Lombok Island is a treasure trove of natural beauty, boasting lush green hills, stunning landscapes, vibrant vegetation, and mesmerizing waterfalls. The island is also home to Mount Rinjani, Indonesia’s second-highest volcano at 3,726 meters. A trek to its summit takes approximately three days, including overnight stops. Undoubtedly, Lombok is one of Asia’s most picturesque destinations.
This article will delve deeper into Lombok, offering a curated list of must-visit spots for a multi-day trip.
Getting to Lombok
Travelers have three main ways to reach this Indonesian gem:
1. Ferry: A 6-hour journey from Bali.
2. Speedboat: A faster option, taking only 1 hour from Padang Bai port.
3. Flight: The quickest and most convenient way to reach Lombok is by air. Flights from Bali’s domestic airport take just 25 minutes (though officially listed as 1 hour). Tickets start at 1,100,000 IDR, and the process is seamless—no long lines, forms, or extended waits.
The rainy season in Lombok mirrors that of Bali, typically beginning in November. Over the years, rainfall has decreased, leading to drier conditions and less greenery. Locals, however, remain optimistic, noting that the island’s lushness returns after the rainy season.
Lombok is home to an abundance of livestock and wildlife. While traveling, expect to encounter mountain goats, cows, and buffalo along the way.
Exploring Lombok by Vehicle
Lombok’s compact size makes it ideal for exploration by car or motorbike. The island can be circumnavigated in 7 hours of non-stop driving, but its winding, mountainous roads mean travel times can vary. For a relaxed pace and to enjoy stops at beaches, waterfalls, temples, and villages, a 2-day trip is recommended:
• Day 1: Focus on the southern beaches and coastline.
• Day 2: Explore the north, including waterfalls and Mount Rinjani.
Transport Options:
1. Car Rentals: Driving a car is a comfortable and enjoyable way to explore Lombok. Roads are generally in good condition, though some paths leading to remote beaches or highland areas can be challenging.
2. Motorbike Rentals: Ideal for solo travelers or those on a budget.
3. Ferry Options: If arriving by ferry, you can:
• Take a taxi from the port to your hotel and rent a vehicle locally.
• Rent a motorbike or car near the ferry terminal.
• Transport your own vehicle from Bali.
It’s quite comfortable to explore the island, or at least half of it, by car.
Most beaches have accessible roads, and parking fees average 10,000 IDR. From the car window, you can enjoy stunning views of the island’s diverse and beautiful nature. Traveling with air conditioning in the heat makes the journey all the more enjoyable.
Renting a Motorbike or Car Near the Ferry
Phone number: +62 896-7134-0532
The other rental companies are located on the main street of Kuta. All of them have excellent ratings and quality motorbikes. There’s only one main tourist street, and no local residents will try to cheat you. Practically every rental company knows each other, so feel free to choose any from the list.
Phone number: +62 878-6500-3553
Phone number: +62 878-6500-3553
Phone number: +62 819-1604-0229
Phone number: +62 831-2918-8866
Restaurants
Let’s start with a selection of breakfast spots. Similar to Bali, Lombok offers chia puddings, avocado toasts, smoothie bowls, and classic breakfasts with eggs and croissants, all in beautifully styled cafes that resemble those in Uluwatu or Canggu.
MUNCHIES
A relaxed surfer vibe, delicious food, and great coffee. The ambiance is reminiscent of Bali’s popular Milk and Madu cafes.
Anchor Café
Outstanding breakfasts, stylish interiors, and hearty portions. This highly rated spot (4.9) truly lives up to expectations.
NOHI (Restaurant ~ Fresh Food & Pastry)
Generous portions – perfect for recharging after surfing. Try the pancakes, coffee, and avocado toast!
Curfew Restaurant and Beer Garden
A great spot for breakfast and lunch with a surfer vibe. Morning coffee with Eggs Benedict in a croissant, and a beer with fish steak or a burger in the evening.
For lunch and dinner, Lombok boasts exceptional restaurants, most rated over 4.5. Options range from Greek and Italian to Mexican and vegan cuisine, all located on Kuta’s main street.
SIMONETTA, Kuta Lombok, Cuisine from the South of France
Specializing in Southern French cuisine, this restaurant is known for its delicious salads.
Terra - Plant-Based Food
A fully plant-based menu perfect for vegans and vegetarians.
Mama Pizza Kuta Lombok
A fantastic Italian restaurant! If you’ve been to Gili Air, you might have seen its seaside location. Their pizzas, pasta, and cheeses are divine.
El Bazar Cafe & Restaurant
A stunning venue for wine and seafood. This popular spot offers a beautiful atmosphere with several seating areas, including a picturesque fountain room with terracotta walls. Advanced booking is recommended.
Kenza Cafe & Restaurant Kuta Lombok
A sibling to El Bazar Cafe, Kenza focuses on breakfasts and lunches, with poke bowls, avocado toasts, and salads on the menu.
Elamu Lombok
A charming Greek-inspired cafe with delicious wraps (gyros) and vegetarian options.
Lombok also has simpler options, including warungs offering fresh seafood such as tuna, prawns, and white fish.
Beaches
Lombok’s beaches are breathtaking, featuring white sandy shores in the south and even pink sand beaches (best seen with a bit of Instagram magic).
Selong Belanak Beach
A renowned beach perfect for beginner surfers. Local instructors at surf schools can have you standing on the waves in no time.
