Welcome to a comprehensive travel guide to Lombok — an island gem just east of Bali that offers pristine beaches, lush mountains, rich culture, and authentic adventure. Whether you’re a beach-lover, surf fanatic, hiker, foodie or culture-seeker, this guide covers the best destinations, how to get around, what to eat, and travel tips to help you plan a memorable trip to Lombok.
Why Visit Lombok?
While Bali continues to attract hordes of tourists, Lombok offers a compelling alternative: fewer crowds, unspoiled natural beauty, and a slower, more relaxed pace. According to travel insiders, “Lombok offers waves for every skill level” and is ideal for beach-hopping, nature and culture. (World Nomad)Here are some of the top reasons to explore Lombok:
- Diverse landscapes: From white-sand beaches and turquoise water to rainforest valleys, waterfalls and the mighty volcano Mount Rinjani.
- Rich culture: The indigenous Sasak people, their weaving traditions, village life and unique religious blends (Islam + traditional beliefs) give Lombok its authentic flavor.
- Less commercialised: Compared to Bali, parts of Lombok remain more off-the-beaten-path—though tourism is growing. (The Times)
- Adventure opportunities: Surfing, hiking, snorkelling, waterfalls, island-hopping—the list goes on.
Where to Go: Top Destinations in Lombok
Here we break down the must-visit spots on Lombok, grouped by region and theme to help you plan your itinerary.1. South Coast & Surf Towns (Kuta & Surrounds)
Kuta, Lombok is the gateway to the southern beaches of Lombok and has rapidly developed into the island’s surf and café hub. (Wikipedia)
Highlights:
- Tanjung Aan Beach: Known for its soft white-peppercorn sand and clear blue water, perfect for swimming and beginner surfers.
- Selong Belanak: A famed surf spot with mellow waves, paddle-out friendly, ideal if you’re learning to surf.
- Bukit Merese Hills: Hilltop viewpoint offering panoramic views of the south coast and islands—spectacular at sunset.
Good to know: It’s easier to get around with a scooter or driver; south coast roads can be narrower and sometimes bumpy in parts.
2. The Famous Gilis: Island-Hop & Snorkel
Just off the northwest coast of Lombok are the three iconic islands: Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, and Gili Meno—often simply referred to as “the Gilis”.
Highlights:
- Turtle-snorkeling in crystal waters, no motorized vehicles (on some islands) so very relaxed.
- Choose your vibe: Trawangan for parties, Meno for romance and quiet, Air for a balanced mix.
- Day trips and boat rides galore.
Tip: When visiting, go early morning for snorkeling to avoid bigger crowds; also ensure your boat transfer is with a reputable operator.
3. Mountains & Waterfalls: North and Central Lombok
For nature-lovers, this region is a must. Especially:
Mount Rinjani (3,726 m) — one of Indonesia’s highest volcanoes and the crown jewel of Lombok.
- Trekking to the summit offers views of the crater lake (Segara Anak) and hot springs inside the caldera.
- Requires multi-day commitment (2-3 days or more) and decent fitness.
Waterfalls:
- Tiu Kelep & Sendang Gile near Senaru in north Lombok: rainforest surroundings, swimming spots.
- Benang Stokel & Benang Kelambu in central Lombok: beautiful twin falls, great for nature-wanderers.
Tip: For Mount Rinjani trekking, book a licensed guide and check season/conditions. Also, for waterfalls, go early to avoid other tourists and bring good shoes (some trails may be slippery).
4. East Coast & Hidden Beaches
If you’re looking for quieter beaches and lesser-visited spots:- Pink Beach (also called Tangsi Beach) on the east coast: unique pink-tinged sand due to crushed coral—rare and photogenic.
- Sekotong Peninsula: snorkeling, calm beach escapes away from the main tourist hubs.
Tip: The roads/transport can be more challenging in the east; allow extra travel time and consider staying overnight rather than doing in a rush.
5. Culture, Villages & Local Life
To get a feel for Lombok beyond nature and beaches:
- Visit a Sasak village, e.g. Sade Village or Ende Village: see traditional houses, weaving demonstrations, meet locals.
- Explore Pura Lingsar Temple: an interesting blend of Hindu and local Wetu Telu Muslim heritage.
- Try the local cuisine: spicy grilled chicken (Ayam Taliwang), plecing kangkung, nasi balap Puyung.
Tip: When visiting villages, dress modestly (Lombok is predominantly Muslim) and ask permission before photographing locals.
How to Get to & Around Lombok
Getting There
- Flying: Lombok has its own airport (Lombok International Airport – LOP) with domestic routes and some international connections.
- By Ferry: From Bali (e.g., Padangbai or Serangan) you can take a ferry or speedboat to Lombok. Many travelers combine Bali + Lombok.
Getting Around the Island
- Hire a driver/guide: Especially if you only have a few days and want to cover multiple regions.
- Scooter rental: For beach towns and short distances; but roads in some areas may be uneven or challenging.
- Boat/Island-hop: For the Gilis and east coast trips.
- Time & distances: Regions can be more spread-out than you expect; plan realistic travel times and avoid cramming too much.
