Solo Backpacking Trip to Indonesia - Bali, Gili Islands, Lombok

Solo Backpacking trip to Indonesia - Bali, Gili Islands, Lombok

When I decided to start traveling the world, my first thought was about solo backpacking in Indonesia. It was almost an impromptu plan. I booked my return flights from Pune to Bali just 6 days before my trip. My project at IBM was keeping me super busy with tough routines. I only had 10 days of leave, and I wanted to make the most of it in Indonesia. My top priorities were getting certified as an Open Water Scuba Diver and going on a trek to an active volcano. I did some research on these and came up with the best plan I could. I chose Lombok for 3 days of trekking to Mount Rinjani and the Gili Islands for 4 days of diving. I had 3 more days left, so I decided to spend them in Bali. I flew out of Pune 2 days before I started my trip to the Gili Islands and the last day before I left.
I didn’t book anything and just had a plan in my mind. I had just enough time to collect dollars at a good exchange rate from my bank. The process was quick and easy. I even worked from the airports on my layovers in Chennai and Kuala Lumpur.

Solo Backpacking in Indonesia - Bali, Gili Islands, Lombok

​Day1: Landing in Bali

My flight gave me an amazing bird’s-eye view of the Indonesian landscape, which made me super excited. It was my first time dealing with immigration and foreign currency, so I was a bit nervous. But I managed to figure it out and got a taxi to take me to Lovina beach. On the way, we stopped at Tanah Lot, which was breathtaking. I tried to get to Lovina before sunset so I could find a cheap and cozy place to sleep near the beach.

Tanah Lot, Bali, Indonesia

Day 2-3: Backpacking in Bali

The next two days in Bali were the wildest I’ve ever had! After spotting dolphins and snorkeling in Lovina, I rented a scooter with a chauffeur, can you believe it? I had so much fun telling my friends back home about it. I wanted to explore the northern and central parts of Bali in just two days and then head to the Gili Islands. I didn’t have enough time to return to Lovina to return the rented scooter. So, I embarked on a backpacking trip, not knowing where I’d sleep each night. The chauffeur was amazing - he took care of my bags while I explored on foot and even took me to some local food stalls called Warungs and a village fair where I tried some delicious Indonesian food.

Backpacking in Bali on a 2 wheeler

​I had an amazing time exploring Bali! I visited spice gardens and coffee plantations, sampled the world’s most expensive coffee, Kopi Luwak, and took a scenic drive through the stunning twin lakes, Danau Tamblingan and Danau Buyan. I also visited the beautiful traditional temples, Pura Ulun Danu Bratan and Pura Besakih, and rode through the charming heritage villages of north Bali. For a relaxing soak, I dipped into the warm and bubbling Tabanan hot springs. I also walked through the picturesque rice terraces of Tegalalang and Jatiluwih. In the evening, I headed to the trendy town of Ubud, where I had a wonderful time. One of the highlights of my trip was seeing the first active volcano in my life, Mt. Batur, and the highest point on Bali, Mt. Agung. After that, we rode along the beautiful coastline of Padang beach and he dropped me off at Padang Bay to take a speedboat to the Gili Islands.

Jatiluwih rice terraces, Bali, Indonesia

Day 4-7: SCUBA Diving in Gili Trawangan

I spent my next four days in Gili Trawangan and fell head over heels in love with these tiny triplet islands. I spent my days studying the physics of diving, and guess what? I successfully completed my Open Water Diver Certification in Gili Islands, Indonesia! I’m hooked on scuba diving now and can’t wait to explore more underwater wonders. In the evenings, I indulged in relaxing beachside spa treatments and spent the nights partying at the bars. Gili Trawangan has an amazing nightlife scene, you’ll have a blast!

Scuba Diving in Gili Trawangan, Indonesia

Day 8-10: Trekking to Mount Rinjani

I bid farewell to Gili Trawangan early in the morning and hopped on a local boat to Lombok. There, I met my fellow trekkers who were all set to conquer Mount Rinjani, the second-highest active volcano in Indonesia. Our adventure began with a 3-day trek from Sembalun to Sembalun Crater Rim, the summit of Mount Rinjani, Crater Lake, Senaru Crater Rim, and finally, we reached Senaru at noon on the third day. After our epic trekking adventure, I had to head back to Bali and spend my last evening in the bustling tourist area of south Bali.

Trekking to Mount Rinjani, Lombok - second highest active volcano of Indonesia

Day 11: Departing from Gili Air

So, I had fallen head over heels in love with the Gili Islands, and I couldn’t bear the thought of leaving just yet. Instead of spending the last day at Bali, I decided to take a boat to Gili Air and make the most of my last night there. It was an amazing experience! I met some really cool people in the evening, spent my morning relaxing on a secluded beach with the stunning backdrop of the Lombok mountains, and then hopped on a speedboat to Bali. On my way, I shared a taxi with someone to head straight to the airport from PadangBai. And guess what? I had plenty of time to browse the duty-free shops and grab some delicious wines. It was a perfect end to my Bali adventure!

Mornings at Gili Air, Indonesia

​This trip holds a special place in my heart because it’s been the most enjoyable one I’ve ever had. It was an incredible immersive travel experience.
I planned and executed the entire trip on the fly, by gathering information from the locals. It’s a fantastic way to connect with them and explore new places.

Best time to visit Indonesia: May to October is the perfect time!