Category: Indonesia

Bali Taxi and Ferry Prices

These are the taxi and ferry prices in Bali, which I managed to gather in October 2022. Currently the following locations are covered: (1) Amed, (2) Padangbai, (3) Bali-Gili and Gili-Lombok ferry, (4) Gili Air-Bali or Gili Air-Lombok, (5) Ubud, (6) Kuta, (7) Sanur and (8) Others.

Attached is also some additional information: shuttle bus and how to get the best prices and avoid paying 50% markups.

Three categories: (1) private cars, and (2) shuttle buses, and (3) ferries and boats. All are grouped per destination below.

What is a shuttle bus?

Shared shuttle is usually a (Toyota/Isuzu) minibus or a larger Toyota/Daihatsu car leaving on fixed schedule. You buy an individual seat to your destination. Most probably, there will be several stops depending on the other passengers. For example, from Amed the same shuttle will go to Sanur, Ubud, Kuta and the Denpasar airport.

You might get a lower price if a driver already has a few passengers, and you will be his pure additional profit. Always ask how many tourists are already booked on this particular shuttle. You probably do not want to be too squeezed either.

Shop around for best price

Overall, the cost differences are usually wide with the more expensive providers quoting up to 50% higher prices. The taxi and ferry prices on Bali are fragmented and opaque to achieve a high level. Overall, food is excellent and inexpensive, and accommodation well-developed and adequately priced. However, transportation is expensive in relative (and sometimes absolute) terms. Yes, the gas prices have gone up a lot, but there are still hefty margins in this business.

Please do not pay the inflated prices. Clearly, it will be good for your wallet. But you will also help future tourists by NOT increasing the price level, and not encouraging the agencies and drivers to get away with excessive quotes.

So what is driving the car price? Car prices depend on how you book, location, distance to be traveled, your hotel price, perceived evaluation of your wealth when negotiating, and life in general on the agency’s or car driver’s side.

How to get good taxi and ferry prices in Bali?

(1) Your lack of time

If you are pressed for time, your options are limited. You will have no time to get a few quotes from the drivers and agencies. You will probably have to settle for a private car, which will be more expensive at the last minute.

(2) Agency versus direct price

It is always cheaper and better to agree on the price with the driver, who will actually be in the vehicle with you. Even more preferably, it will be his own car. Two reasons: (1) Each agency and homestay is charging (sometimes a hefty 50-100%) commission. (2) You will be able to evaluate the car and the driver for their safety and reliability. A huge advantage as some cars might be a bit vintage. That is definitely not great when going up a mountain. Finally, it is generally easy to find direct drivers on Bali. Given their abundance, they will usually find you before you can spot them (“Hello, where are you going?” with a broad smile).

(3) Your accommodation

More expensive hotels/homestays will quote higher prices for the same service than the less expensive ones. Secondly, even when you are stopped on the street and asked if you need transportation, the drivers and agents will ALWAYS ask which hotel you are staying in. They will try to determine your ability to (over)pay. If you are lucky to be in one of the top accommodations on the island, it might be not the best time to mention. Otherwise, it will be harder to get to a more fair cost.

(4) Driver’s price calculation

My experience on Bali has been that drivers’ two biggest factors are distance and time traveled. The car brand or age seem to be less important as most of them are the similar (Toyota, Daihatsu). Also, if you want a one-way trip, the driver will add the distance and time for the trip back and charge it to you. All drivers are currently sensitive to the distance due to the higher gas prices. However, some are more relaxed about their own time and might quote a lower price.

(5) Driver’s experience

Some will also quote with hesitation and vastly different prices for the adjacent locations. That probably means that the driver has not had that many clients. More experienced driver usually deliver a realistic quote quickly without mentioning how many tourists they had driven around in the last week or month. More fluent English is also usually a sign of more tourist business.

(6) Driver’s personality

Finally, it always pays attention to driver’s behavior. You will be stuck with him for a few hours in a confined space, so it is better to have someone who is positive and conversational.

