MileHacker Logo
Day Trips & Excursions

Day Trips & Excursions

Indonesia

Nearby Island Destinations

Gili Meno: The smallest and most tranquil of the three Gilis. It offers pristine beaches, a small salt lake, and the 'Nest' underwater statues.

Gili Air: A balance of liveliness and tranquility, popular for diving, snorkeling, and its charming local village feel.

Getting Around the Gilis

  • Public boats operate daily between the Gili Islands.
  • Many organized snorkeling tours include stops at all three islands.
  • Private boat charters are available for flexible schedules.
  • Lombok, the large island east of the Gilis, has diverse landscapes.

Lombok Exploration

Lombok presents diverse landscapes and cultural insights, offering a contrast to small island life.

Lombok Day Trips

Public boats from Gili Trawangan to Bangsal Harbor on Lombok are common.

Getting to Lombok

  • Public boats connect Gili Trawangan to Bangsal.
  • From Bangsal, taxis or private cars move to Lombok attractions.
  • Fast boats directly to Senggigi or other Lombok points.

Organized vs. Independent

For waterfalls, Mount Rinjani, or cultural tours, an organized tour is often a good idea.

Planning Your Visit

  • Organized tours assist with complex logistics.
  • They also help with potential language barriers.
  • Independent travel involves scooter rental or hiring a car with driver.

Time Needed for Day Trips

Gili Meno / Gili Air

  • A half-day or full-day trip.
  • Combine both islands in one day.
  • No specific multi-day itinerary.
  • Not suitable for extended stays.

Lombok Excursions

  • Full day (8-10 hours) for waterfalls or cultural sites.
  • Mount Rinjani: Multi-day trek (2-4 days).
  • Rinjani trekking: demands planning and physical readiness.
  • Rinjani treks are not spontaneous trips.

Extended Travel & Connections

  • Lombok Exploration2-3 Days
  • Mount Rinjani Trek2-4 Days
  • Logical Next DestinationBali
  • Other IslandsFlores (Komodo), Sumbawa
  • Lombok ConnectionsFlights from LOP
  • Bali ConnectionsFlights from DPS
  • Overnight TravelFerries to Sumbawa
  • Popular RouteBali > Gilis > Lombok > Flores > Bali

Booking Tip

Find and book day trips for your Lombok and Gili adventures easily with GetYourGuide for a seamless experience.

Natural Escapes

Lombok beyond the Gilis offers waterfalls, scenic landscapes, and opportunities for outdoor adventure.

Mount Rinjani National Park

A protected area around Indonesia's second-highest volcano. It presents treks to the crater lake and summit.

Southern Lombok Beaches

Mawun Beach, Selong Belanak, and Tanjung Aan are noteworthy for their white sand and turquoise waters. They present a rugged beauty.

Sendang Gile & Tiu Kelep

Lush jungle waterfalls near Senaru. These offer refreshing natural beauty and swimming spots.

Diverse Environments

Lombok has a diverse range of natural surroundings.

Explore the Landscape

  • Beaches: Senggigi, Kuta Lombok, Tanjung Aan.
  • Mountains: Mount Rinjani presents challenging hikes.
  • Rural Areas: Tetebatu, with rice paddies and traditional villages.

Seasonal Natural Phenomena

Rinjani trekking is best during the dry season.

Optimal Visit Times

  • Dry Season: April to November for Rinjani trekking.
  • Wet Season: December to March, the national park often closes.
  • Park closure is due to slippery trails and potential landslides.

Seasonal Notes

Rinjani Trekking SeasonApril to November
Park Closure PeriodDecember to March
Dry Season WeatherBest for outdoor activities
Wet Season ConditionsOccasional rain, lush scenery
Safety ConsiderationSlippery trails in wet season
Landslide RiskHigher during heavy rains

Sustainable Practices for Natural Areas

  • Consider supporting carbon offset programs for your flights to Indonesia with Terrapass.
  • Look for eco-friendly accommodations and tour operators.
  • Minimize plastic use; carry reusable water bottles and shopping bags from stores like Package Free Shop.
  • Support conservation organizations like The Rainforest Site.
  • Choose sustainable outdoor gear from brands such as Patagonia.

