The most beautiful places in Bali & Lombok
AsiaThis blog post highlights Bali and Lombok. Visiting all the sights will take you about three weeks. Do you love beaches, nature, waterfalls, snorkeling, and surfing? Then a visit to Bali and Lombok is definitely recommended!
Bali and Lombok Itinerary
Bali and Lombok each have their own unique atmosphere. While Bali is often perceived as more touristy, Lombok feels more peaceful and unspoiled. These differences make the islands an ideal combination for a trip through Indonesia. The itinerary below also includes the boat trip from Lombok to the famous islands near Flores, where you can admire the impressive Komodo dragons.
Itinerary options: Nusa Islands, Gili Islands, Kuta, Secret Gili Islands, Senggigi, boat trip to Flores, Ubud, and finally Canggu.
Island life on the Nusa Islands
To get a real taste of the island, travel on to the Nusa Islands. Located southeast of Bali, the archipelago consists of three islands: Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan.
Depending on your arrival time in Denpasar (Bali), you can spend a night in Sanur or travel directly from Sanur to the islands. The boat trip takes about 30 minutes. Although the boat was a bit rocking, we found the journey quite manageable. However, we've heard from others that the crossing can be rough, especially in strong winds. Therefore, it's wise to keep an eye on the weather forecast.
To do on the Nusa Islands
The most famous island is Nusa Penida, mainly because of the impressive viewpoint at Kelingking Beach. Construction began in 2023 on a 182-meter glass elevator, which would take visitors from the viewpoint to the beach. However, construction of this elevator was halted by the local authorities in 2025.
Besides the viewpoint, Nusa Penida is also known for its stunning underwater world. It's also possible to take a day trip or snorkeling tour from the neighboring islands, so staying overnight on the island isn't a must if you're short on time.
Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan are the front islands and are connected by the famous Yellow Bridge. The islands offer plenty of sights worth visiting. Because they're not very large, you can easily explore them by scooter. Admiring the clear blue waters of the Blue Lagoon and Devil's Tears is highly recommended. You'll find great restaurants at Mushroom Beach (on Nusa Lembongan) and Song Tepo Beach (on Nusa Ceningan).
My tips for the Nusa Islands:
Dimel Tebu Villa
Here you will sleep in a cozy house with a view of a small swimming pool surrounded by greenery.
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Ceningan Cliffs
On the hill at Ceningan Cliffs you have a beautiful view of the neighboring island of Nusa Penida. This is a nice place for a drink. Bonus: there's a swing!
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Clifftop Bar Lembongan
You can also enjoy stunning views from the Clifftop Bar. This is a particularly fantastic spot at sunset.
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Ginger & Jamu
A lovely spot next to the beach where you can enjoy food all day long. They serve smoothie bowls, falafel bowls, and gado-gado, among other things.
View on Google MapsSnorkeling and partying on Gili Trawangan
From Nusa Lembongan, you can take a (speed)boat to the Gili Islands. The journey takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes. This archipelago, part of Lombok, consists of three islands: Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, and Gili Meno. Gili Trawangan is the liveliest island, while Gili Air and Gili Meno are quieter.
During our trip, we stayed on Gili Trawangan, also known as Gili T or the party island. It's possible to stay on one or more of the other islands or take day trips to them.
To do on Gili Trawangan
When you arrive on Gili T, don't be alarmed if you don't see a pier. Since there's no pier, you'll have to jump off the boat, but it's easily doable. There's no car or bus traffic on the island: the locals travel by bicycle or horse-drawn cart. It's fun to rent a bike and explore the island yourself. Not all roads are paved, but you can easily cycle around the island.
In the evening, you can enjoy a drink on the beach. Many restaurants have created beanbag chairs on the beach, and the sunset views are stunning.
The absolute must-do on the Gili Islands is a snorkeling tour. You'll spot beautiful fish and even turtles! If jellyfish aren't your thing, be sure to check the jellyfish season.
Another must-do during your snorkeling trip is a visit to the famous underwater statues off the coast of Gili Meno. This artwork consists of 48 sculptures arranged in a circle and is part of a project to stimulate coral growth and marine life. The statues are shallow, making them easily visible while snorkeling.