(7) Check Grab prices

Always check Grab prices as your benchmark. Grab is the equivalent of Uber or Lyft with a major difference. Contrary to their U.S. competitors, you pay the Grab driver directly (similar to Yandex Go in central Asia). Grab does NOT charge your credit card. This has an advantage that anybody in your hotel, restaurant or even on the street can order a Grab taxi for you.

Secondly, when negotiating a price with a private taxi driver, just mentioning Grab’s price usually does wonders to establish a realistic price level.

Bali taxi and ferry prices, and timetables per location

The prices are for the whole car one way, unless otherwise noted. The prices have been rising quickly with the increasing gas prices. Check for the current levels.

For longer or multi-stop trips, it might be cheaper to hire a car with the driver for the whole day. The current daily rate is USD50-55.

Ferry and boat tickets are per person one way.

(1) Amed

(1a) Private car from Amed to Bali destinations

Amed Bali taxi prices
Amed private taxi prices.

Amed – Mount Agung (with waiting while you hike): IDR 700,000

(1b) Shuttle bus from Amed

Check prices across different agencies and with drivers directly. Prices differ up to 30%. Below is one of the lowest for a safe vehicle (a Toyota or Daihatsu minibus in a good condition).

Tetebatu transport prices
Shuttle prices per person from Amed.

Free pickup from any hotel in Amed. Departure: 10:00-10:30am.

Driving time:

Amed – Padangbai (ferry to Lombok, Gili, Nusa Penida): 1 hour

Amed – Ubud: 2.5 hours

Amed – Sanur: 2 hours

Amed – Kuta: 3 hours

Amed – Denpasar Airport: 3.5 hours

(1c) Ferry Amed to Gili and Lombok

Fastboats to all Gili islands and Lombok (Bangsal) depart from JEMELUK. They do NOT depart from the other Amed harbor further north-west. Do NOT trust Google maps as they have the wrong fastboat link. Do NOT make the same mistake as I did.

Fastboats departing daily at 09:30am from Amed to all Gilis and Lombok. There are two boat types. I came on this one below “FreebirdExpress Escape 99“: large, stable, no engine smells, departed on time, arrived on time, not crowded.

Direct price: IDR 300,000 per person one way. Agency price: IDR 500,000. Buy direct at the harbors in Amed, Gilis or Bangsal.

The other boat is smaller and more bumpy. I was also told cheaper at IDR 250,000 direct price.

amed gili lombok ferry
Amed – Gili – Lombok fastboat schedule.

(2) Padangbai taxi and ferry prices

Padangbai Bali taxi and ferry prices
Padangbai ferry and shuttle prices and times (1).
Padangbai Bali taxi ferry
Padangbai ferry and shuttle prices and times (2).
Padangbai Bali taxi prices
Padangbai private taxi prices.
Padangbai Gili ferry times
Padangbai to Gili ferry times.

(3) Bali-Gili and Lombok-Gili ferry and boat

Bali-Gili and Lombok-Gili fast and slow boats, their prices and timetables are here: How to get to Gili islands.

(4) Gili Air – Bali or Lombok

Gili Air ferry taxi prices
Gili Air prices (1).
Gili Air taxi ferry prices
Gili Air prices (2).
Gili Amed ferry
Amed-Gili-Amed departure times.

(5) Ubud

The running price for Ubud central to the Denpasar airport is IDR 300-350,000. The lowest real quote I received was for IDR 250,000 (a modern and clean Toyota sedan, arrived on time, English-speaking driver).

The shuttle buses are cheaper but usually for 2 pax minimum. However, even if you travel solo, you can pay IDR 85,000 twice (=IDR 170,000), which will be still cheaper than the lowest private taxi.

Ubud shuttle prices 1
Ubud shuttle bus prices (1).
Ubud shuttle bus prices (3).