Cultural Excursions

Lombok offers a richer array of cultural and historical sites compared to Gili Trawangan.

Historical Sites

Lombok has ancient temples and royal palaces.

Noteworthy Cultural Landmarks

  • Pura Lingsar: An ancient temple significant for Hindu and Watu Telu faiths.
  • Mayura Water Palace: A historical royal palace and floating pavilion in Mataram.
  • These sites offer insights into Lombok's past.

Rural Villages & Agriculture

Explore traditional Sasak life and lush landscapes.

Glimpses of Local Life

  • Sade Village: A traditional Sasak village.
  • Tetebatu: Known for lush rice paddies and traditional villages.
  • Tetebatu also offers a chance to see black monkeys.

Pilgrimage Sites

Lombok has sacred locations offering panoramic views.

Spiritual Journeys

  • Gunung Pengsong Temple: A Hindu temple atop a hill.
  • It presents panoramic views of Mataram and the landscape.
  • This temple serves as a local pilgrimage site.

Cultural Insights

Lombok provides unique cultural experiences for travelers.

Diving into Culture

  • Discover the rich Sasak culture.
  • Observe traditional ways of life in local villages.
  • Engage in meaningful local interactions.

Cultural Spots

These locations offer distinct cultural experiences.

Sade Village

A traditional Sasak village, showing local architecture and customs.

Tetebatu

Famous for its lush rice paddies and glimpses of rural Sasak life.

Pura Lingsar

A unique temple where both Hindu and Watu Telu faiths practice.

Cultural Courtesy

Dress modestly, specifically when visiting local villages or places of worship. This shows consideration for local customs.

Multi-Day Extensions

Extending your trip beyond Gili Trawangan opens up further exploration of Indonesia's diverse offerings.

Recommendations for Longer Stays

Lombok Exploration

Spend 2-3 days exploring Lombok's southern beaches, waterfalls, and cultural sites. This gives a deep look into the island's unique character.

Mount Rinjani Trek

A 2-day/1-night or 3-day/2-night trek to the crater rim or summit provides an unforgettable adventure for fit travelers.

Further Island Hopping

Consider adding Bali, Flores (Komodo National Park), or Sumbawa/Sumba for a wider Indonesian experience.

Logical Next Destinations

  • Bali: Easy connection via fast boat.
  • Flores (Komodo National Park): Fly from Lombok or Bali to Labuan Bajo.
  • Sumbawa/Sumba: For a more off-the-beaten-path Indonesian island experience.
  • East Java: Explore volcanoes like Bromo or Ijen.
  • Gili Nanggu (South Lombok): A quieter Gili experience.
  • Nusa Islands (Bali): Nusa Lembongan, Ceningan, and Penida.

Transportation Connections

  • Flights from Lombok International Airport (LOP) connect to other Indonesian islands.
  • Flights from Bali's Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) connect widely.
  • Overnight ferries operate from Lombok to Sumbawa.
  • Fast boats connect Gilis to Bali and Lombok.
  • Domestic flights generally present good value for inter-island travel.
  • Public ferries are an economical but slower option for longer distances.

Suggested Regional Routes

The Classic Loop

Bali > Gili Islands > Lombok > Bali. This loop is popular and easy to navigate.

Nature & Wildlife Focus

Lombok (Rinjani) > Flores (Komodo National Park). This route is for active adventurers.

Off-the-Beaten-Path

Lombok > Sumbawa > Sumba. This option is for those seeking an unique cultural encounter.

Planning Your Journey

A route combining Bali, Gili Islands, Lombok, and Flores presents diverse landscapes, cultures, and activities. This sequence provides a progression from popular tourist hubs to more remote natural wonders.
← Previous
Activities & Experiences
← Back to Gili Trawangan
Next →
Practical Information

Next Up: Practical Information

Continue to Practical Information