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Lombok is a beautiful island east of Bali and is the ideal place to enjoy the island's vast white beaches. Not only can you find ultimate relaxation here, but for the adventurous among us there is also plenty to do. You can explore and climb the Rinjani volcano. Lombok is one of the best destinations we have visited in Indonesia and thus an absolute must to go. You can also easily combine a visit to Lombok with Bali, ideal right? These are all our tips for a trip to Lombok in Indonesia!
The best places and things to do on Lombok, Indonesia
From tropical beaches and impressive volcanoes to bustling villages and cultural highlights, you'll find it all on Lombok. In this guide, we share the best places and activities you shouldn't miss!
1. Stroll through Kuta, the bustling heart of Lombok
Kuta, located in southern Lombok, is the most popular place to stay on the island. The village has grown considerably in recent years and is now a lively place for adventurous travelers, backpackers and digital nomads. You'll find plenty of trendy cafes, restaurants, hip boutiques and yoga studios. It is the starting point to discover Lombok's most beautiful beaches and surf spots.
A fun hot spot to remember for digital nomads is Bush Radio. A top spot for tasty burgers and pizza is KRNK. Want to grab a drink in a cozy bar? Then head to Surfers' Bar.
Come for yoga? Then Lombok is also a wonderful place. Favorite addresses are Shanti Yoga Lombok and Ashtari Yoga.
2. Climb the Rinjani volcano on Lombok
For adventurous travelers, a trek to the Rinjani volcano is an absolute must. This 3,726-meter-high volcano offers spectacular views and an unforgettable experience.
Want to know all about this impressive climb? Read in our extensive article about our personal experience during the Rinjani Trekking. Of course we share all our tips in this as well!
3. Explore Senggigi, the authentic town of Lombok
Senggigi is the place where you can still truly experience Indonesian culture. This beach resort is less touristy than Kuta and has a relaxed atmosphere. Stroll around the local market, try delicious Indonesian dishes in one of the many warungs and enjoy the tranquility of the beach. Moreover, you will find affordable hotels and guesthouses with sea views.
4. Visit the impressive Pura Meru temple
In the middle of Mataram, the capital of Lombok, lies the impressive Pura Meru temple. This is one of the most important Hindu temples on the island, built in 1720. The three towers in the center of the complex symbolize the Hindu gods Brahma, Vishnoe and Shiva. In addition to these imposing towers, there are more than 30 other structures that make the temple extra special. Worth a visit if you want to learn more about the culture and spirituality of Lombok.
5. Discover the paradisiacal Gili Islands
For a tropical island feel, you have to go to the Gili Islands. The Gili Islands are very popular among travelers to Indonesia. Not surprising with the beautiful white sandy beaches, the clear turquoise sea water, the friendliness and the delicious food. The three most famous Gili Islands are:
Gili Trawangan: the most lively island also known as party island. It is popular among young people and backpackers. Here you can enjoy vibrant beach parties, cozy bonfires and a wide range of bars and clubs. Besides nightlife, you will also find luxury boutique resorts, diving schools and cozy cafes.
Gili Meno: a lot quieter than Gili T and ideal for couples. This island is the most serene of the three, with beautiful white beaches and few crowds. You come here for relaxation, luxury resorts and idyllic sunsets.
Gili Air: THE mix of conviviality and relaxation. Gili Air combines the best of both worlds: it has a relaxed atmosphere, but also offers lively beach bars and diving opportunities. Ideal for those seeking both tranquility and a bit of conviviality.
6. Take a boat trip to the Komodo Islands
One of the best adventures from Lombok is a boat trip to the Komodo Islands. On this multi-day trip, you will sail past pristine islands, snorkel in crystal clear waters and spot the famous Komodo dragons. We saw some of the most beautiful viewpoints ever here and the time on the boat was also unforgettable. The trip along the Komodo Islands was therefore one of the highlights during our tour of Indonesia.