Ubud taxi prices (November 2022):

Ubud – Sanur: IDR 250,000

Ubud – Padangbai: IDR 300,000

Ubud – Sidemen: IDR 300,000

Ubud – Kuta / Seminyak / Canggu: IDR 300,000

Ubud – Lovina / Munduk: IDR 495,000

Ubud – Nusa Dua / Jimbaran: IDR 375,000

Ubud – Uluwatu: IDR 400,000

Ubud taxi hire per day (November 2022):

Half Day 5 Hours for the whole car: IDR 350,000

Full Day 8 Hours for the whole car: IDR 450,000

Ferry or fast boat prices from Ubud are sometimes cheaper if you build your itinerary yourself. For example, you buy a seat in the shared taxi or shuttle and separately a Padangbai-Gili boat ticket.

Ubud ferry
Ubud to Gili, Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan.

(6) Kuta

Kuta shuttle prices
Shuttle bus prices from Kuta (1).

(7) Sanur

Sanur shuttle prices
Shuttle bus prices from Sanur (1).

(8) Others

Bali shuttle prices
Shuttle bus prices from others (1).

Gili Islands Indonesia

This describes our experience in visiting Gili islands in Indonesia. It includes why visit, which island(s), how to get there, what to do, where to stay, where to eat and where to go next.

Why visit Gili islands?

Indonesia is country of 17,000 islands, sunny and warm weather, crystal blue sea, diving and snorkelling, amazing food, and friendly people. Positive vibe permeates in the air with unhurried life in every corner.

Gili islands are exactly like that, but even more so. Three small islands close to Lombok and a short fastboat ride from the spiritual Bali. Excellent snorkelling, well-developed tourist infrastructure (transport, atmospheric homestays), similar minded tourists from all over the world, but still not overcrowded. You can be on the beach on a bamboo bed sipping your freshly squeezed juice or ginger tea with just five other tourists in sight.

The islands are also cute because no cars or trucks are permitted. Horse-drawn carriages are everywhere and they deliver all goods but also transport tourists.

One of those places where you come for two nights and stay for a week (or a month!).

Which Gili island is right for you?

There are three Gili islands between Lombok and Bali: Gili Air (closest to Lombok), Gili Meno and Gili Trawangan (Gili T). They all have a distinct personality, so the question is which Gili island in Indonesia is right for you.

One guide summarized it succinctly: Gili T is for people in their 20-30s, Air for 30-40s and Meno for, and here he waved his hand in respect.

Gili T is definitely the party island similar to Ibiza or Majorca in the Mediterranean. The parties are legendary and can be well heard across the water in Meno. Days might start well past noon but the energy of the place is sometimes incredible.

Meno, on the other hand, has a reputation as a “honeymoon island” with the smallest size, less development and secluded luxury accommodations. However, a local warung (local restaurant) owner said that those honeymooners had been into some noisy parties lately.

Air is the mix between those two with many homestays and restaurants and many tourists there. However, Air is still ticking according to its own clock with most shops closing at 5-6pm. The atmospheric restaurants on the beach have only a few tourists each, who can enjoy their ocean breeze without any distraction. Tranquility, soothing music or a single guitar playing, and the sound of waves. All under a million stars. Blissful.

How to get to the Gili islands?

A separate article with timetables and prices for both the fast and slow boats:

How to get to Gili islands

What to do on Gili?

Diving and snorkelling are the main day activities. Every homestay rents gear and there are also diving centers.

Gilis have a positive vibe and they will seamlessly pull you into its orbit of enjoying life on the beach, restaurants and bars.

Where to stay?

A wide range of ultra budget to ultra luxury for any wallet. I stayed at the Nelly Homestay in the more quiet north-eastern part of Gili Air. Modern, clean, comfortable with friendly staff. Recommended.

Where to eat?

