Lombok Itinerary 3 Days – BEST Things to Do

Lombok Island, east of Bali Indonesia, has a good mix of experiences for every kind of traveller. This 3 day Lombok itinerary covering various activities in Lombok Island can give you long lasting soul satisfying experience.

How to get to Lombok Island

By Air: Lombok has only one airport. International flights fly in from Singapore and Kuala Lumpur with Silk Air, Garuda Airlines and Air Asia. Domestic flights fly from Jakarta, Bali, Jogjakarta, Makasar Bima, Dili, Bandung, Flores, Kupang and Surabaya. The different airlines providing service are Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, Merpati Airlines, Trans Nusa Air, Batavia Air.

Flight Tips: Do check the baggage limits in the airlines. You may want to bring back several lovely souvenirs. While on onward flight to Lombok, try and the window seat on right. You get excellent views of Gili Islands and Nusa Penida.

By Sea: There are Public Ferries and Fast/Express Boat service between Bali harbour and Lombok. It takes approximately 4 to 5 hours to cover the sea link. Cost: 36000IDR approx.

Things to know about Lombok

The locals in Lombok majorly belong to Sasak tribe. They were forced to convert to Islam in 16^th to 17^th century. They follow the Wetu Telu religion which is a mix of Islamic beliefs with Hindu-Buddhist beliefs. Other religions are: Lima Waktu, Bodha(original religion) and Balinese Hinduism.

Lombok in Sasak language means straight. It also means chilli, which explains its spicy cuisine.

Main festival here is the Bau Nyale or sea worm festival held in February in the Kuta beaches where locals go worm hunting.

BEST Things to do in Lombok

Lombok Itinerary Day 1

Most often half a day would be gone by the time you land in Lombok and settle in your hotel. Plan the evening for the famous sunset location on Merese Hill.

Before that you can halt at Kuta Beach in south Lombok. It is a rocky beach, water not so clear and the sand here is unique, each grain as big as the mustard seeds. Be prepared for the sarong, t-shirt and bracelet peddlers.

Mild Trek up Merese Hill

For sunset lovers Merese Hill is perfect. The hill is wrapped with the legend of Princess Mandalika giving up her life to save her country. It is told that she was a beautiful princess and several young princes wanted to marry her. The competition among them almost led to full-fledged war among them, bringing the country to verge of destruction. To avoid further destruction she jumped from Merese Hill into the sea. People searched for her in vain. It is believed she turned into a worm and visits the country during a certain period of the year.

Sunset views from Merese Hill is mesmerizing. Local vendors try to sell tender coconuts and refreshing drinks. Little boys help to take pictures, and come up with brilliant suggestions for composing pictures.

Lombok Itinerary – Day 2

Exploring the Art and Culture in Lombok

Visit to Sasak Ende Village

The village is not a museum. It has several families living in harmony preserving the rich traditions and cultural heritage passed on from generation to generation. We actually got to see their living styles, their means of daily living and cooking and their recreations. The traditional houses have unique architecture with low entrances, made of wood, bamboo and thatched roof. The floors are coated with cow dung frequently to prevent cracks. Men folk are usually into farming while the women engage themselves in weaving.

Here every female member has to compulsorily learn weaving. Little girls are initiated into this art right from childhood. And the custom associated with it is strict to the extent that the girls remain unmarried if they don’t learn the art. It takes a whole day to weave just 15cm of the fabric. The complete piece is called songket.

For recreation they have stick fights between male members of the community. Boys are initiated into this art right from their childhood. We were presented a stick fight event by 2 little warriors, a real treat to eyes. Their musical instruments too are unique. The gangong, a wind instrument is a heritage treasure. Young folks of the community are shying away from this and are more attracted to modern music and fashion.

Sasak Ende village is located 8.4km south of Lombok International airport Praya. Time duration for this is 3 to 4 hours.

