15 Best Things to Do in Lombok: Beaches, Volcanoes & Island-Hopping

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5 min read

Lombok has plenty to offer beyond its beaches. You can climb a volcano, snorkel with turtles, explore Sasak villages, or spend a day island-hopping around the Gilis.

The island also feels less built-up than Bali in many areas. That makes it easy to mix popular attractions with quieter corners.

Whether you're visiting for a long weekend or a few weeks, these are some of the best things to do in Lombok.

Why Lombok Deserves Its Own Itinerary

Lombok packs beaches, mountains, waterfalls, and cultural attractions into one island. You can hike around Mount Rinjani in the morning and be back on the coast by the afternoon.

There is also plenty of variety between regions. The north is dominated by Rinjani, while the south is known for beaches and surfing. The west offers easy access to the Gilis and relaxed coastal stays.

1. Trek Mount Rinjani

Mount Rinjani is one of Lombok's biggest attractions. The active volcano rises over the northern part of the island and offers challenging multi-day treks.

Routes lead to the crater rim and, for experienced hikers, the summit. Sunrise views over Segara Anak crater lake are a major highlight. Always check current trail conditions and trek with a licensed guide.

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2. Explore the Gili Islands

The three Gili Islands sit just off Lombok's northwest coast. Each has a different atmosphere.

Gili Trawangan is the liveliest, while Gili Air has a more relaxed feel. Gili Meno is the quietest of the three. You can visit all three on a day trip or stay overnight if you have more time.

3. Snorkel or Dive Around the Gilis

The waters around the Gilis are home to colourful coral, tropical fish, and sea turtles. Visibility is often good, making the islands popular with both snorkellers and divers.

Joining a boat trip is an easy way to explore several sites in one day. Some tours also stop at the underwater sculpture site near Gili Meno.

4. Surf or Learn to Surf in Kuta

Kuta is the centre of Lombok's southern surf scene. Its surrounding coastline has breaks for different experience levels.

Never surfed before? Local schools offer beginner lessons and board hire. More experienced surfers can head to nearby reef breaks with a guide.

5. Chase Waterfalls in North Lombok

North Lombok is home to several impressive waterfalls. Tiu Kelep and Sendang Gile are two of the most popular, both located near Mount Rinjani.

Getting to Tiu Kelep involves walking through forest and crossing shallow water. Wear shoes with a good grip and expect to get a little wet.

6. Catch Sunset at Pura Batu Bolong

Pura Batu Bolong sits on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Lombok Strait. The Hindu temple is particularly atmospheric around sunset.

On a clear evening, you may also see Mount Agung across the water in Bali. Its location makes it an easy stop when exploring the Senggigi area.

7. Visit a Traditional Sasak Village

Lombok is home to the Sasak people, the island's indigenous community. Visiting a traditional village gives you a chance to learn about local homes, weaving, and everyday customs.

Villages around Kuta and Central Lombok are popular with visitors. A local guide can also provide more context about the traditions you see.

8. Relax at Senggigi Beach

Senggigi remains one of Lombok's most established tourist areas. Its long beach is lined with resorts, restaurants, and places to watch the sunset.

It is also a convenient base for exploring western Lombok. Mataram is within easy reach, while the Gili Islands can be accessed from nearby ports.

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9. Explore Lombok's Southern Beaches

South Lombok is packed with beaches worth exploring. Tanjung Aan has bright turquoise water, while Mawun offers a quieter bay. Mawi and Are Guling are good options if you want dramatic coastal scenery.

Hiring a driver or renting a scooter makes it easier to visit several beaches in one day. Just leave enough time to stop and enjoy each one.

10. Explore Mataram

Mataram is Lombok's capital and a useful stop between beach trips. Explore its markets, shopping centres, and older areas such as Ampenan.

The city is also practical for travellers. You can sort out essentials such as SIM cards, cash, and supplies before heading to more remote parts of the island.

11. Join a Lombok Cooking Class

Food is a big part of experiencing Lombok. Local dishes often feature bold spices, fresh herbs, grilled seafood, and plenty of chilli.

A cooking class lets you learn how some of these dishes are prepared. Many sessions include Sasak specialities as well as Indonesian favourites such as satay and grilled fish.

12. Visit Pink Beach

Pink Beach sits on Lombok's southeastern coast. Its unusual colour comes from tiny pieces of red coral mixing with the pale sand.