All islands offer excellent food from the local Indonesian nasi and curries, the usual international fare (burgers, chicken schnitzel, spaghetti) and fusion (Mexican-Indonesian burritos). In addition, amazing freshly squeezed juices and shakes, outstanding local coffee (“kopi”), and lemongrass and ginger tea (both outstanding). You will here well and only for a few dollars.

Even though Gilis are Islamic, alcoholic drinks are widely available.

Where to go next?

If you are going to Lombok, Tetebatu (Lombok) is a beautiful traditional Indonesian village with rice fields, wild monkeys in the forest, waterfall, and amazing food.

Mt Rinjani is one of the biggest volcanoes in Indonesia. A Mt Rinjani (Lombok) Hike will be a tougher but hugely rewarding experience.

Body Cleansing Ceremony (Bali)

This describes my personal experience in a body cleansing or purification ceremony on Bali (“melukat”). Before the advent of the modern medicine, the local population has relied on the cleansing and healing ceremonies for centuries. They are usually based on the Hindu religion, and have a strong spiritual component with pronounced visual and smell effects. The mantras are frequently intuitive and hypnotic. They are also usually using water, and especially the sacred one from many sources on the island. It is believed that these rituals help both the physical and mental healing. Many Balinese are still doing them with their families on a regular basis (even once or twice a month).

Foreign tourists have been drawn to the spiritual and beautiful Bali for decades. In addition to yoga, meditation and physical body cleansing courses, many tourists have undergone a traditional purification ceremony. Many are (deeply) skeptical initially, but quite a few felt afterwards lighter, in higher spirits and with greater energy.

And who knows, it might even work for you. Even without an overwhelming scientific proof why it did. Moreover, the downside is probably low as this is only water, and nobody will try to persuade you to drink any special potions.

What is a melukat on Bali?

All body cleansing rituals on Bali are led by a local priest or healer (“pemangku”). A good pemangku will ask for your personal concerns and ailments well before the ritual and will make an offering for you.

Before you enter the temple, your body should be clean. A priest will pour some holy water for you to wash your face and hair three times to commemorate three Hindu gods (Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva). You will be given a mantra, and the initial part will involve negative thoughts leaving your mind and body. Good karma should be coming to you afterwards using various herbs and sprinkling water. Following that, the priest will chant a mantra and sprinkle you with (coconut) water.

The next step you might have already seen, which is the most physical component. You will bath in a lake, river or temple water reservoir. You will be wet, which will probably will great even if only because of the hot and humid weather.

After changing your clothes, the final step is to pray together. You pray five times, the first one for yourself, then for the three Hindu gods, and finally as a farewell. To finish, you will be sprayed by the priest with holy water again.

Balinese families perform a melukat together with children as young as 1-2 years old in the ceremonies as well. Some places also encourage people to come in a traditional sarong and a white upper garment to indicate the search for the purity of thoughts. Participating in this ceremony with a multi-generational local family is an incredible experience, immediately taking out the tourist factor. The local families will probably be exceedingly helpful to guide you through the ritual.

Finally, everybody is welcome regardless of religious background.

Where to find a body cleansing ritual on Bali?

Generally speaking, there are three main groups of venues:

(1) Large touristy temples well-known for melukat

Those Hindu temples might have a holy water source, a long history of purification, and continue to draw the Balinese. Unfortunately, there are also tours organized for tourists to deliver them to one of those famous places.

The ceremony will probably feel different when there are 50 other tourists crowded in the sacred water pool. Furthermore, you might have been talking to them about your travels or parties on the bus for the last hour or so.

Those Bali temples include: Pura Tirta Empul (probably the most famous one for melukat on Bali), Taman Mumbul Temple or Camphuan Windhu.

(2) Large not touristy healing temple

Pura Luhur Tambawaras is an old temple, where Balinese have been asking for blessings and cure of any sickness, body or soul. Many locals are coming but no tourist crowds (yet). Highly recommended if you look for a more traditional and personal experience.

