Lombok is the kind of place that doesn’t shout for attention, but quietly pulls you in and refuses to let go. If you’re considering a trip to Lombok, this Lombok Travel Guide is for you.

Lombok is one of the 17,000+ islands that make up the Indonesian Archipelago. The Island itself has a population of around 4.7million and is about the size of Devon (in the UK). Lombok sits next to Bali on the map and is often described as its quieter sibling or ‘Bali ten years ago’. Neither are true, in my opinion. Despite being neighbours, Lombok sits well clear of the hectic overtones associated with Canggu and Uluwatu.

Lombok moves to its own rhythm. Lombok leads a quiet life. It’s an island of beautiful landscape, beautiful people and beautiful waves.

I’m Sami, and for the last 4 years, I’ve been on a slow lap of the world. After 5 weeks in Lombok, I already know it’s my home away from home, and I’m excited to share why. 

In this Lombok Travel Guide, I’ll share everything you need to know before visiting, from where to stay in Lombok and how to get around Lombok, the best things to do in Lombok and why this Indonesian island has become one of my favourite places in the world.

Things to know before you go to Lombok:

• The local people (Sasak) speak a variation of Indonesian, and are a predominantly muslim society.
• The Indonesian Rupiah is the local currency, and there are plenty of ATMs; cards are widely accepted. You will always want to have cash on you for parking and buying coconuts on the beach. 
• It’s a solidly tropical island with two seasons: wet and dry. Regardless of the month, the temperature nestles between a rather perfect 26 and 31°C. 
• You’ll need a 2-pin plug to power your electronics. You know, the type used in Europe. 
• It’s a low-risk environment, vaccine-wise, and none are necessary for entry. To get in, you will, however, need a VISA, and most people will go for the 30-day tourist E-VISA (which you can extend after arrival, for an additional 30 days). 

The Best Time to Visit Lombok:

Lombok has a tropical climate with two main seasons: the dry season, which runs from May to October and the wet season from November to April. 

If you prefer more predictable weather, the dry season offers lower humidity, more sunshine and very little rain. It’s for this reason that June-July-August is ‘peak’ season and for many, the best time to visit Lombok. If you’re tight on time and want guaranteed sun, take your holiday leave to Lombok around then.

I, however, spent November/December in Lombok and experienced the wet season. And it wasn’t so bad. Rain typically came in short, heavy bursts, followed swiftly by clear skies and a hot sun. Perhaps I was lucky, because these months can bring prolonged periods of rain. If you’re travelling in the low season (December-January-February), you’ll need to be prepared for a week-long wall of weather if you get really unlucky. 

For the unconstrained traveller, the best time to visit Lombok is a trade-off between the risk of rain and the risk of crowds. If you are a surfer or planning to start your surfing journey, you’ll find waves in the dry or wet season; Lombok is a year-round surf destination.

The dry season (summer) brings larger swells and stronger winds, while the wet season (winter) sees smaller, friendlier waves.

Getting to Lombok

Lombok is surprisingly easy to reach. Most travellers arrive by air, by ferry, or by both.

Flying to Lombok

Lombok International Airport (LOP) is the main gateway to the island and is located in the south, a 25-minute drive from Kuta Lombok (one of the main places to stay). 

There are regular domestic flights from major Indonesian hubs, including Denpasar and Jakarta. Flying from Bali to Lombok is fast, reliable and cheap, with short flight times and regular services throughout the day. 

One of the best routes for International travellers is to fly first to one of the major Southeast Asian hubs, such as Kuala Lumpur or Singapore. From there, you can take a direct flight to Lombok. 

Typically, flights from Kuala Lumpur to Lombok are relatively cheap, but be aware that baggage (a surfboard) can quickly double the cost of travel.

Ferry to Lombok

If you fly to Indonesia, there’s a good chance you land in Bali, not Lombok. If a connecting flight isn’t convenient or is too expensive, you can take a ferry. Multiple companies are running multiple crossings per day. Best to book via 12Go, and please make sure you check reviews of the different ferry companies before booking, as some are better than others. Crossings are weather dependent and the trip can sometimes be quite rough, if you’re prone to travel sickness ensure you have travel sickness tablets with you.

