Lombok, Indonesia – Travel Guide

Lombok’s popularity is on the rise and shows no signs of slowing anytime soon. Known for its laid-back surfer vibes, more and more travellers are hopping over from its neighbouring island, Bali to escape the crowds on and off the waves.

It’s not just the swell and beautiful beaches that entice visitors. Beyond the main towns, Lombok is relatively undeveloped and journeys through the interior offer opportunities to explore jungle, rice terraces, waterfalls and local life. While, for the active traveller, the trek up the island’s highest volcano (Mount Rinjani) provides a challenging adventure. Lombok is also the jumping off point for the ever-popular Gili Islands and the thrilling boat trip to Flores and the Komodo National Park. 

After more than a year travelling all around Southeast Asia, Lombok remains one of my favourite destinations. Here I share all you need to know about visiting this idyllic Indonesian island.

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Lombok Map and Resources

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Backpacking Lombok, Indonesia – Travel Guide 🎒

Best Time to Visit Lombok, Indonesia 🌦️

Lombok’s dry season is from around April to October. This is the best time to enjoy the beaches. July and August are high season and the main hub, Kuta (not to be confused with Kuta, Bali!), gets very busy during these months (book your accommodation early!). Dry season is also the time to hike Mount Rinjani.

If you’re looking to surf, the dry season is good for beginners and intermediate surfers, while the wet season (November to March) brings bigger and more powerful waves that advanced surfers can enjoy.

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Where to Stay on Lombok, Indonesia 🛏️

Disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links. We always write our articles before checking if affiliate links are available.

• Kuta – The main traveller hub on Lombok, Kuta is the best base for reaching the varied surf spots along the south coast. It’s also where you’ll find plenty of options for eating, shopping and partying.
• Gerupuk – A small fishing village east of Kuta, Gerupuk is home to some of the island’s most popular surf spots, great if you want waves on your doorstep.
• Tetebatu – In the centre of the island, Tetebatu is a small village set among the rice paddies and jungle that define Lombok’s interior.
• Senggigi – Once the main traveller hub on Lombok, Senggigi has since been overtaken by Kuta. Located on the western coast, it’s a quiet place to base yourself if you’re looking for beaches and calm.
• Senaru – This small village is the base from which to begin treks to Mount Rinjani and is also a good location for visiting the waterfalls in the north of the island.
• Mataram – Lombok’s capital, Mataram is a frenetic city and not a popular place to say, but it does have a few cultural attractions and a smattering of shopping malls.

Best Accommodation on Lombok, Indonesia 

Budget

Pipes Hostel – Kuta

A lovely hostel providing excellent value for money. With a swimming pool, café that serves delicious food and even a skate bowl, there’s plenty to keep you entertained here. The atmosphere is lively, but not rowdy, and the staff make sure that everyone feels welcome. The weekly movie nights are a fun social event. Dorms and private rooms are available.

Kaniu Hostel – Kuta

A popular choice with clean, capsule-style dorms and comfy beds. The swimming pool and common area provide a place to meet fellow travellers, and surfers will surely appreciate the hot and powerful showers.

Trytan Gerupuk Homestay – Gerupuk

Budget travellers will enjoy the basic but clean and comfortable rooms, all with AC and located close to popular surf spots. The property also features a rooftop pool and shared kitchen. Guests highly rate the welcoming and friendly staff.

Mengalung Bungalows – Kuta

With clean and comfortable private rooms and bungalows, Mengalung Bungalows offers excellent value for money. Each room has a small terrace, hot showers and AC. The staff are very friendly and helpful and breakfast is included.

“I can’t recommend Mengalung Bungalows highly enough. The bungalows were very spacious and comfortable and the staff made me feel right at home!” Lisa Barham, Writer at South East Asia Backpacker

Mid-Range

Tetebatu Flush Harmony – Tetebatu 

Set among sprawling rice fields with mountain views, this property has an enviable location and is a great base from which to explore the nearby waterfalls. With an onsite restaurant, café and pool, there’s everything you need for a relaxed and comfortable stay in the centre of Lombok.