There are small warungs offering coconuts and seafood, as well as budget-friendly sun loungers for about 50,000 IDR. Laut Biru Bar and Restaurant is a great spot for coffee or kombucha. In the late afternoon, watch the buffalo herding – a truly unique sight.
Lombok is a paradise offering incredible dining experiences, stunning beaches, and picturesque scenery – a must-visit destination for your next adventure.
Pantai Serangan
A more secluded beach with stunning ocean water color. The surf school here caters to beginners and intermediate surfers, and you can take a boat further out for a more professional surf spot.
On the beach, you’ll find a few loungers near Ketapang Warung and a trendy beach club, Segara Lombok Bar & Restaurant.
Tampah Beach
A quiet beach with plenty of loungers. You can grab a meal at one of the warungs and use the loungers for free. The beach is very clean and serene.
Mawun Beach
This bay beach boasts an extraordinary water color, scenic hill views, and white sand. Perfect for drone photography, as it offers stunning visuals.
Mawi Beach
Mawi Beach is a bit wilder, with breathtaking hill views. The ocean entry features sand and rocks. Across the way, you’ll find a professional surf spot for experienced surfers.
Pantai Lancing
A paradise-like beach on the way to Lombok’s main tourist hotspot. The beach has a few loungers, warungs serving coconuts, and small shaded shelters to avoid the sun.
Kuta Beach
The most famous and central beach in Lombok, Kuta is located in the island’s southern part and is the most popular and developed area.
The long beach invites strolls among local fishing boats, and many locals gather here in the evenings for walks. There’s also a children’s playground in the central area.
This district is home to numerous popular European cafes and restaurants, with a long beachfront promenade ideal for leisurely walks.
Tanjung Aan Beach (Pantai Tanjung Aan)
The next stop is the picturesque Tanjung Bay, featuring soft, white sand and crystal-clear, calm ocean water. Loungers and bamboo shade structures invite you to stay longer.
There are many warungs offering coconuts and local food. Swimming here is a pleasure, and there are swings for picture-perfect moments.
Viewpoints
• Bukit Seger: The perfect spot for sunsets, popular among tourists and locals alike. On the way up, you can buy water, soda, and, of course, chilled Bintang. Parking is available.
• Tunak Hill Tower: This area is dotted with scenic viewpoints, but Tunak Hill Tower stands out as the most beautiful. It offers breathtaking views of the turquoise ocean.
Active Leisure in Kuta
Beyond surfing, Lombok offers yoga studios, gyms, and beautiful hotels ideal for retreats. Expats have significantly invested in the island, resulting in stylish venues. While Lombok is often compared to Bali 10 years ago, it still has a long way to go in terms of infrastructure.
Shanti Yoga Lombok
Located in the heart of Kuta, this stunning yoga studio offers yoga, pilates, sound healing, retreats, teacher training programs, and cacao ceremonies during new moon and full moon phases. Weekly schedules are updated on their website.
XENO FIT | GYM LOMBOK
A chic, clean, and modern gym with plenty of equipment and a free weights area. KITAS holders receive discounts. The gym is open-air with fans, so mornings are the best time to work out before the heat sets in. Classes include yoga, pilates, boxing, CrossFit, and aerobics, with schedules available on Instagram.
Bumblebee Gym
A local gym offering day passes for just 45,000 IDR. It’s basic but has all the essentials, equipped with fans instead of air conditioning.
Loka Gym • Recovery Centre • Reformer Pilates • Health Cafe • Surf Lodge
A modern facility combining a gym, hotel, and healthy dining options. The gym features a sauna and cold-water pools, as well as well-equipped strength and cardio areas. Group class schedules are available on Instagram.
Creative Activities
Batik and Silver Workshops
For a creative break, join a workshop to learn batik art or create silver jewelry. A cozy studio with skilled instructors, this activity offers a unique experience and lasting memories of Lombok.
Spas
Matcha Spa
A beautiful space offering high-quality massages and excellent service, with complimentary coffee. Additional treatments, such as hair care, are available—a great option for surfers dealing with hair damage from the ocean.
Lina Spa & Wellness
This aesthetically pleasing spa offers professional massages in a stunningly designed space. Everything is thoughtfully arranged, with divine body oils to elevate your relaxation. Beyond physical relaxation, this spa promises a truly rejuvenating spiritual experience.
Jivana Spa Kuta Lombok
Great location and good massages. Compared to previous spas, the interior here is simpler, but there’s a beautiful green garden where you can relax with a cup of tea after your massage.
Accommodation
Lombok offers a wide range of accommodation options: from simple, budget-friendly hostels for surfers and affordable guesthouses to beautiful cliffside hotels and cozy premium villas.
OLEA Villas Resort
On the map
Very nice apartments with a private pool and kitchen. The price per night is around 1,300,000 IDR.
The interior is sunny and stylish, with concrete elements that perfectly blend with the greenery. A bonus is the complimentary fruit provided.
Novotel Lombok Resort and Villas
A decent, green hotel located right on the oceanfront. The price per night starts from 1,400,000 IDR.
Inlight Lombok Resort
An excellent hotel for families, couples, or solo travelers. The resort offers stunning ocean views, an infinity pool, and amazing breakfasts.
Nearby are surf spots, a swimming beach, and plenty of greenery.
The price is very affordable – starting from 650,000 IDR.
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