Tip: Spend 5 minutes on TikTok looking at the ferry options before you choose whether to travel by sea or air.

Getting Around Lombok

Once you arrive, getting around Lombok is simple. 

The best way to get to your accommodation is by taking a taxi. I always think it’s nice to have a friendly person looking out for you as soon as you land, so I pre-booked my taxi through my accommodation. It’s a bit more expensive, but chances are if you’re coming from the West, you will be sleep deprived, and it’s a nice treat to see your name on a card at the arrivals.

If you forget or can’t be bothered, there will also be many taxi drivers vying for your attention at the arrival hall, all of them eager to take you where you want to go. Lombok is a safe place to travel by taxi.

Once settled in your accommodation, you’ll need a scooter. 

Scooter rental is extremely common, affordable, and offers the most flexibility. Everyone rides a scooter in Lombok, mainly because there are no ride-hailing apps as you find in Bali. 

Even if you are not an experienced rider, I think Lombok is a great island to practice your riding skills. In general, the roads are very quiet, are excellent quality, and everyone drives pretty slowly. 

You can expect to pay about 70k-85k IDR a day for scooter rental. Your accommodation host will almost definitely be able to arrange this for you or point you in the direction or the nearest rental. You’ll see a lot of people riding without helmets; don’t be one of them.

For day trips, hiring a local driver is also very affordable, lets you explore without worrying about navigation or road conditions, and lets you sit back and enjoy the journey. Again, your accommodation host is likely to be able to give you the WhatsApp number of a local driver.

Where to Stay in Lombok 

Choosing where to stay in Lombok plays a significant role in shaping your experience, as each area of the island offers a very different version of the island.

South Coast (Kuta Lombok and nearby areas)
The south coast is one of the most popular areas to stay, and for good reason. The town, Kuta Lombok makes an excellent base for surfing, beach hopping and exploring some of the island’s most beautiful coastline. 

It also offers the broadest range of accommodation, along with a vibrant café and restaurant scene, gyms, spas, and supermarkets. Most tour operators start in Kuta, too, so you can easily take plenty of day trips from here. Check out my complete guide to Kuta Lombok for more info.

If you aren’t so bothered about having an abundance of conveniences and restaurants, then you may also want to look at nearby Gerupuk, Ekas and Selong Belanak. 

South West Lombok (Gili Gede and nearby islets) – This area is far quieter and best suited to travellers looking to (like, really) slow down. It is ideal for snorkelling, diving and switching off, with simple, low-key accommodation and very little development.

North West Lombok (Senggigi) – Senggigi feels like Lombok’s original tourist strip. Resorts line the coast, sunsets are the main event, and days are easy and predictable. It suits travellers who want to settle into one place and stay there. 

North Lombok (Senaru) – Senaru is your base if you plan to hike Mount Rinjani. It’s cooler, greener and more rural than the coast, but there’s little reason to stay unless you’re hiking or spending time in Rinjani National Park. This is a base, not a destination.

The Gili Islands– Located just off Lombok’s north west coast, the Gili Islands are officially part of Lombok and are easy to combine with a mainland stay. Each island offers a different vibe, from lively Gili Trawangan to the quieter Gili Air and Gili Meno.

I chose Kuta Lombok. 

I loved having so many great coffee and brunch spots, a mix of western restaurants alongside local warungs (restaurants), CrossFit and HYROX gyms, and an abundance of (amazing!) spa’s whilst still being able to soak in the island’s culture and nature. Kuta also has some of the best surf spots within a short driving distance. 

The Best Things To Do in Lombok 

Surfing in Lombok

You can’t come to Lombok without giving surfing a go. It’s the main event and without a doubt one of the best things to do in Lombok.

Lombok genuinely has waves for every level, whether you’re a complete beginner or chasing barrels. With so many breaks dotted along the coast (it’s impossible to list them all here), the variety is nothing short of exceptional. 

