Lombok Indonesia – Destination Guide

Lombok is Bali’s quieter, wilder neighbor – an island of dramatic volcanoes, white-sand beaches, hidden waterfalls, and traditional villages. With the towering Mount Rinjani at its heart and the turquoise waters of the Gili Islands nearby, Lombok is a dream for surfers, trekkers, divers, and those seeking a more authentic slice of Indonesia.

🏝️ Regions to Explore

🌊 South Lombok (Kuta & Surrounds)

• Laid-back surf town with cool cafés and beach bars
• Stunning beaches such as Tanjung Aan, Selong Belanak, and Mawun
• Best base for surfing, beach-hopping, and chilled evenings

🏔️ North Lombok

• Gateway to Mount Rinjani National Park
• Trekking, waterfalls, and lush jungle landscapes
• Traditional Sasak villages and weaving centers

🏝️ Gili Islands (Trawangan, Meno, Air)

• Gili Trawangan: backpacker energy, nightlife, dive shops
• Gili Meno: peaceful, romantic, perfect for couples
• Gili Air: balance of chilled vibes and great food
• All three have superb snorkeling, diving, and no motorbikes – just bicycles and horse carts

🏖️ West Lombok (Senggigi & Mataram)

• Senggigi Beach: relaxed resort area with good sunsets
• Mataram: Lombok’s main city with markets, mosques, and local eateries
• Easy access to the Gili Islands and day trips north

🏝️ East Lombok & Sumbawa Gateway

• Quieter, off-the-beaten-path region with untouched beaches
• Ferry link to Sumbawa for adventurous onward travel

🌟 Top Things to Do

• Hike to the summit of Mount Rinjani (2–3 day trek)
• Snorkel with turtles off the Gili Islands
• Explore Tiu Kelep and Sendang Gile waterfalls
• Surf world-class breaks at Desert Point or beginner-friendly Selong Belanak
• Discover Sasak culture in Sade and Ende traditional villages
• Relax at Pink Beach with its unique blush-colored sand
• Watch the sunset from Bukit Merese above Tanjung Aan

✈️ Getting There & Back to Bali

• By Air – Lombok International Airport (LOP) has frequent flights from Bali (30 minutes), Jakarta, Surabaya, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore. Flying is the most reliable way if you’re on a tight schedule.
• Fast Boats – Daily services connect Bali (Padang Bai, Sanur, Serangan) with Lombok and the Gili Islands. Travel time is 1.5–3 hours, depending on route and sea conditions.
• Public Ferry – A cheaper but slower option, running 24/7 between Padang Bai (Bali) and Lembar (Lombok). Takes 4–6 hours and can be crowded.
• Return to Bali – The same options apply in reverse: fast boats from Bangsal, Senggigi, or Lembar to Bali; public ferry from Lembar; or flights from Lombok International Airport to Denpasar.

🚗 Getting Around Lombok

• Scooter rental – Most popular and affordable option for short distances.
• Car with driver – Best for groups or longer day trips.
• Taxis & ride-hailing – Bluebird taxis operate in some areas, but Grab/Gojek availability is limited.
• Boats – Public and private boats connect Lombok to the Gili Islands.

🍲 Food & Drink

• Local specialties: Ayam Taliwang (spicy grilled chicken), Plecing Kangkung (water spinach with sambal), fresh seafood
• Beach cafés serving sunset cocktails in Kuta and Senggigi
• Vegan and healthy cafés growing in popularity around Kuta
• Gili Islands known for fresh seafood barbecues

🛍️ What to Buy

• Handwoven ikat and songket textiles from Sukarara or Pringgasela villages
• Handmade pottery from Banyumulek
• Local coffee, spices, and Sasak handicrafts

🏨 Where to Stay

• Kuta (South Lombok) – Trendy boutique stays, surf lodges, and luxury resorts
• Senggigi (West Coast) – Mid-range resorts with ocean views
• Gili Islands – Beach bungalows, chic boutique hotels, and lively hostels
• Rinjani Region – Rustic lodges and eco-friendly mountain stays

🛂 Visa Information

Many travellers can get a Visa on Arrival (VOA) for 30 days, which can be extended once. This visa can be organised in advance online, which we highly recommend doing to avoid queues at the airport. In addition, all travellers are required to fill out an online All Indonesia Arrival Card before arrival at https://allindonesia.imigrasi.go.id/ . Make sure that you check the current requirements before travelling. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please refer to the official Indonesian immigration website: https://evisa.imigrasi.go.id/front/info/evoa

ℹ️ Practical Info

• Currency – Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
• Language – Bahasa Indonesia; Sasak dialect widely spoken; English in tourist areas
• Electricity – 230V, European 2-pin plugs
• Internet – Wi-Fi available in hotels/cafés; mobile internet is reliable with Telkomsel or XL
• Water – Tap water not safe to drink — use bottled or filtered water
• Vaccinations – Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Tetanus are recommended; consult your doctor
• Travel Insurance – Essential for trekking and adventure sports
• Safety – Generally safe, but beware of scooter accidents and strong ocean currents
• LGBTQIA+ Travelers – Lombok is more conservative than Bali; discretion is advised
• Connectivity – eSIMs and local SIMs widely available; Telkomsel has the best coverage. Using an eSIM is our recommended choice while travelling anywhere in the world, and our recommended provider is Holafly. For more information on eSIMs, check out this blog.

🎒 Packing List

• Light, breathable clothing for the tropics
• Modest outfits for temples and villages
• Swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
• Hiking boots and warm layers for Mount Rinjani
• Waterproof bag and sandals for boat trips
• Travel adaptor (European 2-pin)
• Mosquito repellent and basic first aid kit

✨ Why Visit Lombok?

For those seeking Bali’s natural beauty without the crowds, Lombok is paradise. With powdery beaches, untamed jungle, friendly locals, and some of Indonesia’s best adventures — Lombok offers the perfect balance of relaxation and discovery.