2-Week Lombok Itinerary for Families with Kids (2025 Guide)

We designed this route assuming you are coming from Bali, which makes starting at the Gili Islands the most convenient option. If you fly directly into Lombok, you can also do the itinerary in reverse and begin at Selong Belanak. See also our guide on how to get from Bali to Lombok with kids for tips on the easiest options.

For families with more time, consider adding a stay in Tetebatu to enjoy the lush landscapes and slower pace. If your schedule is shorter, you can reduce time in Senaru or East Lombok without missing the highlights.

We once combined the waterfalls and North Lombok in a single day trip from the Gilis to East Lombok. It was a beautiful adventure but very tiring, so we would not recommend it for most families.

This stop is ideal for families looking for a relaxed pace. The islands are car-free, the waters are shallow, and there are plenty of quiet spots for children to play while parents enjoy the views. Want to explore the islands in more detail? Check out our full guide: Gili islands with kids.

We visited the Gilis in 2025 and explored both Gili Trawangan and Gili Air. For families, we would recommend Gili Air as a base. It is quiet but not too quiet, offering the perfect balance for families with young children. The car-free islands make cycling and walking easy and safe, while the clear waters are ideal for short snorkeling trips.

Our 4-year-old had her first snorkeling experience and was thrilled to see turtles up close. The islands also provide a nice mix of beach relaxation, short excursions, and easy family-friendly activities.

You can reach the Gilis directly from Bali or Nusa Lembongan. We used 12Go Asia to book our tickets and recommend Ekajaya for a smooth ride.

• 🤿 Snorkeling – Explore the shallow (and deeper) waters to spot turtles and colorful fish.
• 🚲 Cycling – Ride around the islands; child seats are available for toddlers and it’s a fun way to see the quiet streets and beaches.
• 🏝️ Beach Time – Relax on calm beaches and enjoy sunset views.
• 🛝 Playgrounds – Some spots have small playgrounds, like Aston Sunset Beach Resort, Jambuluwuk, or the Gili Air play café.
• 🐢 Turtle Sanctuary – Visit the baby turtle sanctuary on Gili Meno to see conservation efforts up close.

For snorkeling with young kids, we recommend a private tour so you can set your own pace. We loved Ozzy Snorkeling as they really took the time with our kids, and seeing turtles for the first time was a magical experience for our daughter.

• Aston Sunset Beach Resort – Beachside dining with a small playground, perfect for families.
• Jambuluwuk – Family-friendly restaurant with playground area and relaxed vibe.
• Gili Air Play Café – Casual meals and a play area, great for toddlers and preschoolers.

All three Gili Islands are similar in their relaxed, car-free charm, but each has its own vibe. Gili Trawangan is the busiest, while Gili Meno is the quietest. It really depends on what your family is looking for. For us, choosing between Gili T and Gili Air next time will be a tough decision.

• Lasai Villas – Modern design and a peaceful garden setting, great for families who want comfort and calm.
• Kalyana Villa – Private pool villa with two bedrooms, ideal for families. Located in a quiet part of the island but still close to cafés and the beach.

• Les Villas Ottalia – Hidden gem with a relaxed vibe, ideal for families. Spacious villas, a nice pool, and quiet surroundings.
• Villa Pulau Cinta – Boutique suites just steps from the beach. Small-scale, peaceful, and perfect for a relaxed stay with kids.

• Cinta Cottages – Lush garden setting, beachfront hammocks, and comfy rooms with space for families.
• Villa La Vida – Stylish, family-friendly boutique villa with a pool and spacious rooms. Far enough from the center to be quiet, but still walkable to beach cafés.

• Food & Drinks – Options are simple but varied: nasi goreng, grilled fish, pancakes, smoothies, pasta. Most cafés will adapt portions or spice levels for kids.
• Baby & Toddler Supplies – Diapers and wipes are available but limited; bring essentials from Bali or Lombok. What may not be available: formula, swim diapers, baby food jars, sensitive sunscreen.
• Health & Safety – The islands are generally safe, but medical facilities are basic. Minor issues can be treated locally; serious cases require a boat to Lombok or Bali. Good travel insurance is recommended.
• Getting Around – The islands are car-free. Options:
  • Electric scooters – Quiet but fast, keep an eye on kids near narrow paths.
  • Bikes – With child seats for toddlers; reserve in advance.
  • Cidomo (horse carts) – Mainly for luggage or short rides; we don’t recommend for children.

