Highlights of Lombok and Gilis

Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to Tetebatu Village on the fringes of Rinjani National Park. After checking in at your hotel, enjoy a relaxing evening with dinner at the hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to explore independently or simply unwind and soak in the hotel's tranquil ambience. (D)

• Hotel Description

After breakfast, trek through Tetebatu's rice fields, plantations, and fruit gardens, seeing crops like chilies, tobacco, and fruits such as rambutan, jackfruit, durian, and guavas. Experience rural life, watch farmers at work, and pass through a monkey forest. Reach Tibu Topat Waterfall for relaxation and photos. Return to Tetebatu, freshen up, and have lunch in the village.

In the afternoon, learn basket-making in Loyok and visit a village where clay roof tiles are made. Stop at a roadside market to taste exotic tropical fruits en route to Kuta on Lombok's southern coast. (B,L)

• Hotel Description

After breakfast, travel to Pink Beach on Lombok's east coast for snorkelling. Explore three spots: the first features diverse coral formations like blue, purple, and yellow corals near the beach. Then, visit Gili Petelu, two small islets with clear waters ideal for spotting reef sharks and colourful fish. Enjoy a light lunch at deserted beaches nearby or on the boat.

Then sail to Tanjung Luar, passing a fishermen's village. Stop at a salt panning site en route to Kuta, where sea salt is processed in cone-shaped containers. Return to Kuta in the late afternoon, with the rest of the day free. (B,L)

• Hotel Description

After breakfast, drive to Tanjung Aan, a stunning bay on Lombok’s south coast. Swim and enjoy a fresh coconut in the scenic surroundings. Return to the hotel to freshen up and check-out. Lunch is on your own at a local warung in Kuta, Lombok.

In the afternoon, explore the unique Sasak culture of Lombok. Visit Ende village known for its traditional rice-barn-style houses called lumbungs. Witness local crafts and rural life, observing farmers at work in the fields. Continue to Sukarara, where the Patuh cooperative produces Ikat and Sarungs on traditional looms using locally grown cotton and natural dyes. Explore the village and learn about fabric patterns deeply rooted in local customs. Enjoy a local snack and coffee in Sukarara before proceeding to Senggigi. (B)

• Hotel Description

Explore Mataram's diversity through its bustling Kebon Roek Market, where locals trade vegetables, spices, fish, meats, and agricultural goods. Next, visit Lingsar Temple, reflecting a blend of Balinese Hinduism and Lombok's unique Islamic practices. Built in 1714, it features shrines related to sacred mountains. Nearby, Pura Agung Narmada, built in 1805 as a replica of Mount Rinjani, was a summer palace for the King of Mataram. Enjoy its lush gardens and swimming pool fed by natural springs.

Have lunch at a local restaurant, then visit the West Nusa Tenggara Museum, showcasing historical artefacts from Lombok and Sumbawa. Explore its collections on geology, flora, fauna, archaeology, ethnography, history, and crafts. Lastly, visit Mayura Water Palace, built in 1744, blending Hindu and Islamic architecture with a "floating pavilion" in an artificial lake surrounded by mangosteen trees, part of the former kingdom of Karangasem in East Bali. (B,L)

• Hotel Description

After breakfast, meet the guide and driver for a transfer to Teluk Nara. Take a speedboat to the Gili Islands, starting with Gili Meno, known for its secluded white sand beaches and clear waters, which are ideal for snorkelling. Visit the western shore for top-notch snorkelling at the coral gardens, where sea turtles are often seen. At noon, take a boat to Gili Air for lunch at a beachfront eatery, followed by relaxation on a reserved daybed. In the afternoon, cruise to Gili Trawangan, and transfer to the hotel by horse cart from the harbour.(B,L)

The entire day is free to enjoy the hotel facilities. Gili Trawangan, the largest and most popular of the three Gili Islands, offers a vibrant nightlife with numerous restaurants and bars. Its white sandy beaches, coral reefs, and scenic beauty, along with the absence of motorised vehicles, make Gili Trawangan an ideal tropical getaway.(B)

• Hotel Description

Free day at leisure. (B)

• Hotel Description

After breakfast and check-out, you'll be transferred by boat to Teluk Kode/Teluk Nare, then to Bali airport for your flight back to the UK. Alternatively, you can extend your stay in Bali. Contact one of our travel specialists to help plan your holiday extension. (B)