One Week Indonesia Island Hopping: Bali, Lombok & the Gili Islands
Imagine seven days bouncing between three of Indonesia’s most spectacular islands — from the cultural heart of Bali to the turquoise shallows of the Gili Islands and the wild volcanic landscapes of Lombok. This fast-paced island-hopping itinerary packs incredible diversity into one week: rice terraces, snorkelling with turtles, sunrise volcano views, and pristine beaches. Ideal for travellers who want a taste of everything Indonesia has to offer without spending weeks on the road.
Itinerary Overview
Route: Bali (Denpasar/Benoa) → Ubud (2 nights) → Gili Islands (2 nights) → Lombok (2 nights) → Departure
Best for: Active travellers, snorkellers, culture lovers, beach enthusiasts
Budget per person (excluding flights): €600–950
Pace: Fast — this is a highlight-reel trip. Expect early starts and ferry crossings.
Day-by-Day Breakdown
Day 1: Arrival in Bali & Transfer to Ubud
Touch down at Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) and meet your driver for the 90-minute journey north to Ubud. The drive weaves through lush green countryside and past dramatic rice terraces — your first taste of Bali’s famous landscape.
Activities: Airport pickup, transfer to Ubud, evening walk through Ubud Market, welcome dinner at a local warung.
Accommodation: Mid-range guesthouse in central Ubud (€25–45/night). Recommended: Alam Shanti Ubud or similar with ricefield views.
Meals: Dinner at Warung Makan (€4–7 per person for nasi campur).
Transport: Pre-booked airport transfer (€20–30).
Estimated cost: €55–80
Day 2: Ubud — Rice Terraces, Temples & Culture
A full day exploring the cultural soul of Bali. Start early to beat the crowds and the heat. The iconic Tegallalang Rice Terraces are just 20 minutes north of Ubud’s centre — their emerald-green cascades are one of the most photographed sights in Indonesia.
Activities: Tegallalang Rice Terraces sunrise, Tirta Empul Holy Water Temple, Ubud Monkey Forest, afternoon at Ubud Palace, sunset yoga session.
Transport: Scooter rental (€5/day) or private driver for the day (€35–45).
Meals: Breakfast at guesthouse, lunch at a rice terrace café (€3–5), dinner at Melting Wok Warung (€6–9).
Accommodation: Same guesthouse in Ubud.
Estimated cost: €55–85
Day 3: Ubud → Gili Islands — Fast Boat & Snorkel Arrival
Morning transfer from Ubud to Padang Bai harbour for the fast boat to the Gili Islands. The high-speed ferry takes about 2 hours with stops at Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air. Choose Gili T for nightlife, Gili Air for chilled vibes, or Gili Meno for total seclusion.
Activities: Transfer to harbour, fast boat crossing (€30–40), afternoon snorkelling, sunset at the beach.
Transport: Private car Ubud → Padang Bai (€15–25), fast boat to Gili Islands (€30–40).
Accommodation: Beachfront bungalow on Gili Air or Gili Trawangan (€30–55/night). Recommended: Gili Air Resort or similar.
Meals: Fresh grilled fish dinner on the beach (€6–10).
Estimated cost: €80–120
Day 4: Gili Islands — Turtles, Snorkelling & Island Life
No motorised vehicles allowed on any of the Gilis — explore by bicycle or horse cart. Today is all about the water. The coral reefs surrounding the islands are some of the best in Indonesia for snorkelling, and turtles are almost guaranteed at certain spots.
Activities: Snorkelling tour (€15–25 including gear), swim with sea turtles at Meno Wall, bike around the island (90 minutes), sunset at the west coast swing sets.
Transport: Bicycle rental (€3/day) or horse cart (€5 per ride).
Meals: Breakfast at bungalow, beachside warung lunch (€4–6), seafood BBQ dinner (€8–12).
Accommodation: Same bungalow on the Gili Islands.
Estimated cost: €55–80
Day 5: Gili Islands → Lombok — Rinjani Views & Kuta Beaches
A short 30–60 minute public boat takes you from the Gilis to Lombok. Head straight to the south coast where dramatic cliffs, turquoise bays, and white-sand beaches rival anything in Bali — with a fraction of the crowds.
Activities: Boat to Lombok, check into south Lombok accommodation, afternoon at Selong Belanak or Mawun Beach, sunset at Tanjung Aan.
Transport: Public boat Gili → Lombok (€5–10), taxi to Kuta Lombok (€10–15).
Accommodation: Boutique hotel or guesthouse near Kuta Lombok (€25–50/night). Recommended: Novotel Lombok or Kuta Indah Hotel.
Meals: Fresh seafood at a beach warung (€5–8).
Estimated cost: €55–85
Day 6: Lombok — Waterfalls, Beaches & Sasak Culture
Discover Lombok’s lush interior with a trip to stunning Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep waterfalls in the north, or explore traditional Sasak villages. For a more relaxed day, simply soak up the sun on Lombok’s stunning southern beaches.
Activities: Option A: Day trip to Sendang Gile & Tiu Kelep waterfalls (€25–35 tour). Option B: Relaxed beach day at Selong Belanak, surf lesson (€15–20 for 2 hours). Evening: traditional Sasak dance performance.
Transport: Scooter rental (€5/day) or organised tour (€25–35).
Meals: Ayam taliwang — Lombok’s famous spicy grilled chicken (€4–6 at local restaurant).
Accommodation: Same guesthouse in Kuta Lombok.
Estimated cost: €40–70
Day 7: Lombok → Departure
Final morning on Lombok. Depending on your flight time, enjoy a last swim or a relaxed breakfast with ocean views. Lombok International Airport (LOP) has direct connections to Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and major Indonesian hubs, or take the fast boat back to Bali for your departing flight.
Activities: Morning beach walk or last swim, souvenir shopping at Kuta Lombok market, airport transfer.
Transport: Taxi to LOP airport (€15–20, 30 minutes from Kuta Lombok), or fast boat to Bali (€30–40, 3 hours).
Meals: Breakfast at guesthouse, lunch at airport.
Estimated cost: €25–45
Practical Information
Best Time to Visit: April to October (dry season). June–August is peak season — book ferries and accommodation well in advance.
Packing Essentials: Reef-safe sunscreen, snorkel gear if you have your own (rental available but quality varies), sarong for temple visits, insect repellent, rash guard for snorkelling.
Island Transfers: Several fast boat companies operate between Bali and the Gilis (Ekajaya, Blue Water Express, Scoot). Prices range €30–45 one way. Always check departure harbours — some leave from Serangan, others from Padang Bai.
Visa: Many nationalities get 30-day visa-free arrival. Extendable visa-on-arrival is 30 days + 30 day extension (€35 + €35). Check current rules before travel.
Total estimated budget per person: €365–565 (excluding international flights)
Disclaimer: Prices and schedules are approximate and may change. Always confirm ferry schedules, accommodation availability, and visa requirements before travel. Travel insurance is strongly recommended for island-hopping itineraries.