Senaru is a lush, scenic area in northern Lombok, famous for the stunning Tiu Kelep and Sendang Gile waterfalls. This stop is perfect for families who enjoy nature walks, gentle hikes, and exploring beautiful surroundings. We’ve visited Senaru and the waterfalls are truly a highlight for kids and adults alike. If you only want to visit Senaru as a day trip, we recommend booking this guided tour for a smooth experience.

👉 Bring a good baby carrier for the waterfalls. We used the Tula carrier almost daily during our trip and found it super handy with our toddler. You can check it out here.

Senaru offers a peaceful natural setting, giving families a break from the beach-focused parts of Lombok. The area combines manageable hikes with the chance to experience traditional villages and stunning landscapes. We did the Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep waterfalls with our 2- and 3-year-old, and it worked well with plenty of breaks and a baby carrier for the little one. Sendang Gile is doable for little walkers, though there are quite a few steps. Tiu Kelep is more challenging, it takes around 90 minutes one way and can be tough with toddlers, so plan accordingly. You can read more about how we did it with young children in our full guide: Sendang Gile & Tiu Kelep with Kids.

• 🌊 Sendang Gile Waterfall – Manageable for toddlers, though there are steps; a short, rewarding hike.
• 🌴 Tiu Kelep Waterfall – More challenging, around 90 minutes one way. Not ideal for very young children, but doable if planned carefully.
• ⛰️ Bukit Selong – Scenic stop on the way to East Lombok; perfect for stretching legs and enjoying panoramic views.
• 🏞️ Nature Walks & Village Visits – Explore nearby villages, rice fields, and lush surroundings at a gentle pace.

Mount Rinjani is a highlight for adventurous travelers. We chose not to attempt the climb with our 2- and 3-year-old toddlers. From our perspective, it felt too challenging for little ones, but families with older children or teenagers might enjoy shorter treks or guided climbs. Since we haven’t done it ourselves with older kids, we can’t really say from which age it would be suitable, but the surrounding lodges and lower viewpoints still offer stunning views for the whole family.

We didn’t stay overnight in Senaru because we couldn’t find a hotel with a baby cot at short notice. If you want to stay here, make sure to book in advance. The lodge below looks very family-friendly and is exactly where we would have loved to stay.

• Rinjani Lodge – Family-friendly stay with views of Mount Rinjani, and easy access to the waterfalls

• Food & Drinks: Options are basic; some small cafés and warungs near the waterfalls serve snacks, drinks, and simple meals.
• Baby & Toddler Supplies: Limited availability of diapers, wipes, and baby food. Bring essentials from Bali or Lombok.
• Getting Around: Roads are narrow and winding. A car with driver is recommended when traveling with children.
• Health & Safety: Basic medical facilities nearby; serious issues require transfer to larger towns or Mataram.

East Lombok is a quieter alternative to the more popular beaches, offering stunning landscapes and a slower pace perfect for families. On the way from Senaru, make a stop at Bukit Selong. It’s steep and can be slippery, so take extra care with little ones, but the panoramic views are worth it. From here you can also explore the Secret Gilis (such as Gili Kondo, Gili Kapal and Gili Bidara), which are beautiful, uncrowded islands ideal for a relaxed family day. You can read more about them in our full blog: Secret Gilis with Kids.

East Lombok offers a calm and authentic setting, perfect for families looking to slow down. Unlike the busier parts of Lombok or the main Gili Islands, this area still feels like a true local village, where it’s fun to simply walk around and experience daily life. We stayed at Bidara Cottage, a small and family-friendly spot with a baby bed, high chair, a big swimming pool, delicious food, and the warmest hosts.

From here it’s easy to take short boat trips to the Secret Gilis (like Gili Kondo, Gili Kapal and Gili Bidara). Our kids loved these little excursions. The sea is calm, the beaches are quiet, and along the way you might spot flying fish or even turtles. It’s a very different experience compared to the busier west coast of Lombok, and we found the peace and space amazing.

• 🚤 Secret Gilis Boat Trips – The main reason to come here. The short boat rides are easy and safe, and kids love spotting flying fish and turtles in the calm sea.
• 🌿 Village Strolls – Wander through local villages, meet the friendly locals and get a glimpse of everyday life in rural Lombok. Our kids loved the relaxed atmosphere and the sense of discovery.