Beach life and green nature in Kuta
From Gili Trawangan, you can travel relatively inexpensively to Kuta by local boat and shared minivan (don't accidentally confuse it with the similarly named Kuta on Bali). This trip can be booked at one of the stands on Gili Trawangan's beach.
Ask the minivan driver to stop at Monkey Road along the way, where you can spot many monkeys. Take good care of your belongings (and yourself), as the monkeys aren't always friendly.
To do in Kuta
The main thing to do in Kuta is relax on the beach, for example at Tanjung Aan or the slightly further away Pink Beach. Tanjung Aan is known for its light sand and peaceful atmosphere, while Pink Beach is particularly special because of its pink sand and clear water.
There's also plenty to do in Kuta in the evenings. On Wednesdays and Sundays, there are regular parties on the beach and in the bars. These parties have a real laid-back atmosphere. Think live music, bonfires on the beach, and a friendly mix of travelers and locals.
The roads in Kuta are relatively flat, making it easy to get around by scooter and visit different places. Keep in mind that the roads can get a bit busier during peak season, but generally, traffic here is much quieter than in Bali.
For more nature, you can travel north. A beautiful route past rice paddies will take you to the Benang Stokel and Benang Kelambu waterfalls. Nestled in the greenery, these waterfalls are perfect for a refreshing stop during a day trip through the inland.
My tips for Kuta:
El Bazar Café & Restaurant
This is one of the best restaurants in Kuta serving delicious Moroccan food. Gluten- and lactose-free options are also available.
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Bungalow And Restaurant Anda
These neat and beautiful bungalows are located near the beach and Kuta boulevard. There's even a swimming pool!
View on Google MapsOn an (almost) uninhabited island on the Secret Gili's
From Kuta, you can travel by taxi to Sekotong, the starting point for a visit to the Secret Gili Islands. This archipelago lies off the southwest coast of Lombok and feels much quieter and more unspoiled than the more famous Gili Islands in the north.
The group consists of several smaller islands, including Gili Nanggu, Gili Tangkong, Gili Sudak, and Gili Kedis. Despite the name, you won't be completely alone here, but you'll definitely get the feeling of an undiscovered island: white sand, clear blue water, and hardly any buildings.
To do on the Secret Gili's
Gili Kedis is the smallest island and feels almost like a private island. In the center are a few trees, and on the edge, you'll find a beautiful photo spot: a two-person swing with a stunning clear blue water in the background. Overnight stays are not possible here, but that makes a visit even more special. There are a few bungalows on Gili Nanggu and Gili Sudak, although the selection is limited.
Fortunately, there are plenty of accommodations on the Sekotong mainland. Many of these accommodations offer boat tours to the islands, such as Krisna Bungalows & Restaurant. A day tour takes you past several islands, often including lunch. A wonderful day of snorkeling, swimming, and relaxing on (almost) deserted beaches.
Unique boat trip to the Komodo dragons
Spend one night in Senggigi (reachable by taxi from the Secret Gili Islands) and start the Lombok-Flores boat trip from there. We took the "three nights, four days" tour from Wanua Adventures. Along the way, you can spot dolphins, admire the sunrise, visit a pink beach, and come face-to-face with Komodo dragons. For days, you'll live at sea, sleep under the stars, and wake up in places only accessible by boat. The boat trip ends in Labuan Bajo on the island of Flores.
In my blog post, I'll tell you all about this absolute highlight of our Indonesia trip!
Beautiful green nature in Ubud
From Labuan Bajo on Flores, you'll fly back to Bali (Denpasar) and then travel by taxi to Ubud. Please note that traffic can be heavy, so your taxi may arrive later than planned.
Ubud is often called the cultural heart of Bali. The transition from Lombok to Bali can sometimes feel a bit hectic, but thanks to its location in a green area with vast rice paddies and palm trees, you can still experience peace and tranquility.
To do in Ubud
In the center of Ubud, you'll find plenty of shops, but a visit to the Ubud Street Market is a must: a lively market where you'll find local crafts, art, and souvenirs. It's perfect for picking up some gifts or souvenirs at the (almost) end of your itinerary.
For a relaxing activity, the Campuhan Ridge Walk is ideal. This two-kilometer trail takes you past green fields and palm trees, giving you the feeling of being completely away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Ubud's most famous sights are the Tegallalang Rice Terraces and Saraswati Temple (also known as the Ubud Water Palace). Although they can often get crowded, a visit to these iconic landmarks is not to be missed. Tip: leave early in the morning to avoid the crowds and the heat.
