If you’ve been daydreaming about exploring Indonesia beyond the usual Instagram shots, then a Bali and Lombok combined tour is honestly one of the best travel moves you can make. People often think Bali is enough, but once you cross over to Lombok, you realize how much you would’ve missed if you skipped it. These two islands are completely different in vibe—Bali is vibrant, cultural, spiritual, and buzzing with tourism, while Lombok is raw, quiet, untouched, and still kind of wild in the best way possible.
I’ve done this combo trip multiple times, and each time I’ve learned something new—whether it’s how long you really need in Ubud to enjoy it properly, or how to time your visit to the Gili Islands so you don’t end up stranded on the wrong ferry. The trick with planning is balance: Bali can easily overwhelm with all its choices, and Lombok can feel like you’re running out of things to do if you don’t know where to look. But when you stitch them together right, it becomes the kind of trip you’ll brag about for years.
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Why Combine Bali and Lombok in One Trip?
I get this question all the time: “Why not just stick to Bali?” And the answer is simple—Indonesia is massive, and Bali only scratches the surface. Lombok is literally next door, and yet it offers a totally different flavor.
Bali has temples like Tanah Lot and Uluwatu, beaches that are either calm or packed with surfers, and endless rice terraces that make you feel like you’re walking through a painting. Lombok, on the other hand, gives you Mount Rinjani (one of the most challenging and rewarding hikes in Southeast Asia), deserted white-sand beaches in Kuta Lombok, and the laid-back Gili Islands where motorbikes aren’t even allowed.
According to Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism data, Lombok is still developing compared to Bali, attracting only around a third of Bali’s visitor numbers, which means fewer crowds and more space to breathe. That’s exactly what makes it worth adding on—you’re not just seeing “another Bali,” you’re experiencing an entirely different island culture.
How Long Should a Bali and Lombok Combined Tour Be?
Here’s where people mess up: they try to squeeze both islands into one week. Don’t do that, unless you’re okay with rushing around like you’re on The Amazing Race.
The sweet spot, from my own trips, is 12 to 16 days. That way, you can spend about a week in Bali (split between Ubud, Uluwatu, and maybe Canggu if you’re into beach clubs) and another 5–6 days in Lombok (including a couple nights on the Gilis). If you have two full weeks, you won’t feel rushed, and you’ll have time to actually soak it all in.
If you’re traveling as a family, I’d lean toward 14+ days, because kids tire quickly from boat transfers and long drives. If it’s just you and a partner, you can push a bit more adventure into a tighter schedule.
Getting from Bali to Lombok (And Back)
This is the part no one talks about until they’re panicking about ferry tickets. You’ve got two main ways to cross:
- By fast boat: This is the most common. Boats leave from Padang Bai (Bali) and head to Senggigi or Bangsal (Lombok), or stop by the Gilis first. It takes about 2–3 hours, but let me be honest—on rough sea days, it feels like you’re in a washing machine. Bring motion sickness pills if you’re even slightly prone to seasickness.
- By flight: The short-haul flight from Denpasar (Bali) to Praya (Lombok International Airport) takes only 40 minutes. I’ve done this when I didn’t want to risk a stormy sea. The only downside? The airport in Lombok is about an hour from Kuta Lombok, and traffic can be slow.
If you’re heading to the Gili Islands, boat makes more sense. But if your first stop in Lombok is south (Kuta area), flying will save you hours.
Suggested Itinerary for a Bali and Lombok Combined Tour
There’s no one-size-fits-all itinerary, but here’s a structure that has worked well for me and friends I’ve helped plan trips for:
Bali: 6–7 Days
- Ubud (3 nights): Monkey Forest, Tegalalang rice terraces, Tirta Empul water temple, yoga studios, Balinese cooking classes. Ubud is spiritual, yes, but also has some of the best food on the island.
- Uluwatu (2 nights): Stunning cliff views, Uluwatu Temple with the fire dance show at sunset, surfing beaches like Padang Padang, and fancy beach clubs if that’s your thing.
- Canggu or Seminyak (1–2 nights): More nightlife, trendy cafes, and shopping. I sometimes skip this if I’m short on time, but younger travelers usually love it.
Lombok: 5–6 Days
- Kuta Lombok (3 nights): Base yourself here for beach-hopping—Tanjung Aan, Mawun, and Selong Belanak are unreal. It’s also where surfers go if they find Bali too crowded.
- Mount Rinjani (optional 2–3 nights): This is for adventure junkies. The trek is no joke—it’s steep, cold at night, and exhausting. But the view from the crater rim or summit is unforgettable.
