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Bali & Lombok In 6D5N: Your Muslim-Friendly Itinerary For The Best Indonesian Beach Vacay

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Mutiara Yasmin •  Apr 05, 2019

Bali and Lombok may be common destinations for travellers, but this doesn’t mean you can't have unique experiences there. This itinerary shows you the road less traveled; this way, not only will you have a complete package of Bali and Lombok’s wonders (nature, culinary, culture, and history all in one trip!), but you are also guaranteed a once-in-a-lifetime getaway that many will envy ?

P.S. Bali or Lombok not in your list this year? Then check out these other Muslim-friendly destinations!

Things you need to know before you go:

Getting around:

Renting a car is always the best option, as public transport is not so reliable in Bali and Lombok. On a brighter note, this also means competitive prices and services. Most drivers are professional, and there are English-speaking tour guides too, so you can arrange your customized itinerary and book excursion tours with their help.

Finding halal food: 

Bali is a Hindu-majority island (but still Muslim-friendly), while Lombok has a major Muslim population (it's known for being home to a thousand mosques!). However, both are accepting of international travelers, and they cater to all kinds of customer demands and needs. Most places won’t have official Halal certificate, and it's always recommended to check with individual eateries to confirm that they serve halal food before you feast ?

#HHWT Tip: If you're looking for halal food in Bali, don't worry! We've got you covered with these 13 halal restaurants.

Money: 

Again, the rise in the number of global travelers plays a huge role here. Indonesia is never a tipping country in general, but tipping when you are sincerely satisfied with any services is always welcome. Having enough cash in Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) will be helpful since many local places still don’t accept other methods of payment. Money changers are commonly available in some places, but the rates are usually not as good as the ones at the airport or in other Southeast Asian countries.

Day 1 - Singaraja

We suggest that you arrive in Bali instead of Lombok, considering that there are more available flight routes to Bali from anywhere in the world. Also, instead of taking the crowded and usual routes to locations around Kuta beach and Ubud market, Bali is more enjoyable when you visit other areas that are less visited because they offer more nature and authenticity. For a start, Singaraja, the old port town in north Bali is a 3.5-hour drive from the airport. You’d want to arrive in Bali before noon and head to Singaraja with a short stop in Ubud on the way. With that, your journey begins...

#HHWT Tip: No idea where to stay in Bali? These villas will definitely be perfect for you!

Nasi Ayam Kedewatan, Ubud (1 hour)

  • Savor the authentic and halal nasi ayam Bali (Balinese chicken rice) for your early lunch at this simple but longstanding eatery.

The mouth-watering nasi ayam Bali (Credit: @irwandut on Instagram)

  • The champion dish here is rice mixed with various chicken treats. It's popular with both locals and visitors!
  • Halal status: Halal meat available
  • Address: Jl. Raya Kedewatan No.18, Kedewatan, Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
  • Opening hours: 8am - 6pm daily

Capture Singaraja’s heritage (2 hours)

  • Wander Singaraja city to capture its bountiful beauty of ancient heritage.
  • Make sure you include Ling Gwan Kiong Chinese temple and cemetery, Buleleng Temple, the hero monument, and the old warehouses at the port.

Ling Gwan Kiong Chinese temple in Singaraja (Credit: @ricky_kwee on Instagram)

  • If you still have time, treat your inner scholar to Gedong Kirtya too. It’s the only Lontar book (ancient sacred texts written on lontar leaves) museum in the world.
  • #HHWT Tip: Meet the lovely pet turtles in the temple! They’re old but friendly, and they still roam freely on the temple’s tiled floor ?

Pasar Anyar Singaraja (2 hours)

  • Spend the night in Singaraja to save your budget and visit the city’s local market on Jalan Durian for your retail therapy and dinner.

Credit: @vieritravaglini on Instagram

  • There you will find many little stalls selling anything from fresh produce to sparkling gold pieces of jewelry! Join the local crowd and sample various local dishes you’re interested in. Your first night in Bali will definitely be satisfying for the soul.
  • #HHWT Tip: If you happen to travel during Ramadan, don't miss out on the nearby Pasar Kaget Ramadan on Jalan Jeruk, a food market that's only open during Ramadan (daily until 8pm). You can thank us later!
  • Address:Jalan Durian, Singaraja, North Bali
  • Hours: 3am - 9pm daily

Sunset at Penimbangan Beach (2 hours)

  • Head to Penimbangan Beach for your dose of the gorgeous sunset.
  • This beach may not be so famous, but its sunset is out of this world and the lesser visitors gives you the freedom to really enjoy nature.

