Nestled in the heart of Indonesia’s Lesser Sunda Islands, Lombok is a tropical paradise offering a quieter alternative to its famous neighbor, Bali. With its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and rugged volcanic landscapes, Lombok is a haven for adventure seekers and relaxation lovers alike. Whether you’re scaling the majestic Mount Rinjani, exploring the vibrant marine life in the Gili Islands, or soaking in the local Sasak culture, Lombok promises an unforgettable travel experience filled with natural beauty and cultural richness. Welcome to Lombok, where every journey leads to discovery.
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Where is Lombok?
Lombok is an island to the East of Bali, across the Lombok strait. It is located in the West Nusa Tenggara province of Indonesia, which includes Sumbawa and some other small islands. Lombok has a slightly smaller area than Bali. Interestingly, even though Lombok is very close to Bali, the climate and vegetation is slightly different. Lombok has slightly more arid terrain.
The people of Lombok are Sasak. They are related to the Balinese in language and ancestry, although the Sasak religion is predominantly Muslim. Mataram is the administrative center, and is a very historic city dating back to the 16th century.
Why Visit Lombok?
Although they are close neighbours, Lombok offers a different travel experience to Bali, with natural attractions making up most of the points of interest.
- Lombok has many pristine beaches
- There are lots of surf spots for all levels of experience
- There are hiking trails
- Mt Rinjani, second tallest volcano in Indonesia and can be climbed over 2-3 days or viewed from surrounding villages.
- There is magnificent snorkeling and diving
- There are scenic rice fields and waterfalls
- Much of the accommodation and food is cheaper than Bali
- The Sasak and Islamic culture is fascinating and different to Balinese culture
- There is stick fighting
Travelling to Lombok
You can travel to Lombok very easily from Bali either by sea or air.
Fast boat
There are fast boat services for around $70-$90 return. Depending on the conditions it will take 2.5-4 hours but expect some delays on departure.
– The boats leave from Padang Bai, which is the closest port from central and Northern Bali and goes via Gilli Trawangan and Gili Air, before arriving at Bangsal, the port just outside of Senggigi on Lombok’s North Western Coast.
– For Southern Bali departures, the best port is Serangan. The boat will stop at Nusa Penida, Gili Trawangan and Gili Air before arriving at Bangsal Port.
Slow boat
Also known as the local ferry, there is a shuttle service between Padang Bai boat harbor and Lembar Port in West Lombok. The travel time is approximately 4 hours. The boat leaves roughly every hour, 24 hours a day conditions permitting. The tickets are available at the harbor on a first come, first served basis so no need to pre-book. It serves as a logistical ferry carrying cars, trucks and motorbikes. The cost is $7.50AUD for a scooter/moped, $48AUD for a car and just $2AUD for passengers. If you do not have your own transport from Lembar, you can negotiate a ride with the bemo drivers at the port. It is advised that you take caution when embarking and disembarking from the ferry as the ramp is used by heavy vehicles. Keep a close eye on your personal items and luggage incase of pickpockets.
Plane
Flying is probably the quickest and easiest way, depending on your exact origin and destination. You will fly from the domestic airport in Bali, to Lombok Praya Airport located around 30 minutes from Kuta Lombok on the South Coast. The flying time is 40 minutes, with Wings Air, Garuda or Citilink costing $50-$100 per person one way. There are also flights from Jakarta, and at times from international destinations.
Depending on your starting point and destination, you might want to consider whether flying or boat will be quickest and easiest. If you are travelling from Kuta Bali to Kuta Lombok, or just transferring through Denpasar airport for example, flying might be the most direct route. If you are travelling from Ubud to Sengiggi for example, fast boat would be the most direct route.
Best Time To Visit Lombok
Usually dry season is April to September but it can change year to year. June and July are usually the driest months. The landscape becomes a little less green during this time, and usually the surfing conditions are not as good during these months due to strong winds. There are various sites and attractions however, that can be enjoyed even during wet season. Lombok has less rainfall than Bali throughout the year however.
Best Areas To Stay in Lombok
Kuta
Kuta has become a base for surfers exploring the waves of the South Coast for a couple of decades. In recent years, Kuta has developed into a trendy surf town with the development of Western influenced restaurants, cafes, accommodation, gyms, yoga studios and shops. There are plenty of pristine beaches to explore in the area. Kuta is only a short 30 minute car ride from Praya International Airport.
