Getty Images/Flickr RF
As beguiling, beach-blessed and downright blissful as its near neighbour Bali, Lombok is now much more than just a surfers' paradise.
Attractions
Must-see attractions.
Pantai Mawun
South Lombok
This beach is reason enough to venture down Kuta way. Some 8km west of Kuta and 600m off the main road, this half-moon cove is framed by soaring headlands…
Pura Lingsar
Just 6km east of Mataram, in the village of Lingsar, this large temple compound is the holiest in Lombok. It was built in 1714 by King Anak Agung Ngurah…
Gunung Rinjani
Lording it over the northern half of Lombok, Gunung Rinjani (3726m) is Indonesia's second-tallest volcano. It's an astonishing peak, and sacred to Hindus…
Tanjung Aan
Some 5km east of Kuta, Tanjung Aan (aka A'an, Ann) is a spectacular sight: a giant horseshoe bay with two sweeping arcs of fine sand with the ends…
Pantai Selong Blanak
Behold the wide, sugar-white beach with water streaked a thousand shades of blue, ideal for swimming. You can rent surfboards (per day 50,000Rp) and…
Air Terjun Sindang Gila
This spectacular set of falls is a 20-minute walk from Senaru via a lovely forest and hillside trail. The hardy make for the creek, edge close and then…
Pantai Mawi
This is a surf paradise: a stunning scene, with legendary barrels and several more beaches scattered around the great bay. Watch out for the strong rip…
Air Terjun Tiu Kelep
A further 50 minutes or so uphill from the popular Air Terjun Sindang Gila is this waterfall with a swimming hole. The track is steep and guides are…
Latest stories from Lombok
Filter by interest:
- All Interests
- Adventure Travel
- Art & Culture
- Beaches, Coasts & Islands
- Food & Drink
Aug 11, 2017 • 5 min read
With 17,000-plus isles to choose from, planning an Indonesian island-hopping adventure can feel overwhelming. If you’re beginning – but not wanting to end…
Lombok and beyond
DETAILED Lombok Itinerary For The BEST Places to Visit in Lombok!
Categories Asia , Indonesia , Itinerary
Lombok Island is much less known and visited than its next-door neighbour of the Island of Bali but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t visit Lombok. In fact, this is the reason why you should visit Lombok and follow this Lombok itinerary!
Lombok feels wild and still untouched by tourism , however, there are still many things to do in Lombok and places to visit in Lombok for tourists.
This, combined with the fact that the roads are good meaning it’s great to explore Lombok by moped, and prices are much cheaper than Bali, makes Lombok the best and most underrated island in Indonesia I think.
To help you see the best of Lombok here is my Lombok blog on the places you should visit in Lombok, whether you’re planning your 1 week Lombok itinerary or 2 week Lombok itinerary!
Lombok Itinerary
- Related Lombok Posts:
- How to Extend Your VOA in Lombok to a 60 Day Visa!
- The Perfect Bali, Gili Islands and Lombok Itinerary!
- How to Spend 3 Days in Gili Trawangan!
- 30 THINGS TO DO IN GILI TRAWANGAN!
Find What You're Looking For Easily Here:
Best time to visit Lombok
When is the best time to visit Lombok? Well, the first thing to know is that Lombok has 2 seasons.
Wet Season is from November to March and Dry Season is from April to October . You may think that dry season sounds more appealing but this means it is high season in Lombok during these months so it depends what you want when you’re thinking about when to visit Lombok.
Personally, I’d recommend the shoulder months as the best time to visit Lombok , because November, December and April bring less rain and also fewer tourists! I was in Lombok in December and we saw a bit of rain each day but it didn’t rain all day and is avoidable.
Related Post: If you want to see some of Bali and Lombok, here’s my 2 Week Bali, Gili Islands and Lombok itinerary!
Best Places to visit in Lombok
Gili islands.
3 – 7 Days
The Gili Islands of Gili Trawangan , Gili Air and Gili Meno and part of Lombok, not Bali which is often what people think. Therefore the Gili islands have to be included on this Lombok trip itinerary!
On your Gili Islands and Lombok itinerary , I suggest spending at least 3 nights on the Gili Islands , either by spending all nights on one island or 2 nights on Gili T and 1 night on Gili Air for example.
With that being said, it’s also easy to spend 1 week in Gili Trawangan and 1 week in the Gili islands because there are so many things to do, but it is also really chilled so if you have time, plan to spend a good few days here on your itinerary for Lombok.
RELATED POST: YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE 3 GILI ISLANDS!
Things to do in Gili Islands
Getting in the crystal clear water is one of the best things to do in the Gili island s so be sure to go out snorkelling or diving .
Hiring a bike is the best way to see Gili T and you can cycle around the island in just a few hours. Be sure to look out for the Instagram famous Gili T Swings .
Come evening, be sure to watch the sunset on this Gili islands itinerary. The Gili islands are known for their sunsets and then head out for a drink to see some live music on the beac h or get ready for a big night out because the nightlife in Gili T is famous!
Related Post: 30 THINGS TO DO ON GILI T FOR EVERYONE!
PLANNING YOUR GILI ISLANDS TRIP
I lived on Gili Trawangan island for 6 months so I know it well! Here are my top posts to help you plan your trip:
- 30 TOP Things to do on Gili Trawangan !
