AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN LOMBOK!
Lombok is a tropical island in Indonesia that resides right next door to Bali and it’s a popular island-hopping destination for travelers looking for new adventures in between or after visiting the neighboring Bali.
Having been to Lombok on several occasions, I have put together this guide of 15 Awesome Things To Do In Lombok which includes secluded beaches, spectacular waterfalls, and lush rainforests that surround Indonesia’s second-largest volcano, Mount Rinjani!
Also in this Lombok Travel Guide, I have included useful information on how to get to Lombok, where to stay in Lombok, getting around and the best time to visit!
To make it easier for you to plan your trip, I have divided this Things To Do In Lombok Guide into 3 regions:
- North Lombok
- Central Lombok
- South Lombok
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HOW TO GET TO LOMBOK
OPTION 1:
The most popular route to get to Lombok is by fast boat from Padang Bai Harbour in East Bali and arriving at Bangsal Harbour in North Lombok.
There are numerous boat companies that operate daily from Bali to Lombok and you can book your ticket online in advance to guarantee the best price.
The boat ticket includes hotel pick-up and drop-off from the main city areas of Bali. The fast boat takes approximately 1.5 hours, stopping at Gili Trawangan Island and Gili Air Island before arriving at Bangsal Harbour in Lombok.
Get your ticket: Fast boat from Bali to Lombok
OPTION 2:
Flying to Lombok is another alternative that is affordable and very efficient. Flights from Bali to Lombok operate on a daily basis and the cost is approximately $20 one way.
The flight duration is a short 20-minutes arriving at Lombok Airport, located in the southern region.
Search All ∼ Flights to Lombok on Skyscanner.com
GETTING AROUND LOMBOK
Lombok is quite easy to navigate your way around and it can be done on a self-guided tour. The best means of transport when planning your things to do in Lombok itinerary, and like so many other Asian countries, is to rent a car, motorbike or scooter.
The cost of a car is approximately $50 per day or you can do it much cheaper on a scooter for $5 a day.
These rental options are available when arriving at Bangsal Harbour or from the main city areas such as Kuta Lombok, Senggigi and Mataram. Just look for a tourist center or any sign that reads car/scooter rental.
15 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN LOMBOK
NORTH LOMBOK
MOUNT RINJANI VOLCANO HIKE
If hiking and exploring incredible landscapes is a hobby of yours then I highly recommend adding a 3-day hike to the summit of Mt Rinjani to your list of things to do in Lombok.
The trek begins in Senaru, a small mountainside village at the base of Indonesia’s second-largest active volcano, which is a whopping 3,726 meters high! It’s the main hub for anyone wishing to take the Rinjani Trekking challenge.
WHERE TO BOOK YOUR MOUNT RINJANI TREK
There are dozens of tour companies that can organise your Mount Rinjani Trek and their offices can be found in the main towns including Sengiggi, Mataram, Senaru and Kuta Lombok.
If you arrive in Lombok by boat to Bangsal Harbour, you will most likely be approached by the locals trying to sell you one of their tour packages. So the option is there if you do decide to organise and book your trek upon arrival to Bangsal.
However, from my experience, the best option is to find your way to Senaru, which is the village where most people stay before and after trekking Mt Rinjani. In Senaru you will be able to negotiate a price with any of the tour companies in the village.
Alternatively, you can book online in advance to guarantee a fixed price for your Mt Rinjani Trek.
Conveniently for us, the owner of the Blue Mountain Cottage Homestay where we were staying helped us to organise a 3-day and 2-night trek to Mount Rinjani. After some haggling, we managed to get the price of the trek for a total of USD $100 per person. This is inclusive of porters, food, water, tents, sleeping bag and a guide.
The Mount Rinjani Trek is one of the best adventures I have ever been on, and it’s truly one of the best things to do in Lombok!
Full Blog Post: Mount Rinjani Trek
Mount Rinjani Crater Rim – Things To Do In Lombok
Mt Rinjani Trekking – Things to do in Lombok
Mt Rinjani Crater Rim – Lombok Things To Do
TIU KELEP WATERFALL
Tiu Kelep Waterfall is easily the most amazing waterfall I have ever laid my eyes on and it is one of the best things to do in Lombok! Tiu Kelep Waterfall is located in the mountainside village of Senaru, North Lombok.
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There is a couple of river crossings no more than knee-deep and a muddy trail that leads through the jungle to the jaw-dropping sight of Air Terjun Tiu Kelep. There is no waterfall that I have seen that can compare to this.