Dome Lombok – Gerupuk

Set in a tranquil spot, Dome is perfect for those looking for a quiet stay close to surf breaks. The quirky building offers unique spaces and spectacular views. Each room has a private terrace and deluxe rooms even feature their own kitchen. Guests rave about the food at the onsite restaurant and breakfast is included in the price.

Living Asia Resort and Spa – Sengiggi 

This beachside resort provides spacious rooms, each with a private balcony, and deluxe options feature sea views. Guests can relax at the beach bar, restaurant and infinity pool.

Rinjani Lodge – Senaru

With large rooms and an infinite pool with gorgeous views over the countryside and mountains, Rinjani Lodge is a comfortable place to stay before or after trekking Mount Rinjani.

High-End

Mana Eco Retreat – Kuta

An oasis of calm in busy Kuta with both luxurious private rooms and an upscale dorm. The pretty gardens, swimming pool and café provide a relaxing setting. Regular yoga classes and the onsite spa might make it hard to leave! Guests can also enjoy a free movie screening every evening.

Somewhere Lombok – Are Guling

Just 15 minutes outside of Kuta, Somewhere Lombok provides a slice of luxury close to two of the island’s best beaches. The villas feature a small living space, private plunge pool and sea views. Guests appreciate the tasty and varied breakfast and the free daily shuttle to Kuta.

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Things to Do on Lombok, Indonesia 🏝️

1. Everybody Go Surfing! 🏄🏻‍♀️

Surfing is the number one activity in Lombok and the diversity of waves brings surfers of all abilities to its sandy shores. Kuta is the place to base yourself to reach the surf spots along the south coast of the island. Once a traditional fishing village, Kuta has transformed into a traveller hub with a laid-back surfer vibe. 

From here, there is easy access to the island’s best breaks, including Tanjung Ann (awesome for longboarding!) and Gerupuk (intermediates and advanced). A short and scenic scooter drive will take you to either Are Guling or Mawi (for more advanced surfers). A little further west is Selong Balanak (a gentle beach break for beginners).

If you’re a beginner surfer, why not book some surfing lessons with fab local school Happiness Lombok, or if you have more time, stay at one of these Lombok surf camps for the chance to really improve your skills. For budget travellers, DHM Surf Camp is a great option.

2. Summit Mount Rinjani 🌋

If you’re up for a challenge, try tackling the hike up Mount Rinjani (Gunung Rinjani in the local language, Bahasa). Standing at 3,726 meters above sea level, Rinjani is the second-highest volcano in Indonesia! The two or three-day trek to the summit is an adventurous journey that takes trekkers through tropical forest up to the crater lake and onto the peak of this active volcano. Enjoy camping on the crater rim, dipping in natural hot springs and soaking in the glorious sunrise views.

It’s mandatory to have a guide to hike up Rinjani. We recommend doing the trek with the trusted, local company Hallo Trekker.

3. Explore the Island’s Interior 🛵

While it might seem hard to drag yourself away from the coast, it’s well worth spending a few days exploring Lombok’s interior. The most popular destination to aim for is Tetebatu Village. Surrounded by lush green rice terraces and distant mountains, it’s a picturesque place to base yourself to visit some of the island’s inland attractions.

Discover the many waterfalls that dot the area, including Benang Stokel, Benang Kelambu, Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep, and take a trip to the Tetebatu Monkey Forest. The area around Tetebatu is also known for local arts and crafts and you will see traditional basket weaving, sculptures and artisanal products. 

4. Enjoy the Beaches 🏖️

Lombok is blessed with many beautiful beaches. Here are a few of the best:

SOUTH COAST

Tanjung Aan – A crescent of white sand, Tanjung Aan is one of the island’s most popular beaches. There’s a string of warungs to keep you well supplied with cold coconuts, and if you find yourself here on a Wednesday stay until after sunset to enjoy the weekly rave at Warung Turtle. The reef break just offshore is a favourite of longboarders. Rumour has it that this beach is destined for some serious development in the next few years so enjoy it while you can!