- 3 Day Gili Trawangan Itinerary !
- 2 Week Gili Islands, Bali and Lombok itinerary !
- How to get around Gili T, Gili Air and Gili Meno by Boat ! Where to stay in Gili Trawangan – Best Hotels, Hostels & Villas !
How to get to the Gili Islands?
There are a few ways to get to the Gili Islands on this Lombok itinerary, you can come from Bali, Bali Airport, Lombok or Lombok Airport.
Bali to Gili Trawangan
The most popular route that people do is to land in Bali International Airport and then travel to Gili Trawangan.
There is only one port and pier in Bali where the boat from Bali to Gili Islands runs and that’s from Padang Bai in the North.
You can book a minibus and boat package which will pick you up from your Bali Hotel, take you to Padang Bai and then will take you to your boat over to the Gili Islands. The whole journey takes about 5 hours depending on where you’re staying in Bali and they leave 2 or 3 times a day.
Lombok to Gili Trawangan
The Gili Islands are much closer to the island of Lombok than Bali so it is quicker and easier to get to Gili T, Gili Air and Gili Meno from Lombok than Bali.
Where to stay in the Gili Islands?
There is so much accommodation on Gili Trawangan and Gili Air for all budgets, from hostels to high-end beach resorts.
Here is my guide to the best accommodation on the Gili Islands !
Bookig.com is also a great place to look for homestays and private Villas on the Gili Islands.
Senggigi and Klui
2 – 3 Days
After visiting the Gili Islands which are arguably the best place to visit in Lombok on your Lombok itinerary. Head to mainland Lombok .
There are regular boats leaving all 3 Gili islands to Lombok , the best thing to do is to get a local boat to Lombok early in the morning as this is the cheapest option and only takes 20 minutes. The pier in Lombok is called Bangsal Harbour .
From Bangsal, head slightly South staying along the West coast to Klui and/or Senggigi.
Where to stay in Senggigi?
If you want to stay in a really quiet place with a nice, wild beach, perfect for surfing, stay in Klui. I recommend staying at Diva Lombok Resort or Jeeva Klui Resort as the best hotel in Klui.
If you want to stay somewhere with a holidaymaker feel to it with more hotels, restaurants and bars, but still with a nice beach, stay in Senggigi .
Things to do in Senggigi
If you want a surf lesson on this Lombok itinerary, go see my friends at Lombok Wave Surf Shack in Klui for a lesson and a sunset chill, these are the best things to do in Klui and best things to do in Senggigi.
Related Post: Here’s my full blog post on things to do in Senggigi !
Most people think that the Gili islands are just Gili T, Gili Air and Gili Meno, but this is incorrect, there are lots more Gili islands, they just aren’t as popular.
From Senggigi, on this Lombok itinerary you can take a day trip to the really unknown Gili Islands of Gili Nanggu, Gili Kedis and Gili Sudak.
Gili Nanggu is known as a Paradise Island and the snorkelling is fantastic, this 7 hour day tour will pick you up in Senggigi and take you to white sand beaches, bays and crystal clear water:
Benang Stokel & Benang Kelambu Waterfalls
For a day trip in Lombok on your Lombok itinerary, head to Benang Stokel and Benang Kelambu Waterfalls . These are located close to Mount Rinjani and you have to travel through the lush green-ness of Central Lombok to see them including lots of rice terraces in Lombok. They will only take up half a day as the walk around these Lombok Waterfalls is not too long or too intense.
Mount Rinjani
If you’re up for a challenge on your Lombok itinerary and want to go hiking in Lombok, Mount Rinjani is the answer! Mount Rinjani is the second-highest volcano in Indonesia and it is an active volcano. You have to hike up Mt Rinjani with a guide and it takes 2 nights and 3 days so be sure to plan this into your Lombok itinerary as you can’t do it in any less time.
It is a strenuous hike, but totally worth it! Here’s a look at a tour of Mount Rinjani that you can do:
If you don’t want to hike, going to Northern Lombok and staying in the area of Mount Rinjani is still a nice thing to do. Rinjani Lodge is a beautiful hotel with views over Mount Rinjani and they can help you with day tours to see the local area. Check out rates and availability for Rinjani Lodge here!
Kuta Lombok
2 – 5 Days
Kuta is the main backpacker hub on mainland Lombok so it when planning your backpacking Lombok itinerary, you should plan to spend a few days here! And if you backpacking Lombok, Pipes Hostel is a really great hostel in Kuta Lombok!
GETTING FROM BALI TO THE GILI ISLANDS
There is only one way to get from Bali to the Gili Islands and that’s my fast boat from Padang Bay.
You can wait until you arrive to book your boat or be organised and book it in advance here. Booking in advance is especially good during the summer and Christmas months!
BUY HERE: From Bali: 1-Way Boat Transfer to Gili Trawangan/Gili Air/Lombok
BUY HERE: From all Gili Islands: 1-Way Boat Transfer to Bali
How to get to Kuta Lombok?
Due to Kuta being the main hub, there are lots of taxis and buses available to take you there. If you have just hiked Mount Rinjani, your guide or hotel will be able to help you get to Kuta afterwards.
If you decide to visit Kuta first in Lombok, it is just a 30-minute journey from Lombok Praya International Airport to Kuta town.
