Bali/ Gili Island /lombok Island

For 3 days covering Bali, the Gili Islands, and Lombok, the key is keeping travel time in mind: these islands are gorgeous, but transfers can eat up a lot of the day. Here’s a family-friendly version with a mix of nature, light adventure, beaches, and good food.

Day 1 — Bali: Ubud nature and an easy adventure

Morning: Start in Ubud with a relaxed breakfast, then visit the Sacred Monkey Forest. Keep snacks and loose items tucked away—the monkeys are curious! If your family would prefer a quieter outing, swap this for the Campuhan Ridge Walk, which has lovely scenery and is an easy walk.

Lunch: Try a Balinese restaurant in Ubud. Look for dishes such as nasi campur, satay, and mild curry; many places can make food less spicy for children.

Afternoon: Visit Tegallalang Rice Terraces for beautiful views. Choose a short walk rather than trying to cover every terrace, especially in the heat. You could add a family-friendly cooking class if your group would rather do an activity than more sightseeing.

Evening: Have an early dinner in Ubud and get a good night’s sleep. Tomorrow involves a boat transfer.

Stay: Ubud for the night.

Day 2 — Gili Islands: beach time and snorkeling

Morning: Take an early transfer from Bali to Gili Air or Gili Trawangan. For a family trip, Gili Air is often a calmer-feeling base; Gili Trawangan has more restaurants and activity. Book a reputable boat operator, and allow for delays.

Lunch: Eat near the beach after checking in. Fresh grilled fish, rice, fruit, and smoothies are easy options.

Afternoon: Enjoy a gentle snorkeling trip or beach swim. Ask about currents and life jackets, and choose a short, sheltered outing suited to the children’s swimming abilities. If anyone is tired, beach time is a perfectly good plan.

Evening: Watch the sunset, then have dinner by the water. Gili islands have no motor vehicles, so you’ll get around on foot, bicycle, or local horse cart—walking is usually the simplest option with young children.

Stay: Gili Air or Gili Trawangan for the night.

Day 3 — Lombok: waterfalls or an easy coastal day

Morning: Take a boat from the Gilis to Lombok. For a nature-focused day, head to North Lombok for Sendang Gile Waterfall near Senaru. The walk includes steps and can be slippery, so it’s best for families comfortable with uneven paths. Hire a local driver and keep the schedule flexible.

Lunch: Have lunch in or near Senaru, or pack snacks for the drive.

Afternoon: Choose one main activity rather than trying to see all of Lombok. You could visit Senggigi for a relaxed beach stop, or stay around Senaru and enjoy the mountain scenery. If you’d rather have an easier day, skip the waterfall and spend the afternoon swimming and relaxing at a Lombok beach.

Evening: Have an early dinner and stay in Lombok—or arrange onward travel if you’re leaving the next day.

Stay: Lombok, ideally near your onward transport or chosen beach.

A practical note

This itinerary is busy for just three days: Bali → Gili → Lombok means multiple transfers, and boat schedules can change with weather. If you have exactly three days, a more relaxing family trip would be Bali + the Gilis or the Gilis + Lombok, rather than all three. If you do all three, book transfers in advance, keep the first and last activities flexible, and avoid relying on a tight connection to catch a flight.