Ultimate Travel Guide to Lombok, Indonesia

Today I’m sharing my ultimate travel guide to Lombok, Indonesia. This is easily one of my favorite islands in Indonesia, and in this guide, I aim to help you slow down, appreciate the island’s beauty, and hopefully, venture off the beaten path.

Earlier this year, I spent a month exploring the island of Lombok. It was the perfect island for relaxation, beach hopping, chasing waterfalls, and enjoying incredible Indonesian food. Lombok is a truly special island, lush and tropical, with some of the best beaches I’ve seen in this part of the world. It’s also growing and changing quickly.

Lombok is becoming one of the most popular places to travel in Indonesia. There’s so much travel spillover from Bali that I think this island is going to change a lot, very quickly. It’s already changing, with the new racetrack and increased investment, whole beaches have been transformed from local paradises to tourist hotspots. Lombok is stunning, and this island is home to some of the kindest people we met in our travels.

So, how can we, as travelers, help protect and preserve this beautiful island, while still having the chance to experience it for ourselves? That’s what I’m going to attempt to help you do in this complete travel guide to exploring Lombok.

Alright, ready? Grab a coffee and let’s get started.

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Justyn’s Quick Lombok Recommendations:

🏨 Stay: One of my favorite hotels in Lombok is Lombok Souls.

⛰️ Favorite areas: Sengiggi for beaches and snorkeling, and Tetebatu for rice terraces and waterfalls.

⭐️ Tours: If you’re feeling adventurous, climb Mt. Rinjani while you’re there.

🇮🇩 Travel tip: Get connected fast with an Indonesian eSIM.

💳 Travel card: I highly recommend Charles Schwab for free cash withdrawals from any ATM in the world, and I love my Capital One credit card.

The Ultimate Travel Guide to Lombok, Indonesia

What you need to know before you visit Lombok
Where to stay in Lombok
Getting to and around Lombok
How long should you stay
Local activities & experiences in Lombok
Gili Islands day trips
Responsible travel in Lombok & Indonesia
Is Lombok right for you? Alternatives to explore

Lombok is an island in Indonesia, sitting just east of Bali and west of Sumbawa in the Lesser Sunda Island chain. It’s separated from Bali by the Lombok Strait, which is especially interesting because it marks the Wallace Line – a biogeographical boundary where the wildlife of Asia meets the very different fauna of Australasia. The line is named after Alfred Russel Wallace, a naturalist who, alongside Charles Darwin, developed the theory of evolution.

What you need to know before you travel to Lombok

The local people of Lombok are the Sasak, and they speak their own language, also called Sasak, which is different from Bahasa, Indonesia’s national language. Learning even a few basic phrases goes a long way here! We noticed how happy the locals were when we tried speaking a little Bahasa or even a bit of Sasak. When in doubt, ask your taxi driver how to say something – they’re always our first go-to when picking up new words in a new place.

Basic phrases in Sasak:

Hello / How are you?
- Berembe kabar? (be-REM-be KA-bar)
Thank you
- Tampiasih (tam-pi-a-SIGH) — “Thank you.”
You’re welcome
- Pade-pade — “You’re welcome.”
Excuse me / Sorry
- Tabe — “Excuse me.”
- Maaf — “I’m sorry.”

Basic phrases in Bahasa:

Hello / Good morning
- Halo (HAH-lo) — “Hello”
- Selamat pagi (suh-LAH-maht PAH-gee) — “Good morning”
Good afternoon / evening / night
- Selamat siang (see-AHNG) — midday
- Selamat sore (SOH-ray) — late afternoon
- Selamat malam (MAH-lahm) — evening/night
How are you?
- Apa kabar? (AH-pah KAH-bar) — “How are you?”
- Baik-baik saja (BI-ik BI-ik SAH-jah) — “I’m fine.”
What is your name?
- Siapa nama kamu? (see-AH-pah NAH-mah KAH-moo) — “What’s your name?”
- Nama saya ___ (NAH-mah SAH-yah ___) — “My name is ___.”
Thank you / You’re welcome
- Terima kasih (tuh-REE-mah KAH-see) — “Thank you”
- Sama-sama (SAH-mah SAH-mah) — “You’re welcome”
Yes / No
- Ya (yah) — “Yes”
- Tidak (TEE-dahk) — “No”
Excuse me / Sorry
- Permisi (per-MEE-see) — “Excuse me”
- Maaf (MAH-ahf) — “I’m sorry”
How much is this?
- Berapa harganya? (buh-RAH-pah har-GAHN-yah) — “How much does it cost?”
Very delicious
- Itu enak sekali (EE-too EH-nahk suh-KAH-lee)

Pro tip: Bahasa is phonetic and straightforward. The words are pronounced exactly as written. Even using simple greetings like “Selamat pagi” or “Terima kasih” will make locals smile.

