Discover the best of Lombok with this ultimate travel guide. Lombok offers stunning beaches and epic surf spots. This guide will share the best places to visit, where to stay and how to get around and get all the tips you need for an unforgettable trip.

1. Where is Lombok?
1.1 What is Lombok known for?
1.2 How to get to Lombok?
1.2.1 How to get to Lombok from Bali?
1.3 How to get around Lombok?
1.4 When is the best time to visit Lombok?
1.5 What to do on Lombok?
1.6 Where to stay in Lombok?
1.7 Is it worth visiting Lombok?
1.8 Lombok or Bali?
1.9 What’s it like to stay in Lombok?

A place of contrasting and dramatic landscapes, Lombok has cascading waterfalls, the second-highest volcano in Indonesia, and stunning powdery sand beaches. As a destination, Lombok is the place to go for the laid-back traveller who is searching for a bit of adventure on the side.

Lombok is known for its year-round waves, with a variety of waves for every surfer. The upcoming hub of Kuta has a growing digital nomad scene, with world-class surf breaks only a stone's throw away.

While you may have heard of the Gili Islands off the north coast of Lombok, there is so much more of Lombok to discover. We skipped the Gili Islands, mostly because we’d heard it has overworked horses and a strong party scene. We travelled to the mainland of Lombok and stayed on Gili Asahan, part of the Secret Gili Islands.

Where is Lombok?

Indonesia consists of over 17,500 islands to explore and is the largest island country. Lombok is part of the Lesser Sunda archipelago, also known as the Nusa Tenggara Islands group, which translates to the ‘southeast’ islands.

Lombok is found east of Bali and to the west of Sumbawa, surrounded by the Indian Ocean to the south and the Java Sea to the north.

It is positioned within the Coral Triangle, along with Malaysia, the Philippines, Timor-Leste, Papua New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands. This is what makes it one of the best places to see a diverse amount of marine life. The Coral Triangle holds 76% of the world’s coral species and is an important ecosystem.

What is Lombok known for?

Lombok has world-class surf spots, drawing surfers from across the globe to experience surfing in paradise. The island is home to the most beautiful beaches, white sand, and turquoise water, often framed by towering hills, creating a unique and breathtaking landscape.

The Sasak people make up the majority of the population and have a rich culture and heritage. The Sasak language is similar to Indonesian, with several dialects also spoken. Islam reached Lombok in the 15th century, and the majority of the island is now Muslim.

Lombok offers multiple hiking opportunities, including Mount Rinjani, the second-highest active volcano in Indonesia. Lombok has more than 30 islands, known as Gilis in Sasak, where you can unwind on a deserted island away from it all.

Lombok sits in the heart of one of the biggest coral reef zones and is nicknamed the ‘Amazon of the seas,’ with the most outstanding diversity of coral reef fishes in the world. The diving and snorkelling opportunities are endless.

There is an invisible line known as the Wallace line that runs between Bali and Lombok, which denotes the difference between the plants and animals that can be divided between Asia and Australasia. Lombok has cockatoos and tree kangaroos that aren't found in Bali.

How to get to Lombok?

By Plane

The main airport is Lombok International Airport (LOP), and it has direct flights from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Jakarta (Java), and Denpasar (Bali).

When flying from the UK, the best option would be to fly directly to Singapore and Kuala Lumpur and then connect to Lombok. The total flight time from the UK to Lombok is approximately 17 hours.

How to get to Lombok from Bali?

You can either travel by boat or plane to Lombok from Bali. Travelling by boat can work out at a similar cost and journey time to flying.

It’s worth taking the time to research the best options for the time of year you are travelling, as boat journeys may be a little more challenging depending on weather conditions and make flying a more reliable option throughout the year.

By Plane

There are multiple flights available every day from Depensar Airport in Bali to Lombok. The flight from Bali takes around 1 hour and costs around 1,000,000 IDR (£50) for one way.

By Fast Boat

There are two main ports to take a fast boat from Bali to Lombok, which are Serangan in south Bali and Padang Bai in southeastern Bali. Boats from Serangan may stop at Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan and can also be taken from these islands.

The routes from Serangan take you to Gili Gede and Bangsal. The boat that runs from Serangan to Bangsal. It takes 3 hours, which costs 850,000 IDR one way (£41).

From Padang Bai, the fast boat route will take you to Sengiggi (north Lombok) and Lembar (southwest Lombok).