Booking a surf school or hiring a local guide is the best way to do it. They’ll take care of transport, choose the right spot based on your ability and the day’s conditions, provide boards and rash vests, organise boat access to reef breaks, and guide you in the water. 

Lean on them to take out all the guesswork out of it, and you can focus on enjoying the waves. Take a look at my surf school recommendations on the ‘Kuta Lombok’ guide. 

Scuba diving and snorkelling

Warm water, healthy reefs, uncrowded sites and good visibility year-round make Lombok a very attractive place to snorkel or dive.

Some of the best underwater experiences can be found around the Gili Islands and the quieter Secret Gilis in the southwest.

Blue Marlin Dive is a sustainability-focused operator that runs trips from Kuta Lombok and the Gili Islands, offering experienced guides, quality equipment, and access to numerous sites. They also offer PADI courses if you are interested in getting qualified whilst in Lombok. 

If you’re an ocean baby this is one of the best things to do in Lombok.

Visit a traditional Sasak village and learn about the Sasak culture

One of the best things to do in Lombok is take the time to visit a traditional Sasak (indigenous people of Lombok) village gets you a bit deeper into Lombok’s culture, scratching below the surface of beautiful beaches and oceanscapes. Go spend a few hours at Sade village to learn about traditional architecture, daily life and centuries-old weaving techniques that are still practised today.

If you’re looking for a special souvenir, these villages are also a great place to purchase handwoven sarongs, made by local women using traditional methods. It’s thoughtful, beautiful and useful.

Explore waterfalls in Central and North Lombok

Chasing waterfalls provides a shot of nature. They’re wild, with real volume and water that feels noticeably cooler and cleaner than in many other parts of Indonesia. After time on the coast, it’s a nice reset.

Some of the most impressive waterfalls include Tiu Kelep and Sendang Gile near Mount Rinjani in the north, as well as Benang Stokel and Benang Kelambu in Central Lombok. For a quieter, more off-the-beaten-path experience, stick a Google Maps pin on Mangku Sakti.

Visiting Waterfalls with a local guide is one of the best things to do in Lombok because it makes it easier to combine multiple falls in one day and explore safely, particularly after rain.

Trek Mount Rinjani summit or other non-summit hikes 

Mount Rinjani towers over Lombok at 3,726 metres and shapes much of the island’s landscape. You can see it from almost everywhere. And you can hike up it! Mount Rinjani is a multi-day trek (usually 2-3 days) to the summit. I didn’t do this (it’s closed during peak rainy season) but have heard that it’s equal 1:1 challenging and incredible. 

If a full summit trek isn’t your thing or you’re short on time but still want to experience Rinjani’s beauty, exploring the foothills within Rinjani National Park is a fantastic alternative. Half-day and full-day tours are available. I really like the sound of this half-day foothills tour that also supports a female-led local enterprise, and it’s one I plan to book when I return back to Lombok.

Snorkel at the ‘Secret’ Gilis 

Lots of people have heard of the Gili Islands, but far fewer know about Lombok’s Secret Gilis. Taking a day trip to these small islands off south-west Lombok was one of my favourite experiences. The authentic desert island feel and the crystal clear water rich with colourful fish and coral are what made the Secret Gilis so special for me.

I booked with Feel Lombok, for the snorkelling day trip that took us to Gili Nanggu, Gili Sudak and Gili Kedis. The tour included all transport, snorkelling gear and a delicious fish BBQ lunch on the beach. 

If you’re looking for something even more unique, it’s also possible to spend a night camping under the stars on Gili Kedis, waking up with sunrise on one of the most untouched islands in the area. One of the best things to do in Lombok? I think so!

Explore Tetebatu and Lombok’s rice terraces

Tetebatu is Lombok at its greenest. A peaceful village set amongst rice terraces, jungle trails and waterfalls, on the southern edge of Mount Rinjani. A day trip here is possible, but if you have time to stay at least one night in a local homestay, I’d strongly recommend it. That’s when Tetebatu really reveals itself and you can properly immerse yourself in village life and soak up every drop of nature.

Either hire a local guide or rent a scooter to explore the monkey forest, Tetebatu Waterfall (plus so many other waterfalls nearby), wander through the rice terraces, or take a local cooking class using ingredients grown in the surrounding countryside.