Gorgeous sunset at Penimbangan Beach, Singaraja (Credit: Rully Rully on Facebook)

  • During daytime, this beach is wonderful for canoeing, and at night you can easily find yummy seafood to savor by the beach! Do aim to arrive at the beach by around 5pm, to get ready for sunset.
  • #HHWT Tip:To get here, you'll have to pass by small eateries along the road and find the narrow path at the right of an old temple. Behind the old temple, you will see another narrow path by a rice field. Walk along the path and you will get to a quiet beach with only a few other visitors.
  • Address: Baktiseraga, Buleleng Sub-District, Buleleng Regency, Bali 81119, Indonesia

Day 2 - Lake Beratan to Seminyak-Kuta

Today you’re leaving north Bali and moving to the Seminyak-Kuta area, but before you finally reach the south, don't miss out on a few stopovers along the way!

Gitgit twin waterfalls (2 hours)

  • Start your second day with a trip to one of the most amazing spots in Bali: Gitgit twin waterfalls.
  • Standing tall at 40m, and split into two equal streams pouring into a rocky pool below, it's a mesmerizing beauty you just won’t forget ?

Credit: @visualsbygoli on Instagram

  • #HHWT Tip: The water is clearer during dry season (normally April to September).
  • Address: Jalan Raya Bedugul-Singaraja, Buleleng, Bali

P.S. Looking for more IG-worthy places like this? Our list of Instagrammable places in Bali is just what you need!

Lake Beratan and Ulun Danu Temple (1 hour)

  • It’s a 3.5-hour drive from Singaraja to Seminyak, so why not take in the gorgeous scenery of Lake Beratan and Ulun Danu Temple along the way?
  • This is as spectacular as the view you often see in postcards! Take a deep breath and enjoy the serenity ?

Credit: @wallace_steve on Instagram

  • #HHWT Tip: Did you know that Ulun Danu was once featured on the Rp50.000 Indonesian banknote? Go ahead and try to capture it from the same angle!
  • Address: Danau Beratan, Candikuning, Baturiti, Tabanan Regency, Bali 82191, Indonesia

Rumah Bali Luwus (2 hours)

  • Here at Rumah Bali Luwus, you will not only have amazing lunch but also get to immerse yourself in Balinese culture, including its culinary heritage.
  • It is not just a restaurant, but rather a wholesome experience where the staff will welcome you and escort you for a Balinese house tour before your lunch!

Credit: Rumah Bali Luwus on Facebook

  • #HHWT Tip: Opt for the Balinese Rayunan Traditional Lunch to enjoy a traditional and authentic Balinese food!
  • Halal status: Halal ingredients used
  • Address: Jl. Denpasar - Bedugul, Luwus, Luwus, Kabupaten Tabanan, Bali 82191, Indonesia

Bali Butterfly Park (1 hour)

  • The next stop is Bali Butterfly Park. The diverse collection of tropical butterflies and moths is so out-of-this-world and you will be tempted to get lots of photos here!

Credit: @bwalters22 on Instagram

  • Learn more about the butterflies at the mummified displays and meet them face to face in the outdoors area.
  • #HHWT Tip: Get into the pupae room for an interesting, detailed explanation from the expert staff on the life cycle of butterflies and moths.
  • Address: Jalan Batukaru, Sandan Lebah, Tabanan, Central Bali
  • Opening hours: 8am - 5pm daily

Soak in the atmosphere of bustling Seminyak-Kuta (2 hours)

  • Once you arrive in Seminyak and check in to your hotel, it’s now time for a night out! Seminyak and the connected Kuta/Legian areas are famous for nightlife, but not to worry, you don't need to step into any clubs to enjoy nightlife here.

Credit: Bale Udang on Facebook

  • You're probably famished from all the travelling today, so make your way to the famous Bale Udang Mang Engking known for their fresh seafood dishes (especially prawns!) and halal authentic Balinese fare ?
  • The best part is, you'll be savouring your meal in wooden bamboo huts!
  • #HHWT Tip: The best way to enjoy Seminyak and Kuta is on foot, as traffic is usually unbearably crowded there. Stroll all the way through Jalan Raya Seminyak-Legian and stop at anywhere you feel interesting. Everything is within walking distance here.

