BEST Things To Do In Lombok & Places Of Interest

Lombok tends to be overshadowed by its more famous neighbour Bali, but don’t let this fool you. Lombok has been gradually transforming into one of Indonesia’s hidden gems, a destination that offers diverse landscapes, adventure and a unique look at Indonesia’s Sasak culture. On top of this, unlike its more famous sister location, Lombok also tends to avoid the hustle and bustle of Bali’s party culture.

With the development of Lombok’s tourism infrastructure, it’s now become a wonderful alternative to those seeking a more quiet vacation. Natural beauty permeates Lombok’s many key attractions, offering an experience that’s off-the-beaten path. Pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs and a focus on maintaining the island’s cultural heritage make it the perfect place for a getaway.

Places To Visit In Lombok: Attractions & Activities

When it comes to Lombok, all of the best attractions take the island’s greatest strength, its ties to nature, and prominently showcases it. Unlike Bali, Lombok is mostly pristine, with a laid-back vibe that permeates not only its local culture, but also its attractions. Take your time in visiting these, appreciate the wildlife and immperse yourself in local culture, there’s no rush.

1. Mount Rinjani

Easily one of Lombok’s most recognizable landmarks, Mount Rinjani is an active volcano that dominates the landscape of the island. Mount Rinjani is the second-highest volcano in Indonesia, standing at an elevation of 3,726 meters (12,224 feet) above sea level. Mount Rinjani is considered sacred by the Sasak people, with the Pura Segara, a Hindu temple, sitting near its crescent-shaped crater lake. the Segara Anak.

The trek to the summit of Mount Rinjani is a popular adventure activity for trekkers and hikers. The journey takes you through diverse landscapes, including lush forests, savannah, and rocky terrain. The trek to Mount Rinjani’s summit can take several days, with various routes available to accommodate different fitness levels. Near the lake, there are natural hot springs where trekkers can relax and rejuvenate after the climb.

2. Kuta Beach

Kuta Beach is a stunning stretch of coastline, sitting on the southern side of Lombok. The beach shares its name with another in Bali, though Lombok’s Kuta Beach offers a far different experience from its counterpart. With its pristine white sands, clear waters and consistent waves, it’s a haven for surfers. Local surf schools offer rentals, and with its stunning green backdrops, it’s a great place for any beach activity.

3. Lombok Wildlife Park

Lombok is known for its natural beauty, including diverse ecosystems, lush landscapes, and marine life. Thus the Lombok Wildlife Park provides visitors an easier way to experience this without heading into the forests. Formerly known as the Lombok Elephant Park, the park now houses everything from orangutans to aquatic life. The elephants remain the park’s biggest draw, giving visitors a closer look at the lives of these giant animals.

4. Pura Batu Bolong

Along the coast of Senggigi lies Pura Batu Bolong, a sacred Hindu temple situated on a rocky outcrop overlooking the sea. The temple itself is small and features traditional Balinese Hindu architecture. It is mostly quiet, still serving as a place of worship, but things liven up during festivals. The view of the sunset from here is stunning, but if you do visit, do remember to be respectful and dress modestly.

Must Visit Beaches

While we’ve covered Kuta Beach, Lombok features a trove of other excellent beaches that offer slightly different experiences. We recommend looking through our list of beaches here before deciding which ones you’d like to visit.

1. Selong Belanak Beach

Selong Belanak Beach’s signature feature is its uniquely crescent-shaped bay, surrounded by rolling green hills. The waters are calm and shallow, and the gradual slope of the seabed makes it suitable for anyone to swim in. Local fishing villages offer visitors the chance to interact with locals and sample the fresh seafood available. The beach is most enchanting during sunrise and sunset, as the changing colours of the sky meld with the gentle waves.

2. Tanjung Aan Beach

Considered a hidden gem, Tanjung Aan Beach is a 2km coastline, perfect for unwinding. Here, things are far more laid-back, even when compared to the other relatively relaxing beaches of Lombok. Swim in the glistening ocean, try snorkeling around the reef, and once you’re done, enjoy yourself at one of the many cafes around the area. The tropical vibe of the beach makes it a great spot for photographs!

Must Visit Waterfalls

When it comes to Lombok, all of the best attractions take the island’s greatest strength, its ties to nature, and prominently showcases it. Unlike Bali, Lombok is mostly pristine, with a laid-back vibe that permeates not only its local culture, but also its attractions. Take your time in visiting these, appreciate the wildlife and immperse yourself in local culture, there’s no rush.

