A dreamy view of Tetebatu's lush green rice terraces in Lombok. — After traveling around Lombok for over a year, I have explored every corner of this island and I can tell you that three days here is absolutely enough to have an unforgettable trip. Whether you are here as a quick stop after Bali or squeezing in a short adventure during your Indonesia backpacking trip, this 3-day itinerary covers the best surf beaches, waterfalls, and rice terraces Lombok has to offer.

*Oh & as always practice sustainable tourism while traveling, please :)*

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3-Day Lombok Itinerary

The 3-Day Lombok Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Kuta and Surf (or Beach Hop) in Lombok

A view of the most popular beginner surf spot in Lombok, Selong Belanak.

For your first day of this 3 day Lombok itinerary, head out to explore Kuta, the main surf and café hub in South Lombok. Everything here is close together, so you can easily get straight into beaches, cafes, and viewpoints without much travel time.

Kuta is best known for its surfing, but it is also home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Lombok, with soft sand and ombre blue water that make it just as good for a relaxing and dreamy beach day.

If you are here to surf, you are in the right place. Kuta offers waves for every level, from complete beginners to experienced surfers. Almost every beach has surfboard rentals and local instructors set up right on the sand, so it is very easy to just show up and go.

If you are a new surfer, Selong Belanak is the best place to start. The waves are soft and waist high, and the beach is lined with surf schools, restaurants, chairs, umbrellas, and even coconuts for when you need a break. Lessons are usually around 20 USD and can be booked in advance or on arrival.

If you are not into surfing, Selong Belanak is still the perfect full day beach spot in Kuta since everything you need is right there.

Mawun Beach is another great option if you want something quieter with fewer surfers. The drive there is one of the most scenic in the area, so take your time and enjoy the landscape along the way. If you are looking for more of the best beaches in Lombok, you can find my full guide here.

For something more remote and untouched, Ekas Beach has some of the clearest water, but it is very basic. You will need to bring your own food, water, and towels, as there are no real facilities.

For more experienced surfers, Tanjung Aan, Mawi, Serangan, Areguling, and Ekas all offer more challenging waves depending on conditions. Desert Point is also one of the most famous surf spots in Indonesia, but it is a longer drive and best for very experienced surfers only.

Pro tip: Lombok is still much less developed than Bali, so do expect some trash on beaches and occasionally in the water, especially after storms, in the rainy season, or high tide. I always try to remove any trash I find in the water.

Even on a short 3 day Lombok itinerary, you will not want to miss sunset here. Kuta has several viewpoints and beach spots that all offer a slightly different perspective of the coastline as the light changes.

One of the best is Bukit Sunset Seger near Seger Beach. From the parking area, head up the hill to the right of the warung and you will reach one of the most impressive viewpoints in the area. The water below shifts into different shades of blue and green, and you can often see seaweed farmers working along the shoreline.

Another classic option is Bukit Merese, located closer to Tanjung Aan. It is made up of wide open grassy hills that roll out toward the ocean, making it one of the most popular sunset viewpoints in Lombok.

For something a little different, Ryan’s Cafe offers sunset views over a valley and small village just outside of Kuta. You can sit at the cafe or park nearby and walk to the open area on the right side for a quieter spot with similar views.

Just a short distance away is Goa Bangkang Prabu Bat Caves, which adds a unique view to the evening. While some visitors come for cave tours, the real highlight is watching sunset from the surrounding fields. As the sky changes color, thousands of bats emerge from the cave and stream across the sky in a continuous flow.

Some other things for your first day…

Breakfast and Lunch:

Vegans: Mana
Gluten free: The Well or Gecko for gluten free waffles
For everyone: Munchies
Budget friendly: Warung Rezeky
Best coffee spots: Mushroom Espresso or Munchies

Find more of my favorite Lombok restaurants, here!

Dinner:

Elamu, a great option for all diets

Extras if you want to slow down or switch things up:

Loka for a sauna and ice bath after a surf day
Matcha or Jivana for a relaxing massage
Blue Marlin or Adventure Divers if you would rather go scuba diving instead of surfing

For even more ideas, you can explore my full guide to the best things to do in Lombok here.

Day 2: More Beaches or Secret Gilis

Your second day of this 3 day Lombok itinerary is all about choosing your vibe. You can stay close to Kuta for more surfing, explore nearby beaches, or head out on a full day island adventure.

Option 1: More Surfing in Kuta

If you are still enjoying the surf, today is a great day to stay in the water. Kuta has waves for all levels, and many local instructors are happy to travel with you to nearby beaches if you want to try something more challenging. It is an easy way to level up without needing to plan much in advance.

