

    Day 20

    Lombok — Tanjung Aan and Kuta Lombok

    Penultimate day, dedicated to the two gems of Lombok's south coast. Morning: Tanjung Aan (8km east of Kuta Lombok, reachable by scooter) — two distinct bays separated by a rocky headland. The west bay is more sheltered and ideal for swimming, the east bay has perfect waves for bodysurfing. Fine white sand with Lombok's characteristic 'pepper grain' texture. Warungs under coconut trees, grilled fish at noon, 60,000-100,000 IDR.

    Lunch on site, hammock nap at a warung. Afternoon: return to Kuta Lombok and explore the town — Pasar Kuta traditional market (morning only, but some stalls in the afternoon), Sasak craft shops (Lombok ikat textiles, Banyumulek pottery). Sunset from Kuta beach (Pantai Kuta Mandalika) with a direct view of the peninsula's green hills. Final Lombok dinner: Ashtari restaurant (Jalan Mawun, panoramic coast view, fusion cuisine with local produce, mains 100,000-180,000 IDR) or a simple town warung.

    Tips

    • · Tanjung Aan is one of the few beaches in Lombok (and Indonesia) with two sand textures in the same cove: fine white on the west side, coarser 'pepper grain' on the east, due to differing coral composition.
    • · Ashtari is open for lunch and dinner — terrace sunsets are spectacular. Book the day before in high season, especially terrace-edge tables with an open view to the horizon.
    Lombok →
21. 21

    Day 21

    Lombok → Denpasar → international departure

    Last day and return logistics. From Lombok International Airport (LOP, Bandara Internasional Lombok, 35km from Kuta Lombok, 45 min-1h drive, taxi ~150,000-200,000 IDR), two scenarios:

    (1) Direct flight Lombok → international destination if served: Lion Air, Malindo Air and Garuda operate routes to Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and sometimes Doha. Ideal — one less night and no Bali transit.

    (2) Domestic flight Lombok → Denpasar (LOP → DPS, 25 min, 400,000-600,000 IDR / €24-36, Lion Air, Wings Air, Garuda — book via Traveloka or Tiket.com) then international flight from Ngurah Rai. Allow at least 3 hours before international departure from Denpasar in July-August (chronically congested airport). While waiting: final kopi Bali, final nasi goreng, duty free shopping or Ubud market if the transit allows.

    Flying back from Lombok rather than Denpasar is always the most elegant option for this itinerary: you end where the journey first transcended Bali.

    Tips

    • · Lombok → Denpasar flight: book via Traveloka or Tiket.com (local apps, often 20-30% cheaper than international platforms). Lion Air and Wings Air are the main operators on this route.
    • · Indonesian customs on departure: no export of corals, protected shells or CITES-listed species. Bag checks at Ngurah Rai and Lombok are thorough. Common traps: market shells, 'antique' artefacts, plants without phytosanitary certificates.
    Lombok →

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