West Nusa Tenggara (Nusa Tenggara Barat) is an Indonesian province spanning two main islands—Lombok and Sumbawa—offering a diverse blend of volcanic peaks, pristine beaches, and rich Sasak and Sumbawan cultures. From the towering Mount Rinjani and the turquoise Gili Islands to the legendary surf breaks of Lakey Beach and the remote wilderness of Moyo Island, the province delivers world-class adventure and relaxation in equal measure.
Top day trips
Handpicked excursions within easy reach.
Gili Islands Day Trip (from Senggigi/Mataram)
A full day exploring the three Gili Islands — snorkeling with sea turtles at Gili Trawangan's south point, the tranquil beaches of Gili Meno, and the underwater sculpture garden. Includes a beach lunch and sunset cocktail on the way back.
Highlights: Sea turtle snorkeling · Underwater sculpture garden at Gili Meno · Car-free island walking · Beach bars and sunset
Mount Rinjani Crater Rim Day Trek (from Sembalun)
A strenuous but rewarding single-day version of the Rinjani experience, trekking from the Sembalun base to the crater rim via the savannah trail for breathtaking views over the caldera and Segara Anak lake without the full multi-day commitment. Not suitable for novice trekkers.
Highlights: Crater rim panorama · Caldera and Segara Anak lake views · Volcanic landscape · Sunrise if starting at 4 AM
South Lombok Beach Circuit (Kuta, Selong Belanak, Mawun, Tanjung Aan)
A spectacular day ride along Lombok's south coast visiting a succession of beautiful bays — the perfect crescent of Selong Belanak, the secluded Mawun Beach, the surf and town of Kuta, and the stunning twin bays of Tanjung Aan with a sunset walk up Merese Hill to finish.
Highlights: Selong Belanak's horseshoe bay · Mawun's turquoise cove · Kuta beach and surf · Tanjung Aan double bay · Merese Hill sunset
Senaru Waterfalls & North Lombok Cultural Tour
A day trip to Lombok's lush north coast combining the spectacular Sindang Gile and Tiu Kelep waterfalls near Senaru village with the ancient Bayan Beleq mosque and the artisan weaving village of Bayan. The Rinjani base camp viewpoint provides incredible volcano views.
Highlights: Twin waterfalls with swimming hole · Ancient Bayan Beleq Mosque · North Lombok rice paddies · Rinjani volcano views · Senaru village walk
Mataram Cultural Heritage Tour (Cakranegara, Narmada, Lingsar, Sukarara)
A compact full-day cultural circuit of the sites surrounding Mataram — the sacred Pura Meru and Mayura Water Palace in Cakranegara, the royal Narmada Gardens, the interfaith Pura Lingsar temple, and the master weavers of Sukarara village. Includes lunch at a local warung.
Highlights: Pura Meru and Mayura Water Palace · Narmada royal gardens · Pura Lingsar sacred eels · Sukarara weaving demonstration
East Lombok Pink Beach & Marine Snorkeling
A full day to Lombok's remote east coast visiting the extraordinary Pink Beach (Pantai Tangsi) where the sand is tinted rose by red coral fragments, followed by boat-based snorkeling at the nearby islets with pristine, undisturbed coral gardens and abundant marine life.
Highlights: Rare pink sand beach · Boat snorkeling at offshore islets · Remote east Lombok scenery · Tanjung Ringgit cliffs nearby
Tetebatu Highlands & Rice Paddy Walk
A half or full day in the cool highland village of Tetebatu on Rinjani's southern slopes, exploring rice paddies, bamboo groves, a traditional blacksmithing workshop, and the nearby black monkey forest. A peaceful contrast to the beach and diving scene.
Highlights: Rice paddy walks · Black monkey forest · Traditional blacksmiths · Cool highland air · Rinjani views
Sumbawa Day Trip: Kenawa Island & West Sumbawa (from Lombok)
An adventurous day trip crossing to Sumbawa by ferry then taking a local fishing boat to the uninhabited Kenawa Island with its dramatic hill and turquoise lagoon. A true off-the-beaten-path day that very few Lombok tourists attempt — deeply rewarding for the effort.
Highlights: Kenawa Island dramatic hilltop · Turquoise lagoon snorkeling · Sea turtles in seagrass beds · Sumbawa ferry crossing experience
Trips by distance
How far you can go in a day.
Getting there
Transport options for day trips.
- Tours
- Organised day tours from Mataram and Senggigi operators from $25–55 per person including transport, guide, and entrance fees
- Private
- Private car charter with driver from $35–60/day — best value for families or groups of 3–5
- Public
- Public bemos serve main towns from Mataram terminal; slow but very cheap ($0.50–2); Bangsal harbour for Gili Island ferries
- Rental
- Motorbike rental $5–8/day — perfect for south coast beach circuit and Sembalun; cars available from $25/day (self-drive)
Day trip tips
Make the most of your excursions.
Start south coast beach circuits before 8 AM to beat the midday heat and have beaches largely to yourself
Carry enough cash for the full day — ATMs are unavailable at many remote beaches and in East Lombok
Book Gili Islands fast boats in advance for July–August peak season; seats sell out quickly
The ferry to Sumbawa from Lembar takes 4–5 hours — combine this only with a very early start or an overnight stay in Sumbawa
Hire a local guide for the first Rinjani day trek — the trails are not always well-marked and safety knowledge is essential