Things to do in Kuta Lombok
If you are confident in riding a moped , this is by far the best way to get around Lombok and see all of the places near Kuta Lombok.
Surfing is one of the top things to do in Lombok and South Lombok is no different, you can go surfing on Kuta Beach which is close to the town.
These days there alongside the local warung restaurants in Kuta, there are lots of nice cafes and restaurants in Kuta serving Bali style Smoothie Bowls and avocado on toast so be sure to spend some time eating in the many cafes in Kuta Lombok.
The best Kuta tourist attractions are the beaches near Kuta Lombok .
For a unique surfing experience on your Lombok itinerary, head to Gerupuk where you take a boat out into the ocean and surf in the middle of the sea , it’s such a cool experience and tourist attraction in Lombok. When you arrive in Gerupuk you’ll see lots of shops offering lessons. This is the only place you can do this in Indonesia!
Tanjung Aan Beach
Tanjung Aan Beach is a beautiful white sand beach and is just 20 minutes from Kuta town. There are some swings on the beach which make for great photos and plenty of sunbeds to sunbathe on. This beach is a must-visit on your Lombok itinerary!
From Tanjung Aan Beach you can see smaller beach coves to the right and you can actually walk up the hill and down to them if you fancy adventuring to a private beach!
Make sure you also stick around for sunset and head up Merese Hill for sunset.
Selong Belank Beach
1 – 2 Days
For another beautiful quiet beach to visit on your Lombok itinerary , drive from Kuta to Selong Belank. The drive takes about 40 minutes and it is a beautiful drive, especially on a moped!
Selong Belank Beach is a white sand beach, also with plenty of sunbeds but what I love most about this beach is only part of the beach has restaurants a long it and you can easily walk to the end and be totally on your own.
Surfing in Selong Belank Beach is the most popular things to do in Selong Belank because the waves are good and there is no coral in the ocean meaning it’s super soft when you fall off! Go and see my friends at Aqia Surf Shop in Selong Belank Beach for a lesson with a great surf teacher!
Be sure to stay on Selong Belank until sunset because not only is the sunset amazing, just before sunset, you’ll see some farmers taking their water buffalo along the beach which is a pretty iconic scene and Selong Belank Beach is only 1 of 2 beaches you can see the water buffalo at sunset in Lombok .
When you are finally ready to leave Lombok whether thats after 5 days in Lombok, 1 week in Lombok, 10 days in Lombok or 2 weeks in Lombok, you can easily fly out of Lombok .
Lombok Praya International Airport is just 30 minutes away from Kuta in Lombok and you can book a transfer car to the airport here or once you are in Kuta. Lombok Airport and it is well connected to cities in Australia and South East Asia so I would recommend looking at flights on Skyscanner from here.
If there are no flights from Lombok to where you want to go, you can get cheap, internal flights from Lombok to Bali or elsewhere in Indonesia and fly elsewhere from there.
I hope you found this Lombok itinerary and the best places to visit in Lombok helpful!
- Here are more of my Indonesia blog posts to help you plan your trip:
- 2 Week Bali, Gili Islands and Lombok itinerary!
- Your Complete Guide To Visiting the Gili Islands!
If you liked this please share it! 🙂
- Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
- Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
- Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
- Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. *
Home » Travel Guides » Indonesia » 25 Best Things to Do in Lombok (Indonesia)
25 Best Things to Do in Lombok (Indonesia)
Many people who come to Indonesia looking for a beach holiday choose to visit Bali . The island of Lombok however is only a ferry ride away, and if you want to get away from the crowds and go somewhere a little less commercialized then Lombok is a great place to start.
Some of the highlights of this island include it stunning white sand beaches as well as clean seas and some of the best snorkeling and diving opportunities to be had in Indonesia. It is also the home of the famous Mount Rinjani, so if you like trekking then a trip up to the summit of this active volcano is not to be missed. You will also find a slower pace of life here as well as a more relaxed setting, and if you want something different that is still easy to reach from Bali, then Lombok is the perfect choice.
Here are the best things to do in Lombok :
1. Party on Gili Trawangan
Gili Trawangan is known for being the biggest of the three main Gili islands and is also the most developed.
That said, don’t expect it to be anything like Bali.
There are no roads here and the only way to get around is to take an old fashioned horse and cart or you can walk or cycle around.
Despite the relative lack of development however Gili Trawangan has a jumping nightlife scene and is known for being dotted with beach bars where you can keep partying long into the night.
You can also expect to find a wide range of venues that play live music on a nightly basis as well as some clubs with dance floors.
During the day you can also enjoy the rest of what Gili Trawangan has to offer in the form of pristine white beaches and clear waters that are perfect for snorkeling or diving.
2. Trek to Tiu Kelep Waterfall
Lombok is known for its pretty waterfalls but one of the most famous of these is Tiu Kelep Waterfall.
This gushing cataract can be found in the north of the island and it is surrounded by gorgeous emerald jungle.
The waterfall is located in Senaru Village and the trek out to the waterfall takes around 45 minutes to an hour depending on how fast you walk.
The route will take you past trickling jungle streams and you can check out the local flora and fauna in the forest as you trek to the waterfall.
The falls plunge down over 45 meters and you can expect to feel the cooling mist off the water as you take in the scenery.
