Lombok

Travel Guide

Gili Islands which includes tropical scenes and a sandy beach
Gili Islands which includes night scenes as well as a large group of people
Gili Islands which includes a sandy beach and boating
Lombok showing a beach and boating
Lombok showing a temple or place of worship

An active volcano, dense forests and seemingly endless stretches of undeveloped coastline make this island a less crowded and more natural alternative to neighbouring Bali.

The volcanic island of Lombok lies in the heart of the Indonesian archipelago, just to the east of Bali. Though the islands are only 35 kilometres (22 miles) apart, there are stark differences between them. While tourism and development in Bali have continued unabated for decades, Lombok has been slower to develop. Enjoy Lombok’s untouched lengths of coastline, quiet surf breaks, and rural towns and villages that have changed little for generations. 

Though often bypassed by visitors keen to hit the beaches, the island’s capital, Mataram, has rewarding attractions. Spend some time in the Mayura Water Palace, where 18th- and 19th-century Balinese royals used to unwind, and Pura Meru, the largest temple on Lombok.

Lombok offers some of the best beaches and islands in Indonesia. Head north from Mataram to Senggigi Beach and enjoy laid-back resorts, the rich marine life of Senggigi Reef and the heavenly views from Pura Batu Bolong temple. Follow the scenic road a little farther north to Bangsal, one of the access points to the incredible Gili Islands. Lying just a few miles off Lombok’s northwest coast, these three tiny islands epitomise tropical perfection.  

When you are looking for an alternative to sand and surf, trek to the highest point on the island, the active volcano, Gunung Rinjani. If you’re not up for the climb, explore the beauty of the surrounding natural park with an expedition through its forests and villages.

Lombok is just a 25-minute flight from Bali. The island’s international airport is a 40-minute drive from Mataram. There are also numerous fast boat connections between Bali and Lombok, some going directly to Senggigi Beach and the Gili Islands. Passenger ferries connect Lombok to the rest of the archipelago. Getting around the island is easy and relatively inexpensive via tourist shuttle buses, private vans, motorcycles and even horse-drawn carts. 

Being so close to the equator means Lombok is hot year-round. The best time to visit is during the dry season between May and September.

Where to stay in Lombok

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Sade Traditional Weaving Village

Sade Traditional Weaving Village is well-liked for its beaches. You can also take some time to explore sights in the surrounding area like Kuta Beach and Mandalika International Street Circuit.

Sade Traditional Weaving Village
Sheraton Senggigi Beach Resort

Sheraton Senggigi Beach Resort

4.5 out of 5
Jalan Raya Senggigi Km. 8, Senggigi, Lombok
The price is P3,873 per night from Sep 12 to Sep 13
P3,873
P4,686 total
Sep 12 - Sep 13
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach resort in Senggigi. Enjoy free parking, a full-service spa, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (668 reviews)
"The Sheraton was a lovely hotel. The pool, beach & staff were great. The 2 restaurants were ok the service wasn’t consistent we only dinned there twice the 1st time was great the 2nd not so good."

Reviewed on Aug 14, 2025

Sheraton Senggigi Beach Resort
Swiss-Belcourt Lombok

Swiss-Belcourt Lombok

3 out of 5
Jl. Raya By Pass BIL Km. 2 Praya, Lombok, Nusa Tenggara Barat, Indonesia, Praya, Nusa Tenggara Barat
The price is P1,358 per night from Aug 30 to Aug 31
P1,358
P1,643 total
Aug 30 - Aug 31
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Praya Barat. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge).
8.6/10 Excellent! (32 reviews)
"Nice"

Reviewed on Jul 9, 2025

Swiss-Belcourt Lombok
Svarga Resort Lombok

Svarga Resort Lombok

4 out of 5
Senggigi, Senggigi, Lombok
The price is P2,628 per night from Sep 16 to Sep 17
P2,628
P3,180 total
Sep 16 - Sep 17
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa resort in Senggigi. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Senggigi Beach and Art Market ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (205 reviews)
"I would provide photos if I could, but"

Reviewed on Aug 12, 2025

Svarga Resort Lombok
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Lombok Souls

Lombok Souls

3.5 out of 5
Jl. Dusun Lendang Luar, Senggigi, Nusa Tenggara Bar.
Stay at this 3.5-star villa in Senggigi. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and private pools. Popular attractions Senggigi Beach and Bangsal Harbor are located ...
8/10 Very Good! (1 review)
"Great concept but not complete yet - Still building at the site - Empty pool etc. rooms are good but small details lacking - nowhere to hang towels for example. Feels a bit hit and miss but overall vibe ok and staff are lovely"

Reviewed on Jul 31, 2025

Lombok Souls
Tías Villas

Tías Villas

4 out of 5
No.3 Jl. Mawun, Kuta, West Nusa Tenggara
Stay at this 4-star villa in Kuta. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Mandalika International Street Circuit and Kuta ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
"The villas are beautiful. Tastefully decorated and the staff were very helpful. I would stay again, highly recommend Tias Villas."

Reviewed on Apr 26, 2025

Tías Villas
Sundancer Residences & Villas Lombok

Sundancer Residences & Villas Lombok

5 out of 5
Jalan Pandanan, Dusun Pandanan, Sekotong Barat, West Nusa Tenggara
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Sekotong Barat. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Elak Elak Beach and Sekotong ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (20 reviews)
Incredible place - well worth the journey!
"Our whole stay was absolutely fantastic. Anyone questioning whether to make the journey ABSOLUTELY should! Staff were the highlight - almost all local to the nearby village and relaxed, friendly and went above and beyond. As a family we travel a lot and this was definitely one of the best hotels ..."

Reviewed on Aug 6, 2025

Sundancer Residences & Villas Lombok
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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