The small islands of Kondo, Kapal and Bidara are true hidden gems (just look at the photos!). You can easily arrange a trip via Bidara Cottage, which has its own captain to take you island-hopping. During our visit in peak season we saw only one other small boat the entire day. Don’t want to stay overnight? You can also visit the Secret Gilis on a day trip from other parts of Lombok.

👉 Book here: GetYourGuide or Viator

If you’re looking for a family-friendly place to stay in East Lombok, Bidara Cottages is a wonderful option. It was the only place we found that had a baby cot, which made things so much easier. The owners are very kind and welcoming (our kids really liked them) and the pool is just right for cooling off after a day out.

They make sure families feel comfortable. Whether it’s preparing food the way your children like it, arranging a trip to the Secret Gilis with their own captain, or organizing a car with a child seat, everything is handled with care so you can relax and enjoy your time there.

• Bidara Cottages – A quiet guesthouse with a pool, baby cot, high chair, and warm local hosts. Great place to reset after an active travel day.

• Food & Drinks: There are hardly any restaurants or cafés in the area, so most families simply eat at the hotel (Bidara Cottage). The food is fresh and tasty, and it saves you the trouble of searching for places to eat nearby.
• Baby & Toddler Supplies: Shops in East Lombok don’t stock baby essentials. You won’t find diapers, wipes, formula, or sunscreen here, so it’s best to bring everything you need from Bali or Mataram.
• Getting Around: The roads are narrow and winding. A car with a driver is the safest and most comfortable way to get around, especially with kids.
• Health & Safety: Only small local clinics are available in this part of Lombok. For anything serious, you will need to travel to a larger town or to Mataram.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Traveling Lombok with Kids

Is Lombok suitable for families with young children?

Absolutely. Lombok offers calm, shallow beaches, safe swimming areas, family-friendly accommodations, and manageable excursions. Kids can enjoy gentle hikes, waterfalls, and boat trips to the Secret Gilis, making it a perfect destination for toddlers and preschoolers.

Which beaches in Lombok are best for kids?

Family-friendly beaches include Selong Belanak, Mawun, Tanjung Aan, and Mawi. These beaches have soft sand, shallow water, and a slower pace compared to Bali or the Gili Islands. Selong Belanak is particularly ideal for families with young children.

Are there any waterfalls in Lombok suitable for kids?

Yes. Sendang Gile is manageable even for little walkers, with a short trek and steps along the way. Tiu Kelep is more challenging, around 90 minutes one way, so it’s best with toddlers if you plan carefully and use a baby carrier. Check out our full guide: Sendang Gile & Tiu Kelep with Kids.

What are the Secret Gilis, and can I visit them with kids?

The Secret Gilis, such as Gili Kondo, Gili Kapal, and nearby islands, are stunning, quiet islands off East Lombok. They’re ideal for families, with calm waters and lots of marine life, including turtles and flying fish. Day trips or stays via Bidara Cottage are highly recommended to make it easy with young children.

Where should families stay in Lombok?

Gili Islands: Family-friendly villas with pools and baby amenities; options vary per island.
Senaru: Rinjani Lodge for access to waterfalls and nature.
East Lombok: Bidara Cottage – baby cot, pool, child-friendly meals, and tours to Secret Gilis.
South Lombok: Selong Belanak resorts and villas; ideal for beach time and relaxing at the end of your trip.

Can I get baby supplies and groceries in Lombok?

Most towns have small supermarkets and shops with essentials like diapers, wipes, formula, and snacks. Selong Belanak has a small supermarket, while Kuta Lombok has a larger Pepito store with almost everything you need.

How do I get around Lombok with kids?

Distances are short, but roads can be narrow and winding. Options include:
Car with driver (recommended for families)
Scooter for short distances if comfortable
Boat trips for the (Secret) Gilis

Is Lombok safe to travel with kids?

Yes. Local clinics handle minor injuries or illnesses. For serious medical issues, transfer to larger towns or Mataram is necessary. Always carry travel insurance and basic first aid for children.

Is Lombok safe to travel with kids?

Two weeks is ideal, but even with 7–10 days you can combine beaches, waterfalls, and the Gilis.