You can also swim in the pool at the base of the cataract which can be a welcome break after a hot trek through the forest.
- 3. Relax on Gili Air
Gili Air is the second largest of the three main Gili Islands and is a good choice if you want something a little more serene than neighboring Gili Trawangan.
It is also one of the best places to come if you want to try some diving in Indonesia as the visibility is excellent.
You will find a range of spots off shore including pretty coral gardens that are the grazing sites of graceful turtles and elegant rays.
4. Enjoy Air Kalak Hot Springs
If you decide to trek up Mount Rinjani, the main mountain on Lombok, then make sure you stop off at Air Kalak Hot Springs which are around 200 meters away from the main campsite.
It is nestled close to the stunning Lake Segara Anak and there is no better way to celebrate after scaling Mount Rinjani than to soak away any aches and pains in the hot springs.
The waters here are said to have medicinal properties due to the high volcanic mineral content so if you want a soothing end to a hike then this is the perfect place to come.
5. Snorkel on Gili Meno
Gili Meno is the smallest Gili Island and is well loved by families looking for a relaxing beach setting.
It is also popular with couples and if you want to spend some serene time on the sand then this is the place for you.
You will find some small strips of beach here and this is a top spot if you want to try snorkeling in Lombok.
Marine life abounds in these waters and you can go snorkeling with a good chance of seeing marine life like turtles and other sea creatures.
6. Visit a Pearl Farm
People may not realize that Lombok is famous for its pearl farms, and this is big business in the area, with some of the prettiest pearls in Southeast Asia cultivated here.
One place where you can see the pearls is the Autore Pearl Farm and there is a tour which is perfect for tourists that will fill you in on everything you want to know about pearl cultivation.
There is also a showroom where you can buy some pearl products and support the local pearl farming business in Lombok.
7. Explore Kuta Lombok
Kuta in Lombok is not to be confused with the more famous Kuta in Bali.
Unlike its famous sister, Kuta in Lombok is smaller and quieter and is basically a town with some pretty beaches close by.
The best way to explore Kuta is to hire a motorbike or a bike and driver and then make you way along the coast, stopping at any inlets or coves that take your fancy.
You are sure to find something that catches your eye and can spend the day sunbathing on the sands and sipping from fresh coconuts bought from a roadside stall.
8. Check out the views from Bukit Pergasingan
If you don’t want to hike all the way up Mount Rinjani then consider a trek to Bukit Pergasingan which is a hill that sits at around 1,700 meters above sea level.
The hill and lookout point is located in Simbalun Village and the big draw here is the surrounding scenery.
From Bukit Pergasingan you can look out onto the patchwork of fields below that come in a range of different hues and are one of the prettiest sights in Lombok.
9. Sunbathe on Selong Belanak Beach
Selong Belanak Beach is located in South Lombok and is one of the prettiest beaches on the island.
Compared to the beaches in Bali, many of which can be crowded and littered, Selong Belanak Beach unwinds along a scenic bay and is made up of a long strip of clean golden sand.
You will also find a few local stalls that back on to the beach and you can get simple noodle and rice dishes here as well as a fresh coconut.
It is also possible to rent a surfboard or a sponge board here although the waves are not as consistent as they are in Bali so hardcore surf aficionados may be better off choosing another spot.
10. Climb Mount Rinjani
Mighty Mount Rinjani is probably Lombok’s most famous attraction and for many visitors this is the main reason to come here.
Mount Rinjani is not just a mountain but actually a still-active volcano, as well as being the second largest volcano in Indonesia.
One of the big draws here is a trek to the crater at the summit where you can also take in an azure lake and some amazing views over wider Lombok.
There are a variety of different treks that you can choose, most of which last several days, and if you want to take it a little easier it is best to opt for one of the longer treks which will allow you to take your time.
Many visitors to Lombok say that a hike to the top of Mount Rinjani is one of the best experiences to be had in Indonesia, but note that the trek to the crater is strenuous and you will need to be in reasonably good shape if you plan to attempt it.
11. Explore Narmada Water Park
Narmada Water Park is actually something of a misnomer as this is not an amusement park but actually more of a water palace.
The park was built in 1727 under the sage guidance of King Anak Agung Gede Ngurah Karang Asem and is seen as an important religious and spiritual retreat by those who follow the Hindu faith.
Make sure to check out the amazing architecture here as the park is built to mirror the shape of Mount Rinjani which is the highest peak on Lombok and also considered to be a sacred mountain.
The park is surrounded by lush gardens which are perfect for an afternoon stroll as there are natural springs here that give the park its water element.
Narmada Water Park is not as grand as some of the more famous water parks in Bali but it is well worth a visit if you want to check out some ancient architecture in Lombok.
12. Tour the Sekotong Islands
Lombok is an island in its own right but it is also surrounded by a myriad of other smaller islands which offer you the chance to check out a tropical paradise that feels miles away from the more crowded islands in and around Bali.
The Sekotong Island chain is a collection of small islands that can be visited on a day tour from the main island of Lombok, and they are not yet as well known as the neighboring Gili Islands, so this is a good pick if you want to get away from the crowds.
The islands are covered in white sandy beaches and have pretty outlying coral reefs, so if you like snorkeling then this is an excellent choice and you can enjoy a wealth of underwater flora and fauna.