Mild Trek to Benang Kelampu Waterfalls

This is another mild trekking destination in Lombok Island of Indonesia. Benang Kelampu waterfalls are at 30 to 40min walking distance from the start point. Return climb can be little tiresome unless you are fully fit for the uphill climb of uneven stairs. Definitely worth the effort as the views of the 40m waterfalls is truly mesmerizing.

Kelambu in local language means curtains and the waterfall resemble that. The adventurous among you can climb up the rocky terrain to get back behind the falls for a good picture.

There are bike services run by women too, who take you more than half the distance ahead. The place has few small eateries where you can snack on local dishes and get refreshing drinks.

Time duration for this is 2 hours.

Pottery in Banyumulek Village

Pottery is another main means of livelihood for the locals, the Sasak tribe of Lombok. They have perfected this age-old art to such beautiful dimensions! Many of the pottery pieces have combination of colors, weaves with palm leaves and threads that make them so unique. It is a pity that you can’t carry them back all that you love back home, but they do parcel these items to your destination. They encourage you to mold your own piece of art that you can take back home.

Time duration for this is less than an hour.

Shopping in Lombok

Several malls have mushroomed in several parts of the island. Sasaku Supermarket Oleh Oleh Lombok is one such mall. It is stuffed with souvenirs of every kind. The mall is stocked with food and garments too. It is very easy to lose track of time here, so I suggest scheduling a visit to the mall at the end of the day. All items are priced reasonably. My personal recommendation would be for some pearls here. It is open from 7AM to 10PM.

Lombok Itinerary -Day 3

Itinerary for Gili Islands for one whole day

To the northwest of Lombok Island is the popular Gili Islands. It takes just around 15min by speed boat. You will love Gili Islands for its divine beaches blanketed with white sand. We spent a day island hopping the 3 islands, Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air. These islands are sparsely populated but have a character of their own because of which tourists flock around them in good number.

The shore of Gili Air is a real treat to eyes with its rich colorful coral growth. Snorkeling is one of the most sought after activity here. Gili Meno shores have a healthy growth of gentle turtles.  You can peep into the peaceful lives of the turtle’s diving in to the deeper waters here.

Next head to Gili Trawangan for good seafood, shopping and swinging the famous beach swings. This is the best island among the three for a complete experience of the life in the islands. I would have loved to stay back for the much appreciated night life here but had to head back as it was a plan for 2 days itinerary of Lombok Island.

Cycling is one of the best ways to get around the island. You can hire them for 50000 Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) for a day. Plenty of props all over, so good photo opportunities too, you can pause along the way and get clicked.

Cidomo is another means of transport in the Gili Islands. It is a small horse-drawn carriage. Those against use of animals may not like it but then it is a means of livelihood for many locals there. We paid 150000IDR for a less than 10min ride across the island.

Luxury Stay Options in Lombok

Novotel Lombok Resort and Villas in south Lombok overlooking the Mandalika Beach, has good rooms, pool facilities, private beach and sumptuous spread for breakfast. Located at a distance of 20km from Lombok International Airport.

Holiday Resort Lombok – It is 52km north of Lombok International Airport near Senggigi Beach. The hotel is perfect for families. Lovely gardens, good pool facilities, friendly staff and generous breakfast spread.

Where to Stay in Lombok

Travel tips for Lombok Itinerary

• Even though the Gili Islands and Lombok have a beach feeling it is advised not to roam around in your swimsuit. Cover up with a sarong.
• Local phone cards are available.
• You can rent cars and scooters. IDL is a must if you are driving the vehicle yourself.
• Overstay fee is 1,000,000IDR per day.
• Several stores stock up on basic foods.

Conclusion

It is just more than a year now as I am writing this since Lombok and nearby Islands were badly hit by earthquake. Life is limping back to normal. We saw various new constructions and repair work on.

Indonesian government has rolled out several measures to promote Lombok and other destinations in Indonesia following the disastrous earthquake. There are all-in-one tourist packages to maximize promotion of Indonesia’s tourism destinations across the world.

Thanks for the Familiarization Trip by Indonesia Tourism and Malindo Air. Opinions are completely my own.

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