Beyond Bali: Nusa Penida, the Gili Islands and Lombok TRIP BLOG Photo: Dini Rosyadah Tridya · CC BY-SA 4.0
Indonesia · Gili Trawangan

Beyond Bali: Nusa Penida, the Gili Islands and Lombok

6 DAYS 7 places by WaTrips

Kerta Gosa and Kelingking Beach, Gili Trawangan and Gili Air, Sendang Gile falls, Mount Rinjani and Kuta Lombok.

East of Bali the islands get quieter and the beaches emptier. See the painted ceilings of Kerta Gosa, then boat to Nusa Penida for the T-rex cliff of Kelingking Beach. Take a fast boat to the Gili Islands, where there are no cars, just bicycles, turtles and sunset bars, and slow down on Gili Air. On Lombok, walk to the jungle falls of Sendang Gile, hike up Mount Rinjani's crater rim and finish on the surf beaches of Kuta Lombok. April to October is best; the Rinjani trek is closed in the rainy season.

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STOP 1 OF 7

Kerta Gosa

Kerta Gosa is a pavilion in the old palace grounds of Semarapura, the former Klungkung kingdom. It was used as a hall of justice. Its ceiling is covered with paintings in the traditional Kamasan style, showing the punishments of the wicked in the afterlife and the rewards of the good. Next to it, the Bale Kambang floating pavilion stands in a lotus pond.

Best weather: Jun – Oct Heavy rain: Dec – Feb
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Kelingking Beach

Kelingking Beach is on the west coast of Nusa Penida, an island southeast of Bali. A headland of steep cliffs juts into the sea in a shape often compared to a Tyrannosaurus rex, framing a white beach below. It is one of the most photographed places in Indonesia. A steep path leads down the ridge to the beach, which has strong waves.

Best weather: Jun – Oct Heavy rain: Dec – Feb
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Gili Trawangan

Gili Trawangan is the largest of the three Gili islands off the northwest coast of Lombok. There are no cars or motorbikes; people get around by bicycle or horse cart. White beaches surround the island, and sea turtles are often seen while snorkelling. The east coast has many bars and restaurants, and sunset views look towards Bali's Mount Agung.

Best weather: May – Sep Heavy rain: Dec – Feb
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Gili Air

Gili Air is the closest of the three Gili islands to Lombok. It is quieter than Gili Trawangan, with a village where local people still farm and fish. There are no motor vehicles. Paths lead around the island past beaches, cafes and small resorts. The clear water and coral reefs around it are good for snorkelling and diving.

Best weather: May – Sep Heavy rain: Dec – Feb
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Sendang Gile Waterfall

Sendang Gile is a waterfall near the village of Senaru on the northern slope of Mount Rinjani in Lombok. Water falls in two stages down a rock face in the forest. A short walk with steps leads down to it from the village. Further up a jungle path lies Tiu Kelep, a larger waterfall with a pool where visitors can swim.

Best weather: Jun – Oct Heavy rain: Dec – Feb
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Mount Rinjani

Mount Rinjani is the second highest volcano in Indonesia, rising to about 3,726 metres on Lombok. Its huge caldera holds Segara Anak, a crescent-shaped lake, with a young volcano cone, Barujari, rising inside it. Treks of two to four days climb to the crater rim and summit. Hot springs lie near the lake. It is part of a UNESCO Global Geopark.

Heavy rain: Dec – Feb
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STOP 7 OF 7 · LAST STOP

Kuta Lombok

Kuta Lombok is a small town on the south coast of Lombok. It is the centre of the Mandalika area, with a string of white sand bays between green hills, such as Tanjung Aan and Mawun. The waves along this coast are popular with surfers. A large motor racing circuit opened nearby in 2021. The Bau Nyale sea worm festival is held here each year.

Best weather: Jun – Oct Heavy rain: Dec – Jan

Seasons from 20 years of NASA POWER climate data.

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