7. Take a trip to the Nusa Islands
Want to experience even more island adventures? Then consider a trip to the Nusa Islands: Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan. Located between Bali and Lombok, these islands are famous for their spectacular cliffs, beautiful beaches and fantastic snorkeling and diving spots. Wondering how to travel easily from Lombok to the Nusa Islands? We share all about it in our ultimate travel guide to the Nusa Islands in Indonesia!
Lombok's most beautiful beaches
Lombok is known for its beautiful beaches. Rent a scooter and discover the island's most beautiful coastlines.
1. Tanjung Aan
Just 5 kilometers from Kuta is Tanjung Aan, a wide bay with white sand and turquoise water. It is one of the most developed beaches, with warungs and sunbeds. Also, head to Merese Sunset Hill and enjoy a spectacular sunset.
2. Selong Belanak
Selong Belanak is the ideal place to (learn to) surf. Here you will find surf schools where you can take a private lesson for a few euros. But even if you don't surf, this is a wonderful place to relax with a beautiful view of the surrounding hills.
3. Pantai Mawun
A somewhat lesser known beach, but one of our top ones is Pantai Mawun. It is a beautifully located bay enclosed by two hills. Here you will experience a true tropical paradise, away from the crowds.
From Kuta we were leaving on scooters towards Selong Belanak when we casually decided to take a different route and ended up here. Because it was the weekend there were many locals on the beach. What could be more fun than playing ball with the locals?
How to get to Lombok?
Depending on where you are coming from, you can reach Lombok either by boat or by plane.
By boat: traveling from Bali to Lombok? Then there are several ferries that will take you to Lombok within 1.5 to 5 hours. The faster speedboats go from Sanur and Padang Bai (1.5 hours). Please note that boats may be canceled in bad weather. View 12Go for the various options.
By plane: Lombok International Airport (Praya) is well connected to domestic and international destinations. From the airport, you can get to Kuta in about 30 minutes.
Tip: Fly to Lombok in the morning to minimize the chance of delays.
The best places to stay on Lombok
You'll find all kinds of great places to stay on Lombok, but the two locations we recommend are Senggigi and Kuta Lombok. Senggigi is a nice place if you like a relaxed atmosphere, with a mix of local culture, beautiful beaches and a slightly quieter setting than Kuta. Kuta Lombok is the ideal place for surfers, beach lovers and if you want to experience the lively atmosphere of hip cafes and restaurants. In terms of accommodations, we recommend the following two top places:
Katamaran Hotel & Resort Lombok in Senggigi: a luxury stay right on the beach, with a beautiful infinity pool and a spa where you can fully relax.
Choose Villas Lombok in Kuta: a cozy boutique villa with a tropical garden and a peaceful ambience. Ideal for a relaxing stay, yet close to the vibrant spots of southern Lombok.
Travel further through Indonesia
Lombok is one of the most popular destinations to add to a tour of Indonesia. But there is so much more to explore! For example, combine your visit with Bali and discover the most beautiful rice fields, temples and waterfalls. Get more inspiration from our blog about the nicest places in Bali and our personal tips for Ubud, Canggu, Seminyak and The unspoiled region of Tabanan.
An unforgettable tour of Indonesia
Want to tour Indonesia, but with so many options, don't know which destination(s) to choose? Let us help you out! We design the best itinerary through Indonesia for you based on your personal needs and interests. With our local knowledge and experience we arrange everything to perfection. Request your personal travel proposal now and make your dream trip to Indonesia a reality!
Travander
At Travander, we’re all about exploring hidden gems, unique destinations, and off-the-beaten-path travel experiences. Our motto, “Let’s Travel and Wander,” reflects our passion for discovering both local treasures and faraway adventures. As experienced travel bloggers and travel consultants, we share insider tips, personal stories, and practical advice to help you make the most of every trip. From city breaks and weekend getaways to tailor-made travel itineraries, we guide you to the most beautiful and inspiring places. Explore the world with Travander and let us spark your next unforgettable adventure!
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