Recommended Stays
- Luxury Stay- Jati Villas
- Family Stay- Novotel Lombok
- Mid-range- Mana Lombok
- Budget- Birru Inn
Selong Blanak
Located a few bays around from Kuta, Selong has a pristine white sand beach with gentle waves making it a great spot for families. There are quite a few luxury villas and resorts in the area. Selong Blanak has only very recently become a place of interest for tourists in recent years with the rapid development of accommodation. Selong Blanak is a good option if you are looking to lay low in a resort or villa and spend time on a quiet beach.
Recommended Stays
- Luxury stay- Tampah Hills
- Family Stay- Amber Lombok Beach Resort by Cross Collection
- Budget- Ola Ola Lombok
- Mid-range- Suku Lombok
Senggigi
Many resorts were built in Senggi in the 1990’s as there was hype around Lombok becoming ‘the new Bali’. Tourism slowed following the development, and now the Kuta area has overtaken Seggigi in popularity and development. However Senggi is still a charming spot if an ‘Old Bali’ vibe is what you are looking for.
Recommended Stays
- Luxury- Jeeva Santai Villas
- Family- Holiday Resort Lombok
- Midrange- The Chandi Boutique Resort and Spa
- Budget- Cozy Cottages Lombok
The Gili Islands- The Western Gillis
The word ‘Gilli’ means small island in the Sasak language. There is no traffic, or even cars on the islands. There are some motor bikes but not very many. Great for snorkelling, diving, and obtaining Padi certification, you are sure to have a castaway experience. Each Gilli has its own personality. From Bali you can take the fast boat across the Lombok Strait to reach Gilli Trawangan which costs around $30AUD. It takes 1.5-2hrs from Padang Bai or 2.5-3 hrs from Serangan via Nusa Penida. From Senggigi the journey is only around 30 minutes.
Gili Trawangan
The largest and most developed of the Gili Islands, Gili T has the most hotels, restaurants and activities. The main drag screams backpacker trail with beach bars, homestays and guest houses, dive schools and restaurants. There is a night market where you can experience local food. You can walk around the perimeter of the island in around 2 hrs. Definitely a party island, Gili T will suit you if you are a solo traveller looking to meet people and party.
Recommended Stays
- Luxury- Kardia Resort Gili A Pramana Experience
- Family- Gili Eco Villas
- Midrange- Flamingo
- Budget- Wah Resort Gilli Trawangan
Gili Meno
The honeymoon island with plenty of beach bungalows. There are 48 life sized human statues placed underwater at one of the dive sites off the island. This is to facilitate coral reformation and as an underwater attraction for snorkelers and divers. It is the least developed and most quiet of the Gili islands and arguably has the nicest and quietest beaches.
Recommended Stays
- Luxury- Bask
- Family- Maha Maha
- Midrange- Siri
- Budget- Sunset Beach Bungalow
Gili Air
Laid back Gili Air is a great vacation spot for families. It is the middle ground between Trawangan and Meno with some of the facilities of Trawangan but with a much more laid back vibe. There are beach bars with acoustic music at sunset. You won’t find any wild parties on this island.
Recommended Stays
- Luxury- Slow Gili Air
- Family- Little Matiki
- Midrange- Jaigo
- Budget- Amel House
Eastern Gilis
To the otherside of Lombok on the East side there are the lesser known Gili Islands, Gili Kondo, Gili Bidara, Gili Kapal and Gili Lampu. These islands have a lot less tourism and are a haven for underwater exploration as the coral is lively. Gilli Kondo is the most popular of the islands, with local tourists visiting during holidays and weekends. It is also a popular camping spot. Gili Bidara is uninhabited and very quiet. Gili Kapal is a speck of an island with a big sandbar you can walk along. Gilli Lampu is a mangrove island.
To get to the Eastern Gillis, it is around a 2 hour drive from Senggigi or 2.5 hours from the airport to the Eastern boat harbor, Labuhan. You can visit all three islands on a day trip. The fast boat takes around 15 minutes from the mainland.
There are some bathrooms and changing room facilities and shops for drinks and snacks. Book accommodation beforehand.
Gili Gede- South West Lombok, Sekotong Region
You can travel to Gilli Gede from the port near Sekotong, Tawun, or from Lembar Harbour which takes around 45 mins.
There is also Asahan, Ringgit and Layan in the area, however Gilli Gede has the most options for resorts and accommodation, food and activities. Gilli Gede has beautiful scenery and a traditional Sasak village vibe, white sand beaches and mangroves. There is a fishing and pearling industry.
