Lombok is an Indonesian island east of Bali, reminiscent of "Bali twenty years ago" with more deserted beaches. If you open the map and scroll a bit to the right from Bali, you'll see Lombok surrounded by reefs and turquoise waters. It's a great spot for snorkeling and surfing, and it's home to Indonesia's second highest volcano, Rinjani.
On the island, it's easy to find affordable accommodation and food, wild beaches without tourist crowds, and friendly locals always willing to help. Lombok is a place of fishing villages, morning calls to prayer from mosques, jungles with waterfalls cascading down mountain slopes. If you want to see the "real" Indonesia without straying far from Bali, welcome to Lombok.
Seasons
Like Bali, the dry season here lasts from May to October — the best time for trekking and surfing. From November to March is the rainy season: the heat is less intense, and there are noticeably fewer tourists.
How to Get There
The simplest way is to ride a bike to Padangbai port and take a speedboat. Tickets start at 300,000 rupiahs, and the trip takes 1.5 to 3 hours. Reliable operators include Eka Jaya.
The economical option is the ferry: 75,000 rupiahs per passenger plus about 160,000 rupiahs for a scooter. It takes 5 hours or more, and tickets are only sold at the port. Ferries arrive in Lembar, on the western side of the island; it's about an hour to the southern beaches (approximately 50 km).
You can fly from Bali airport: 45 minutes, about 1.2 million rupiahs one way (check out trip.com, for instance).
Tips: Arrive at the port at least 40 minutes before departure, book tickets in advance during peak season, bring motion sickness pills, and keep your passport, driver's license, and bike rental documents with you.
Useful Information
The roads in Lombok are not as good as Bali's: many potholes, be careful on bikes.
When climbing Rinjani, secure insurance that covers active recreation and hire an experienced guide.
Book excursions with trusted operators while still in Bali and confirm prices in advance. We offer a three-day tour with accommodation in a cozy hotel located in an area abundant with cafes and restaurants, perfect for a pleasant evening stroll and enjoying the local atmosphere.
Exchange money only at places marked authorized, with cameras and counting machines.
Most residents are Muslim: dress respectfully and avoid walking around town in swimwear.
Main Destinations
Mataram
The capital, business hub, and a place to observe everyday Lombok life. Tourists usually don't stay long, but it's worth visiting Pura Meru temple and the Mayura Water Palace, trying street food, and exploring the eastern market.
Kuta Lombok
The southern coast, similar to Bali ten years ago: beachside warungs, no traffic jams, numerous surf spots. You can sign up for a surf camp, rent a board (scooters often come with board racks), or simply relax on Tanjung Aan and Selong Belanak beaches. Suitable for families: many guesthouses, cafes, and a peaceful atmosphere.
Senggigi
The island's prime "gateway." Stylish yet affordable resorts, white and black volcanic sand, calm waters, and famous sunsets at Batu Bolong temple with a view of Agung across the Bali Strait. The nightlife is diverse: bars, live music.
Mount Rinjani
Indonesia's second-highest peak attracts adventurers with multi-day treks to the crater lake Segara Anak and hot springs. Always go with a licensed guide.
Senaru
A village with views of Rinjani, and the TiU Kelep and Sendang Gile waterfalls, and the Sasak people's culture practicing the syncretic religion Wetu Telu.
Tetebatu
A quiet village on Rinjani's southern slope: rice terraces and the Benang Kelambu and Benang Stokel waterfalls. Ideal for lovers of rural idyll.
Sekotong
Southwest of the island: secluded beaches, clear water, access to the "secret" Gili islands Gili Gede.
Gili Islands
The popular trio (Gili Trawangan, Meno, Air) is 10–15 minutes by speedboat from Lombok. No motor vehicles, each island can be walked around in an hour, and the water is full of turtles and corals.
- Trawangan is famous for its nightlife, but there are quiet spots too.
- Meno is the most peaceful: seclusion and romance.
- Air offers moderate activity and tranquility.
The "secret" Gili (Gede, Asahan, Layar, Rengit) off Sekotong offer wild nature and minimal tourists: accessible by local boats or snorkeling tours.
Activities
Snorkeling with Turtles
Head to Nipah beach in Senggigi: numerous warungs, mask and lounger rentals. For families, the best option is the clear shallow waters of Gili Nangu off southwest Lombok.
Beach Relaxation
Beaches on the northern coast (Nipah, Malimbu, Pandanan) amaze with their water color and rows of palm trees. Secluded Mawun, a short walk from Kuta Lombok, offers azure and tranquility.
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Surfing
The south of the island thrives on surf camps. Beginners will find Tanjung Aan suitable, while professionals dream of Desert Point near the "secret" Gili.
Mountains and Waterfalls
Climbing Rinjani is challenging: the loose volcanic sand makes every step "slide" back. Easier trails at the foot lead to the Benang Stokel and Benang Kelambu waterfalls, where water cascades over mossy cliffs. For a unique adventure, visit the Bangkang Cave near Kuta: sunbeams streaming through ceiling holes create a fantastic play of light.
Lombok awaits those who wish to combine active adventures with serene relaxation in the atmosphere of a still "undiscovered" island.
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