Guide to Lombok: secret spots and the best beaches on the island

The island of Lombok is Bali's neighbor, preserving its pristine nature and unhurried pace of life. Lombok combines everything that Indonesia is loved for: volcanoes, rainforests, waterfalls, white sand beaches and excellent surfing conditions.

Here green hills slope down to deserted bays and rainforests hide waterfalls. The island stays true to its traditions: artisan villages live as if time stood still hundreds of years ago.

In this guide, we've compiled everything you need to plan a fun-filled trip on your own or take MyBaliTrips on a tour of Lombok's most beautiful beaches.

Getting to Lombok from Bali is easiest by speedboat or ferry. Both options depart from the port of Padangbai. The journey by speed boat takes 1.5-2.5 hours, by ferry - about 5-6 hours. You can choose a convenient option and book tickets to Lombok in advance.

If you want to save time as much as possible, you can take a domestic flight: the flight from Ngurah Rai Airport in Bali to Lombok takes about 30 minutes.

Lombok's highest point and Indonesia's second highest volcano (3,726 meters above sea level). Rinjani attracts travelers with scenic trekking routes to the volcano's crater, views of Lake Segara Anak, and the opportunity to experience the scale of nature at the top of the island. Keep in mind: climbing Rinjani is a major challenge that requires good fitness and trekking experience. If you are confident in your abilities and you have been trekking before, we are waiting for you on an unforgettable adventure to Rinjani Volcano.

The Sasak are the indigenous people of Lombok who still maintain a traditional way of life. In the villages of Sade and Ende, you can see houses made of clay, bamboo and palm leaves, ancient crafts and rituals passed down from generation to generation.

Two waterfalls on the northern slopes of Rinjani, hidden in dense rainforest thickets. A short walk leads to cool natural pools where you can refresh yourself after the road. These waterfalls are on the itinerary of organized tours of Lombok and are perfect for a first introduction to the north of the island.

The heart of the south coast and a great starting point for exploring Lombok. Kuta is a wide sandy beach where you can alternate between surfing and lazy breakfasts at local cafes. What makes Kuta unique is its atmosphere of freedom: it's easy to meet travelers from all over the world, but still feel spacious and free from the hustle and bustle of the city.

The most picturesque beach of southern Lombok with white sand, wide open spaces for swimming and surfing. A unique feature is the double bay: one side is more calm, the other with light waves. Ideal for long walks along the shore and sunset picnics.

The perfect beach for those who want to learn to surf. The smooth waves, soft sand underfoot and warm water make for a comfortable environment for your first attempts on a board. Along the shore you can see traditional fishermen on wooden boats - a rare combination of lively culture and beach vacation. The beach is surrounded by coconut palms and is also known for its pearlescent sunsets. Imagine the sky flooded with fiery colors and the sun slowly sinking below the horizon, giving you a sense of peace and harmony.

A true treasure of Lombok. The pink color of the sand is created by coral particles and looks especially beautiful in the morning sun. The beach is hidden on the southeast coast of the island and is surrounded by wildlife.

A secluded bay hidden between green hills. The water here is always calmer than on neighboring beaches and there are almost no buildings around. One of the few places on Lombok where you can swim in the calm and feel like the hero of a romantic movie.

The most beautiful beaches of Lombok are conveniently combined in one trip. On a three-day tour from MyBaliTrips, you'll see white sand coves, secluded shores and picturesque hills - everything this island is loved for.

Lombok has great waves for beginners and experienced surfers. It is a favorite spot among the locals. There are fewer people on the linap than in Bali and the atmosphere is much more relaxed. The beaches with sandy bottoms and soft waves are suitable for both first lessons and confident practice. The Don Don spot is suitable for beginners: there is a stable wave break line and comfortable access to the water. Gerupuk Bay has waves for all levels - from beginners to experienced surfers. Surf schools operate right on the beaches and equipment can be rented locally.

Lombok's east coast hides real treasures for underwater enthusiasts. On a boat trip you'll see the tiny sandy island of Gili Pasir, which appears only at low tide, and the coral reefs off Gili Petelu, where hundreds of tropical fish swim among the coral. There are no crowds of tourists here, and the water is so clear that you can see every movement of underwater life.

The island is called the island of hills and volcanoes for a reason. For easy hiking, the hills on the south coast of Lombok, Bukit Merase and Pergasingan, take 15-30 minutes to climb and offer panoramic views of the turquoise ocean, rice paddies and scattered villages at the top. The best time to hike is at dawn or dusk, when the soft light makes the landscape especially evocative and the sky is colored in pink hues.

Lombok's markets are where the real life of the island comes alive: a mixture of the aromas of spices, fresh fruit and fried rice, colorful hand-woven fabrics and the voices of vendors calling out to shoppers in Singla and Sasak languages. The largest is Pasar Cakranegara in Mataram. For those who want to delve deeper into the atmosphere of old Lombok, Ampenan Market, an ancient market near the harbor, is worth a visit. Here the locals themselves buy food and clothes, and there are almost no tourists.

Yoga

Lombok is a place for recuperation. There are yoga studios here, where classes take place surrounded by tropical nature and overlooking the ocean. You can try morning practice at dawn at Ashtari Yoga, located on a hill above Kuta. For those who want to combine yoga with relaxation, Mana Yoga Retreat is a cozy studio with courses for all levels of training.

Want to change your active vacation into a creative one? In Batik Silver Workshop studio you can sign up for a master class in batik technique or try to create your own silver jewelry. A small cozy studio with experienced craftsmen will give you not only a new skill, but also vivid memories of your trip to Lombok.

After busy days on the waves and walking in the hills, it's worth allowing yourself a respite in one of Lombok's cozy spas. There are small but quality spas in Kuta, offering relaxing massages and natural body treatments. Popular spots include Matcha Spa and Lina Spa & Wellness, where you can rejuvenate in a tranquil tropical setting.

A stylish cafe where surfers and travelers flock for a morning of invigorating coffee. From classic Eggs Benedict to smoothie bowls and vegan options, it serves great breakfasts. Light music, a nice buzz and the best latte in Kuta Lombok.

A tropical cafe with an entirely plant-based menu for those who want to start the day light and delicious. Smoothie bowls, avocado toast and matcha lattes in the verdant garden set the mood for a leisurely morning.

A French bakery with the aroma of fresh croissants and warm bread. The perfect place for a leisurely breakfast with a cup of strong coffee. Croissants with almond cream and homemade baguettes will quickly restore your energy after morning walks.

An atmospheric Moroccan-style restaurant where it's easy to forget about time during dinner. The menu features spicy tagines, grilled seafood, refreshing cocktails and fine wine. Ideal for a romantic evening or a leisurely meeting with friends. The place is very popular in Lombok, so it is better to book a table in advance.

A café bar with a lively atmosphere and the soul of Kuta. Large groups dine here: share pizzas from the wood-fired oven, order cocktails and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.

Stylish Italian restaurant with an open kitchen and a cozy terrace. The menu features authentic Neapolitan pizzas, handmade pastas and desserts based on classic recipes. A great place to dine in the relaxed atmosphere of Lombok.

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