13. Sunbathe in Senggigi
Parts of Lombok are reminiscent of how Bali would have looked 20 years ago before the onslaught of tourists and one of these areas is Senggigi which is one of the main tourist parts on the island.
Despite being looked on as a central hub however, you won’t find a huge range of amenities, and this is more like a quiet enclave where you can relax and enjoy the beach that wraps around the coastline.
There are a range of restaurants and cafes here where you can grab a bite to eat and a drink as well as some hotels and resorts, but there is still a chilled out atmosphere here that lets you enjoy the beauty of the island.
14. Visit Tetebatu Village
Tetebatu Village is similar in some ways to Ubud in neighboring Bali.
If you are looking for something a little different in Lombok and want to get off the beach, then Tetebatu Village makes a nice change of pace and this part of the island is set amongst gleaming emerald green rice paddies and forests that stretch far into the distance.
The village is a great place to learn more about the culture of the indigenous people of Lombok, called the Sasak, and you can also find out about traditional handicraft techniques in the area and pick up some souvenirs at the same time.
15. Go snorkeling at Pink Beach
Pink Beach is the nickname for Tangsi Beach, and it is rather an ambitious one at that.
It is said to be called ‘Pink Beach’ thanks to its pink sand, although you have to look pretty hard to see any glints of a pink hue here.
Instead the beach is more of a strawberry-blonde shade, but it is still a nice spot to visit if you want to sunbathe on the sand or go for a swim.
One of the big draws at Pink Beach is the coral reefs that lie off shore, so if you like snorkeling you can get out into the water and take in all the colorful marine life that swims in these waters.
Other activities at the beach include canoeing around the sheltered bay which is perfect for anyone looking for a little more adventure.
16. Explore Gili Layar
The Gili Islands off the coast of Lombok are getting more and more famous as a holiday destination in Indonesia, but these usually only include Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air.
Most of the time however people don’t visit, or even know about, Gili Layar which is also sometimes referred to by its nickname ‘The Secret Gili’. The island sits in the sea to the west of the three main Gili Islands and has a relaxed and laid back atmosphere that is ideal if you want to get off the grid and beat the crowds.
Locals will also tell you that some of the best snorkeling in Lombok is found off the coast of Gili Layar, so if you enjoy underwater scenery then this is a great place to find it.
17. Visit Semeti Beach
One of Lombok’s other famous beaches is Semeti Beach which is famous for is stunning volcanic formations.
The beach is covered in volcanic rocks which over time have been carved up by the waves making a series of small pools, bays, and inlets, as well as some pretty blow holes.
Despite its dramatic scenery, Semeti Beach is often not visited by travelers to Lombok, so this is one of the quieter and more secluded beaches which is a great place to explore if you like rock pools and climbing.
You can also go swimming here and admire the scenery from the vantage point of the water.
18. Trek to Benang Kelambu Waterfall
Benang Kelambu Waterfall stands at over 20 meters high and the water gushes over a tumbling cliff before crashing into a pool below.
The waterfall is also covered with gorgeous green plants and the scenery here is breathtaking, and you can get to the waterfall from neighboring Mataram, the capital city of Lombok which is around an hour away by car.
You can swim in the pool at the base of the waterfall and also get behind the curtain of water which leads to some great photo opportunities.
If you have had enough of checking out Lombok’s many beaches then this can offer a nice change of scenery.
19. Visit Sukarare Village
Many visitors to Lombok may not realize that this island has a thriving textile industry.
Many textiles made in Lombok are woven by hand and these include tenun ikat which is a kind of woven cloth made by men and tenun songket which is made by women and is usually inlaid with gold and silver thread.
One of the best places to check out Lombok’s weaving industry is at Sukarare Village which is located in the south of the island and you can join a traditional weaving workshop here and learn exactly how traditional pieces are made.
Needless to say you can also pick up a few pieces which make great souvenirs.
20. Go for a hike in Tanjung Ringgit
If you like hiking then make sure not to leave Tanjung Ringgit off the itinerary, as this is one of the best trekking spots on the island.
Located in the south of Lombok, Tanjung Ringgit is covered in lush fields and you can enjoy views that stretch all the way across the sea.
Of course you can also see Mount Rinjani towering in the background and as you trek along the coastline you may even be lucky enough to spot a turtle or two bobbing in the water.
As you make your way along the cliffs here, also make sure to look out for the abandoned gun emplacements and bunkers that date from the time of the Second World War and would have been built here by the Japanese.
21. Trek to Mangku Sakti Waterfall
Mangku Sakti Waterfall is one of the most impressive in Lombok and is actually a number of cataracts that join together to pour down into a scenic gorge.
The trek out to the waterfall is an experience in itself as you will have to walk along a series of small and winding pathways through the forest, but the scenery more than makes up for the hike.
One thing to note however is that unlike many of the other waterfalls in Lombok you will need to exercise caution if you want to swim in the pools here, as the water is fast moving, particularly when it is the rainy season.
22. Tour Beleq Village
Anyone who wants to learn more about traditional Sasak culture should take a trip to Beleq Village which is one of Lombok’s many indigenous local villages.
Beleq Village actually dates from the 14th century which means that it has a fascinating history, and you will find a range of traditional Sasak houses as well as a village hall and some typical Lombok-style gazebos called berugak.