Option 2: Beach Hopping Around Kuta

If you are ready for a slower day, Lombok’s coastline has plenty of beaches to explore.

Selong Belanak is the most developed beach, with surf schools, restaurants, sunbeds, umbrellas, and fresh coconuts all in one place. It is an easy all day stop if you want everything taken care of in one spot.
Mawun Beach is a quieter option with fewer crowds and a stunning drive from Kuta. The road itself is one of the most scenic in the area, so it is worth taking your time.
For something more remote, Ekas Beach offers some of the clearest water, but it is completely undeveloped, so you will need to bring your own food, water, and essentials.

Option 3: The Secret Gilis (Island Hopping + Snorkeling)

Just off the southwest coast of Lombok, you will find a cluster of small islands often called the “Secret Gilis.” A full day snorkeling trip is one of the best ways to explore them.

Most tours visit islands like Gili Kedis, Gili Nanggu, and Gili Sudak, each with calm turquoise water and simple white sand beaches. Gili Kedis is especially tiny, and you can walk across it in just a few minutes.

A typical day trip involves hopping on a small boat and snorkeling over coral reefs filled with tropical fish, including triggerfish, cowfish, angelfish, and sometimes turtles. Tours usually cost around 350,000 IDR per boat (around 22 USD) if you go direct, or you can book a group tour and split costs. The drive from Kuta takes around 1.5 hours.

If you want something more unique, some islands also offer overnight camping experiences, which is a great option for stargazing and meeting other travelers.

Option 4: Project Hiu Shark Conservation Trip

For a more meaningful ocean experience, you can join a day trip with Project Hiu, a shark conservation initiative in East Lombok. The trip focuses on marine conservation while giving you the chance to spend a full day on the water exploring reefs and learning about local shark populations. It is also a great example of eco tourism in action, supporting local fishermen as they transition from shark fishing to sustainable tourism.

Option 5: Volunteer with Lomdog Animal Care

Lombok is very different from Bali, and you will notice street dogs are treated quite differently here.

One of the simplest ways to help is by offering food or water to street dogs. Rice and plain chicken are best, and coconut water also works well. Many of the dogs are shy, especially outside central Kuta, so it is best to place food nearby and give them space to eat.

If you want to get more involved, you can spend a day volunteering with Lomdogs Animal Care, where you will be surrounded by the love of 60+ rescue dogs.

Day 3: Rice Terraces & Waterfalls

Good morning, Day 3. Today starts early with a nature-filled adventure as you leave the beaches of Kuta behind. The drive to your next stop, Tetebatu takes around 1.5 hours depending on your starting point, and marks the shift in your 3 day Lombok itinerary from costal views to jungle, rice terraces, and mountain landscapes.

Welcome to Tetebatu Village, one of Lombok’s most underrated spots located just south of Mount Rinjani. This area is filled with rolling green rice terraces cascading down the hillsides, and it is one of the best places on the island to experience a slower, more local side of Lombok.

Walking through the rice fields here is incredibly peaceful, and you will often see farmers working the land as they have for generations. It is the perfect contrast to the surf and beach days in Kuta, and a great place to slow down and enjoy nature.

After roaming around the rice terraces, explore Tetebatu’s Monkey Forest, which is very different from Bali. The monkeys here are fully wild and roam freely through the jungle, so there are no staged photo moments or tourist feeding areas.

Instead, you will follow forest paths and watch them moving through the trees above you. It feels much more natural and rewarding compared to more touristy monkey experiences in Indonesia.

If you prefer a guided tour of the rice terraces and monkeys, you can find one here.

A short drive from Tetebatu takes you to some of the most impressive waterfalls in Lombok. The main highlights are Benang Stokel Waterfall and Benang Kelambu Waterfall, both surrounded by dense jungle and easy to reach with a local guide.

If you want to extend the experience, you can also visit additional nearby falls like Sesere Waterfall and Batu Janggot, turning it into a full half or full day adventure. The drive itself is beautiful, passing through small villages, farmland, and rice terraces along the way.

Entrance is around 125,000 IDR (about 8 USD), which includes a local guide. Or you can book a tour here.

You can also read my full guide to Kelambu Waterfall here.

Planning a longer trip?

If you are extending your time in Lombok, you can also check out my full guides for a 5 day Lombok itinerary and a 7 to 10 day Lombok itinerary, which include more time in both the south and the Rinjani region.

