Located about 40km due east of Bali, Lombok may not have the pull of its superstar neighbour but the island can match it for both beauty and artistic heritage. Visually it’s stunning. Astonishing landscapes define the north of the island, including volcanic foothills. In the deep south is a staggering coastline of largely untouched surf beaches. Culturally, the Lombok Sasak people are predominately Islamic offering a very different experience for the visitor from Bali. Things are changing, too. Down south, around Kuta, new resorts with upscale hotels are cropping up. However, overall Lombok’s cultural character remains largely intact.

The best travel tips for visiting Lombok

Measuring 80km by 70km, Lombok is slightly smaller than Bali. The mountainous north is dominated by the bulk of the sacred volcano Gunung Rinjani, a popular trekking destination. At 3726m high, it is one of the highest peaks in Indonesia.

The main focus for tourists is Lombok’s western coast. Here you’ll find Senggigi beach, a convenient hub, and the Gili islands to the northwest which attracts watersports enthusiasts.

In the last few years, interest the wild south coast has come into focus. Centred on the small but growing surfers’ beaches around Kuta, the area has taken off with independent travellers. Sekotong and the southwest peninsula, with its many enticingly tranquil white-sand islets known as the Southwest Gilis, are also increasingly popular.

Despite Lombok’s many attractions, visitor numbers are dwarfed by those in Bali. As a result, it’s easy to find remote villages, unspoilt coastline and people still living traditional lives.

Snorkel in the southwest Gilis

Often called “The Secret Islands” because they remain relatively undiscovered, the southwest Gilis are an ideal getaway with good snorkelling from the beaches in crystal-clear waters and excellent diving. Many sites here are within a protected bay, meaning plenty of opportunities for all skill levels to see rare, undamaged coral reefs.

This area also rewards experienced divers with eagle rays, sharks and Napoleon wrasse. Gili Layar is ideal for snorkelling and also for macro-photographers; it’s frequented by turtles, has masses of fish and very good coral. At Gili Nanggu there’s very good snorkelling right from the beach. Gili Rengit (also spelled Ringgit) is good for novice divers and has a lovely beach. Medang beach, at the north end of the peninsula, has coral stairs and nudibranchs.

Explore the beaches near Senggigi

The beaches of Lombok’s premier beach resort, Senggigi, may have been trumped by the idyll of the white-sand Gili Islands but with some of the islands best hotels and restaurants, there’s still a real bustle about the place in high season. These days its the outer beaches at Batu Bolong (a 10min walk south) and Mangsit (about 3km north) which are genuinely appealing.

The coastline is indisputably handsome, its 10km series of sandy, swimmable bays curving deeply between a sequence of dramatic headlands.

Summit Gunung Rinjani, Lombok’s Most Rewarding Hike

The best hike on Lombok is the climb up majestic, forested Gunung Rinjani (3726m), taking in the magnificent Danau Segara Anak crater lake. Both the most taxing and rewarding trek on the island, most climbs start from either Senaru or Sembalun Lawang, on the northern slopes.

Two new access points at Aik Berik, near Benang Stokel waterfall, and Timbanuh both on the southern slopes, don’t just mean new routes up but also access to more upload villages too.

Experience Sasak village life at Tetebatu

Scenically situated on the southern slopes of Gunung Rinjani, Tetebatu afford fine views of the mountain across terraced fields lush with rice in the rainy season and tobacco in the dry. At an altitude of about 600m, the area is cool but not cold and Tetebatu makes an excellent base from which to appreciate small-town life and explore the centre of the island. You can also arrange ascents of Rinjani here.

The other main local attraction is the trek through terraced ricefields to the local monkey forest and Jukut waterfall, where the water streams down a towering jungle-clad rock face into a pool 20m below.

Spend some days at the Gili Islands

A trip to the Gili Islands from Lombok is an absolute must for any traveller looking to experience the best of Indonesia’s tropical paradise. These three tiny islands, located just a short boat ride away from Lombok, offer a glimpse into a world of unspoiled beauty and relaxation.

With crystal-clear waters teeming with vibrant marine life, pristine white sand beaches, and a laid-back island vibe, the Gili Islands are a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you’re looking to snorkel with sea turtles, sunbathe on a deserted beach, or simply relax with a cold drink in hand, the Gili Islands offer something for everyone. So don’t miss the chance to experience this island paradise and all that it has to offer.

Spend a day discovering Pink Beach

This beach gets its name from the stunning pink sand. It is created by the natural mixing of white sand with crushed red coral. The crystal-clear water, vibrant coral reefs, and abundant marine life make it an excellent spot for snorkelling and diving.

Pink Beach is also a great place to relax and soak up the sun while enjoying the beautiful scenery. With few tourists compared to other popular beaches in the area, Pink Beach offers a peaceful and quiet escape from the crowds.

Where to Stay in Lombok?

Compared to Bali there isn’t as much choice of accommodation in Lombok, but there is still a good mixture of lumbung bungalows, homestays, business hotels and newer luxurious resorts.

The largest concentration of tourist facilities, including hotels, is found in West Lombok, which stretches from Sekotong and the southwest peninsula through Lembar port to Mataram, then north to Senggigi and its satellite beaches including the Gili Islands in the northwest.

West Lombok

Lombok’s busiest tourist spot, Senggigi, is a great place to stay. There are lots of options In the centre of town but outside July, August and the Christmas holidays you may find it’s just you here. Nearby Batu Bolong and Mangsit are great alternatives.

Further south on the peninsula, Batu Leong which has a number of good resorts. Pandanan and Pekongan offer some peace and quiet. Sekotong is a main town but it is still little visited, As such its accommodation is widely dispersed.

North Lombok

The focus of most visits to north Lombok is climbing the volcano Gunung Rinjani. There’s accommodation in the villages at the start of the mountain trails, as well as some luxurious hotels on the beautiful north-coast beaches.

East Lombok

With a sparse population and few facilities, east Lombok doesn’t entice many visitors, though those who visit will likely pass through Labuhan Lombok port. There are no recommendable places here, head north to Labuhan Pandan or onto Mataram or Tetebatu instead.

South Lombok

Interest in the utterly spectacular south coast of Lombok is starting to take off and the varied accommodation range is already ahead of the game. Kuta is the main tourist centre and Mandalika has a new modern resort.