Beach hop and soak up some sun

No matter how long you spend in Lombok, you’ll never run out of beaches to explore. The island’s jagged coastline is dotted with white sand bays and hidden coves, many of which still feel wonderfully untouched. It’s not unusual to arrive somewhere beautiful and have it almost entirely to yourself.

The best way to experience Lombok’s beaches is by scooter. Follow the main road, and then turn off down a dirt track to get to a beach. It’s when the magic happens. 

Two of my favourite spots to slow down with a book are Mawun Beach and Lancing Beach. If you’re feeling adventurous, head to the eastern end of Mawun at medium to low tide and scramble over the rocks to find a hidden tidal pool.

If you find yourself beach hopping in the southwest, then add Semeti Hills as a stop. It’s not a beach, but it’s a great viewpoint with stunning views of the rugged coastline. 

The ‘Lombok Loop’ 

If you want to see as much of Lombok as possible in just four days, Lombok Loop is a cheat code and one of the best things to do in Lombok. The Lombok Loop is a multi-day journey that circles the island, taking you far beyond the beaches and into remote villages, sweeping rice terraces, jungle landscapes and dramatic volcanic scenery.

It’s less about ticking off sights and more about the journey itself, offering a raw, immersive way to experience local life and reach parts of Lombok that many travellers never see. I’d recommend booking directly with the founders of Lombok Loop for the most authentic experience. 

Visit Pink Beach and Tanjung Ringgit

Pink Beach isn’t bright pink, and if you’re arriving expecting candyfloss coloured sand, you’ll probably be disappointed. It’s classic Insta vs reality. The ‘subtle’ pink blush comes from tiny fragments of red coral mixed into the sand, and is only noticeable in certain light.

That said, you should still definitely use Pink Beach as a reason to visit the east, which is wildly underrated and well worth the journey. The coastline is rugged, remote and untouched, with beautiful beaches, dramatic cliffs and hardly any crowds. You can easily combine your visit with a walk along the clifftop trails at Tanjung Ringgit, where the views over the turquoise water and headlands are spectacular.

Things to be aware of in Lombok

Best to set a few expectations, because while it’s one of my favourite places on the planet, it’s not everyone’s perfect place.

• Lombok does not run on convenience. There’s no Uber no Grab, no Gojek, on demand services are limited, and you can’t just order a bike or a car if you want to get around. If you rely on frictionless logistics, this will be an irritation. 

• Unlike Bali, Lombok Island is predominantly Muslim, and that shows up in everyday life. You’ll hear multiple calls to prayer daily (which can start as early as 04:00), and the dress code expectations lean heavily conservative. Swimwear is fine on the beach, but belongs only there, and it’s (rather fairly) expected that you don’t wear bikinis to coffee meet-ups.

• Lombok’s popularity is swelling, and you’re going to see its growing pains. There’s plenty of construction. Waste management is uneven; locals burn rubbish, and litter is visible in some places, particularly around Kuta Lombok and Mataram. It’s not India, but it’s noticeable. We must set a good example by carrying away rubbish from public places, reducing plastic use where possible, and supporting local clean-up efforts rather than assuming the island will absorb the impact.

None of this should come as a surprise, but knowing it in advance makes the experience easier to enjoy and easier to respect.

Is Lombok Worth Visiting?

I think the answer has been evident from the beginning. Yes. 

Lombok is raw without being rough, peaceful, not dull, and adventurous without feeling overwhelming. If you like surfing, good coffee, balance, island pace and smiling, it could just be your paradise. It’s of no coincidence that so many people arrive “just for a holiday” and are still here months, even years later.  Lombok has a habit of doing that. 

If you’re ready for somewhere that’s equally grounding and genuinely special, stop overthinking it and book the flight. Lombok will do the rest.

Have you been to Lombok?

What are the best things to do in Lombok? Anything you’d add to this Lombok bucket list?

Love as always and happy adventuring… 

Sami Norman

You can follow Sami’s adventures on Instagram here.