(3) Local temple

These are harder to find and you usually have to ask a knowledgable local. Balinese are usually happy to help you to find a local melukat temple. The experience will probably be much more private with only one family going through the ritual at a time. By far the best option is to join a local family, which is already going to the ceremony. They will gladly go through the ritual with you and explain every step. This will immensely increase your understanding and effect of the ceremony.

Final thoughts

Even if you go on a tour, you will probably find a body cleansing ritual on Bali rewarding and memorable. However, if you manage to tag along a local family going to a local temple, that might be a much more profound experience.

Either way, you will probably not regret it, and you might find it helpful.

Where to go next?

Please also go to Lombok, a Bali from 10-20 years ago. Mt Rinjani (Lombok) Hike is excellent.

Tetebatu (Lombok) is a traditional village with rice fields, monkeys and atmospheric waterfall an hour from the airport or Mataran. In other words, the equivalent of Sidemen on Bali.

When crossing to the Gili islands, the current timetables and prices are here: How to get to Gili islands.

Beyond Lombok, consider Flores. A Komodo tour, an authentic settlement (for example, Bena Traditional Village (Flores)) or a mini-Komodo boat tour on deserted islands in Riung (Flores) are great options.

How to get to Gili islands

This guide describes how to get to the Gili islands from Lombok or Bali in Indonesia. Given the islands are small, you will come on a boat. However, there are a few different kinds with vastly dissimilar prices.

Secondly, there are three three islands next to Lombok: Gili Air (closest to Lombok), Gili Meno and Gili Trawangan (Gili T).

Which Gili island is right for you?

They all have a distinct personality, so the question is which Gili island in Indonesia is right for you. I definitely did not know so our thought process below.

One guide summarized it succinctly: Gili T is for people in their 20-30s, Air for 30-40s and Meno for, and here he waved his hand in respect.

Gili T is definitely the party island similar to Ibiza or Majorca in the Mediterranean. The parties are legendary and can be well heard across the water in Meno. Days might start well past noon but the energy of the place is sometimes incredible.

Meno, on the other hand, has a reputation as a “honeymoon island” with the smallest size, less development and secluded luxury accommodations. However, a local warung (local restaurant) owner said that those honeymooners had been into some noisy parties lately.

Air is the mix between those two with many homestays and restaurants and many tourists there. However, Air is still ticking according to its own clock with most shops closing at 5-6pm. The atmospheric restaurants on the beach have only a few tourists each, who can enjoy their ocean breeze without any distraction. Tranquility, soothing music or a single guitar playing, and the sound of waves. All under a million stars. Blissful.

How to get there?

You can get to all Gili islands from (1) Lombok or (2) Bali. Schedules and prices for both below.

(1) Lombok – Gili (Air, Meno or Trawangan)

Step (1a) Go to Bangsal

Bangsal is the Lombok entry point to all Gili islands. When you approach the harbor, the main building with the waiting area is ahead of you. Disregard all the touts selling tickets at inflated prices, disregard their helpful comments (“I have the last two tickets”) and continue. If coming in a (shared) taxi, you will go through the security gate and park in the small parking lot on the right hand side.

Step (1b) Fast or slow boat?

In general, you will have to decide if you want to go to your Gili island on a fast or a slow boat. Your last homestay, guides and touts will try to convince you that the best, fastest, safest and whatever other adjective they can come up with, is the fast boat. You will hear that it only takes 5 minutes to Gili Air (in reality 7-10 depending on the waves). And it is only IDR 85,000 ($6) for a one-way ticket. And that is the lowest direct price. You will pay IDR 100,000 from any touts with the initial prices quoted even higher.

In theory it is a relative bargain if you compare this with a PATH ticket across the Hudson river in New York or the tube and the Thames in London.

However, the slow boat takes only 15 minutes to Gili Air and is only IDR 20,000 ($1.40). True, you will not depart from the shiny modern terminal, where all the tourists are waiting. If you decide to catch the slow boat, you will board your boat beyond the parking lot, where you arrived. You will buy a ticket at the white office and receive a paper ticket.