Important Cultural Practices

When you’re in Lombok, a little cultural awareness goes a long way. Swimwear is perfect for the beach, but once you leave the sand, please cover up with light clothing. Dressing modestly is one of the easiest ways to show respect for local customs and traditions.

Unlike Bali, Lombok is a predominantly Muslim island, which means modest dress is especially important here. That said, the same advice really applies anywhere in Southeast Asia (including Bali!). At home, we’re used to seeing ‘no shoes, no shirt, no service’ signs — and the same should apply when traveling. I can’t believe I have to say this, but please put some clothes on when you leave the beach (even in touristy areas!).

Is Lombok Safe?

Absolutely. I found Indonesia to be one of the safest countries I’ve traveled to, and I’ve explored it both with my husband and on my own. Lombok also felt very safe as an island. It’s fairly developed and touristy already, and the locals are so kind and ready to help. Especially when I went the extra mile with a big smile and a few words in the local language, I found that people always went out of their way to help me.

As with traveling anywhere, just be aware of yourself and your surroundings. My biggest piece of advice to anyone traveling in Southeast Asia is to always wear a helmet when riding a scooter. As my mom always says, “We like our brains on the inside of our skulls.” Also, only drive a scooter if you feel comfortable doing so.

Where to stay in Lombok

For us, figuring out where to stay was the trickiest part of booking our trip to Lombok. The island itself is slightly smaller than Bali, but you’ll still want to base yourself in a specific area depending on what kind of trip you’re after.

Here’s a quick travel guide to Lombok’s regions, followed by some of my top hotel recommendations for the island. If you want even more hotel recommendations for Lombok, I’ll be publishing that guide next.

Lombok has five main regions where most travelers go, plus the popular Gilis:

South Coast (Kuta & surrounding beaches): Perfect for surfing and beach hopping, with laid-back coastal vibes.
Southwest (Gili Gede & nearby islets): A quieter area ideal for snorkeling, diving, and escaping the crowds.
Central Lombok (Mataram & Tetebatu): Explore the island’s capital for sightseeing, or head toward Tetebatu at the base of Mount Rinjani for rice terraces and waterfalls.
Northwest (Senggigi): A popular stretch with resorts, beaches, and easy access to day trips.
North (Senaru): A common base for trekking Mount Rinjani and experiencing the local Sasak village culture.
Gili Islands:
- Gili Trawangan – famous for nightlife and parties.
- Gili Meno – romantic and quiet, perfect for honeymooners.
- Gili Air – a great balance, especially for scuba diving.

The type of trip you’re planning will help you decide which region of Lombok to stay in. For example, if your goal is to climb Mount Rinjani, you’ll want to spend a night in Senggigi or Senaru, since that’s where most treks start. On the other hand, if you’re looking to surf and beach hop, the south coast is your go-to spot.

Lombok Hotel Recommendations

Now that you have an idea of the regions, I want to share a couple of hotel recommendations. Here’s a few of my favorite places to stay in Lombok.

Photos courtesy of Booking.com (El Tropico Boutique Hotel & Lina Boutique Villas & Spa)

Kuta

El Tropico Boutique Hotel (9.2 ⭐️)

If you’re looking for somewhere that’s very budget-friendly in Koh Tao, make sure to check out Save Bungalows. I’ve spent a couple of nights at Save Bungalows, thanks to their cheap prices and convenient location (they’re right near the pier.)

Save Bungalows are extremely basic, but they’re walking distance to beaches, restaurants, bars and the pier. They offer fan rooms, scooter rental and laundry. I wouldn’t recommend them for a long stay, but if you need a night or two close to their pier, they’re a great option.

