Visiting Lombok 2023 – Everything you need to know!
So you’ve decided that visiting Lombok is something for you but don’t really know where to start? In this post we give you all the information you could need to plan your Lombok trip. Lombok is a beautiful island situated in the West Nusa Tenggara province of Indonesia and is famous for beaches, surfing and a more relaxed atmosphere than its neighbouring island Bali.
If you are yet to be convinced of whether to even visit this lesser known island then check out our comparison of Bali Vs Lombok.
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Best Time to Visit?
Visiting Lombok will always provide stable temperatures with a tropical 30° average temperature throughout the year, however if you would like a cooler experience head to the North of the island near the Mountains where temperatures are lower.
The seasons are separated into wet November to March and dry May to October. As always, the dry season will be busier and more expensive. If you are looking to spend less, the wet season is still comfortable with only a few hours of rain expected each day.
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How to Get There?
Travelling to Lombok is easily accessible by boat or plane and each option comes with advantages and disadvantages, we have a guide on what to do and what not to do when travelling to Lombok so be sure to check this out for more information.
Main Areas:
Once you have made it to Lombok you need to know what areas to visit on your trip.
The most popular with all types of travellers is Kuta in the South of the Island which attracts many visitors all through the year. Kuta is a great place for any type of surfer all the way from beginner to pro and the beaches along the coast are sure to impress you. Along with great beaches Kuta has a great mixture of Indonesian culture with more western amenities so if you like trying local dishes and then having a beer at a sports bar, Kuta can accommodate all of your needs.
If you are looking for alternatives and want a calmer stay Sengiggi is a great option with great luxury beach hotels and restaurants.
Another area that some people check out is the capital of Lombok Mataram City where you can visit busy shopping centres, scenic forests and large mosques.
Where to Stay?
Personally whilst visiting Lombok, we explored different areas in the day but stayed mainly in Kuta which we believe has the best variety for each option of accommodation.
Dorms:
Your cheapest option when travelling would be to stay in dormitories or dorms as most backpackers would say. Here you will be sharing usually bunk beds with other travellers which can be great for meeting people and getting to know others and don’t mind a bit of extra noise in your room. As a general rule the more beds in a dorm the more uncomfortable your stay is going to be so try to stick to 4-6 bunk beds if possible.
Bale Hostel is a great cheap dorm option with a few local Lombok style huts which are clean and spacious. The owners are a great family and the location is very central for Kuta, but still quiet enough to relax.
Cheap:
The most common accommodation type in Lombok are guesthouses or homestays; this usually means that the family lives there with you in a separate building with a few rooms for guests, basically like you are staying in their home. These are great places to save money whilst still living comfortably and we have always found the host families to be more than helpful and very kind. Another benefit is that breakfast is usually included plus hot water for teas and coffees.
Kuta Lodge Homestay was the best option we came across with great wifi, yummy breakfast and good quality rooms. The family are lovely and go above and beyond to help you such as renting bikes or helping you book activities etc.
Luxury:
If you are looking for a little more luxury, then Harmony Villas is a peaceful and relaxing break from the bustling main streets of Kuta. Each bungalow has a private patio and access to a clean pool which is great for cooling off after activities in Lombok. The staff are more than helpful and can provide taxi services or help set you off on a rented motorbike.
What to Do?
So now you’ve arrived in Lombok and unpacked your things at your accommodation, time to start enjoying all that Lombok has to offer, here are some of our must-see spots.
Bukit Merese:
An elevated viewpoint where you can look out at the sea and different coves that surround Lombok. You will be even more rewarded if you make it for sunset or sunrise as these views are sure not to disappoint. There is a little bit of a hike up to it so this may not be accessible for all and watch out for the monkeys that like to steal food when you’re up there!
Waterfalls:
Lombok is virtually covered in waterfalls and there are many day tours you can arrange to visit some of them. Sedang Gili Waterfall is a spectacular sight to be seen plus Benang Stokel and Benang Kelambu should not be missed.
Mount Rinjani:
Another attraction that brings many to Lombok is hiking Mount Rinjani where you can trek to a massive crescent shaped lake or all the way to the summit. This active volcano is over 3000 metres above sea level and the second highest in Indonesia. The trek takes around 3 days and 2 nights with guide companies helping to organise everything for you.
Beaches:
Spending time at the beaches is a must in Lombok whether it’s surfing, snorkelling or sunbathing that you enjoy, Lombok has you covered, here are our picks of must see beaches:
Tanjung Aan –
Pink Beach (Tangsi Beach) -
This secluded beach is well worth the visit where you can see a natural pink hue to the sand that contrasts the crisp blue sea. In recent years it seems the pink colour has lightened a little so be prepared that it may not be as bright as some photos make you think.
Kuta Beach -
Kuta beach is also a good stop with impressive mountain views plus lots of street vendors selling drinks and snacks. The sand is rather interesting too; more like tiny little round stones. If you have kids with you there are some play areas and entertainment for them too. The thing we like about this beach is that both locals and tourists can enjoy the natural attraction.