The slow boat is not departing on fixed schedule. It is departing when full (30 passengers). During the busy morning and noon timeframes, even if you have ticket #6, you will probably wait no longer than 15-20 minutes.

Finally, You will ride with the locals who will immediately offer you a smile and a good seat.

Step (1c) Gili Air arrival

The first stop for all boats is Gili Air. All boats arrive at the same harbor. There will probably be a mad rush among the local residents to disembark when the boat is still bouncing. A better idea to wait an extra minute.

Step (1d) Continue to Gili Meno or Gili Trawangan

After staying in Gili Air if you want to continue to Gili Meno or Gili T, there are again two options.

(1) Slowboats at 8:30 and 15:00 daily for IDR 40,000-45,000 ($3) one way. Departure from the same harbor where you arrived.

Gili slowboat timetable
All Gili slowboat departure times.

(2) Fastboats approximately every hour as per the schedule below for IDR 85,000 ($5.70) one way. Departure from the same harbor where you arrived.

Gili boat timetable
All Gili fastboat departure times.

(1e) Continue to Bali

If you want to go to Bali, the departure times are 11:30, 11:45 and 15:00 daily for IDR 300,000 one way. Departure from the same harbor where you arrived.

(2) Bali (Padangbai) – Gili (any)

Step (2a) Go to Padangbai

1.5 hours from Amed (IDR 150,000 shuttle bus per person one way)

1 hour from Ubud or Sanur (IDR 70,000 shuttle bus per person one way)

Step (2b) Fast or slow ferry?

Decide if you want to travel by fast (1 hour) or slow ferry (5 hours). Schedules and prices below.

Padangbai Gili ferry times
Padangbai – Gili and Gili – Padangbai ferry schedule.
Padangbai Gili ferry
Padanbai to Gili and Lombok ferry schedule and prices (1).
Padangbai Gili ferry prices
Padangbai to Gili and Lombok schedule and prices (2).

Covid certificates

NO covid certificates or the Peduli Lindungi were requested on any of my crossings, either on slow or fast boats on any connection Bali-Gili-Lombok.

No request when purchasing tickets, boarding or leaving on any of the boats.

Where to go next?

If you are going to Lombok, Tetebatu (Lombok) is a beautiful traditional Indonesian village with rice fields, wild monkeys in the forest, waterfall, and amazing food.

Mt Rinjani is one of the biggest volcanoes in Indonesia. A Mt Rinjani (Lombok) Hike will be a tougher but hugely rewarding experience.

Mt Rinjani (Lombok) Hike

This is a guide to the Mount Rinjani hikes in Lombok: why hike, how to get there (with prices), how to select an agency (with prices), and where to go next.

Why hike Mt Rinjani?

Mount Rinjani is the one of the biggest volcanoes in Indonesia. At 3,726m (12,224 ft) it dwarfs central Lombok and its majestic views are magnificent. Hiking Mt Rinjani is the top things to do for trekkers coming to Lombok. A major accomplishment, which you can then celebrate in Senggigi or Kuta on Lombok, or the Gili islands.

In addition to the rice fields, jungle and volcano views, your guide might show some interesting local culture and the animist beliefs. He might show you a sacred place where the village is gathering to honor the Spring spirits. The ceremonial sacrifice with chickens is taking place here.

Sacrificial ceremony site for the Spring spirits in Rinjani
Sacrificial ceremony site for the Spring spirits in Rinjani.

How to get there?

Mt Rinjani is located in the centre of the northern part of Lombok. It is easily reachable from the Lombok airport, Mataram (the capital city), Tetebatu (traditional village in the south of the volacano), Senggigi (beaches on the western coast) or Bangsal (harbor to the Gili islands).