Check Availability & Book

Lina Boutique Villas & Spa (9.7 ⭐️)

Check Availability & Book

Tetebatu

Nirvana Hotel Resort Tetebatu (8.8 ⭐️)

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Tetebatu Flush Harmony (8.8 ⭐️)

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Sengiggi

Lombok Souls (8.4 ⭐️)

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Villa Marley (9.1 ⭐️)

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Getting to and around Lombok

Lombok has an international airport (LOP) with flights connecting from around the world. If you’re already in Bali, you can also take a ferry across the Lombok Strait. I haven’t tried it myself, and I’ve heard some horror stories about rough crossings at certain times of year, so it can be a bit bumpy. If you do want to take a ferry from Bali to Lombok, I recommend booking through 12Go or Bookaway.

Once you’re in Lombok, the best way to explore the island is by scooter. If you’re unfamiliar with riding a scooter, Lombok is a great place to learn because it actually has wide roads and less traffic; however, if you’re really not comfortable with riding a scooter, there are taxis everywhere that can help you get around easily.

We rented a scooter from each of the hotels that we stayed at and took taxis between hotels.

How long should you stay?

One of the biggest questions I got when I started putting together this travel to guide to Lombok was, “How long should I stay?” And here’s the thing about me… I am a slow traveler. I spent an entire month on Lombok, whereas most people would typically visit 3-4 islands in Indonesia during the same amount of time.

In fact, I spent four months in Indonesia and only visited five islands. I hope that I can encourage you to slow down in your own travels. I know that when you visit a new place, it can be tempting to feel like you need to see every single thing and place… but trust me, slowing down and spending more time in a place helps you really connect with it.

And take it from someone who’s been traveling for a long time – you do not need to see every beach, waterfall, temple, or island. Your trip can be just as fulfilling, if not more fulfilling, when you slow down and pick just a few places to explore.

I know that having an entire month to spend in Lombok is also a huge privilege that most people won’t have. So, how much time should you spend in Lombok?

Personally, I would recommend spending two weeks in Lombok. It would be the perfect island for your entire vacation, as you can also take a day trip to the Gili Islands. Here’s how I would break up two weeks in Lombok:

Quick 2-Week Travel Guide to Lombok

Fly into Lombok International Airport (LOP) → Head straight to Kuta.
Spend 3 nights in Kuta exploring beaches and surfing → Travel to Tetebatu.
Spend 4 nights in Tetebatu for waterfalls, rice terraces, and local life → Continue to Senggigi.
Spend 4 nights in Senggigi, and set out on a 1-night trek to Mt. Rinjani (most tours can be organized from Senggigi)

You can organize the Mt. Rinjani trek at any time during your stay in Sengiggi. Then, from Sengiggi, fly back out of Lombok airport or continue overland (or by ferry) to your next destination. If you have even more time to spend, I would recommend spending a full month in Lombok to truly get off the beaten track and take it all in.

Local activities & experiences in Lombok

Lombok is the perfect island for travelers looking for an adventure. You have scuba diving, volcano trekking, local villages to explore, stunning beaches, and a seemingly endless supply of waterfalls to discover. There are also tons of beautiful beaches where you can buy a coconut, sit in a beach chair, and read a book all day. This island has it all.

As I mentioned earlier, the type of trip you’re planning will help you determine where to stay. It will also help you determine what local activities and experiences you want to try. Whatever you choose, here are some of my recommendations for your trip to Lombok:

Take surf lessons from a local instructor in Kuta.
Learn how to make paper at Awin Paper workshops.
Explore the rice terraces of Tetebatu.
Snorkel with turtles in Sengiggi.
Learn how to scuba dive in the Gilis.
Climb Mt Rinaji
Beach hop across the island
Chase waterfalls through the beautiful central region
Explore Sembalun Village (known for its strawberry farms and traditional Sasak culture)
Visit Pink Beach (Tangsi Beach)

Want a full guide of the best things to do in Lombok? Let me know! I would be happy to put one together for you.

I recommend booking tours with GetYourGuide! Use this link to download the app and code JUSTYNJEN5 for 5% your bookings.

Gili Island day trips

“Gili” in Sasak means small island. So, while most people have only heard of the three famous Gili Islands —Gili Air, Meno, and Trawangan —there are actually several Gili Islands located around Lombok.

I’ve also seen an increased popularity around what people are calling “The Secret Gilis” in the southwest of Lombok. I haven’t been to the “Secret Gilis” so I won’t speak about them here. But I do want to talk about the three popular Gili Islands in the northwest of Lombok.

During our stay in Sengiggi, we did a day trip to Gili Air – what most people claim is the ‘quiet’ Gili. I was shocked at how developed and busy this absolutely tiny island was. It was, however, incredibly beautiful, and while I’m glad we didn’t stay there (more on that soon), I’m also glad that we went and snorkeled around the island.