The water flows out of the walls and into a crystal clear pool below. There is a strong vortex-like current directly beneath the main water flow at Tiu Kelep Waterfall so be careful not to get sucked in!
The rocks are a super slippery, so if you are excited as I was when visiting Tiu Kelep waterfall, take care and watch your step!
Full Blog Post ∼ Tiu Kelep Waterfall
Tiu Kelep Waterfall – Lombok Things To Do
Tiu Kelep – What To Do In Lombok
SENDANG GILE WATERFALL
Sendang Gile Waterfall is the first waterfall along the trail to Tiu Kelep Waterfall so you can’t miss it.
Sendang Gile is a two-tier cascading waterfall that spits out of the rock face high above. We were so early here that we only had to share this waterfall with the local monkeys!
You can go swimming in the rock pools and get right beneath the falls at Air Terjun Sendang Gile.
From here head back up the track and to the left and continue on to Tiu Kelep waterfall. It is a moderate 30-minute walk through the jungle and manageable without the use of a guide.
Full Blog Post: Sendang Gile Waterfall
Sendang Gile Waterfall – Lombok What To Do
CENTRAL LOMBOK
BUKIT SELONG SUNRISE VIEWPOINT
The Bukit Selong sunrise location in the heart of Lombok is becoming a popular spot for travelers as it’s one of the best things to do in Lombok.
There are 2 viewpoints at Bukit Selong that overlook a blanket of crop fields – one is a dirt mound at a lower level and the other is further up the hill where you’ll see a handcrafted wooden star on bamboo stilts that makes for a great photo.
And just on the other side of the hill, there is a cool little tree-top boardwalk that leads out over the edge. Around every corner at Bukit Seling is a new epic landscape waiting to be discovered!
Full Blog Post: Bukit Selong Sunrise Viewpoint
Bukit Selong Viewpoint – Lombok Itinerary
Bamboo treetop walk – Things to do in Lombok
Bukit Selong – Things to do in Lombok
BENANG STOKEL WATERFALL
Benang Stokel Waterfall is one of many waterfalls that can be found in the Central Lombok region.
When you arrive at the entrance to Benang Stokel Waterfall you will have to pay the entrance fee of around 30,000 rupiah before you can continue to the trailhead to the falls.
To our surprise this wasn’t just one waterfall, in fact, there are several waterfalls on a 30-minute circuit trail through this valley in central Lombok.
The first waterfall Benang Stokel was my favorite. There are three sets of falls here that graciously flow into a shallow rock pool below. Take your pick on which falls to take a natural shower under!
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Benang Stokel – Things To Do In Lombok
BENANG KELAMBU WATERFALL
Benang Kelambu Waterfall is located just 15-minutes walk further along the trail past Benang Stokel.
The unique curtain falls and Benang Kelambu Waterfall is unlike any other that I’ve seen and you’ll definitely want to add it to your list of places to see in Lombok.
Instead of flowing through stones, the water is flowing through plants out of the cliff walls. In fact, the word “Kelambu” means curtain and the plants frame the waterfall just like a window and curtain.
Benang Kelambu Waterfall – Things To Do In Lombok
SOUTH LOMBOK
BUKIT MERESE
Bukit Merese is one of the most popular spots on the island to explore the rolling grass hills, swim at deserted white sand beaches and marvel at the amazing view overlooking Kuta Lombok.
If you have a set of wheels, it takes approximately 15 minutes to drive east to Bukit Merese from the main tourist town of Kuta Lombok.
There is a car park at the jump-off point to Bukit Merese and the parking fee is 5,000 IDR. If you like, you can buy beer, snacks and water from one of the many mobile vendors in the car park.
The walk up to the Bukit Merese viewpoint takes around 5-minutes to where you will see the idyllic features of rolling grass hills and several small beaches and coves.
At the top, it’s a matter of picking your own headland to perch up and watch the sunset. The most popular viewpoint at Bukit Merese is where most of the crowd will be, standing around a dead tree on the edge of the cliff.
We decided to walk for a little longer to a headland that reaches right out over the ocean and we had a grassy patch on top of Bukit Merese Hill all to ourselves. The sky put on an incredible show for us displaying soft pinks and blues to then bright oranges and burning reds!
Full Blog Post: Bukit Merese in Kuta Lombok
Bukit Merese Hill – Places To Visit In Lombok
Bukit Merese – Things to do in Lombok
Bukit Merese – Things to do in Lombok
SEGER BEACH
Seger Beach is only a 10-minute ride on a scooter from the center of Kuta Lombok town. Pantai Seger is a great spot for a swim and a cold coconut from one of the beachside warungs.