1. Sendang Gile Waterfall

Sitting on the northern slopes of Mount Rinjani is the Sendang Gile Waterfall. It’s situated in Senaru, a popular starting point for treks up the mountain. The waterfall itself is a magnificent sight, with a refreshing pool at the bottom where visitors can soak and relax in. Local legend goes that the Sendang Gile Waterfall was formed from the hair of a princess who got stranded in the area, which we can’t confirm nor deny.

2. Benang Stokel and Benang Kelambu Waterfall

Both of these waterfalls are close to the village of Aik Berik near central Lombok. Benang Stokel is the easier to get to of the two, though it has less to offer with only shallow pools unfit for swimming. Continue down the path however, and you’ll find Benang Kelambu with its man-made pool and soothing cascading waters. Its most unique trait however is its namesake “Kelambu,” a net of vines forming a canopy over the waterfall.

3. Tiu Kelep Waterfall

Tiu Kelep Waterfall is another waterfall near Mount Rinjani, around the village of Senaru. As per usual, getting to the falls requires a small trek through the rainforest, though here the trek itself is equally enchanting. Walk through a well-maintained path that offer a stunning look at the local flora. The waterfall itself is a mesmerizing sight, a two-tier cascade with a pool at the bottom for swimming in.

Hiking Trails and Campsites

Lombok has a fair number of hiking trails that provide hikers with stunnings views of the Lombok landscapes. Hiking in Lombok offers a diverse range of landscapes, from lush rainforests and waterfalls to challenging volcanic terrain. The most prominent hiking destination in Lombok is Mount Rinjani, but there are other trails and scenic spots worth exploring

1. Bukit Merese

Bukit Merese is located near Kuta Beach, a quaint hill that’s well-known for its beautiful sunset. The trail up the hill can be a little challenging for beginners, but it’s great for fans of the outdoors. Thanks to its open spaces and elevated location, it’s a phenomenal spot for paragliding, one of the area’s defacto activities. The area around Bukit Merese is also home to some Sasak villages, allowing visitors to experience the local culture.

2. Pergasingan Hill

Pergasingan Hill is located near the village of Sembalun Lawang in East Lombok. The hill is part of the foothills of Mount Rinjani and offers stunning vistas of the surrounding valleys and mountains. The moderate trail is fit for novices and experienced hikers, taking you through terraced fields, meadows, and forests. The goal is to reach the summit, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views.

Best Food To Try

If there’s one thing Lombok has an abundance of, it’s local specialties! Food in Lombok is unique, being takes on culinary concepts that you’ve seen before, but with a couple of interesting changes that can completely change the flavour profile of a dish. There’s a lot of diversity in what’s available in Lombok, and it’s why many of these foods are slowly becoming more and more popular around the world. Don’t miss out on trying these!

1. Ayam Taliwang

This spicy grilled chicken dish is a local specialty named after Taliwang, a region in Lombok. The chicken is marinated in a blend of bird’s eye chili, shrimp paste, garlic, lime leaves and sweet soy sauce, before being cooked over a grill. It imparts a smoky flavour to the chicken, as well as bestow it with a nicely charred exterior. Do be careful if you’re sensitive to spicy foods however, as Ayam Taliwang can get a fair bit hot.

2. Plecing Kangkung

A popular and healthy dish, plecing kangkung features water spinach served with a spicy peanut sauce. It’s often accompanied by crispy fried peanuts and shallots. The kangkung itself is lightly blanched, retaining its crisp and refreshing texture. It’s basically a salad, especially when since some places add tomato and slices of cucumber into the dish. It’s incredibly nutritious and typically served with rice, where it’s a great side dish.

3. Sate Rembiga

Sate is popular in Lombok, and Sate Rembiga is a specific preparation of the dish. Rembiga is a traditional sauce made with a blend of grated coconut, sweet soy sauce, and various spices. Sate Rembiga consists of skewered and grilled meat (usually beef or chicken) served with this flavorful sauce. It caramelizes on the meat during cooking, resulting in a wonderfully flavourful and rich dish.