Where to Stay In Lombok

The best place to stay in Lombok for your 3 day itinerary is Kuta, a laid back surf town known for its beautiful beaches, relaxed vibe, and growing expat community. You will find a mix of local warungs and Western cafes, plus plenty of yoga studios and adorable stays. Many expats have chosen to settle here thanks to its central location near some of Lombok’s best beaches and viewpoints. It is

Pro Tip: If you are a light sleeper, check if your accommodation is near a Mosque—the first call to prayer is at 4:00 AM.

Best Accommodation Options For Every Traveler

Backpacker/Hostel Option: Botchan Hostel (Dorm) or Ebucu (Private Room)
Best Low-Budget: Yuli’s or Mengalung Bungalow
Best Mid-Budget: Twiny's or El Tropico Boutique Hotel
Best High-End Budget: Mana Eco Retreat (Yummy restaurant and yoga shala attached) or Rascals Hotel
Best Luxury Budget: Lina Boutique Villas and SpaorJivana Resort (Great massages)

You can also find hotel deals at Agoda and Hostel World! You can help support my travel blog by clicking and booking through the links at no additional cost to you!

Getting To & Around Lombok

Getting to Lombok…

Option 1: Fly into Lombok International Airport (LOP)

The airport is around 30 minutes from your first stop in Lombok, Kuta.
When booking flights around Asia, I always check Skyscanner for the best routes and deals, since not all regional airlines show up on Google Flights.
Local taxis and Grab drivers (ride-share app) are available to take you to your accommodation, typically costing around 150,000 IDR (9 to 10 USD). Always negotiate for a better price when possible.

Pro tip: Many foreigners traveling to Indonesia receive a 30 day Visa on Arrival for 500,000 IDR (30 USD), which can be extended for an additional 30 days for an extra fee. You can check eligibility and apply online here.

Option 2: Ferry from Bali

There are numerous ferries running daily from Bali to Lombok, typically arriving at Bangsal or Senggigi in the north.
The journey takes around 3 to 6 hours, depending on the route and type of boat.
I would not recommend this option if you are prone to seasickness, as the water can be rough for most of the trip.
Ferry prices usually range from 5 to 30 USD, depending on the season and ferry type.
I always book in advance through 12GoAsia or Ferryhopper, as these platforms are more reliable if delays or cancellations happen.

For a full Bali to Lombok ferry guide, head here.

Getting Around Lombok…

With only 3 days in Lombok, the best way to get around is by motorbike. Everything is spread out, and having your own scooter gives you the freedom to explore on your own schedule.

Daily rentals are usually around 75,000 to 80,000 IDR, and prices are often negotiable.

If you are not comfortable riding, your best option is to hire a private driver for the day, which can easily be arranged through your accommodation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit?

Rainy Season: November - March | Dry Season: April - October
The best time to visit Lombok is anywhere during the dry season, however, the surf tends to be better during the wet season (less windy). If you want to see Lombok at its greenest, you can visit during the wet season or right after (in March/April) if you prefer sunny skies and green hills. If you visit towards the end of the dry season Lombok’s terrain will be drier and brown.

Is 3 days in Lombok enough?

3 days in Lombok is enough time to enjoy the surf culture in Kuta and explore a couple of the waterfalls and rice terraces. However, if you want to explore the Gili Islands and Rinjani, I would recommend adding on 2-3 more days. If you have more time, you can find the perfect 7-10 day Lombok itinerary here!

Is Lombok Safe for travelers?

Lombok has always felt safe to me. However, I recommend staying up to date with your c ountry’s travel advisories. Follow basic rules of safety while traveling in addition to:

Always triple-check vaccination requirements and recommendations for countries. Some potential illnesses include Typhoid and Hepatitis A.
Pack mosquito spray to protect yourself from Dengue and Malaria. There have been recent cases of Dengue in the region.
Wear your helmet when riding your motorbike. So many people do not wear helmets, which could save your life.
Be careful with the street dogs. Due to previous abuse, some tend to be afraid of humans or feel the need to warn us off to protect themselves.
DO NOT drink the tap water. Keep your mouth closed in the shower and even use bottled water for toothbrushing, especially if you have a sensitive stomach like me!
Mistakes can happen, especially when trekking and walking around slippery areas or surfing, so I recommend always having some form of travel medical insurance. Safety Wing is by far the best travel medical insurance. It has saved me numerous times by covering hospital visits when I was sick during my travels in Asia.
Get an eSIM—so you do not get lost navigating your way. I always use Airalo for my eSims.
Emergency Contact Number: Police: 110 | Fire: +62 (0)370 672013| Ambulance: 118
- You can find a complete list of Lombok and Gili Island’s Emergency #’s here.