20 Best Things to Do in Lombok, Indonesia
Are you looking for the best things to do in Lombok? Come to Lombok Island and visit the epic beaches, go snorkeling or surfing, see the stunning waterfalls, and if you’re looking for an adventurous activity, hike the famous hiking trails. We loved exploring the island because it’s much calmer and less crowded than Bali.
Our favorite places were undoubtedly Senggigi, Gili Air, and Senaru, where we collected the most beautiful memories. These places are a must-visit, as they offer as perfect bases for exploring Lombok’s attractions.
If you are wondering what to do on the island, here are the best things to do in Lombok.
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Best things to do on Lombok Island
This post includes all of our favorite things to do and also shows places we didn’t have time to visit but will definitely visit when we return to Lombok. We recommend spending at least 10 days or two weeks on the island to give yourself enough time to explore these places. You’ll be surprised at how many exciting things to do in Lombok.
So it’s time to explore the best places of West, North, and South Lombok.
Things to do and see in West Lombok
This part of the island is the perfect base to explore charming Senggigi and all the Gili Islands. Visit the beautiful beaches, stay at a beach resort, go on boat trips, and enjoy snorkeling.
1. Don’t miss visiting Pandanan Beach
Get off the beaten path and head to Senggigi. Most people only visit Kuta, so they miss out on epic spots like Pandanan Beach and Nipah Beach.
When we were there, we only met a few tourists, mostly locals. Therefore, this is a good place for those looking for a quieter beach to relax, swim, or watch the sunset.
We recommend ordering a coconut with freshly grilled fish from one of the warungs and enjoying the relaxed atmosphere and spectacular views. Then, you rent a kayak or canoe or take a banana boat ride, which is a fantastic experience.
See also → Best Beaches in Senggigi
2. Head to Gili Air
Gili Air was our favorite Gili Island. But in our opinion, each Gili island is unique and well worth a visit! It only depends on your preferences which island is ideal for you.
Gili Air is a blend of the other two islands, offering a laid-back atmosphere, stunning beaches, excellent accommodations, and great bars. You can snorkel with turtles, bike around the island, join a local cooking class, relax on the beaches, and take a day trip to the underwater sculptures of Gili Meno.
We have a detailed post on where to stay in the Gili Islands.
3. Snorkel with Turtles
The best places to snorkel with turtles are the Gili Islands and Nipah Beach. The Gili Islands are a paradise for scuba divers and snorkelers, so this will be the best experience on the island.
You can easily join a group tour or book a private snorkeling tour. Another option is to rent snorkeling equipment and explore the turtle spots on your own.
4. Take a Snorkeling Trip to the Gili Islands
The Gili Islands consist of three small islands (Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air) located off the northwest coast of Lombok, Indonesia. If you have limited time, you can easily take a day trip to the Gili Islands and visit the most popular snorkel spots.
You can take a private or shared snorkeling boat trip around the islands, snorkel with turtles, and see the underwater statues of Gili Meno.
Book your Gili Islands snorkeling boat trip via GetYourGuide or Viator.
5. Stay at a Beach Resort
One of the best things to do in Lombok is to relax at a beach resort. Senggigi is the perfect place for a romantic holiday, as well as for families or those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of Bali.
Indulge yourself with a delicious selection of grilled dishes, meats, and seafood offered at the hotels, with stunning views of the sea. Open the balcony door and feel the warm sun and sea air at one of the best beach hotels.
We stayed at the Holiday Resort, nestled in lush tropical gardens overlooking the sparkling sea, and absolutely loved our stay. You can relax by the pools, sunbathe, and enjoy a delicious cocktail or a cold coconut at the beach club.
If you’re looking for more beachfront hotels, we’ve put together a list of the best places to stay.
Recommended post → Best Beach Hotels & Resorts in Senggigi
6. Motorbike Around the Senggigi Coastline
Senggigi is a popular beach destination with beautiful white sandy beaches, palm trees, crystal clear turquoise waters, and many beach resorts.
