3-Day Nusa Tenggara Tour Packages
Insider tips: Recommended 3-day Nusa Tenggara tour itineraries
Compiled by
NinaNusa Tenggara travel expert at TourRadar
- Day 1
Bali to Gili Trawangan
Start early with a 6:00-7:00 AM hotel pickup in Bali for transfer to Padang Bay port. Pack light and consider motion sickness tablets for the 1.5-hour fast boat ride since morning waters can be rough. Once you're settled in your Gili Trawangan hotel take a bike tour around the car-free island. The east side has smooth paths while the west can get sandy. One traveler shares: "The island bike tour gives you a perfect orientation though half the way you needed to push the bike by feet along the beach."
- Day 2
Snorkeling and Gili Meno
Start with morning snorkeling when visibility is best and you're most likely to spot sea turtles. The tour stops at several spots including the underwater sculptures near Gili Meno. Spend your afternoon exploring Gili Meno's peaceful beaches which offer a quieter atmosphere than Trawangan. Back on Gili T the beachfront nightlife features live music bars. If you're staying near the main area bring earplugs since the music often plays late.
- Day 3
Final Morning and Return to Bali
Get to the beach swings before 9:00 AM to avoid crowds and take great photos. Most hotels have noon checkout but check your fast boat schedule since times can change with weather. The return to Bali's Padang Bay takes about 1.5 hours plus transfer time to your Denpasar hotel.
- Day 1
Labuan Bajo to Kanawa Island
Plan to arrive on the 8:00 AM Batik Air flight from Bali, landing at 9:10 AM in Labuan Bajo. After boarding your boat at the harbor, you'll head to Kanawa Island for snorkeling. The day's highlight is Manta Point where you can swim with graceful manta rays. As one traveler put it: "The snorkeling sites are beautiful and packed with life of many varieties – this genuinely fulfilled a childhood dream for me."
- Day 2
Padar Island and Rinca
Get up early for the Padar Island sunrise trek. Just know that sunrise draws big crowds, often hundreds of people. A good alternative is visiting in the afternoon when there are fewer people and better photo opportunities. After that, go snorkeling at Pink Beach before visiting the Komodo dragons on Rinca Island. Your day ends at Kalong Island watching thousands of flying foxes emerge from the mangroves at sunset. One TourRadar traveler noted: "Watching the flying foxes emerge from their mangrove dwellings in their hundred thousands is a spectacle not to be missed."
- Day 3
Kelor Island and Return
Visit Kelor Island for photos in the morning but expect tourist crowds and souvenir vendors. Late morning takes you to Manjarite Island for excellent snorkeling. Bring an underwater camera to capture the vibrant marine life. You'll return to Labuan Bajo in the afternoon.
- Day 1
Labuan Bajo Exploration
Start your day at 8 AM before the temperature climbs to 90°F. Visit Rangko Cave first. It's a 30-minute drive from town. Bring water shoes since the cave floor gets slippery. Get there before 10 AM to see sunlight reflecting on the natural pool. Later spend your afternoon at Waringin Hills watching the sunset over the harbor. You might want to bring a light jacket. The hilltop can get surprisingly cool.
- Day 2
Komodo National Park Adventure
Leave Labuan Bajo port at 6:30 AM. The boat takes about 2 hours to reach Padar Island. Consider taking motion sickness pills if rough waters bother you. For the Padar viewpoint hike bring good walking shoes and at least 1.5 liters of water. There's no shade during the 30-minute uphill walk. After snorkeling at Pink Beach you'll meet the Komodo dragons at Loh Liang. Always stay with your ranger guide and don't walk off alone. These ancient reptiles are dangerous. Your day ends at Manta Point. Go snorkeling between 2-4 PM when the manta rays are most active.
- Day 3
Final Morning & Departure
Start early with a sunrise hike to Bukit Sylvia. Get there by 5:45 AM for the best morning views. It's about 20 minutes each way. Later check out the local market in central Labuan Bajo. Look for spices and traditional ikat textiles. Plan to leave for the airport 45 minutes before your flight. The roads are winding and take longer than you'd expect.