One of the most interesting things about the village is that it hasn’t changed much over the years, although it is still a tourist village aimed at educating visitors about the traditional Sasak way of life.
23. Marvel at the waves at Tanjung Poki
Tanjung Poki is known for its gorgeous scenery and this is also where you will find one of the most amazing natural phenomena in Lombok.
The area is made up of rock formations and craggy scenery and the rocks have been carved away by the ocean leaving several large blow holes in place.
When the tide is high the water rushes in and creates huge eruptions of water through the holes, and while you should be careful not to get too close, this is also not to be missed as one of the most impressive natural spectacles in Indonesia.
24. Visit Gunung Tunak National Park
Gunng Tunak National Park is a great place to come in Lombok if you want to get some fantastic views of the local scenery and take in the beauty of the island.
The park has a number of trails including a three kilometer trek that will take you along the coastline to an old lighthouse that stands on the cliff side.
There is also a famous viewing platform in the park in the Taman Wisata Alam section which looks like a transmission tower, but you can climb the structure and see all the way across Lombok.
25. Camp at Lake Segara Anak
If you are going to trek up Mount Rinjani then one of the key places to stop along the way is Lake Segara Anak.
The lake is located insie the caledra at the summit of Rinjani and is surrounded by lush vegetation making it an experience not to be missed.
You can camp at the crater lake overnight and take in the beautiful turquoise waters in the day time followed by the spectacular stars over the rim as night falls.
25 Best Things to Do in Lombok (Indonesia):
- Party on Gili Trawangan
- Trek to Tiu Kelep Waterfall
- Enjoy Air Kalak Hot Springs
- Snorkel on Gili Meno
- Visit a Pearl Farm
- Explore Kuta Lombok
- Check out the views from Bukit Pergasingan
- Sunbathe on Selong Belanak Beach
- Climb Mount Rinjani
- Explore Narmada Water Park
- Tour the Sekotong Islands
- Sunbathe in Senggigi
- Visit Tetebatu Village
- Go snorkeling at Pink Beach
- Explore Gili Layar
- Visit Semeti Beach
- Trek to Benang Kelambu Waterfall
- Visit Sukarare Village
- Go for a hike in Tanjung Ringgit
- Trek to Mangku Sakti Waterfall
- Tour Beleq Village
- Marvel at the waves at Tanjung Poki
- Visit Gunung Tunak National Park
- Camp at Lake Segara Anak
A vibrant and honest travel blog
I dream of mangoes.
- 11 min read
A Travel Guide for Lombok: Everything you need to know before you go!
Updated: Jun 20
In this travel guide for visiting Lombok, we will tell you everything you need to know to plan your trip to this gorgeous Indonesian island! Find out where to stay in Lombok, things to do in Lombok, how to get there, when to visit, plus a list of all the pros and cons of travelling in Indonesia!
Why Did I Choose Lombok?
Where is lombok, how to get to lombok, why visit lombok, where to stay in lombok, when to visit lombok, things to do in lombok, how long to spend in lombok.
Lombok: Positives & Negatives
After hearing many whispers of Lombok resembling 'the Bali of 20 years ago' - it had been on my list to visit here for a long time. Contrary to what my article on Bali in 2024 may have you believe, I do like Bali in many ways, otherwise I wouldn't have been there 4 times!
On my most recent trip to Indonesia to scuba dive in Komodo I chose to tag on a 2-week stint in Lombok to see what it was all about and whether Lombok could match the charm of Bali without the madding crowd.
So in this travel guide here is everything you need to know to plan a trip to Lombok; Bali's less popular but still happening little sister.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may get a commission if you make a purchase through this website, at no cost to you. I only link to products I use and love.
Lombok is an island that is part of the Lesser Sunda island chain - which encompasses the major islands of Bali, Lombok, Sumbawa, Flores and Timor, and many other smaller islands. On a broader scale, it is one of the 17,000 islands that make up the dizzyingly diverse country of Indonesia.
Nowadays this part of the world is famous for fantastic surfing, and for being slap bang in the middle of the coral triangle, which means the diving and snorkelling are up there with the best on Earth.
If you look at any 'Top things to do in Lombok' list, most of the points will invariably talk about the famous islands of Gilli Trawangan, Air, and Meno.
When I was 15 years old I remember reading a Guardian article about some undiscovered secret islands, one of which was Gilli Trawangan.
I truly believe this article sparked my lust for far-off tropical places and mango trees. Anyhow, 17 years later Gilli Trawangan is not what it once was (think party boats and mushroom shakes), so on this trip I chose not to ruin my teenage dream and visit the Gillis at all, and you won't be reading about them in this post.
Lombok does have an international airport that currently only serves Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Most people tend to fly to Bali and then take a short domestic flight from there. These sit at about £60 one-way, all year round. Always check prices on Skyscanner and then book directly with the airline.
You can also take a ferry from Bali. I took mine from Nusa Penida, a little island off the east of Bali with a rustic feel and excellent scuba diving. There are public ferries which would cost you only a few pence, but being monsoon season, and aware of the horror stories, I chose a tourist ferry with an excellent safety record.
This claimed to take 2 hours but in actuality took 4 hours, including drop-offs at the Gilli Islands.