Without a doubt, one of the best things to do in Lombok is to rent a scooter and explore the coastline and beaches on your own. This is the best way to find hidden gems, the best restaurants, or meet the locals.
Especially around Senggigi, you will love the picturesque scenery and incredible views while driving. As there are many beautiful photo spots along the way, allow more time to get from one place to another.
Good to know
We started our Lombok Island Itinerary in Senggigi, so we rented a motorbike there.
7. Visit the Secret Gili Islands
Looking for something unique to do during your stay? Then, take a private guided snorkeling boat trip to the Secret Gili Islands and visit Gili Nanggu, Gili Sudak, and Gili Kedis. Snorkel in the crystal clear waters, walk along the white sandy beaches, and enjoy fresh seafood.
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Although these beautiful islands are worth a short visit, we recommend you spend a few relaxing days on Gili Asahan or Gili Gede.
Traveling to Lombok and the Gili Islands?
Your trip just got easier! Use our handpicked private Google Maps: best beaches, waterfalls, turtle spots, to do’s, our favorite restaurants & more.
Where to Stay in West Lombok
If you want to be close to the Gili Islands or if arrive by ferry from Bali, Senggigi is the best choice. This seaside town can be noisier at night, we would not recommend staying in the town. Instead, go much further north, where you will find quieter, more peaceful beachfront hotels.
Things to do and see in North Lombok
Looking for exciting adventures in Lombok? Then head to Senaru, the perfect base for visiting waterfalls, hiking Mount Rinjani, sampling authentic cuisine, and discovering the best viewpoints.
8. Hike Mount Rinjani
Mount Rinjani is the most popular and challenging hike on the island. At 3,726 meters, Mount Rinjani is one of the highest peaks in Indonesia, where you can do an epic crater rim hike.
Depending on your time, fitness level, and budget, you can choose a 1-night or multi-day Mount Rinjani tour. The most popular option if you’re short on time is a 2-day, 1-night trek, but if you want to get the most out of your experience, we recommend booking a 3-day, 2-night hike.
Good to know
Due to heavy rains, Mount Rinjani is closed from January to March.
The entrance fee to Mount Rinjani National Park is 150,000 IDR (9 USD) per person per day.
As one of the most popular things to do in Lombok, we don’t recommend skipping it. However, the Mount Rinjani hike is difficult and is only recommended for those in good physical condition.
9. See Sendang Gile Waterfall
This waterfall is very popular on the island, where you can see two stunning waterfalls for the price of one. Sendang Gile is a beautiful 30-meter-high two-tiered waterfall that can be reached in just 10-15 minutes from the entrance. There are a few benches around the waterfall, with some local vendors, so you can easily spend 1-2 hours relaxing.
You can’t swim here, but you can go under the waterfall and enjoy the natural shower.
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If you stay in Senaru, you can reach the waterfall with just a short walk.
10. Tiu Kelep Waterfall
The most popular thing to do in Lombok is to visit Tiu Kelep Waterfall, which is the most famous waterfall on the island. This waterfall offers stunning photo opportunities, and we were lucky enough to have the waterfall to ourselves.
Book your waterfall tour from Kuta/Senggigi.
From Sendang Gile Waterfall, head back towards the entrance and turn left at the sign for Tiu Kelep Waterfall. It takes about 40-50 minutes to reach the waterfall. After arriving, you can take a refreshing dip.
Read the full post → Tiu Kelep Waterfall Hike
11. Hiking up Pergasingan Hill
For hiking enthusiasts, one of the best things to do in Lombok is to hike up Pergasingan Hill. Take a day trip from Senaru or visit from Sembalun and enjoy the stunning scenery.
The peak of Pergasingan Hill is 1,750 meters above sea level, so you have to climb about 600 meters altitude.
The hike uphill takes about 1.5-2 hours, depending on how many breaks you take.
It’s a steep hike but well worth the effort when you see the magnificent views of Mount Rinjani Volcano, green mountain peaks, and colorful agricultural fields below. There is also a swing at the top, which also offers a fantastic photo opportunity.
