Tired of the crowds in Bali? Visit Lombok instead

Lombok feels like Bali’s quieter, more untouched sister — turquoise waters, dramatic cliffs, lush rice fields, and friendly locals everywhere you go. It’s perfect if you love Bali’s natural beauty but want less traffic and more authenticity. Think Canggu vibes meets adventure island energy — surf beaches, waterfalls, cozy cafes, and sunsets that don’t feel crowded.

Here’s my full 4-day itinerary

📍 Day 1: Bali → Lombok (Senggigi)

🚤 Eka Jaya Fast Ferry from Padang Bai → Lombok — definitely recommend, it was clean, air-conditioned, and surprisingly very punctual. Journey took around 1h.

🏨 Stay: Katamaran Hotel, Senggigi — beautiful beachfront resort with two lovely pool areas and two restaurants, one of which is perched on an elevated hill and has a really nice view of the sunset.

You could totally go for a surf at the beach but I was tired so I just chilled at the hotel. There’s a town area with restaurants and clubs but Sengigi is very quiet now (most of the crowd has moved to Kuta).

📍 Day 2: North Lombok Adventure (Waterfalls and Rice Terraces)

🚗 Private driver via Klook ($38 for the full day, with extra charges for going outside the zone)

Stops:

🌾 Bukit Selong – A hilltop viewpoint overlooking endless patchwork rice fields in shades of green and gold. After just a 5-10 min walk from the parking area you reach a star shaped viewing platform overlooking the rice terraces. Best time to go is during sunrise but it takes 2h to reach here from Sengigi and I couldn’t be bothered to wake up at 4am.

🌄 Sembalun Village – Peaceful highland town surrounded by rolling hills and cool mountain air; the drive itself is breathtaking. Definitely stop by Mahalaka cafe while you’re in the area - super beautiful cafe with views of the mountain, and even an amphitheater with live music in the evening.

💦 Sendang Gile + Tiu Kelep Waterfalls – A short jungle trek leads to these twin cascades; Tiu Kelep is the star — a curtain of water surrounded by lush forest mist. I got a local guide for $10, which included a motorbike ride to and fro to the parking spot. Easy 5 min walk to the first waterfall and 15-20 min walk to the second. Waterfalls were nice but I would say the Sekumpul waterfall in North Bali wowed me more.

💡 Tips:

• Start before 8am to avoid crowds

• Bring snacks + dry clothes

📍 Day 3: Senggigi → Kuta (South Lombok)

🚗 Private driver via Klook

Stops:

⛰ Orong Bukal – A hidden cliff viewpoint few tourists know about. Reached by a bumpy motorbike ride and short steep hike — the views were insane: dramatic limestone cliffs plunging into turquoise ocean, untouched and cinematic 🌊 Hike back up was definitely challenging - wear proper shoes.

🍜 Lunch at random bakso warung

🌊 Mawun Beach – A quiet crescent bay surrounded by green hills, calm waves, and cozy local warungs where you can grab coconuts and rent sunbeds.

🌅 Ryan Cafe – Hilltop café with beanbags and one of the best sunset views in Kuta 🌅

🏨 El Tropico Hotel, Kuta — Boho-chic, super aesthetic, with cabanas, beanbags, and a big pool that lights up beautifully at night. Superb location right in the middle of town - definitely recommend.

🌙 Dinner: Jiang Nan - surprisingly good and authentic Chinese food

🍸 Drinks: Captikus Bar – a hidden speakeasy behind a bookshelf, cocktails inspired by Indonesian flavors (try the Bolu Pandan 💚). Definitely recommend visiting while you’re in Kuta

📍 Day 4: Paragliding, Surfing & Last Sunset

🪂 Paragliding @ Sky Lancing Lombok – Fly over cliffs and turquoise sea — short but incredible views.

💰 IDR 600,000 (without Insta360)

🏄‍♀️ Surf lesson @ Selong Belanak. Super chill surf instructors, gentle waves, ideal for beginners.

🍕 Lunch @ Pronto Pizza – surprisingly great pizzas! The texture was amazing.

🌊 Spent the afternoon chilling at Tanjung Aan Beach – beautiful but quite a lot of trash so would recommend Mawun beach instead

🌅 Sunset at Bukit Merese – definitely a must do in Kuta. You get 360 views of the island and Tanjung Aan beach.

🍜 Dinner @ Otaku Ramen - again very pleasantly surprised by the quality of the ramen. Will do another detailed post on food

✈️ Next day: short drive to Lombok Airport (30 mins from Kuta) for flight back to Bali

✨ Overall thoughts:

If you want Bali vibes without the crowds, Lombok is your spot — beautiful beaches, incredible sunsets, and kind locals.

I’d stay in Kuta next time for the vibe and food scene, but starting in Senggigi was perfect for unwinding first. If you can ride a scooter that’s probably the easier and more affordable option to get around.

There’s so much more to see and do in Lombok - I’ll definitely be back.

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