The quickest route to the Secret Gilis in the southwest of Lombok is to take the fast boat from Serangan to Gili Gede, which takes around 1.5 to 2 hours and may stop at Nusa Penida en route. The average cost one way from Serangan to Gili Gede is 960,000 IDR (£47).

TOP TIP | Several online videos show boats filling with water, and the boats look unsafe. The safest operators for this route are BlueWater Express, Eka Jaya, and Gili Getaway.

By Ferry

An alternative is to take the slow ferry from Padang Bai in Bali to Lembar. This takes 4 to 5 hours and leaves every 2 to 3 hours. The cost per passenger for one crossing is 75,000 IDR (£3), a decent option for budget-conscious travellers.

The ferry can get hot inside, and the air conditioning can be unreliable; bring snacks or buy from local sellers who sell noodles and coffee before the ferry leaves.

It’s worth getting to the ferry port early and having light bags, as you must carry them up the stairs to the deck. Some porters may offer to take your bags onto the ferry for a fee.

How to get around Lombok?

By car

Once you arrive at LOP Airport, there are shuttles, taxis and buses to take around Lombok. Renting a car in Lombok is ideal for those not experienced with scooters allowing you to explore the island on a road trip.

By Taxi

If you want flexibility, taking a taxi is easy with Blue Bird Taxi. A taxi can be booked on the app and can be arranged on the phone. Private drivers can be hired for the day of adventure if you have more than one location in mind, a really good way to see a lot and not have to worry about driving.

By Scooter

Most people visiting Lombok will hire a scooter to get around the island. This is the cheapest way to get around Lombok, but there are a few things to know beforehand.

Driving a scooter in Lombok requires an International Driving Permit (IDP). It simply takes a few minutes to complete, and you can purchase it online. You can no longer acquire an IDP from the Post Office; it now costs £30 to apply online or £5 to buy from a PayPoint store in the UK.

Scooter rental in Lombok ranges from 70,000 IDR to 175,000 depending on the model of the bike. The cheapest bike models are the Honda Scoopy, Vario, and NMax, and you’ll pay more for an automatic model. The rental price should include helmets and it’s possible to negotiate the price if you rent for a longer period.

Don't rent a scooter if you have little to no experience riding one. It's not worth taking the risk, as many accidents in Indonesia occur due to inexperienced drivers! Before you leave, get some lessons back in the UK or even complete a CBT if you don't have much experience riding a scooter.

Consider using a ridesharing service like Gojek or Grab, which is less expensive than hiring a private driver for short distances. It works similarly to Uber showing a fixed price for cars and scooter journeys.

There are areas where Gojek and Grab don't work, including in the southwest of Lombok in Kuta. For these areas, it’s best to book a taxi or hire a scooter or private driver.

TOP TIP | When booking a rideshare in Lombok, it’s worth being aware that local taxi drivers to an area may not welcome you using these services. To get around this in some cases, pick up your rideshare away from the main taxi area on a side street. Taxis can drop you off in Kuta, but they cannot pick you up from Kuta.

By Public transport

A bemo is a small converted minibus that can transport you across Lombok's villages and towns. Bemos mostly operate in Lombok's main city, Mataram, and surrounding towns. They are not the most reliable or follow a regular timetable. You can flag down Bemos along the road, but they are not available in more remote areas.

A DAMRI bus is available for transportation from Lombok airport to Mataram, Senggigi, Ampenan, and Selong. Most public transport is typically only available during daylight hours.

What to know before driving in Lombok?

What surprised us the most was that the roads in Lombok were in much better condition than in Bali. The main roads are tarmacked and mostly in good condition. Once you leave the main roads, they usually become dirt or sandy roads.

When driving in Lombok, drive on the left-hand side of the road. Keep on the lookout for hazards on the road including cows, chickens, or even water buffalo.

Traffic mostly concentrates in the city and big harbour towns such as Lembar and Bangsal. When driving a car, be alert for scooters in your mirrors and blind spots; they will squeeze through the gaps when there is heavy traffic.

When renting a car or scooter, make sure you have travel insurance to cover the terrible case of an accident. The roads can be narrow and steep in hilly and mountainous areas. This can be challenging to drive on a scooter, especially in wet weather.

When is the best time to visit Lombok?

There are two seasons in Lombok: wet and dry. For Lombok, the wet season typically lasts from November to March, followed by the dry season from April to October.

When you travel during the wet season, you are more likely to face unpredictable, short bursts of heavy rainfall, and there are fewer tourists. Lombok's average temperatures range from 27°C to 30°C year-round, making it possible to visit even during the rainy season.