Recommended post → How to Hike Pergasingan Hill
12. Camping on Pergasingan Hill
Pergasingan Hill is a popular hiking and camping spot, so it’s worth spending a night there.
You can camp on your own, but if you don’t have camping equipment, the best way is to book a tour through Viator.
If you choose the camping option, the tour price includes full-board meals, water, an experienced mountain guide, and camping equipment (tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat).
If you plan to spend a night on the top of the hill, we recommend you bring a tent, headlamp, warm layers of clothes, toiletries, a power bank, plenty of water, and snacks.
13. Explore Benang Stokel and Benang Kelambu Waterfall
Indonesia is home to many magical waterfalls, which makes Lombok one of the best destinations for chasing waterfalls. Benang Kelambu was our favorite waterfall on the island, located about a 1.5-hour drive from Kuta and Senggigi.
We traveled from Senaru to Kuta by motorbike, then made a detour to the waterfalls along the way. Once you arrive, buy your entrance ticket and visit the waterfalls.
In fact, there are four waterfalls, and depending on your budget and time, you can visit all of them or just the two most popular ones.
We have a detailed post about Benang Stokel and Benang Kelambu Waterfall with everything you need to know before you visit.
Recommended post → Best Waterfalls in Lombok
14. Bukit Selong Rice Field Viewpoint
If you are looking for one of the best viewpoints, head to Bukit Selong Rice Field Viewpoint. This star-shaped viewpoint offers fantastic photo opportunities, with colorful agricultural fields below and green hills in the background. It’s just an easy 20-minute trek from the parking lot to the viewpoint.
The viewpoint is located just a 50-minute drive from Senaru. We visited it before our hike to Pergasingan Hill.
The entrance fee to Bukit Selong Rice Field Viewpoint is 10,000 IDR (0,65 USD) per person and 5,000 IDR (0,35 USD) for parking.
Wondering where to stay on the island? We have a detailed post on the best areas and hotels in Lombok.
15. Eat Local Food
I don’t know if others feel the same way, but when we travel to a new country/island, we can’t wait to try the local food and experience the authentic flavors.
Our favorite restaurants were Rinjani Lighthouse Cottages in Senaru and Molly’s Bar n’ Grill in Senggigi, where we could eat cheap and delicious local food. Those heavenly local flavors are still missing today.
There are many other great restaurants on the island, and for the best dining experience, eat at the Warungs (local restaurants).
Our favorite local dishes you must try are Nasi Goreng, Ayam Taliwang, Satay, Mie Goreng, Nasi Campur, and Gado-Gado.
Where to Stay in North Lombok
The area is the best place to stay if you like hiking, but not only the village of Senaru is a good choice, but also Sembalun, as many people do Mount Rinjani hikes from there.
Things to do and see in South Lombok
Kuta Lombok is one of the most visited places on the island. It is the perfect destination for beach lovers and surfers, as well as those looking for the best coworking spaces.
16. Walk Along the Coast at Mawun Beach
Pantai Mawun is one of the best and most secluded beaches on the island, and we would love to return anytime. It offers a pristine crescent-shaped bay with soft white sand and crystal clear turquoise water.
The beach is just a 20-minute drive from Kuta.
Spend a few relaxing hours at Mawun Beach, swimming, relaxing on the sun loungers, and strolling along the shore. If you have a drone, bring it with you because the views from above are stunningly beautiful.
17. Relax at Tanjung Aan Beach
Tanjung Aan Beach is Lombok’s most beautiful beach and one of our favorites. We loved this beach so much that we visited it twice during our stay. It’s about a 15-minute scooter ride from Kuta, near Bukit Merese Hill.
There is no entrance fee, and parking is free!
The beach is about 2 km long, with crystal clear waters and pristine white sand. You can easily spend a relaxing day here swimming, surfing, and lounging on the sunbeds.
If you’re looking for more stunning beaches, check out our post on the best beaches in Lombok.
18. Learn to Surf at Selong Belanak Beach
Selong Belanak Beach is perfect for beginners trying to surf for the first time. But it’s also ideal for spending a few relaxing hours, sampling delicious local food, and watching the sunset. The beach is just a 40-minute drive from Kuta.