Afterward, you can continue to the beautiful Lake Batur, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the lake from the nearby restaurants.
My tips for Ubud:
Dawangga Ubud
Dewangga is very centrally located, yet its beautiful garden creates a peaceful atmosphere. The bungalows are beautiful and comfortable, perfect for unwinding after a day of activities.
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Clear Café
A cozy café for coffee, breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The menu includes egg dishes, bowls, nasi goreng, pad Thai, salads, and wraps. Plenty of vegan options are also available.
View on Google MapsSamyama Eatery
This cozy vegetarian restaurant serves delicious dishes like avocado toast, smoothie bowls, burgers, dahl, and gado gado. Perfect for a relaxing lunch or dinner in Ubud.
View on Google MapsSurfing and delicious food in Canggu
From Ubud, you can take a taxi to Canggu, which can take about an hour if the road is quiet. Canggu's town center is quite sprawling, so you might have to walk a bit from your accommodation to reach the beach and restaurants.
Where to stay?
The Uma Guesthouse
This guesthouse offers double rooms with garden and pool views. It's located in a quiet neighborhood, yet close to the center of Canggu.
View on Google MapsThe Farm Hostel
The Farm Hostel is a social hostel, with activities organized almost every evening, such as dinners and pool parties. Mixed and female dormitories are available.
View on Google MapsTo do in Canggu
Canggu is primarily known as a surfing spot. Taking a surfing lesson is therefore a must-do in Canggu. This can be done, for example, with the (semi-)private lessons offered by In Da Surf Camp & School Canggu. Canggu's shops also offer a wide range of clothing and accessories from surf brands. You'll also find plenty of charming eateries, many with beautiful murals and inviting seating.
Some of my eat- and drinking tips:
The Avocado Factory
If you love avocado, you can't miss The Avocado Factory. Besides delicious avocado toast, they also have a truly delicious beetroot burger. Highly recommended! Avocado is used in every dish. You have a view of a small rice paddy.
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La Brisa Bali
At La Brisa, you can watch surfers while enjoying lunch or brunch in the morning and afternoon. You can also take a refreshing dip in one of the pools between meals. There are sunny spots, but also plenty of shaded areas. For example, you can sit on a beanbag under a palm tree. It can get quite busy here, so reservations are recommended. Note: certain seating options have an additional charge.
View on Google MapsThe Lawn
Since the sun sets in Canggu around 6:30 PM, you can perfectly combine watching the sunset with a drink or dinner at one of the beach bars. The Lawn is a popular spot for watching the sunset. This beach bar serves delicious cocktails and food like tacos and fries.
View on Google MapsDay trips from Canggu
From Canggu, you can take several day trips. For example, you can drive to the Tanah Lot temple, built on a rock formation on the coast. Although you're not allowed to enter the temple, you can enjoy beautiful views of the sea and the island. At high tide, it's not possible to get close to the temple, but at low tide, it is. Apparently, water snakes also live in the crevices, but luckily we didn't see any during our visit to the temple.
Another day trip is a visit to Pasut Beach. In an hour, you can drive through beautiful green rice paddies to this beach. It's unique because of the black sand, which is firm enough to ride a quad bike or scooter. Next to the beach, you'll find a beautiful green area with palm trees and views of the beach and the sea.
Other places
Haven't seen enough of Bali and Lombok yet?
On Lombok, you can add the Sembalun Valley and a hike up Mount Rinjani to your itinerary.
In Bali, you could add Lovina (in the north) or Uluwatu (in the south) to your trip.
Whether you're looking for nature, adventure, or relaxation, Bali and Lombok combine it all!
Useful information
Official language: Balinese (Bali), Bahasa Sasak (Lombok), and Bahasa Indonesia (Indonesia)
Currency: Indonesian rupiah (IDR)
Area: 5,780 km² (Bali), 4,739 km² (Lombok)
Best time to travel: You can generally visit Bali year-round, but the months of May, June, and July offer the best weather. June to October is the driest month on Lombok and therefore the most suitable. If you combine both, June and July are the best months.