4. Sup Bebalung

This hearty soup features beef ribs slow-cooked with a mix of traditional spices, creating a rich and flavorful broth. The meat on the ribs become truly tender and delicious It’s often served with rice and fresh vegetables. Some variations of Sup Bebalung may include tamarind or asam kandis, a local dried sour fruit, to impart a slightly sour and tangy taste to the broth.

5. Sasak Sate

Despite being sate, Sasak Sate is completely different from the Sate Rembiga we covered earlier. Sasak Sate is typically made from minced fish or seafood, mixed with a blend of spices and seasonings and then molded onto skewers. They are then grilled until the fish is cooked evenly, and then served with a side of sambal. It’s a part of the Sasak people’s culinary heritage, a real taste of history!

6. Nasi Balap Puyung

This dish is a complete meal with rice, shredded chicken, fried-shrimp krupuk (crackers), peanuts, and anchovies. It’s then topped with a flavorful coconut milk-based soup, making it a perfect lunch meal for most. While certain stalls and stores will have slightly different variations on this dish, it’s one of the most reliable meals in Lombok.

7. Rujak Cuka

Rujak is a traditional fruit salad popular throughout Southeast Asia, and Rujak Cuka is a version from Lombok. It features a mix of local fruits like pineapple, papaya, and mango, served with a spicy and tangy tamarind and shrimp paste dressing. This spicy paste is referred to as Bumbu Rujak, which you can actually find in stores around Lombok and bring home.

8. Es Cendol

While Es Cendol isn’t necessarily a Lombok specialty, it’s especially excellent to have in Lombok due to the heat. It’s an Indonesian dessert beverage known for its refreshing and sweet taste. The main ingredients in Es Cendol include cendol, coconut milk, palm sugar, shaved ice, and you can usually add different toppings when available. Cendol is a jelly made from rice flour and pandan leaf extract, giving it a distinctive look and taste.

Best Time to Visit Lombok

Lombok is an island where most attractions are outdoors, so you want to visit during its dry season. Like Bali, this would be between April to September, when days are warm and sunny. The shoulder months, primarily April, May, September and October, will result in fewer crowds, though Lombok tends to be quiet and laid-back regardless.

How Many Days Do You Need In Lombok?

This one is relatively simple to answer. If you only want to visit some of the must-visit locales, then you can see everything important within 3 to 4 days. However, if you want to really see everything Lombok has to offer, including trying all sorts of food, then you can easily spend a week in Lombok. We recommend going for a week, it lets you relax and take Lombok at your own pace, as it should be.

Where to Stay in Lombok?

Although Lombok remains mostly natural, a fair number of hotels have sprouted up in recent years due to demand for accommodation. Because of this, Lombok has many hotels to offer visitors, ranging from budget lodgings to high-end suites. Lombok is quite large, so make sure to choose a hotel that’s close to places you’d like to visit. Other than that, read up on reviews before you make a decision, or choose from the handpicked options below!

Segara Lombok – Premium beachside lodging at relatively affordable prices.
Novotel Lombok Resort and Villas – Affordable 4-star hotel with all amenities and great scenery.
Peraja Coffee & Bunggalow Loyok – A simple 3-star bungalow cum hotel with an attached coffee shop.
Wyndham Sundancer Resort Lombok – 4-star hotel that offers premium rooms and all the bells and whistles you could want.
Selong Selo Resort – Extremely high-quality 5-star bungalow style lodging along the mountainside.
Villa Bambu Rinjani – Affordable 3-star bamboo-themed hotel at the foot of Mount Rinjani.
Hotel Tugu Lombok – 5-star hotel along the Tandjung beachside.
Tastura Homestay – Looking for something unique? Try an extremely affordable homestay hut in the jungles of Lombok.

How Do You Get Around in Lombok?

We definitely recommend renting a scooter when you visit Lombok. They’re fast, affordable, don’t require a license to ride, and easily available from practically anywhere in Lombok. If you have a license, a motorcycle is essentially the same thing, but faster. If you’ve brought your family however, then a car is the only option, though roads are quiet so it’s not as bad as Bali’s hustle and bustle.

Lombok Wrap-Up

Lombok’s allure is in its rich culture and lush natural attractions, which are quickly drawing more and more people to visit. For now, Lombok remains untouched and preserved, making it a fantastic alternative to the heavy partying and busy nature of Bali. As Lombok continues to grow and develop however, it remains to be seen whether it’ll continue to change. We for one, hope Lombok stays, fantastic as it already is.