A visit to Seger beach is one of the best things to do in Lombok and a great spot to beach bum, go swimming in the cool waters and marvel at tropical paradise surroundings.
See All ∼ Homestays/Hotels/Resorts in Kuta Lombok
Best Things To Do In Lombok
SEGER POINT
Just over the headland from Seger Beach, is a popular surf spot called Seger Point.
You can either ride your scooter around the hillside to Seger Point and pay a parking fee of 5,000 rupiah or take a short walk up and over the hill through some cow paddocks and make your way down to Seger Point this way.
Straw huts line the water’s edge on this beautiful Kuta Lombok beach making it a perfect spot to perch up and gaze out over the ocean or paddle out on a surfboard to score some waves.
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Things to do in Lombok – Photo: Home Sweet Home
TANJUNG AAN BEACH
After exploring Seger Point Beach, you can head east again on the bike for 2 minutes to where you’ll find a long stretch of white sand beach called Tanjung Aan.
Tanjung Aan Beach looks like something you would see on a postcard and it’s one of the most beautiful Kuta Lombok beaches worthy of checking out!
See More ∼ Best Camera Gear For Travel
Best Things To Do In Lombok – Photo: The Sunshine Seeker
GERUPUK BEACH
Further on from Tanjung Aan you can find Gerupuk Surf Beach, one of the most popular surf spots and worthy of adding to your list of things to do in Lombok.
The surf breaks are quite far out off the coast and you will have to organise a boat to take you out to surf these breaks at Gerupuk Beach. This can be easily organised through any of the friendly local surf guides at the harbor.
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Gerupuk surf break – Photo: Mandalika Indonesia
PANTAI BILASAYAK & PANTAI TELUK UJUNG
Continuing on from Gerupuk you can find two more Kuta Lombok beaches called Pantai Bilasayak and Pantai Teluk Ujung.
Pantai Bilasayak is a 30-minute drive from Gerupuk or a 1-hour drive from Kuta Lombok. This spot was quite difficult to find though with the assistance of google maps you should have no dramas.
These two locations are well off the beaten track and definitely worth adding it to your list of Kuta Lombok beaches to check out.
Pantai Bilasayak and Pantai Teluk Ujung are part of an environmental park and it wasn’t until we arrived that we found this out. The entrance fee is 100,000 Rupiah per person, but we arrived late afternoon and haggled the gatekeeper down to 100,000 Rupiah for the four of us.
To get to Pantai Bilasayak, take the dirt road to the left when you pass through the entrance gates, and follow it right to the end until you reach the ocean. This beach was deserted when we were there and a great spot for a swim on high tide.
See All ∼ Homestays/Hotels/Resorts in Kuta Lombok
If you are seeking an adrenaline rush try to spot the “lookout tower” on top of the cliffs in the distance. To get to the tower, park your bike on the beach and trek for 10 mins along the rugged cliffs till you reach the tower.
It is very rusty and sketchy but if you are an adrenaline junkie like myself it is worth the climb. The view from the top is spectacular and overlooks more undiscovered Kuta Lombok beaches down the east coast.
Head back on the same dirt track towards the entrance and before exiting take the dirt road that leads to the left. This track leads down to Pantai Teluk Ujung, another deserted beach with rock pools and an awesome spot to watch the sunset.
Pantai Bilasayak Tower – Lombok Things To Do
Pantai Teluk Ujung – Things To Do In Lombok
PANTAI TELAWAS
Pantai Telawas is a tucked-away paradise with several coves, blowholes, caves and cliff jumps. We spent some time here in awe of the beauty that surrounded us.
Exploring Telawas Beach was one of the best adventures we had while on the hunt for the best things to do in Lombok.
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Pantai Telawas – Things to do in Lombok
PANTAI SEMETI BEACH
Within walking distance from Pantai Telawas is yet another secluded Kuta Lombok beach. Pantai Semeti Beach will blow you away with its crystal clear water and blinding white sand.
There were some small waves breaking over the reef here so we went for a body surf and then took some shade under the palm trees along the beach to get out of the scorching sun.
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Semeti Beach Kuta Lombok – Tour Lombok
MAWI BEACH
Last but not least on this complete guide of things to do in Lombok is Mawi Beach.
Mawi Beach is located on the other side of the headland from Pantai Semeti Beach and it’s one of my favorite Kuta Lombok beaches, especially being a surfer!
The waves here are as good as it gets when the conditions are right. The tropical beach vibes here at Mawi Beach are on point with small bamboo huts and surrounding coconut trees, you’ll surely be in for a treat.