You can rent a surfboard for 50,000 IDR or take a surfing lesson for 150,000 IDR for 1 hour or 250,000 IDR for 2 hours. There are several surf schools, and prices vary.
Are you a surfing lover? Then, visit Pantai Mawi, which is perfect for intermediate and advanced surfers.
Recommended post → Best Beaches in Kuta
19. Visit Lombok’s Pink Beach
Are you looking for unique things to do in Lombok? Although there are many Pink beaches in the world, one of the most popular is near Kuta. It is about a 1.5-2 hour drive from Kuta, but you can easily join an organized group or private tour.
On the guided tour, you can visit Pink Beach 1 and 2, snorkel and swim at Gili Petelu, see Pulau Pasir (sandbar), and enjoy the panoramic views at Tanjung Ringgit.
Book your Pink Beach tour through GetYourGuide.
Traveling to Lombok and the Gili Islands?
Your trip just got easier! Use our handpicked private Google Maps: best beaches, waterfalls, turtle spots, to do’s, our favorite restaurants & more.
20. Watch the Sunset at Bukit Merese Hill
Don’t miss the popular Bukit Merese Hill, which offers fantastic views of the ocean and the surrounding green hills, especially at sunset. It is located about a 20-minute drive from Kuta near Tanjung Aan Beach.
The entrance fee to Bukit Merese Hill is 10,000 IDR (0,65 USD) per person, and parking is free.
We recommend arriving before 5 PM to catch the beautiful sunset. Take care of your valuables, as there are many monkeys here.
Where to Stay in South Lombok
Kuta is one of the best areas to stay on the island if you love surfing. It is one of the most popular choices as it is the closest to the airport and has nice beaches. We recommend renting a scooter to help you explore the beaches and surf spots around Kuta.
Recommended post → Best Areas & Hotels in Lombok
FAQs on Things to Do in Lombok
When is the best time to visit Lombok?
The best time to visit is during the dry season, from May to October. The weather is sunny and dry during these months, perfect for swimming, hiking, and exploring the island. August is the driest month.
The island has a tropical climate with high humidity, and the average temperature is 28°C all year round. We visited Lombok in May, and the weather was fantastic.
The busiest months are July and August. In high season, we strongly recommend booking accommodation, ferry tickets, and tours in advance.
What is the best way to get to Lombok?
The fast ferry or plane is the most comfortable and quickest way to get to the island. There are three ways to get from Bali to Lombok: by fast boat (1.5-3 hours), slow ferry (4-8 hours), and plane (45 minutes).
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Use Skyscanner to find cheap flights.
It’s good to know that during the rainy season (from November to April) or when the sea conditions are bad, the boat schedules can change and be delayed a lot, so plan your trip in advance.
We have a detailed post on how to get from Bali to Lombok with all the information you need.
How to get around Lombok?
Getting around is easy, as there are well-maintained paved roads and good boat connections with the surrounding islands. You can rent a scooter or a private driver to get to the best places. Alternatively, you can visit popular attractions on an organized group or private tour.
Book a private customized tour via Viator or GetYourGuide.
We rented a motorbike and explored Lombok’s sights at our own pace. Scooter rental starts from 65,000 IDR (4 USD) per day, but we don’t recommend paying more than 85,000 IDR (5 USD). If you rent a scooter for several days, ask for a discount!
Best Tours
Day Trip to 5 Secret Gilis: Layar, Rengit, Nanggu, Tangkong, Kedis
Exclusive Sendang Gile, Tiu Kelep & Selong Hill Tour
Gili Islands: Private or Shared Snorkeling Boat Trip
Benang Stokel, Benang Kelambu, Culture & Beach Tour
How many days do you need in Lombok?
Most people choose a 5-day Lombok Itinerary for their first visit. We think 2 weeks is more comfortable for exploring the island.
We hope our list of the best things to do in Lombok will help you plan your next trip to Indonesia. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comment below.
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