- Gili Islands (2 nights): Choose Gili Trawangan if you want nightlife, Gili Air for a mix of chill and fun, or Gili Meno if you want total peace. Personally, I like splitting two nights between Gili Air and Gili T.
Best Time to Do a Bali and Lombok Combined Tour
Timing is everything.
Both islands follow the same weather pattern: dry season (April to October) and rainy season (November to March). The dry season is hands-down better if you want trekking, smooth boat rides, and sunny beach days. The downside? Prices go up, especially in July and August when Europeans flock here.
The rainy season isn’t all bad though. I once visited in January, and yes, it poured every afternoon, but mornings were still clear and the rice terraces were greener than ever. Lombok was especially quiet, which I loved. If you don’t mind dodging a few showers, you’ll find cheaper hotels and fewer crowds.
Costs and Budgeting for Bali and Lombok
Here’s the thing—Bali and Lombok can be as cheap or as expensive as you want.
- Accommodation: In Bali, you can score a decent guesthouse in Ubud for $20–30 a night or splurge on a luxury villa with a pool for $200+. Lombok is cheaper overall; I stayed in a boutique hotel in Kuta Lombok for $45 a night with breakfast included, and it felt way more peaceful than any Bali stay in the same price range.
- Transport: Renting a scooter is the most common way to get around ($5–7/day in Bali, slightly less in Lombok). Taxis and private drivers cost more but are worth it if you’re traveling as a group.
- Food: A local warung meal is $2–3. Western restaurants are closer to $10–15 per person. Lombok has fewer Western options, so you’ll eat more local food (which, honestly, is a win in my book).
- Tours and Activities: Snorkeling trips in the Gilis cost around $10–15, while a Rinjani trek can set you back $200–300 depending on how many days and the service level.
Cultural Differences Between Bali and Lombok
This part really blew my mind the first time I visited.
Bali is predominantly Hindu, which is why you’ll see offerings (canang sari) everywhere, daily ceremonies, and colorful temples around every corner. Lombok, meanwhile, is mostly Muslim, so the vibe shifts: mosques instead of temples, the call to prayer echoing at dawn, and a more modest dress code in villages.
It’s important to respect both cultures. In Bali, I once wore a sarong offered at the entrance of a temple without question—it’s expected. In Lombok, when visiting smaller towns, I covered shoulders and knees out of respect, even though beaches are more relaxed.
Both islands share warm hospitality, though. You’ll feel it in the way locals smile and chat, especially if you attempt a few words in Bahasa Indonesia.
Adventure vs Relaxation: What Each Island Offers
Think of Bali as a buffet of experiences—you want yoga? check. You want surfing? done. You want wild nightlife? sure. You want cultural immersion? absolutely. It’s versatile, and sometimes overwhelming.
Lombok is more focused. You go there for beaches, trekking, and slow living. You won’t find a nightlife scene like Bali, but you’ll find authenticity. The south is becoming popular with surfers, while the north is all about Rinjani treks. The Gilis give you that island escape everyone secretly craves but rarely finds in Bali anymore.
So when you combine the two, you get a perfect balance—energy and variety in Bali, calm and raw adventure in Lombok.
Mistakes Travelers Make on a Bali and Lombok Combined Tour
Let me save you some headaches here:
- Underestimating travel time: A “short” drive in Bali can take two hours thanks to traffic. Plan fewer things per day than you think.
- Forgetting cash: Bali is card-friendly, but Lombok still relies heavily on cash outside main tourist spots. ATMs exist, but they’re not everywhere.
- Skipping travel insurance: Boat rides between islands can be unpredictable. I once had a friend’s luggage drenched on a choppy ride—it happens.
- Not researching accommodation location: In Lombok, being too far from Kuta or Senggigi means long rides for food and activities. I learned this the hard way when I booked a “beachfront” stay that turned out to be miles from everything else.
Who Should Do a Bali and Lombok Combined Tour?
Honestly? Anyone who wants both cultural depth and natural adventure.
- Couples: Bali gives you luxury villas and romantic temples, Lombok gives you quiet beaches and stargazing on the Gilis.
- Families: Bali has more structured activities (zoo, waterparks), while Lombok offers calm beaches safe for kids.
- Solo travelers: Bali is great for meeting people at yoga studios or hostels, while Lombok offers solitude and self-discovery moments (like standing on a cliff alone, watching turquoise waves crash).
If you only want party scenes and shopping, stick to Bali. If you only want raw nature and peace, head straight to Lombok. But if you want the full spectrum of Indonesian island life, you need both.
Satwe Bali 