The beach is relatively remote, so getting there takes more planning than visiting Kuta or Senggigi. Many travellers visit as part of a boat trip that also includes snorkelling stops.

13. Take a Scenic Scooter Ride

Lombok's coastal roads are made for slow road trips. The southern routes around Kuta, Selong Belanak, and the surrounding bays are particularly scenic.

A scooter gives you the freedom to stop whenever you spot a beach, viewpoint, or village worth exploring. Make sure you're comfortable riding before heading onto longer rural routes.

14. Relax in Rinjani's Hot Springs

You don't have to climb Mount Rinjani to enjoy the hot springs around the national park. Natural pools offer a warm place to relax while taking in the surrounding mountain scenery.

They are especially appealing after a day of hiking. You can also visit as a standalone day trip if you're not trekking.

15. Shop and Cool Off in Mataram

When the tropical heat gets tiring, head indoors at one of Mataram's shopping centres. You'll find local fashion, restaurants, cafés, and plenty of air-conditioned space.

It's also a useful place to pick up anything you may have missed earlier in your trip. Spend a few hours shopping before heading back to the coast.

Match Your Trip to the Season

The best time to visit Lombok depends on what you want to do.

For hiking and outdoor adventures: April to October brings drier weather and better conditions for activities such as Mount Rinjani trekking.
For beaches and island-hopping: June to September is generally the driest stretch. Seas are often calmer, making it a good time for snorkelling, diving, and trips to the Gilis.
For fewer crowds: Consider April, May, September, or October. You may get a mix of good weather and quieter beaches.
For waterfalls and greener scenery: The wet season from November to March brings more rain, but the landscapes are lush and waterfalls are often more impressive. Just expect less predictable weather.

Where to Stay in Lombok

Lombok's attractions are spread across the island, so where you stay can shape your itinerary. Mataram works well for exploring inland areas, while Senggigi is better suited to a beach-focused trip.

1. Aston Inn Mataram

Aston Inn Mataram is a practical base in central Mataram. It's close to shopping, local eateries, and major roads, making day trips around Lombok easier. There's also an outdoor pool, garden, spa, and 24-hour room service for relaxing between outings.

Indonesia

Aston Inn Mataram

8.6/10

•

Cakranegara

AU$63

2. Sheraton Senggigi Beach Resort

Sheraton Senggigi Beach Resort offers a more resort-style stay right on Senggigi Beach. Guests have access to beachfront loungers, an infinity pool, spa, kids' facilities, restaurants, and bars. Its west-coast location also makes it convenient for sunset spots and trips towards the Gilis.

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Sheraton Senggigi Beach Resort

8.8/10

•

Batu Layar

AU$131

3. Hotel Lombok Garden

Hotel Lombok Garden is a budget-friendly option in Mataram. It's within walking distance of Mataram Mall and close to attractions such as Pura Meru and Mayura Park. Two outdoor pools, garden views, and several on-site restaurants add extra convenience.

Indonesia

Hotel Lombok Garden

8.4/10

•

Cakranegara

AU$29

Ready to Plan Your Lombok Trip?

Lombok is easy to enjoy at your own pace. Spend a few days chasing beaches and waterfalls, or build a longer itinerary around Mount Rinjani, the Gilis, and the island's cultural sights.

Choose a base that fits your plans, then compare hotels across Mataram, Senggigi, Kuta, and the Gilis with Traveloka. Book hotel, flight, airport transport, activities, and all your travel needs only in Traveloka!

In This Article

• Why Lombok Deserves Its Own Itinerary
• 1. Trek Mount Rinjani
• 2. Explore the Gili Islands
• 3. Snorkel or Dive Around the Gilis
• 4. Surf or Learn to Surf in Kuta
• 5. Chase Waterfalls in North Lombok
• 6. Catch Sunset at Pura Batu Bolong
• 7. Visit a Traditional Sasak Village
• 8. Relax at Senggigi Beach
• 9. Explore Lombok's Southern Beaches
• 10. Explore Mataram
• 11. Join a Lombok Cooking Class
• 12. Visit Pink Beach
• 13. Take a Scenic Scooter Ride
• 14. Relax in Rinjani's Hot Springs
• 15. Shop and Cool Off in Mataram
• Match Your Trip to the Season
• Where to Stay in Lombok
• 1. Aston Inn Mataram
• 2. Sheraton Senggigi Beach Resort
• 3. Hotel Lombok Garden
• Ready to Plan Your Lombok Trip?
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