Things to do in Lombok

Trade Bali’s beach clubs for Lombok’s quiet shores. Here, beaches run for miles, hills hide waterfalls, and locals greet you like an old friend. The island swings between reef breaks that challenge the best, and calm coves perfect for a lazy float. Markets buzz, palm-lined backroads twist past buffalo and rice paddies, and the pace drops to holiday mode before you’ve drained your first coconut. Mornings might mean hiking to pools the colour of a freshly uncovered gemstone, afternoons drifting off the Gilis, and nights cracking crab claws under a sky full of stars. Slower? Sure. But boring? Not a chance.

Unique Lombok things you can’t do anywhere else

• Summit Mount Rinjani: Conquer Indonesia’s second-highest volcano on a tough-but-worth-it trek. Sunrise from the top over the crater lake is pure bragging rights.
• Explore Pink Beach (Tangsi Beach): Yep, it’s really pink – thanks to crushed coral mixing with white sand. Best enjoyed early, before the day-trippers land.
• Join a Sasak weaving workshop: See how Lombok’s traditional textiles are still made on handlooms, and maybe try your hand at the craft yourself.
• Swim at Benang Kelambu and Benang Stokel waterfalls: Two falls, one jungle walk. Stokel’s twin drop is dramatic, Kelambu’s vine curtain is straight out of a fairytale – both are perfect for a cool dip.
• Surf at Desert Point: Known for one of the world’s longest left-handers, this spot is a pilgrimage for pros – and a thrill to watch the barrels from the sand.

Best Lombok attractions to see

• Kuta Lombok Beach: Soft white sand, water the colour of a new pool toy, and hills that look like they’ve been rolled out just for the view. Barefoot strolls highly recommended.
• Tanjung Aan Beach: Two bays separated by a climbable hill. Perfect for a dip, a flop, and a quick snack before doing it all over again.
• Gili Trawangan: Swim with turtles, then swap goggles for a cocktail glass once the fairy lights flick on. The Gilis’ life-of-the-party island.
• Pura Batu Bolong: A pint-sized Hindu sea temple balancing on black rock, with a natural ‘window’ to the horizon. Looks gorgeous in daylight, but sunset turns it up a notch.
• Senggigi Beach: Palm trees, gentle waves, and a restaurant strip perfect for a lazy afternoon into sundown.

Best Lombok day trips and tours

• Boat-hop the Gilis (Air, Meno, Trawangan): Three islands, three personalities – from hammock-and-book Meno to cocktail-and-dancefloor Trawangan. In between, you’ll be snorkelling over coral.
• Rinjani crater rim trek: Two to three days of huffing, puffing, and ‘just one more step’ moments, rewarded with sunrise over a teal crater lake. It’s enough to make your phone gallery sing.
• Waterfall circuit in Central Lombok: Jungle paths, cooling mist, and not one but three falls – Benang Stokel, Benang Kelambu, and Tiu Kelep. You’ll finish drenched, grinning, and already struggling to pick your favourite.
• Surf lesson at Selong Belanak: Wide bay, mellow waves, and instructors who’ve seen every possible beginner faceplant. Warm sand and a plate of Taliwang chicken make the perfect recovery plan.
• Island-hop to Gili Nanggu: Smaller crowds, bigger ‘I’ve found paradise’ vibes. Calm water, coral gardens, and nothing on your agenda except maybe a second swim.

Budgeting for things to do in Lombok

Lombok’s a winner for value. Local meals like ayam taliwang or nasi campur are AU$2–4, and a beachside coconut is about AU$1. Scooter hire runs AU$7–10 a day, while private drivers cost AU$40–50 (less if you split it). Surf lessons are AU$15–25, and most waterfall entries are just a couple of bucks. 

Island-hopping trips start at AU$15, and even splurges – like a villa stay or guided Rinjani trek – won’t dent your holiday fund the way they would back home.

Free things to do in Lombok

• Sunset at Malimbu Hill: Pull over, lay out a sarong, and watch the Gilis glow in the fading light.
• Wander Sasak villages: See stilted homes, meet the locals, and browse handwoven textiles.
• Beach-hop the south coast: From mellow Mawun to wave-chasing Mawi, every bend in the road coughs up another swim-worthy bay. Pack snacks and don’t bother with a strict plan.
• Visit local markets: Dive into the chaos of Cakranegara Market for spice stacks, chilli-laced sambal, and bright batik wraps.
• Watch fishermen at work: At dawn, outrigger boats glide in with the morning catch. Pull up a perch on the sand and see what the sea’s delivered for breakfast.