Seger – The bay west of Tanjung Aan is a fairly quiet place. The nearby hill, Bukit Merese, which overlooks the beach is a popular sunset spot. Seger Reef is a surf break popular with locals.

Mawun – A small and relatively quiet bay, Mawun is one of the most picturesque beaches on the island.

Mawi – Not the easiest to get to, Mawi beach is accessed by a very rough and rocky dirt road (only attempt if you are a confident scooter driver). The effort is worth it though, especially for advanced surfers who can enjoy the reef break. Non-surfers should walk around the rocky outcrop to the all-but-deserted slice of sand that is to the right of the main beach.

Selong Belanak – A long strip of white sand, this beach is best known as a beginner-friendly surf spot. The small waves here break over sand (rather than reef as with many other spots on the island) making it ideal for learners. It’s also a lovely place to catch the sunset, maybe with a Bintang beer from one of the beachside restaurants. The drive from Kuta is very scenic too!

WEST COAST

Nipah – About a 20-minute drive from Sengiggi, Nipah is a quiet beach where the main draw is the seafood. With locals cooking up their catch of the day all along the beach, a grilled fish dish here might be the freshest you taste in Lombok. 

Pandanan – Slightly further up the coast from Nipah, Pandanan Beach is quieter still and a favourite with families and sunset watchers.

Kecinan – Close to the Gili islands, Kecinan is known for diving and snorkelling. The waters off Kecinan Beach are home to lionfish, scorpionfish and turtles. It’s also famed for the coconut tree that reaches out across the sand at a 45-degree angle, the backdrop of many an Instagram post.

EAST COAST

Pink Beach – The startling contrast of pink sand and blue waters is an unusual sight to behold. In the southeastern corner of Lombok you can find one of these rare beaches, where the sand has been coloured by fragments of coral and foraminifera, a microscopic red-shelled organism.

5. Practice Yoga 🧘🏻‍♀️

If you’re into yoga, Kuta has plenty of offerings to help you find your zen. Mana Eco Retreat has a comprehensive offering. From vinyasa to yin and hatha to surfer’s stretch, there are classes to suit everyone and every mood. Meanwhile, the shala at Ashtari provides unrivalled views from its hilltop location. Rascals also has a varied schedule and even offers meditation and breathwork classes for free!

6. Shop in a Traditional Market 🛍️

If you fancy a shopping spree, take a wander around Mataram’s markets. Cakranegara Market is one of the best, whether you’re looking for clothes, traditional jewellery or souvenirs, such as Indonesian pottery. Visit Tanjung Traditional Market to pick up local handicrafts.

7. Go Snorkelling in the Secret Gilis 🤿

The three small islands off Lombok’s northwest coast, Gili T, Gili Meno and Gili Air, are well-known by travellers. However, those looking to explore less-visited isles should head for the Secret Gilis. The four tiny islands (Gili Kedis, Gili Tangkong, Gili Nanggu and Gili Sudak) are tucked in the southwest corner of Lombok with picture-postcard beaches and crystal-clear waters made for relaxing and snorkelling. The sea here is home to amazing coral reefs where you can swim with turtles and other tropical marine life. 

For a two-day adventure on these paradise islands, check out this Secret Gilis island-hopping trip with local company Feel Lombok.

8. Cycle Around Sekotong 🚲

The Sekotong Peninsula that juts out into the sea from the southwest corner of Lombok has some gorgeous scenery best explored on two wheels. Discover the countryside dotted with rice fields and the stunning coastline. There are plenty of tour operators offering group trips, or simply grab a map, hire a bike and venture out on your own. Don’t forget to pack your snorkel!

9. Visit a Hindu Temple 🛕

Today, Lombok is predominantly a Muslim island. However, a few centuries ago, Hinduism was the main religion, and temples from this time still stand on the island. Built in 1720, Pura Meru is the largest and second-most important. It is dedicated to the Hindu trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva and is located in Mataram. A few kilometers outside of the city, Pura Lingsar is considered the most holy temple and dates back to 1714. Pura Narmada (also known as the Water Palace) is a popular temple that’s set within a large and attractive complex of terraced lawns and an artificial lake.