Suggested Base(s)
Depending on your style and trip duration:- Short stay (3-5 days): Focus on one region (e.g., Kuta + south coast) to minimize transfers.
- Longer stay (7-10 days or more): Consider splitting your stay: 2-3 nights in the south coast (Kuta), 2 nights on the Gilis, 2 nights in the north/central for waterfalls/mountain.
Sample Itineraries
5-Day Itinerary (Short & Sweet)
- Day 1: Arrive, settle in Kuta, beach and sunset at Bukit Merese.
- Day 2: Surfing or beach-hopping south coast (Tanjung Aan, Selong Belanak).
- Day 3: Visit Sasak village, lunch local style, head to waterfalls in central Lombok.
- Day 4: Speedboat to one of the Gilis — snorkel, relax.
- Day 5: Return to shore, final beach time, depart.
10-Day Itinerary (In-Depth)
- Day 1-2: South coast base; relax, surf, beach cafes.
- Day 3-4: Gilis for snorkeling, island-hopping, maybe a romantic night in Gili Meno.
- Day 5: Return and transfer to central/north Lombok (Tetebatu or Senaru).
- Day 6: Explore waterfalls like Tiu Kelep & Sendang Gile.
- Day 7: Trekking or nature walk around Mount Rinjani base.
- Day 8: East coast detour: Pink Beach, Sekotong peninsula.
- Day 9: Culture day: Sasak village, weaving, local village life.
- Day 10: Head back to catch your flight/ferry, do some last-minute shopping or beach time.
Where to Stay & Travel Seasons
Where to Stay
- Beach-towns: Kuta (south) for cafés and surf vibe; Senggigi (west coast) for slightly more developed amenities.
- Nature stays: In Senaru (north) for Mount Rinjani access, or Tetebatu for rice fields and waterfall views.
- Island stays: On the Gilis, you’ll find everything from beach huts to boutique resorts.
- Choose accommodation based on your priorities: budget vs comfort, adventure vs relaxes.
Best Time to Visit
- Peak tourist season: April to October (dry season) → ideal weather for beaches and trekking.
- Shoulder season: Late October / November and April: fewer crowds, but check weather.
- Rainy season (Nov-Mar): Some trekking may be affected; waterfalls may be more dramatic but roads/trails may be slippery.
- For surfing: Swells may vary by season—check local surf reports.
What to Eat & Drink
Food is a highlight of any visit to Lombok. Here are must-try dishes:
- Ayam Taliwang: Spicy grilled chicken marinated in chili garlic sambal.
- Plecing Kangkung: Water spinach with spicy sambal sauce.
- Nasi Balap Puyung: Rice dish with shredded chicken, dry potatoes, fried soybeans and sambal.
- Seafood: Fresh grilled fish, prawns, with local chillies.
- Coffee & cafés: South Lombok, Kuta area has lively café culture for brunch, digital nomads and chill hang-outs.
Drinks & etiquette:
- Lombok is a predominantly Muslim island; alcohol is available but less ubiquitous than Bali.
- Respect local dress/behavior especially outside tourist zones.
- Try local snacks/sweets for authenticity.
Travel Tips & Safety
- Respect local culture: Many areas observe conservative dress; in villages avoid revealing clothing.
- Tipping & bargaining: Small tipping is appreciated. For markets or local drivers, agree price ahead.
- Motorbike & driving: If you’re not used to scooters, hire a driver—roads can be less straight-forward. “skip scooters if you’re not used to them… just hire a driver.”
- Trekking safety: For Mount Rinjani and remote trails, go with a licensed guide, check weather/conditions—this is especially important in active volcano zones.
- Connectivity & cards: SIM cards are available at airport or local shops. Ensure your accommodation provides pickup if needed.
- Cash & ATMs: Some remote areas may not have reliable ATMs—carry some cash for village visits.
- Health & environment: Use reef-safe sunscreen, stay hydrated, protect against sun and insects.
- Leave no trace: Especially for fragile ecosystems like coral reefs around Gilis, practice responsible tourism.
What to Pack
Here’s a quick packing list for Lombok:- Lightweight clothing, plus one long-sleeve for sun/late evenings
- Swimwear, snorkeling gear (or rent locally)
- Good walking shoes for waterfalls and trekking
- Sunhat, sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen
- Dry bag for boat trips/snorkeling
- Power bank + universal adapter
- Light rain jacket if traveling in shoulder months
- Modest clothing for village or temple visits
- If surfing: appropriate rash guard, board/shoes if needed (or rent locally)
Eco- & Responsible Travel
Lombok is still developing its tourist infrastructure, and there’s growing emphasis on responsible travel. Some pointers:- Choose eco-friendly accommodation or tours which support local community.
- Snorkeling/diving: don’t touch coral, avoid anchors on reefs.
- Support local artisans by buying hand-woven textiles or crafts in villages rather than mass-produced souvenirs.
- Avoid single-use plastics; bring a reusable water bottle.
- Respect local culture and environment: keep noise low in quiet villages, keep beaches clean.
