Often, we look forward to holidays, even if it’s just across the border. While longer trips are definitely more exciting, we can always consider a short getaway over the weekends, just to get away from the daily hustle and bustle of life!
Lombok is Bali’s underrated paradise, but definitely worth exploring! Located in West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, Lombok consists of 3 islands, offering spectacular view of waterfalls, mountains and rice paddies. So pack your bags, here’s a 3D2N itinerary to Lombok, the island escape you've been yearning for!
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Day 1
- Start your trip with Gili islands. The Maldives of Indonesia, it consists of 3 paradise islands - Gili Trawangan, Gili Air and Gili Meno. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions due to its stunning view, white-sand beaches and shady coconut palms.
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- Who can resist those crystal clear waters? While you are there, enjoy the water sport activities - stand up paddling, kite surfing and wakeboarding.
- The more popular ones are diving and snorkelling at Gili Trawangan! Get to see friendly sea creatures (turtles are the most common sighting) and enjoy swimming with the fishes!
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- Ever wanted to swing in the middle of the sea? Now you can! Capture once in a lifetime shots while swinging gently and enjoying the ocean breeze. Wait for the sun to set for the most spectacular views you'll ever see ?
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- The rest of the afternoon can be spent strolling or cycling (there are bike rental shops everywhere), and even island-hopping. You can also ride horses by the seashore!
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- Drop by their very own pasar malam or night market called Gili Trawangan Night market within the area. Opened daily from 6pm onwards, the entire stretch of Gili Trawangan Night Market offers a wide range of yummy food, from local Indonesian street fare to fresh seafood!
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Disclaimer: Do note that the night market is not halal-certified, however, majority of the locals in Lombok are Muslims. We advise that you check with the stall owners before consuming at your own discretion.
[P.S. Don't know where to spend the night? Check out these 9 most unique accommodations in Lombok!]
Day 2
- Trek up Mount Rinjani to catch a bird's eye view of the magnificent countryside.
Note: According to some of our readers, a hike up the mountain might take up to a day. As this itinerary was written with the intention of being used as a reference, we'd encourage you to make the necessary changes when planning your itinerary :)
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- Visit Lombok’s 3 most famous caves – Manik Cave, Milk Cave and Umbrella Cave. However, do check with your local tour guide before visiting any sacred places in Mount Rinjani.
#HHWT Tip: Mount Rinjani is known to be a sacred place to the locals of Lombok (Sasak and Balinese). They believe that it is the home of the Gods and often place offerings in the water. Hence, it is better to consult a local before visiting any of the sacred places, out of respect.
- Visit Rinjani’s Geopark and meet the breath-taking wonders of nature in Lombok, the Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep Waterfall! Don't forget to take lots of photos while you are there because the view is simply AMAZING ?
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- Be surrounded by blooming edelweiss flowers when you stop by the Edelweiss Field. This rare and valuable plant can only be admired from afar; strictly no picking!
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- Trek and camp at Pergasingan Hill to catch a bird's eye view of Mount Rinjani. An altitude of 1700 metres above sea level, you will get to see the overview of rice paddy fields in the form of a patchwork quilt!
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- We'd recommend to stay overnight for some stargazing and to catch the early morning sunrise over Mount Rinjani!
#HHWT Tip: Spend more than a day at Mount Rinjani! Adjust your schedule and put in one extra day if 24 hours isn't enough to explore everything ?
Day 3
- Enrol in a silver making class with ‘Yin Jewelry’ at Gili Trawangan and learn the basic skills of silversmithing. Create your own personalised silver ring/pendant and bring it back home as a souvenir!
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- Stop by Desa Banyumulek village and shop for traditional pottery crafts, selling at affordable prices! The locally made crafts include wall decorations, sand flower vases, jars and egg-shaped pots. One of the popular items sold is kendi (a water pot) which comes in various sizes.
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- Drop by Desa Sukarara to see how hand-woven fabrics such as songket (for women) and tenun ikat (for men) are made. Hand weaving is a craft dominated by women in the island. It is believed to be a local custom for all women to learn weaving before they can get married.
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- Visitors can also try out the traditional fabrics before purchasing them!
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- Visit the first and oldest mosque in Lombok, Masjid Bayan Beleq. The mosque is made of woven bamboo and clay for its flooring. A popular tourist attraction, the mosque is only used in celebration of special events such as Eid.
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- Before heading back, don’t forget to bring home Lombok’s famous savoury treat, Surabaya Patata! There are 7 flavours to choose from; Nutella, Banana, Green Tea, and Cheese, to name a few ?
Credit: @surabayapatata on Instagram
[P.S. Want to expand your itinerary? Here's 10 things you never knew you could do in Lombok!]
The 3D2N itinerary ends here and hopefully, wonderful Indonesia has helped you to release some stress and tension ? So, goodbye Lombok, till we meet again ?