Nightlife
Wherever there are backpackers you can find nightlife too and if you like going out we recommend heading to Kuta and spending a few nights in these popular spots. Many of the bars or restaurants have generous happy hours so if timed correctly you could be drinking for half the price.
El Garito is a great spot to start the night and you can spend time playing pool where there is a great mix of travellers and locals or enjoy the different bands they have playing live music every night. Surfers bar is also a popular choice with a similar atmosphere of drinks, music and meeting new people. With most places staying open until late; usually 2am, there are many ways to enjoy the nightlife here.
Food
It is a great idea when travelling in different countries to experience and taste their own local foods and dishes. Indonesia as a whole has a lot to offer when it comes to food and in Lombok you will find a variety of local cuisine to try.
Top dishes that we recommend:
- Ayam Taliwang – Spicy grilled chicken usually served with rice
- Nasi Campur – Mixed rice dish with an array of vegetables and meat accompaniments
- Nasi Kuning – A mixed dish made with coconut and turmeric to give the kuning (yellow) colour
- Lombok Curry – Usually containing vegetables and sometimes meat, always with a deep coconut flavour
- Sate Rembiga – A choice of meat skewers with a sweet sticky marinade, usually with a peanut sauce too.
Make sure you check out Warung Bude (in Kuta) for the best local food we have tried in Indonesia!
After eating your way through these meals there are many western options too if you fancy something a bit more close to home. Our favourite picks were Satu Lagi for great Mexican food, The Breakery for good coffee and amazing French pastries plus Mama Pizza for authentic Italian food.
Suggested Itinerary
Short Trip: 3 days
If you only have limited time than 3-4 days is a good starting point to explore Lombok
Day 1:
- However you are travelling to Lombok we recommend getting this out of the way as early as possible so you have more time on the island.
- Arrive in Lombok in Sengiggi and check out Kerandangan Beach for the morning.
- Head into Martaram (30 minute drive) and find some local street food in the busy streets.
- Organise transport to your accommodation in Kuta (1 hour drive) and unpack before heading to Warung Bude for a great taste of local food.
- In the evening if you have the energy follow the noise of live music and spend time at one of the lively bars.
Day 2:
- After breakfast try a relaxing yoga class at Ashtari Yoga and prepare for a beach day. Any of the beaches in Kuta are suitable for this.
- Around sunset make your way to Bukit Merese for beautiful views and some hiking.
- In the evening, have a relaxing night and try some of our recommended Lombok dishes.
Day 3:
- Prepare to wake up early for a morning surf lesson (Selong Belanak for beginners, Tanjung Aan for intermediate)
- Follow with food and a quick rest at your accomodation.
- Spend your final night among locals and backpackers at El Garito Bar and enjoy their fresh pizzas or live music.
More time?
If you have time to spare and really enjoy all of Lombok then a week will give you enough time to immerse yourself in this island. You can order your trip however you please but you should ensure they contain all of these activities
Day 1:
- Arriving in Senggigi
- Kerandangan Beach
- Pura Batu Bolong
Day 2:
- Explore Mataram
- Islamic Centre Mosque
- Epicentrum Mall
Day 3:
- Kuta Tanjung Aan Beach
- Bukit Merese Viewpoint for Sunset
Day 4:
- Surf Lesson
- Relaxing Massage
Day 5:
- Waterfall Tour
Day 6:
- Scuba and Snorkelling Tour
Day 7:
- Yoga class
- Beach day at The Pink Beach
- Travelling Home
Dangers in Lombok
Lombok is a relatively safe space to travel to but there are a few things to be aware of to ensure you enjoy your trip and don’t find yourself in any uncomfortable situations.
As always in foreign countries there are different levels of sanitation so make sure you are up to date on all of your travel vaccines and try to build up a strong immune system before arriving.
Be wary of fresh fruit or vegetables and ask for drinks without ice to avoid the tap water which is not sanitised like in Western countries.
Lombok is also home to many animals which pose a few threats. You will most likely come across stray dogs and wild monkeys which carry diseases and you should try to avoid. If left alone they usually leave you alone however if a monkey grabs one of your personal belongings do not try to fight and simply let them look through your bag.
A sad truth is that petty crimes and scams exist in Lombok and unfortunately many of them will be targeted at foreign travellers. If you are looking to purchase a day trip or tour it is advised to shop around so you can find the general price that is being charged as some booths may try to charge you inflated rates. Be careful and practise caution with your personal belongings especially in crowded places and do not show off large amounts of cash.
This is good advice travelling anywhere and should hopefully be common sense too. If you would like more information on dangers in Asia we have an entire blog post dedicated to staying safe.
Conclusion
Now you know everything there is to know about visiting Lombok including where to go, what to do and how to stay safe whilst doing it. Check out our other blog posts for more info all about Indonesia to make sure you don’t miss a thing in this beautiful country!
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