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Mawi Beach – Things To Do In Lombok
THINGS TO DO IN LOMBOK MAP
WHERE TO STAY IN KUTA LOMBOK
Kuta Lombok has hundreds of accommodation options to choose from, so I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay in Kuta Lombok to fit the needs of budget backpackers, luxury travelers and everyone in between.
See the list of accommodations below that I personally recommend:
Luxury: Novotel Resort & Villas
Novotel Resort is one of the best luxury accommodations overlooking white sands and turquoise waters. Featuring 3 swimming pools, private beachfront, table tennis, darts, foosball and 2 restaurants with bars. The rooms are modern and fitted with air conditioning, large comfortable bed, spacious living, flat-screen tv, mini bar, private ensuite and ocean views. Buffet breakfast is also included for all guests. Great place to stay for couples, families and friends!
Mid Range: Lavella Villas
Lavella Villas is the best value pick for couples, friends and families with a central location. Featuring a restaurant and bar, swimming pool, outdoor terrace, nice gardens, shared lounge and free wifi. There are poolside bungalows and apartment rooms to choose from, each with air conditioning, flat-screen tv, a fridge and kettle, private bathroom, large comfortable beds and pool views. A continental breakfast is also included.
Budget: Lara Homestay
The affordable pick for solo travelers, friends and couples on a budget. Lare Homestay is centrally located in Kuta Lombok town. There is a shared kitchen, 24-hour front desk, free wifif and massage services. Choose from a double room or a triple room to share with friends, each with air conditioning, modern interior, large comfortable beds, wardrobe, private bathroom and seating area. Continental breakfast is also included for all guests!
FOR ALL OTHER PLACES TO STAY IN KUTA LOMBOK, SEARCH ON AGODA OR SEARCH ON BOOKING.COM
BEST TIME TO VISIT LOMBOK
The best time to visit Lombok for perfect weather and fewer tourists is between the months of April and October.
The rainy season in Lombok is typically from December through to February and this is also peak season for tourists arriving during the Christmas and New Years holiday season.
LOMBOK – THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
The currency in Lombok is Rupiah (IDR) and the exchange rate is approximately $1 USD = 14,000 IDR.
Purchasing a sim card for Lombopk is very cheap and simple. You can purchase an Indonesian SIM Card online in advance and pick it up at the airport when you arrive. For approximately $7 USD, you can get a local sim card that comes with 10GB of data with calls and texts included!
Buy Now ∼ Bali SIM Card
BEST TOURS IN BALI
MORE BALI TRAVEL GUIDES
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Bali Travel Guide: 2 Week Bali Itinerary
Bali Waterfalls Guide: 7 Best Bali Waterfalls
Bali Beaches Guide: 11 Best Beaches In Uluwatu
AIRBNB LOMBOK
Another option for accommodation is to stay at an Airbnb, which generally has some great deals in Lombok.
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LONELY PLANET – BALI
One of the best books to take on your trip is the Lonely Planet Bali Travel Guide!
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JOIN MY FACEBOOK TRAVEL TRIBE
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WHAT TO PACK FOR LOMBOK
Everyday Backpack: One of the best backpacks on the market! The Nomatic 20L Backpack is perfect for on the go adventures. Featuring multiple storage spaces for valuables, drink bottles, chargers, notebooks and more. This sleek backpack was designed for you.
Universal Power Adapter: Don’t leave home without one! I highly recommend getting this Universal Power Adapter so that you are able to charge all of your electronics when you’re on the road. Compatible in Asia, UK, Europe, Africa, USA, SA and Australia.
Hidden Money Belt: I never go on a trip without one! The best thing is they are always out of sight, hidden beneath your clothing. With RFID blocking, they are perfectly designed to keep your credit cards, cash and other valuables safe when you’re out adventuring!
Waterproof Phone Case: A waterproof phone case is a must-have item! This universal case will keep your phone safe from water damage, sand and scratches during your adventures. Suitable for all smartphone models.
Portable Charger: One of the best portable chargers on the market! The Anker Power Bank keeps your phone and accessories charged on those longer adventures. Featuring 2 USB charging ports, rechargeable battery, works with iPhone, iPad, Samsung, Oppo and Android.
Microfibre Travel Towel: To pack a towel or not to pack a towel? A standard bathroom towel can take up a lot of space in your travel bag. Get your hands on a quick-dry Microfibre Travel Towel which is perfect for the beach, backpacking, camping and general traveling.
Rain Jacket: A light-weight rain jacket is an absolute must when traveling! North Face waterproof rain jackets come in both men and women sizes, featuring a breathable mesh lining and adjustable hood that can be tucked away inside the collar.