If you want to do a day trip to one of these islands, I recommend basing yourself in Sengiggi and taking the local ferry. It’s quick and really easy. From Sengiggi, ride your scooter up to Bangsal Port. There will be plenty of places where you can park your bike for the day. After you’ve parked, walk along the beach to the ticket window. There will be a lot of locals wanting to help you, but we found that everyone was very nice and polite when we told them we just wanted a ticket to Gili Air.

Once you buy your ticket (18,000 IDR for one person, one way), you’ll have to wait until the boat is filled. For us, this took about 20 minutes. Then you’re on your way! The boat ride took less than half an hour.

After we arrived at Gili Air, we walked down to Turtle Point to rent fins and go snorkeling. We ended up snorkeling for hours, and we absolutely loved it! We paid 25,000 IDR for rental fins for the whole day.

You can snorkel, drink a coconut on the beach, and eat at the many, many restaurants around the island. Just make sure that you don’t miss the last ferry back to Sengiggi! Once again, we paid 18,000 IDR for our tickets and waited less than 15 minutes before the boat was ready to take off.

Responsible travel in Lombok & Indonesia

That brings me to my next section, where I would like to discuss responsible travel in both Lombok and Indonesia. This is something I really wanted to cover when I started planning this travel guide to Lombok.

Indonesia is easily one of my favorite countries in the world. It’s absolutely beautiful and home to some of the kindest, most considerate people I’ve ever met. It’s also one place where I’ve seen the most change in the last eight years of travel.

One way we can be more responsible tourists is by choosing not to visit the same places as everyone else, even if that means missing out on something beautiful. I’m so happy we chose to stay in Sengiggi instead of the Gili Islands. Sengiggi was beautiful, local, and much quieter than even Gili Air.

I’m in no way trying to say that you shouldn’t go to the Gili Islands or that you should boycott any place just because it’s busy. I just mean, if you want a beautiful beach destination, consider looking at places that might be a bit less popular, to put less strain on the places that are currently struggling with overtourism.

You can also do what we did and take a day trip to one of the Gili Islands. We took the public ferry (it’s very easy, quick, and affordable) and then chose to stay in Senggigi, where there are fewer tourists and more resources to support tourism.

I found Gili Air to be absolutely beautiful, but I also found Sengiggi to be stunning – and I just think with more and more people traveling, it’s more important than ever before to think about how our travel choices affect the places we’re going and the people that call those places home.

Another way we can be more responsible tourists is by respecting local customs and traditions. And yes, that means even in really touristy places like the Gili Islands or Kuta Lombok. As I mentioned earlier in the post, please cover up when you leave the beach.

Lastly, do your best to support local businesses when you travel. There are many foreigners investing in Indonesia, but there are also numerous locals running their own businesses. Do your best to support those people. Instead of going to the big beach club that’s threatening to drive locals out of their shops and restaurants, walk two doors down and buy a beer from a local Warung. Look for homestays that are locally owned and operated alongside the (mostly) Western-owned Airbnbs.

Is Lombok right for you? Alternatives to explore

Is Lombok the right island for your trip? The answer is likely YES! There is so much to see and do on this beautiful island, you probably won’t even have enough time to do it all. As you can see in this Lombok travel guide, whether you want waterfalls and hiking, snorkeling and diving, or beaches and surfing, there’s something for everyone here. It all comes down to where you stay – and I have a full guide on that coming soon.

But maybe after reading this Lombok travel guide, you’re realizing that you want a different kind of adventure! If you want to get off the beaten path, Indonesia has over 17,000 islands for you to explore! And even the most popular islands are really only popular in places.

For example, Bali and the surrounding islands can be so busy and touristy. Bali has undergone significant changes in the eight years since I last visited. However, on our last trip, we went to Nusa Penida, and I absolutely loved it. It was one of the best islands we visited.

And there’s really lovely (quiet) diving in the north of Bali that we’ve been recommended. You can also ride a scooter across Flores or dive into Central Sulawesi (which is so high on my bucket list). My point is, get out there and explore! And why not go to a few new places along the way?

Final Thoughts for This Lombok Travel Guide

I hope that this Lombok travel guide has helped inspire you and aid in planning the perfect trip to Lombok. It was truly one of my favorite islands, and I have guides coming from each region where I stayed. In the meantime, what else would you like to know about Lombok?

Let me know in the comments below.

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