Getting Around Lombok
Ride share apps are not available on Lombok so you can use metered taxis, private drivers, or a rented car or bike to get around. You can rent a car or bike in Bali and bring it over on the slow boat also.
Places to Visit In Lombok
Lombok is only slightly smaller than Bali, with much less traffic so if you plan well you will be able to see a lot, even on a short trip. The main attractions are-
- Pink Beach- Although the beach may not be as pink as it appears in photos, it is still a scenic spot.
- Sendang Gile Waterfall & Senaru Village Tour- North Lombok
- Benang Stokel and Benang Kelambu Waterfall- Central Lombok
- Traditional Sade Sasak Village- Learn how the locals live on this cultural tour to visit a traditional village, see different handicraft workshops
- Malimbu Hill lookout
- The Gilis (there are 33!)
- Pura Batu Bolong- Hindu Temple near Senggigi
- Selong Blanak Beach, Tanjung Ann Beach, Mawun Beach, Mawi Beach in the Kuta Lombok area
- Sembalun Village- A mountain village in North Lombok. Pergasingan Hill is a large hill that sits above the rice field valleys of Sembalun. Its highest point is around 1,750 meters, which means you’ll be climbing roughly 600 meters of altitude. It takes about 1.5 hours to reach the top at a decent pace, where you’ll be rewarded with some of the best views in Lombok.
Things To Do In Lombok
Lombok is sure to be an action packed destination if enjoying the great outdoors is what you are looking for. Here are some activities you can look forward to.
- Rice field and mountain hiking and cycling tours
- Mount Rinjani climb over 2-4 days
- Tour of Sendang Gile Waterfall & Senaru Village
- Learn to Surf in the Kuta Lombok area
- Explore the beaches of South Lombok
- Enjoy shops and cafes in Kuta Lombok
- Take a day trip to the Gili Islands
- Snorkelling and diving and getting Padi certification
Food To Try in Lombok
Lombok has slightly different cuisine to surrounding islands. You are likely to see Ayam Taliwang being sold at a lot of street side vendors. We do recommend you stay away from ‘street food’ however as the food hygiene practices may cause illness. If you would like to try local food, we recommend finding a reputable restaurant.
- Plecing Kangkung
- Ayam Taliwang
- Sate Bulayak
- Sate Rembiga
- Ares
- Sate Ikan Tanjung
- Nasi Puyung
- Bebalung
- Ikan Bakar Pantai Nipah
- Beberuk Terong
Day Trips
You might want to base yourself in Kuta or Senggigi where there are plenty of accommodation and food options, or spend some time in each spot and do day trips from there.
- Gilis- the various Gilli Islands are an easy day trip.
- Cycling and hiking tours- this is a great way to discover villages and the culture of Lombok
- Sembalun Village- you can stay the night in the area or take a day trip from Sengiggi and Kuta areas
- Beach hopping in South Lombok- you can do this from Kuta Lombok or Selong Blanik.
Lombok Travel Tips
It’s important for women especially to respect the local Islamic religion and dress conservatively. In certain tourist areas it may be ok to wear a t-shirt or shorts, but when leaving the main tourist hubs it is strongly recommended that women cover their legs and shoulders. A bikini may be ok on beaches frequented by tourists, but it’s advisable that women cover up after.
- Do not act intoxicated or rowdy in public and draw attention to yourself. Locals may find obnoxious behaviour very offensive.
- 3 nights to 10 days is a good amount of time to spend in Lombok, depending on how many different areas you would like to explore.
- Always have cash with you, as vendors are less likely to have card facilities than in Bali and other parts of Indonesia. Sometimes you will have to travel to a different town to use an ATM in less touristy areas.
- Stay away from street food
- Bring Western creature comforts with you, like personal hygiene items, baby formula etc. There is no big Western supermarket in Lombok.
- If you plan on hiking Rinjani, be prepared- bring hiking shoes, wet and cold weather gear. The hike is very demanding and it is very cold, especially when you are camping overnight.
- You will be able to hear the call to prayer from the mosques everywhere in Lombok at Dawn and Dusk and throughout the day, so you may want to bring ear plugs if you are a light sleeper.
- Don’t rely on Google maps etc. It may not be fully accurate. If you are going off the beaten track it’s advisable to travel with a guide.