The ticket cost 400,000IDR (£22). They blared techno music from the roof and tried to sell us beers to enjoy the 'party boat'. I had to keep telling myself it was this or drowning on a rickety public ferry.
Lombok vs Bali
Everyone in Lombok that we met was super nice. I have read some weird stuff online saying Lombok locals are quite hostile and I highly doubt this is true. Since tourism is a fairly new concept on the island, local people can be shy if they are not directly involved in the sector.
Joe and I were collected from the harbour by a prearranged taxi. It felt strange that our driver wasn't called Wayan, as we were getting quite used to that. Did you know that in Bali the firstborn is always called Wayan? Boy or girl. The secondborn is called Madde. The third Nyoman, the fourth Ketut. And if you have a 5th child? Back to Wayan. Almost everyone we met in Bali was called Wayan. Confusing much!? The taxi driver brought his wife and child for company, this is quite common in Indonesia, and the child slept in the boot while we made the 90-minute journey to our chosen place of stay: Kuta.
So for a start; the majority of people from Lombok are part of the Sasak ethnic group, who speak Sasak and practice Islam.
Bali on the other hand is mostly Hindu, and the beautiful temples and offerings left by the Balinese in the form of flowers lining the pavements outside their homes are probably what draws a lot of foreigners there... the allure of art and spirituality.
Lombok does not have these little mysticisms, but I immediately notice how much cleaner it is. The beaches are a thousand times nicer than Bali, there is a million times less traffic, and most of the landscape is green and lush.
Most tourism is centred around three spots; Senggigi, Kuta and Mt. Rinjani.
Mt Rinjani is an active volcano in north Lombok, which you can trek quite adventurously in 2D1N. Most people recommend taking it a bit slower with a 3 or 4-day trek to soak up the magnificent views. Whatever length trek you choose it's still not recommended for casual walkers, being the second-highest volcano in Indonesia it's quite the challenge.
Sengiggi is the original tourist spot in Lombok, which some could say is a little past its heyday - with the word 'tacky' thrown about a fair bit. Joe and I chose to base ourselves in Kuta on the south coast. With an array of horse-shoe-shaped beaches to choose from, along with plenty of cafes that have copied and pasted their menus straight out of a Sydney brunch set, it's a pretty nice spot.
Kuta has numerous beautiful resorts at a fraction of the price of the West, all complete with infinity pools worthy of any influencer's backdrop. We chose to rather stay in a homestay, as we wanted to save money and also have a more family feel, as I always say, resorts can be anywhere... we're visiting LOMBOK.
We picked Herry's Homestay - a really cute bungalow-style accommodation about 10 10-minute walk from the action. I chose it specifically because it is a minute's walk from Mana Eco retreat which has an excellent Ashtanga programme I was interested in, and it's only £10 a night which is mine and Joe's budget for our trip around the world.
Not sure what to pack for your trip to Lombok? Check out the I Dream of Mangoes article:
The only female backpacking packing list you'll ever need, wet: october - april, dry: may - october.
Okay so Lombok is one of those places you could visit all year round, you've just got to prioritise what's important to you.
Yeah, October to April does look like a long rainy season, but it's so unpredictable! It could be sunny for weeks on end, or just have a quick afternoon downpour and be done with it.
As a rule, December and January have the heaviest rain, and that's also when the herds of Aussies go to Bali for Christmas, which may spill over into Lombok.
May to October is the dry season, but it's also peak and can get a little busy, especially in the summer months of July and August. You can expect prices to skyrocket at these times as well, they will double, if not more. For me, I would choose to go when there are fewer people and take the hit of some rain. February and March are good for this but be warned, this is peak heat and can get to a stifling 97% humidity... Choose your battles!
FOR TRAVEL INSURANCE I normally have a browse on Travel Supermarket - there are some GREAT DEALS on there, and choose a cheap policy from a UK provider with a high Defaqto rating.
The most popular thing to do in Lombok is surf. There are many, many surf spots all over the island. Some, like Desert Point, have been pegged as the best location in the world for expert surfing.
If you're an advanced surfer it's great, just bring your board, rent a moped, and have all of those monster breaks to yourself.
If you're a beginner surfer it's a different story. Most of the beginner breaks are far from the shore, so you'll need to pay 50,000 IDR (£3) to hitch a ride out on a little boat. Once you get there, you'll be sharing those waves with at least 50 other surfing plebs!
If you still want to give it a go, I recommend renting a surfboard from Turtle Warung on Tanjung Aan beach for 50,000IDR (£3). They don't specify when you need to return the board so I assume you can use it all day, but you'll be well tired before that. If you would like to take a lesson it will knock you back about 500,000 IDR (£30).
2. YOGA & SPA
There are quite a few yoga schools in both Sengiggi and Kuta, but I chose to practice at Mana Retreat specifically because I practice Ashtanga and they have a teacher who is authorised from SYC in Mysore. (Picky, I know!)
I paid 900,000IDR (£50) for a 10-class pass. The studio itself is really pretty and peaceful, and they have a restaurant on site serving delicious dragonfruit smoothie bowls for after class.
Visiting a spa is one of the best things to do in Lombok, and I am a firm believer that Balinese massage is the best style of massage in the world - and this is what you'll find in Lombok.