The best time to visit Lombok is during the dry season, which allows you to spend more time outside and provides ideal weather for boat crossings from Bali. We arrived in October, at the end of the dry season. The weather was pleasant, ideal for swimming and snorkelling.

What to do in Lombok?

While on Lombok, you may spend a lot of time perfecting the ‘art of doing nothing,’ but there will most likely be days when you want to get outside and explore. As a tropical paradise with a delicate ecosystem and unique animals, being a responsible visitor is critical to keeping the island safe from over-tourism.

How to be a responsible visitor on Lombok

🐚 Don’t take any shells, coral or pick any plants

🐚 Swim without fins if possible to reduce the likelihood of damaging corals, or trampling on corals

🐚 Enter and exit the reefs where there are clear signs or ask if unsure

🐚 Pick up any rubbish and keep the beaches clean

🐚 Use water sparingly, there are limited water reservoirs on the island

🐚 Dress respectfully when walking through villages and towns - Lombok is predominantly Islamic

🐚 Learn a few phrases in Indonesian or Sasak (language spoken in Lombok) to speak to residents

Relax on the beach

Lombok is home to some of the most stunning beaches of Indonesia. Quite a claim, but after travelling to a lot of places, we can confidently say Lombok’s beaches are some of the best we’ve ever seen. With soft white sand, crystal-clear water, and a variety of beautiful spots to choose from, it’s the ultimate beach lover’s paradise.

Spend the day relaxing on a sun lounger with a coconut in hand—is there a better feeling? Many of the best beaches in Lombok are located in the south, close to Kuta. With so many beaches to choose from, some have facilities like beach bars and sunbeds, while others are completely untouched.

Looking to find the perfect beach for your adventure to Lombok? Read our guide to Lombok’s best beaches to discover the perfect spot.

Surfing

If you’re passionate about surfing, just starting out, or thinking of giving it a go, Lombok delivers. Offering waves for every level, Lombok is a dream for surfers looking to catch the perfect wave. The surf is world-class, attracting surfers from all corners of the earth to experience the magic of this tropical paradise.

The south offers the best selection of waves, with other surf spots in the east and northwest. Smooth-rolling hills make up this tropical landscape, spilling down into stunning sandy bays for endless waves.

Kuta is the perfect central hub for surf, with the best breaks only a short scooter or taxi ride away. For beginners and intermediates, head to Tanjung Aan Beach. One of the best places for longboarders, with surfboard rental and bars, you could easily spend all day following the pattern of surf, chill, repeat.

Selong Belanak beach is another fantastic option, with gentle waves and surf lessons available. This beach offers a laid-back vibe, places to eat, and one of the best places to watch the sunset in the area.

Lombok’s surf season starts in April and lasts until October, in sync with the dry season. For the next level up, Mawi and Ekas Outside deliver more challenging waves to practice what you’ve learnt.

If you’re chasing the ultimate wave, Desert Point is the place to go. Approximately a 2.5-hour drive from Kuta, Desert Point is a world-famous left-hander giving perfect, long barrels attracting pro surfers from all around. A bonus tip: Desert Point isn’t far from the laid-back island of Gili Asahan, perfect for unwinding and relaxing after an adrenaline-fuelled session on the waves.

HikE UP MOUNT RINJANI

Take on the challenge to hike up Mount Rinjani, the second tallest volcano in Indonesia, after Kerinci at 3726 metres. Mount Rinjani is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, which is the most volcanically active area in the world.

The minimum amount of time needed to hike to the summit of Mount Rinjani is two days, which includes sleeping overnight in a tent. It can take up to three days depending on the route you take. Hiking Mount Rinjani will show you the varied landscapes of Lombok, from the grassy savannah climbing up to alpine trees and even hot springs.

Please note that you can only climb Mount Rinjani with an accredited guide; this is to ensure safety for those attempting the climb. The best time of year to hike Mount Rinjani is during the dry season from April to October.

Avoid climbing in July, August, and during Ramadan, as many locals will climb the volcano as a spiritual journey, and if you plan to hike during these periods, make sure to book in advance.

Island Hopping

Lombok has more than 30 islands, known as "Gilis" in Sasak. When visiting Lombok, be sure to add island hopping to your itinerary. Unwind on a deserted island, escape from it all, and choose a day trip, an overnight stay, or even a week-long getaway.

