May to October (dry season)
$30-100 USD
Bahasa Indonesia and Sasak (English in tourist areas)
Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
Overview
About Lombok
Lombok is an island in West Nusa Tenggara province, located immediately east of Bali across the Lombok Strait. Where Bali has become one of the world's most heavily visited island destinations, Lombok has retained a quieter character, with less infrastructure development outside the main resort corridors, longer stretches of undeveloped coastline, and a distinct culture rooted in the indigenous Sasak people.
The island is dominated in the north by Mount Rinjani, an active stratovolcano rising to 3,726 meters — Indonesia's second-highest volcano and one of the country's premier trekking destinations. The crater rim trek, typically completed over two to four days, offers views down into the still-active crater lake of Segara Anak and across to Bali, Sumbawa, and the Gili Islands on clear days.
The Gili Islands — three small islands (Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air) off Lombok's northwest coast — are the most internationally recognized part of the Lombok experience. Gili Trawangan is the largest and most developed, with a beachfront strip of dive centers, restaurants, and accommodation options. Gili Meno is quietest and popular with honeymooners. Gili Air balances a village atmosphere with reasonable visitor infrastructure. All three islands ban motorized vehicles, creating an unusual atmosphere of foot and bicycle travel.
The Senggigi coast on Lombok's west side is the main beach resort corridor, with a mix of international and local hotels along a sheltered bay with views toward Bali's Agung volcano. North of Senggigi, the Mangsit area offers a more secluded alternative, while the north coast has the renowned Medana Bay and the Sira Peninsula.
South Lombok is increasingly attracting attention for its surf breaks and dramatic coastal scenery. The Kuta area (distinct from Bali's Kuta) offers access to a series of crescent bays with consistent swells, still relatively undeveloped but with a growing number of surf camps and villas. Pink Beach in East Lombok gets its distinctive color from red coral fragments mixed into the sand.
Accommodation
Where to Stay in Lombok
The Sira, a Luxury Collection Resort and Spa, Lombok
resort · €€€ · North Lombok (Sira Peninsula)
The Lombok Lodge Suites and Private Villa
resort · €€€ · North Lombok (Medana Bay)
Experiences
Things to Do in Lombok
Four Gili Islands Guided Boat Tour
A guided boat tour covering all four Gili Islands (Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, Gili Air, and Gili Nanggu) includes snorkeling stops at the reefs surrounding each island, lunch on board, and time ashore to explore the car-free islands on foot or bicycle. The Gili reefs support abundant turtle populations and colorful reef fish.
Gili Islands Full-Day Guided Tour with Snorkelling
A comprehensive guided tour of the Gili Islands covers the most productive snorkeling sites around Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air, with lunch included and stops to explore the islands on foot. The tour provides equipment, guides, and boat transfers from Lombok or Senggigi.
Mount Rinjani Trek (2-4 days)
Mount Rinjani (3,726 m) is Indonesia's second-highest active volcano and one of Southeast Asia's most rewarding treks. The standard crater-rim route takes 2-3 days, with an optional descent to the crater lake of Segara Anak and Aik Kalak hot springs. Summit attempts are typically attempted on a 4-day itinerary departing from Sembalun.
Lombok Pink Beach and Snorkeling Tour
Pink Beach (Pantai Merah) in East Lombok gets its unusual rosy hue from crushed red coral mixed into the white sand. A full-day tour from Mataram or Senggigi visits the beach for swimming and snorkeling on the surrounding coral reef, with stops at additional East Lombok beaches and viewpoints along the route.
Tandem Paragliding and Beach Tour
Tandem paragliding from the hills behind Senggigi offers aerial views over the west coast beaches and the Gili Islands, flown with an experienced pilot from certified launch sites. The activity is typically combined with a beach tour visiting the main Senggigi coastal area before or after the flight.
Waterfall Benang Kelambu and River Rafting
Benang Kelambu is a multi-tiered waterfall in the Rinjani foothills near Batukliang that cascades through curtains of hanging moss into a forest pool below. A combined tour pairs a hike to the waterfall with a river rafting segment on the Babak River through jungle gorges and rice field scenery.
Tetebatu Rice Fields, Waterfalls and Monkey Forest Tour
Tetebatu is a highland village on the southern slopes of Rinjani, known for its intact rice terraces, walking trails through tobacco and coffee plantations, waterfalls at Jeruk Manis, and the Monkey Forest of Wanagiri where black ebony leaf monkeys inhabit the jungle canopy.
Tetebatu Full-Day Eco Tour
The Tetebatu full-day eco tour is a more comprehensive exploration of the highland villages and rice paddy landscapes on Rinjani's southern slopes, including guided walks through working rice and tobacco farms, visits to local craft workshops, and lunch in a traditional Sasak village setting with views toward the volcano.
Practical Info
Lombok Travel Tips
Airport
LOP (Lombok International Airport)
Timezone
UTC+8 (WITA)
Currency
Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
Population
3.6 million (island)
Information
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Lombok?
How do I get to the Gili Islands from Lombok?
Is it possible to do a day trip to Lombok from Bali?
Is Mount Rinjani open for trekking?
Do I need a visa to visit Lombok, Indonesia?
What is the best area to stay in Lombok?
What are the main things to do in Lombok besides the beach?
How do I get around Lombok?
Ready to explore Lombok?
View all hotels, activities, and detailed information on our full Lombok destination page.
Explore Lombok