Kindle: The best alternative for books! Kindle e-readers are perfect for long haul flights, reading on the beach or a quiet evening away from the bars. Kindle’s are waterproof with rechargeable batteries and adjustable light settings to suit indoor/outdoor conditions.
Packing Cubes: My favorite item in my backpack! Perfect for organizing your shirts, pants, jackets, socks, underwear and more. This 5 Set Packing Cubes makes packing easier and more efficient, adding extra space in your bag for your next trip.
Activated Charcoal Tablets: Want to avoid food poisoning? Most of us have been a victim of travelers diarrhea from eating street food. Organic Activated Charcoal Tablets are fast-acting and will rid your system of the bad bacteria that causes stomach upset.
MY CAMERA GEAR
Everyday Camera: The most affordable mirrorless camera on the market! I personally use the Sony A7ii Mirrorless Camera on all of my adventures. It’s compact, lightweight and super easy to use for all levels of photography. A 28-70mm Sony lens is also included.
Drone Camera: Take your photography to new heights! The DJI Mavic Pro 2 Drone is at the top of the game when it comes to high-quality images and video, easy to control functions and traveler-friendly capabilities. I guarantee you won’t regret purchasing one.
GoPro Hero 8: One of the most popular cameras on the planet! I love using the GoPro Hero 8 for all of my underwater shots and fast-paced adventures. The GoPro Hero 8 captures the best moments with its wide range of functions that are very simple to use!
Camera Bag: My favorite camera bag I have ever owned! The Lowepro Protactic 450 AW II Camera Bag features a waterproof rain cover, drink bottle holder, padded compartments for cameras, drones, lenses, accessories and it also has a laptop pocket.
Selfie Stick: Everyone loves a good selfie, right!? The Sandmarc Metal Edition Selfie Stick is sleek, stylish and can extend to 1.2m. I find it much easier to take photos and videos with the GoPro when it is mounted to the Sandmarc Selfie Stick!
Camera Tripod: The Joby GorillaPod is suitable for all cameras. This tripod is easy to use and perfect for setting up a time-lapse video or even using it as a selfie stick. The legs are flexible so you can wrap it around a tree or a pole to get creative with your shot.
GoPro Dome: Have you ever wanted to capture those under/over water shots with the GoPro? This epic underwater GoPro dome housing is the best camera accessory to have to create the perfect 50/50 shot. I use mine every time I am in the ocean!
Memory Card: The best thing about SanDisk Extreme Pro is that it delivers maximum speed for images and videos. Having 64GB of storage means that you can store hundreds of files on this SD card for 2-3 days and not have to worry about running out of space.
External Hard Drive: As a photographer, my images and video files take up a lot of space on my MacBook so I use the WD Elements External Hard Drive to store everything. With 4TB worth of storage space, this is more than enough for 1 years worth of content.
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MY SHOP
Before you go from this things to do in Lombok post, don’t forget to check out My Online Shop!
I’ve got a wide range of digital products for sale and I’m sure you’ll find something that will come in handy during your travels!
SEE MORE → MY SHOP
FINAL THOUGHTS OF THINGS TO DO IN LOMBOK
Thanks for reading this article and if you have any questions about Things To Do In Lombok, please leave me a comment below.
Happy Adventuring!
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This is a fab guide! We live in Lombok and you have covered some great spots! We also recommend the Monkey Forest on Kuta beach, and exploring further West – Tampah beach, Selong, Serangan. Also there is an amazing island – Gili Kondo – on the East where you can camp and snorkel – totally deserted and stunning! Hope you can revisit some day 🙂
Hey guys! Glad you love the guide. I will be sure to visit these places you have listed to add to my blog on my next visit to Lombok!
Hi Jonny Nice to meet you
Im from Lombok
Hey Jonny,
To visit the Tiu Kelep Waterfall, do I have to stay around Senaru village? I will be staying in Kuta, Lombok for 3 days. So I was thinking what if I can do a day trip?
Author
Yes, it is recommended to stay in Senaru Village for sure. Tiu Kelep is a 3-4 hour drive from Kuta Lombok. Enjoy 🙂
i m planning to stay near kuta lombok beach. I want to go to Tiu Kelep Waterfall.. Is it possible to rent a bike and drive till Tiu kelep Waterfall? What are other ways to visit these waterfalls from Kuta Lombok? Please help.
Author
Hello, Tiu Kelep waterfall is half a days drive from Kuta Lombok. It is possible to ride or take a taxi. I would recommend you stay in Senaru for a night if you plan to visit Tiu Kelep Waterfall. Enjoy!