In northwest Lombok, you'll find the most famous islands with direct boats from Bali to Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air, collectively known as the Gili Islands. However, we recommend skipping these in favour of one of the lesser-known islands, such as the Secret Gilis, and staying on Gili Asahan.

We stayed on Gili Asahan for four nights, spending our days barefoot in the sand, sipping fresh coconuts, and exploring incredible snorkelling spots.

Snorkelling and Diving

Lombok is part of the Coral Triangle, one of the world's most biodiverse marine ecosystems, which also includes Malaysia, the Philippines, Timor-Leste, Papua New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands.

It is an underwater paradise for divers and snorkelers, with 76% of the world's coral species living there. The Secret Gilis, Gili Islands, Belongas Bay, Kuta, Pink Beach, and Senggigi offer the best snorkelling and diving areas in Lombok.

While we stayed on Gili Asahan, we took advantage of the island's fantastic snorkelling and diving opportunities. There are vibrant coral reefs with an abundance of marine life with a chance to spot turtles and seahorses.

To help protect this natural habitat, avoid stepping on coral and keep a safe distance from turtles and fish. Watch out for triggerfish—they can be territorial and give a nasty bite, so give them plenty of space!

Sasak Village

Around 85% of Lombok’s population is made up of the Sasak people, who have lived on the island for over 2,000 years, after migrating from Java. The Sasak culture is rich with traditions, including the art of weaving, such as Ikat, which has been passed down through generations of women.

Visit one of the authentic Sasak villages like Sade or Ende to experience the Sasak culture and traditions. The people still live in the villages, without the use of electricity, and follow their traditional way of life.

You can help prepare a meal, learn how to weave, or watch traditional performances in the villages. The Sasak are also known for their agricultural roots, farming rice, coffee, and tobacco.

Each year, a unique celebration called Perang Topat brings together both Hindu and Muslim communities by putting their differences aside. They prepare rice wrapped in coconut leaves, which are used for the ‘sticky rice war.’ A peaceful festival to release their inner child to take part in a food fight that celebrates living in harmony with the differences between both groups.

Where to stay in Lombok?

Lombok has many wonderful places to stay, from beautiful islands to bustling towns with plenty of food options and shops. We stayed in both Kuta and on the Secret Gili Islands; these contrast in the atmosphere and things to do, which is why choosing a place to stay depending on what you are doing is important to consider.

Kuta

In the south of Lombok, Kuta has a lively hub of surfers and beach bums looking for adventure. There are several incredible beaches a short drive away with perfect waves. The centre of Kuta has several places to stay, including hostels, luxury hotels, and homestays. Food options in Kuta are impeccable with Mama Pizza and The Mexican in Town as our favourite picks.

We stayed at Cewin’s homestay, a budget-friendly choice where you can stay in a bungalow with a private bathroom, and they include breakfast. We’d highly recommend it here for the central location and friendly hosts.

Sekotong Peninsula

Perhaps you’re looking for somewhere a little closer to the beach and surf? Boni Beach Hotel is a surfer’s paradise, the perfect base for exploring Central and West Lombok near Serangan Beach. With its laid-back luxury and impeccable design, Boni Beach feels like a space straight out of Architectural Digest.

Tetebatu

Teteabatu will deliver a more authentic Lombok experience, located in a quiet village encircled by rice fields and nearby waterfalls. This makes a great base when hiking Mount Rinjani and the waterfalls found in the north of Lombok.

Secret Gilis

Take a jukung from the mainland across to one of the Secret Gilis. We spent five nights in Gili Asahan for the ultimate island getaway with snorkelling, beautiful beaches and beach bungalows.

Stay a few nights at Gili Asahan Eco Lodge for a laid-back vibe, under the coconut trees, and a restaurant that serves some of the best pizza! They also have a spa, and while staying at the Eco Lodge, you can use paddle boards and kayaks for free.

For a more luxurious escape in Gili Asahan, stay at Bleu Mathis Resort with beautiful villas and hot tubs.

Senggigi

Located north of Mataram, the main city of Lombok, Senggigi is on the coast and an area mostly catered to tourists, with beachfront resorts, restaurants, cafes, and bars. Beautiful beaches, vibrant surf culture, and dive spots.

Gili Islands

The more well-known Gilis in Lombok, the Gili Islands, consist of three islands: Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air. These islands offer some of the best snorkelling and diving in Lombok. Gili T is known for its nightlife, Gili Meno is a peaceful and relaxed escape, and Gili Air offers a mix of both.