15 Days of Adventure: Uluwatu, Ubud, Nusa Penida, Gili Islands, Lombok, and Komodo

  • Day 1: Uluwatu
    30-minute drive (19 km) from Ngurah Rai International Airport

    Start your adventure with a visit to Uluwatu Temple, a must-see attraction with a stunning ocean view. The temple is built on the edge of a cliff, making for amazing photos. Catch the traditional Kecak dance performance at sunset. Afterward, enjoy dinner at one of the local warungs near the temple.

  • Day 2: Ubud
    1.5-hour drive (35 km) from Uluwatu

    Experience the cultural heart of Bali with a visit to Ubud. Spend the day exploring the lush green rice paddies, the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, and take a walk through the traditional market. Make sure to also visit the famous Tegalalang Rice Terrace and enjoy lunch with a view.

  • Day 3-4: Nusa Penida
    Ferry from Sanur. 30-minute speedboat ride from Nusa Lembongan

    Head to Nusa Penida for a secluded island getaway. Swim with manta rays, see the iconic T-Rex-shaped Kelingking Beach, hike to the hidden gem of Atuh Beach and relax at Crystal Bay. Stay overnight in a villa with a view of the ocean.

  • Day 5-7: Gili Islands
    1-hour flight (Lion Air, Garuda, Citilink) from Bali to Lombok. Takes 2 hours from Lombok airport by boat to reach Gili Islands

    Visit the three picturesque Gili Islands - Trawangan, Meno, Air - and dive into their clear blue waters to discover abundant tropical marine life. Take a stroll by the beach, go snorkeling, and enjoy the Gili vibe at a beachside bar. Be sure to admire the sunset view from the west coast of Gili Trawangan.

  • Day 8-10: Lombok
    Boat from Gili Trawangan takes 2.5 hours to Lombok

    Enjoy the natural beauty of Lombok at the Pusuk Monkey Forest, Sendang Gila Waterfall, and Benang Kelambu Waterfall. Take a boat ride and explore the colorful underwater world with coral reefs, sea turtles and fish. Visit traditional Sasak villages and learn about their unique culture.

  • Day 11-14: Komodo National Park
    2-hour flight from Lombok to Labuan Bajo (Garuda, Wings Air). Takes 1.5 hours from Labuan Bajo by boat

    Get up close with the world’s largest lizards, the legendary Komodo dragons, in Komodo National Park. Hike through the park's hiking trails to enjoy a panoramic view of the beautiful savannah, mountainous terrain and blue sea, and snorkeling with stunning reefs. Take time to visit Padar Island and capture a picture-perfect view from the top.

  • Day 15: Departure
    10-minute drive (2.5 km) from the airport

    Depart for your flight home, and take with you memories of an extraordinary adventure.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Nusa Penida Island Tour (8 hours, $60)
  • Snorkeling in Gili Islands (3 hours, $20)
  • Komodo National Park Hiking and Snorkeling Tour (8 hours, $95)
  • Dinner at a Local Warung (1 hour, $10)
  • Lunch on Tegalalang Rice Terrace (1 hour, $15)
  • Gili Islands Beachside Bar (2 hours, $15)
  • Sasak Village Visit (4 hours, $25)
  • Flight from Bali to Lombok ($80)
  • Flight from Lombok to Labuan Bajo ($120)
  • Boat from Labuan Bajo to Komodo National Park ($20)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $460

Transportation

Transportation options between the locations mentioned above include taxi, car rental, and ferries, depending on your preferences. Domestic flights are recommended to save time.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, explore other cities and islands in Bali, such as Seminyak, Canggu, and further East Bali. However, if you have less time, consider fewer stops or staying overnight in fewer locations. Additionally, book boat tickets, tours, and accommodations in advance, as these destinations can get crowded in peak season.

Airports

The main airport in Indonesia is Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) located in Denpasar, Bali, around 13 km from Kuta Beach, the center of tourist activities in the island. Labuan Bajo East Nusa Tenggara (LBJ) airport on Flores Island for access to Komodo National Park. It is around 3 km from Labuan Bajo downtown.

0