A recommendation when going around the eastern coast (e.g., from Tetebatu or the Lombok airport). Instead of just going directly to Senaru, stop in Sembalun (lovely village with excellent homestays), Bayan (a traditional village, the oldest mosque in Lombok at 300 years with the unique mix of the Islamic and animist beliefs), and finally Senaru. If negotiated in advance, the taxi price will be similar and you will have a few interesting places on the road and eat some delicious food (e.g., in Bayan).

Overall, you can scale Mt Rinjani from two major starting points: Sembalun or Senaru. Both sites have their supporters, Senaru might have slightly better views. In both places there are numerous trekking agencies and all homestays also organize tours.

Taxi prices to Mt Rinjani

All prices are for a whole car, one way:

Tetebatu – Sambulan (east of Mr Rinjani): IDR300,000 (1.5 hours)

Tetebatu – Senaru: IDR500,000-600,000 (3 hours)

Tetebatu – Bayan: IDR500,000-600,000 (3 hours)

Senaru – Bangsal: IDR 250,000 – 350,000 (1.5 hours)

Senaru – Singgigi: IDR 350,000 – 500,000 (2.5 hours)

IMPORTANT. If you book a 3 days / 2 nights Mt Rinjani hike in Senaru, many homestays or agencies will INCLUDE the transportation BOTH ways from the Lombok airport or Mataram in the hiking price.

How to select an agency?

(1) Selecting The Hike

The hiking path is relatively fixed with all agencies following a similar route. The difference comes in the quality of the guide, porters, their equipment and the food. Overall, there are budget, standard and luxury hikes.

Each hike usually includes use of agency’s equipment (e.g., tent), the luxury hikes also include tables or chairs. The luxury hikes offer also better food, and some even bring beer to the mountain!

In my opinion, this is all interesting. However, the biggest differentiator if a hike is successful, safe and enjoyable is the quality of the guide and the trekkers.

It is absolutely a reasonable request to meet the guide before deciding on an agency. The best guides are not only knowledgeable and experienced with a few years of guiding experience, and probably a few of the porter’s experience before. They are friendly and realistic during the hike how to (a) reach your target, (b) do it safely, and (c) do it in an enjoyable way for the tourists.

(2) Prices

The prices below are “good / negotiated” prices for a standard tour (NOT luxury). Some agencies will quote much higher prices initially. You can reduce them by negotiating or finding other tourists to participate in the same group.

(1) Mt Rinjani top: 3 days / 2 nights: IDR 2,500,000 including the permits, all food, and Lombok airport transportation both ways. Per person in a group of up to 8 guests.

(2) Mt Rinjani crater rim: 3 days / 2 nights: IDR 2,000,000 including the permits, all food, and Lombok airport transportation both ways. Per person in a group of up to 8 guests, 1 guide. Approximately 70% of the views of (1) but significantly easier.

(3) Mt Rinjani lake: same as above for the Mt Rinjani crater rim (2)

(4) “Panorama walk”: 6 hour walk around the rice fields, jungle forest and to the Tiu Kelep waterfalls. Usually offered by the homestay, price: IDR 50,000 – 200,000 depending on the number of guests. Similar to the Tetebatu (Lombok) walk.

Final Mt Rinjani Hike Thoughts

No matter which hike you select, it will probably be a good workout and might push you (quite a bit). The views will be spectacular and you will return with a strong sense of achievement.

Regarding the weather, the weather is getting more unpredictable on Lombok. Historically the dry season runs until September or October, with September a great dry, sunny and warm month for hiking. In 2022 the rains started early and the hiking in September was already muddy and slippery.

Where to go next?

Your body has absolutely earned. Reward it in the traditional village of Tetebatu (Lombok) or the Gili (How to get to Gili islands), Singgigi or Kuta beaches.

Beyond Lombok, consider Flores. A Komodo tour, an authentic settlement (for example, Bena Traditional Village (Flores)) or a mini-Komodo boat tour on deserted islands in Riung (Flores) are great options.