The on-site spa at Mana is fantastic, and a fraction of the price back home. I paid 220,000 IDR (£12) for a 60-minute massage. As a rule in Indonesia, I wouldn't spend less than 100,000 IDR on a massage. Unless you want a questionable patting from an untrained masseuse in a dingy room.
3. DIVING & SNORKELLING
Diving and snorkelling is another great thing to do in Lombok. For the best reefs, you'll need to head Southwest to the other Gillis. Yep, that's right, there are others! Gilli just means island - and the ones where you wanna snorkel are in Kecamatan Seketong.
Head to Blongas Bay to dive with Hammerheads or Gilli Nanggu to snorkel. You can rent a moped for 50,000 IDR (£3) a day in Lombok, explore the quiet coastline of Seketong and maybe make a stop at Desert Point to watch the pro surfers!
4. TREK MT. RINJANI
There are two main points of entry to Rinjani National Park; the villages of Sembalun and Senaru. You normally depart from one village and descend to the other.
Trekking Mt Rinjani is one of the most popular things to do in Lombok, and most people go for the 3D2N trek, as this gives you just enough time to climb to the summit and also visit the crater lake and hot springs.
You're looking at about £250 per person for a 3D2N, and before you even consider it, it's suicide to go without a guide, as the trails are not really maintained and it's a very challenging walk. The last 4km to the summit (in the dark to reach there for sunrise) takes 4 hours!
5. HELP SCHOOL CHILDREN WITH THEIR ENGLISH
I always try to include a bit of volunteering in my adventures and this travel guide for Lombok is no exception. You can use Workaway to find a volunteer placement in East Lombok, which is the part of the island that sees very few tourists.
The teachers here are really keen to get their students to speak English well so that they have more job opportunities later in life.
The host will normally offer accommodation and meals in exchange for a few hours of teaching each day - and you don't need to be an experienced teacher to help. I taught English for a few weeks in Sukabumi in Java, and while it was terrifying at first I soon learnt that the students were more scared than me, and all I really had to do was talk to them to improve their confidence.
6. LOUNGE IN MANY CUTE CAFES
In complete honesty, it's a lot of style over substance here. As I said before, the dishes seem to be copied and pasted out of an Aussie brunch menu but are lacking in flavour and quality.
Ashtari and Siwa both had the best views, perched on the mountaintop looking over Kuta beach. Ashtari wins in vibe and yummy Indian food, and Siwa wins in serving up a beautiful infinity pool anyone can use.
For eating, the best Western joints were The Mexican in Town and KRNK. The former has super authentic tacos and margaritas and at KRNK the burgers are great.
For Indonesian food, Mia Mia's and Warung Flora both served up simple and tasty dishes for less than £1 with great service and a bustling atmosphere.
If you're gonna hike Mt Rinjani I would say 10 days is a good amount of time.
This would mean 5 days in North Lombok, and you could then head down to Kuta for your remaining 5 days for yoga, surfing, relaxing and exploring the south of Lombok by bike.
I strongly suggest pairing your trip to Lombok with another location in Indonesia and diving in Komodo is one of the best things I have ever done. You can easily get to Flores from Lombok by boat or two quick flights and you won't regret it!!
To finish this travel guide for Lombok, let's quickly run through the pros and cons of visiting Indonesia (including Lombok) in a nutshell...
Litter is a huge problem, like really bad. Although Lombok is one of the cleanest islands I've seen.
A few animal charities are helping, like Lombok Animal Rescue, but the plight of stray dogs and cats starving or suffering from curable diseases can be upsetting to see.
There is a lot of deforestation, which is sad for obvious reasons.
The food is not great. Mie and Nasi Goreng get boring very quickly.
The scuba diving and snorkelling are, IMO the best in the world.
There are many amazing places to go surfing.
Resorts are beautifully designed and a fraction of the price of the West.
The people are lovely, the hospitality is generally good and with a mix of cultures, there's always a pretty temple of some kind to go and see.
The landscape is spectacular, especially if you're into trekking.
It has the second highest level of biodiversity in the world (after Brazil), for people who like wildlife and bird watching. Fun fact: Indonesia is the only place on Earth where Rhinos, Orangutans, Elephants, Bears, and Tigers can be found living in the same forest.
That's a lot of positive things to bring you to Indonesia, and it's well worth including a stop in Lombok on your itinerary.
Thank you for reading my travel guide for Lombok: everything you need to know before you go. If you enjoyed the read, please consider subscribing to my blog where I post articles every week about my current travels.
Check out my blog posts on planning your trip around the world or on how to travel for longer for more advice and inspiration.
Happy Travels!
START PLANNING YOUR NEXT TRIP
11 Steps to Plan a Trip Around the World - Find out my planning process!
How to Travel for Longer - What's the secret?
Backpacking on your Period - Everything you need to know to prepare for different toilet situations.
My Favourite Countries in the World (and my least favourite!) - Get inspired.
My 5 Favourite Cities in the World - Some to be expected, and some, not so much!
Disclosure:
I dream of mangoes is a participant in the amazon services llc associates program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com and affiliated sites. that being said, i only link to products i use and love., recent posts.
A Guide to Scuba Diving in Komodo, Indonesia
A Travel Guide to the Magical Island of Siquijor
The Ultimate Samoa Backpacking Travel Guide