Day 3 - Sidemen

Today you’ll explore the east, one of the least visited parts of Bali where you’ll appreciate the nature and culture relatively without the tourist crowd.

Seafood lunch in Sanur (1 hour)

  • After a well-deserved lazy morning in Seminyak, head to Sanur beach to have fresh seafood for lunch.
  • There are plenty of good restaurants in the area, but Warung Odah Oning on Jalan Kusuma Sari and Warung Amphibia on Jalan Pantai Sindu are said to be the best. They offer fresh catch from the local fishermen at very reasonable prices.

Grilled lobsters at Warung Amphibia (Credit: shellb59 on Instagram)

  • #HHWT Tip:The owner of Warung Amphibia catches himself the live seafood in the morning. Have a chat and ask for his recommendation for your lunch!
  • Halal status: Seafood options available, some shops serve alcohol so do dine at your own discretion
  • Address:Sanur Beach, Denpasar, South Bali

Sidemen rice fields (3 hours)

  • Continue your journey in Sidemen and visit its laidback nature that'll calm your soul.
  • Most of the accommodation in the area is located in Tabola village, and there you can easily take a scenic walk through the rice field and past the villages to see life in rural Bali.

  • You can go cycling too! Bicycle rent shops are easy to find around the area and it would be a good way to brush off the scrumptious lunch too!
  • Just imagine the majestic Mount Agung, the lush green paddy fields, the refreshing small rivers, and the calming fresh air ☺️
  • #HHWT Tip: You may need to cross a shallow river during the walk, so wear items you’d feel okay to get wet!
  • Address: Tabola village, Sidemen, Karangasem, East Bali

Visit Pura Besakih (1-2 hours)

  • While you're at Sidemen, take this opportunity to visit the largest Hindu temple in Bali, Pura Besakih.
  • Perched on the slopes of Mt Agung, there are around 86 temple complexes at Pura Besakih. Over 70 ceremonies and religious celebrations are held here so it'll be really interesting if you get to catch one!

Credit: @amaandiinem on Instagram

  • #HHWT Tip: The best times to visit Pura Besakih is in the early morning and evening as there are fewer people.
  • Address: Besakih, Rendang, Karangasem Regency, Bali 80863, Indonesia

P.S. Still not done exploring Bali? Here are 12 amazing things you absolutely can't miss!

Day 4 - Gili Air, Lombok

After breakfast, head to Padangbai port to catch your morning ferry to Gili Air, Lombok. This is a fast boat, not the slow public boat, and the travel time is only 1 hour and 45 minutes, as the ferry regularly stops over at Lombok mainland and Gili Trawangan ports before the final destination at Gili Air. Check out this link for more information!

P.S. Make sure you book your accommodation by the beach when in Lombok! Here are 9 gorgeous villas you'd love!

Enjoy the beach at Gili Air (4-5 hours)

  • Here you are, finally! Gili in local language means islet, and Gili Air is just the perfect balance of originality, peace, and fun.
  • Also, from here, you can easily go island-hopping to the other gilis. Head to Gili Trawangan for the atmosphere, Gili Meno for solitude; Gili Layar for the extremely rare blue corals; or Gili Kondo for its therapeutic larger sand grains.

Credit: @mola2resortbydhm on Instagram

  • If you decide to just roam in Gili Air, there are still plenty of activities you can enjoy: sunbathing while reading your favourite book at the beach, swimming, snorkeling, cycling, trekking, or horse cart (locals call it cidomo) riding around the island, or even play some soccer with the friendly local kids!
  • #HHWT Tip: With the rise in the number of travelers on this island, many locals tend to offer their goods and services at a higher price to foreigners. Always haggle politely and compare two or three similar vendors to make sure you pay a reasonable price.

Relax with a traditional massage (1.5-2 hours)

  • When in Indonesia, one of the must-do activities is a traditional massage. Here too in Lombok, you can have a relaxing private massage session with traditional herbs for a great price at the local spa.
  • Compare and choose based on the place’s outer look (and have a peek inside whenever possible) and the prices (they usually put a price list at the entrance). Wouldn’t it be a nice touch after your beach day?

