The lesser crowds, the bluer seas, and the breathing space — those were the things that pulled me to Lombok.

I loved that there were no traffic jams, the food was top-notch, and you could still get a real sense of Indonesia without the over-touristed feel (ahem, Bali!).

I spent a week here and crammed in the best of everything from exploring their rainforests, waking up to volcano views, swimming in waterfalls, and ending my days on beaches.

Lombok gave me a little bit of everything I love about Indonesia: adventure, good food, and those slow moments where you just sit back and take it all in.

Here’s my take on the best way to spend your 5-7 days in Lombok on this itinerary.

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What You Should Know About Getting to Lombok?

here’s my lombok itinerary for 5 to 7 days

🛬 Get your eSim sorted for Southeast Asia (including Indonesia) here
🚗 Book a private driver here from the airport to take you to anywhere. Lombok is not as developed so getting it ahead saves you time!
✈️ There are direct flights from Bali, KL & Singapore. You can find your best flight deals here

Lombok Itinerary in 7 Days: Tetebatu, Sembalun, Kuta & the Gili Islands (My route)

a look at the gorgeous paradise in lombok

Day 1–3: Tetebatu
Day 3–5: Sembalun (option to extend and hike Mt. Rinjani)
Day 5–7: Selong Belanak or Kuta
Activities: Day trip to Gili Nanggu or Option to extend and take the trip to Gili Islands

The Travel Guide for 5-7 Days in Lombok

Day 1-3: Tetebatu

We started this trip straight from the airport to the paddy fields — it is nice to do the rainforests, waterfalls and mountains before ending in the beaches.

I strongly recommend this route so you can have your lazy and relaxing days at the beach.

Tetebatu, a hidden enclave that reminds you of how Ubud was and could be years ago! Tetebatu has the same fields, gorgeous terraces, affordable villas and homestays but it is far more authentic.

To get there, you can take a taxi or arrange a private car. You can book a driver and car here easily!

It’s also a great way to get a taste of Sasak culture if you have no clue about it. People here are warm and curious, quick to offer coffee and take you for a walk through the rice fields.

You can wander through rice paddies, visit small waterfalls like Air Terjun Sarang Walet or just sit on your balcony and watch Mount Rinjani appear and disappear in the clouds.

Also read: Things To Do in Tetebatu, Lombok: Waterfalls, Cafes & Rice Fields

Where To Stay In Tetebatu?

Les Rizieres Lombok (gorgeous place overlooking the rice fields)
My Home - Lombok (family like homestay)
Vanilla Cottage (cute little cottage)
Alora House (tastefully designed with gorgeous interiors)
Kunang - Kunang (clean homestay with outdoor bathroom)

Day 3–5: Sembalun

hiking pergasingan hill in sembalun lombok

From Tetebatu, get a driver to take you to Sembalun. I managed to get a driver from Tetebatu (called Jus). He was amazing and took me to Sembalun for a good price.

You can reach out to him here. It is a 2 hour drive but with traffic and winding roads - it can go up to 3 hours maximum.

Sembalun is the gateway to Mount Rinjani should you decide to climb this mountain! You can also book your climb here!

But even if you’re not there to climb the mountains, the views of the surrounding summits around Mt Rinjani and short hikes like Bukit Pergasingan and Anak Dara are worthy enough to make a trip here!

The coffee culture here is amazing too with plenty of cafes allowing you to go strawberry picking with views of the volcano.

my views of mt rinjani in bobocabin, sembalun

I loved my stay here in BoboCabins — in my opinion it has the best views of Mount Rinjani in a cute cabin.

There are also other day trips you can do from here like visit the majestic Tiu Kelep waterfall. This day trip takes you to all the gorgeous spots in that region!

Also read: Things to Do in Sembalun, Lombok: Hiking Trails, Coffee Culture & Volcanoes

Where to stay in Sembalun?

BoboCabin (I stayed here and highly recommend staying here for gorgeous views of Rinjani)

Rautani Sembalun (equally amazing cottages and views of Rinjani)
Edelweiss Sembalun village (a bit further in but a cosy place to stay)

Day 5–7: Selong Belanak or Kuta

some of the most amazing beaches in lombok

By this point, you’ve done the hills, the valleys and maybe some volcano trekking so going to the coast for some R&R is very much welcomed!

If you want a place there’s quiet with access to beaches and a more slower pace, Selong Belanak is where you should be. It is also just 30 minutes from Kuta, Lombok. Also special mention to Folks Cafe for the best views of the ocean which is in this area!

During that time, I spent my time in these three beaches:

Selong Belanak beach (great for sunset & surfing and closest to guesthouses)
Mawun Beach (the prettiest beach IMHO with blue waters)
Lancing Beach (underrated beach and best beach club to chill at Biras Beach Bar!)

Now, if you think it is too slow for you, you’re not too far from Kuta. It’s got more cafés, bars, and a social buzz but beaches wise, don’t count on it. There’s Are Guling beach and Mandalika beach!

If you’re done with the beaches and want more activities, I highly recommend doing a snorkelling tour at one of the Gillis. The underrated one that not many people go to is called Gilli Nanggu and you can book here. They cover transport for you!

Now, if you want to extend your trip or even take a day trip to the Gilli Islands — there’s this option that takes you on a snorkelling tour of the Gillis!

Also read: Honest Guide To Bali’s Best Snorkelling Spots: From Amed to Nusa Penida

Where to stay in Selong Belanak & Kuta?

Uryah Hotel (Selong Belanak): I stayed in this new place and it was clean, chic and cosy!
Suku Lifestyle (Selong Belanak): Another great and chic accomodation to stay in!
Tampah Hills (Selong Belanak): If you want a true luxury spot with the best views, this is the place!
Villa Namu (Kuta): Amazing property that’s so stunningly beautiful!
Lina Boutique Villas & Spa (Kuta): Perfect place to recoup after a hike!