10. Sail from Lombok to Flores ⛵️

Once you’ve explored what Lombok has to offer, head off on one of Indonesia’s most exciting adventures – the four-day boat trip from Lombok to Flores. Boats depart from the north of Lombok and en route, trip-goers can hike on remote volcanic islands, enjoy dazzling sunsets and even swim with whale sharks! The highlight of the trip is the incredible Komodo National Park, where you’ll find amazing landscapes, waters teeming with marine life, and of course, the famous Komodo dragons!

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Food and Drink in Lombok, Indonesia 🍛 

Warungs, small family-run restaurants can be found all over Lombok and are the best places for cheap and delicious meals. Some typical Indonesian dishes include nasi goreng (fried rice), mie goreng (fried noodles), gado gado (vegetables in peanut sauce) and nasi campur (rice accompanied by a selection of meat and vegetable side dishes). Sambal is a spicy sauce or paste served alongside many dishes and is a must try! Tofu and tempeh are used alot in Indonesian food and veggies and vegans will be pleased to discover that many dishes are vegetarian friendly (and easily vegan-ised).

“As a vegan, I found Indonesia one of the easiest countries in Southeast Asia to eat in, especially when it comes to local food. There’s so many dishes that are easily made vegetarian or vegan so non-meat eaters don’t need to miss out on authentic local eats!” Lisa Barham, Writer at South East Asia Backpacker

Some local traditional Lombok dishes include ares, a curry made from a banana stem, coconut milk and chicken, beef or fish, and ayam taliwang, made from chicken, smothered in a chilli and garlic marinade and grilled or deep fried. 

As the island’s traveller hub, Kuta is home to plenty of food options, both local and Western. Warung Bude and Warung Flora are popular choices for cheap eats. Mama Pizza is the place to satisfy your cravings for Italian food. Mexican food and good times can be had at Cantina Mexicana, while Kenzo, Bush Radio and Munchies are all popular cafés for Western-style breakfast or lunch. Vegans should make a beeline for Mana.

Kuta also has a growing nightlife, including Rasta Bar, Surfer’s Bar and the speakeasy-style bar Captikus.

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Getting Around Lombok, Indonesia 🛵

The best way to get around Lombok is by scooter. Expect to pay around 70–80,000 IDR (approx. $4.30–4.90 USD) for day hire.

Unlike Bali, there is no Grab or Gojek on Lombok. So, if you don’t drive a scooter, the only way to get around is by taxi or shared minivans. For example, it’s easy to take a shared mini van from Bangsal Harbour in the north of the island to Kuta in the south (around 2 hours).

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How to Get to Lombok, Indonesia 🛥️

By Boat

Boats depart from Bali’s east coast (Padang Bai) to Bangsal Harbour in the northwest of Lombok. The crossing takes around 4 hours and this is the most popular way to travel between the islands. There is also a public ferry that runs from Padang Bai to Lembar in the southwest of Lombok. The crossing takes 4–5 hours; it’s much cheaper but also less comfortable.

Note that there is also a speedboat (often sold as ‘fast boat’), but we don’t recommend this option as there have been some concerns over safety.

By Plane

Lombok has an international airport, with direct flights from Kuala Lumpur and Singapore (both around 3 hours). Flights from Bali take around 45 minutes.

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Where to Go Next: 🚤

The Gilis: Hop over to the popular Gili islands for partying (Gili T), chilling (Gili Air) or a romantic getaway (Gili Meno).

Flores: Embark on a four-day sailing adventure, or if you haven’t got great sea legs, consider flying to the island of Flores, the jumping-off point for the amazing Komodo National Park.

Nusa Penida: Stop off on the way to Bali at the island of Nusa Penida, best known for the dramatic rock formations at Kelingking Beach.