  • #HHWT Tip: Try Air Spa and Yoga at Oceans5Dive Resort. Many satisfied customers say it’s the best in Gili Air!

Watch a movie at the beach (2 hours)

  • There are a few places in Gili Air that offer movie nights (free if you order from the house menu). This is an open-air cinema right at the beach!

Credit: @sarahyclay on Instagram

  • Among the most highly recommended by travelers are Ruby’s @ The Beach Club, Hotel Vila Ombak, and Mowie’s Bar. The movie schedule is usually written on the blackboard at the restaurant’s entrance.
  • With amazing food and a mocktail or two, you can enjoy dinner while enjoying your movie!

P.S. Love the view? Check out these 8 other Muslim-friendly eateries in Lombok with stunning views!

Day 5 – Fancy day in Lombok mainland

After breakfast, catch the earliest public boat to Lombok mainland to make sure you’ll have the whole day ahead! It's around a 20-minutes ride, and it departs regularly from Gili Air port daily from 8am - 3pm.

Autore pearl farm (1.5 hours)

  • Autore is a well-known pearl farm that has meticulously produce pearls since 1996. Walk through their laboratories, hatchery, and plankton room to learn about culturing a perfect pearl.
  • At the end of the tour, you will even see how they extract a pearl from a real oyster and get a personal lesson so you know how to choose your own pearl in the future ?

Credit: @budinovi on Instagram

  • #HHWT Tip: Buy something for someone special here, where you know for sure the price is fair and the pearls are real and of high quality!
  • Address: Jl. Raya Pemenang, Teluk Nara, Pemenang, Lombok
  • Opening hours: 9am - 5pm

Gunung Tunak National Park (2-3 hours)

  • This place has so many interesting things to do at one go, as it is a hill with a cliff right to the sea, plus an amazing view of the tiny gilis nearby.
  • Besides that, there's also a butterfly learning center, and deer sanctuary! Go and have fun reuniting with nature here ?

Credit: @anjas176 on Instagram

  • Address:Mertak, Tujuk, Central Lombok

Senggigi Beach dinner (1.5 hours)

  • For your last dinner on the trip, have a relaxing dinner at Senggigi beach.
  • There are many similar options serving fresh daily catch of local seafood cooked in every tempting way for your appetite, but we found that the humble Bale Tajuk Café particularly stands out for its great taste at a good price.
  • The Ocean Blue Seafood Restaurant is great too, and has a beautiful beach view although the food is slightly pricier.

Credit: @ate.too.much.dunedin on Instagram

  • #HHWT Tip: Bale Tajuk Café has other excellent items too if you're feeling like having a non-seafood dinner. Their version of beef satay and curries are wonderful!
  • Halal status: Halal ingredients used, alcohol served in establishment

Day 6

It’s your last day of the trip, but it doesn’t mean you can't squeeze another experience before you fly home! Wake up early and head to north Lombok for a visit to where Islam started in Lombok.

Bayan Beleq indigenous village (1.5-2 hours)

  • Bayan Beleq is an indigenous village that has the oldest mosque in Lombok, built in 1634. It was Syeikh Gaus Abdul Razak who built it and spread Islam in Lombok.
  • Today, people in the village still celebrate Eid al-Fitr and Mawlid Nabi in this mosque!

Credit: @papieno on Instagram

  • #HHWT Tip: Learn the history of Islam in Lombok while you’re here because this is the first mosque of all “one-thousand” mosques on the island ?
  • Address: Belek, Karang Bajo, Bayan, North Lombok

Bukit Selong (1 hour)

  • If your flight doesn't leave till late, we suggest heading up to Bukit Selong to get a stunning view of Mt Rinjani (Lombok's tallest volcano!) and rice fields.

Credit: @hitamidiot on Instagram

  • Since your trip is a little tight and you don't have enough time to hike this amazing volcano, heading to Bukit Selong will make do for now. It takes about 10 minutes to reach the top of the viewpoint.
  • While you're here, make sure you take as many Insta-worthy shots as possible before you leave for home ?
  • Address: Sembalun Lawang, Sembalun, Sembalun Lawang, Sembalun, East Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara 83656, Indonesia

So there it is, the itinerary of your own 6D5N getaway, which gives you a complete package of Bali and Lombok’s wonders! When you're finally back at home, not only your photos will awe your friends, but your stories will inspire them, too ?