Last Update
June 12, 2025 4:11 PM

Lombok

Lombok

Quick Info

Lombok
Just across the Lombok Strait from Bali lies a paradise that’s more raw, more rugged, and wildly under the radar — welcome to Lombok Island. With its towering volcanoes, rolling rice fields, empty surf beaches, and traditional Sasak villages, Lombok offers a completely different vibe than its bustling neighbor. Here, you’ll find Mount Rinjani, one of Indonesia’s most majestic peaks, standing sentinel over an island woven with myths and jungle trails. Lombok is a place where ancient customs thrive, waves crash on untouched shores, and time slows to the rhythm of rural life. Whether you're chasing waterfalls, trekking volcanic ridgelines, or soaking in a pink-sand beach with no one in sight, this island is all about connection — to nature, culture, and adventure. Ready to explore the wild side of the Indonesian archipelago? Lombok is calling — and it’s calling you off the beaten path.
Capital:
Main cities:
Mataram, Kuta, Senggigi, Praya, Selong
International airport:
Lombok International Airport (LOP)
Population:
Around 3.8 million
Area:
4,725 sq km
Dependency Status:
Part of the Republic of Indonesia (West Nusa Tenggara province)
Language:
Sasak, Indonesian, English (in tourist areas)
Currency:
Indonesian Rupiah (IDR, Rp)
Time zone:
GMT+8
Country Code:
+62
Driving:
Left-hand side
Electricity:
Type C and F plugs (Europlug), 220V, 50Hz
Emergency Number:
112 (general), 110 (police), 118 (ambulance)
Tipping:
Not mandatory but appreciated; round up or 5–10% in restaurants

Map

Best Time to Visit

Lombok

The best time to visit Lombok is during the dry season from May to October, when the skies are blue, humidity is low, and outdoor activities like surfing, hiking, and island hopping are at their peak. July and August are the busiest months, especially around Gili Trawangan, but Lombok still feels quieter than neighboring Bali.

In November to April, the wet season brings tropical rains, which are typically short and intense in the afternoons. While this is low season, it’s a great time for lush landscapes, fewer crowds, and lower prices. Treks to Mount Rinjani are closed from January to March due to safety concerns during heavy rain. Overall, the dry season is best for beach lovers and adventurers, while the shoulder seasons (April–May, September–October) offer the ideal mix of good weather and tranquility.

Top 10 Attractions in

Lombok

  • Mount Rinjani – Indonesia’s second-highest volcano offers challenging treks, scenic crater lake views, and the spiritual serenity of Segara Anak. It’s a must for hiking enthusiasts and adventurers.
  • Gili Islands (Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, Gili Air) – While technically tiny islands off Lombok’s northwest coast, they are part of Lombok’s tourism heartbeat. White beaches, snorkeling, and nightlife await.
  • Kuta Lombok – A laid-back surf town with a boho vibe, Kuta is the jumping-off point to explore South Lombok’s beaches and rolling green hills.
  • Tanjung Aan Beach – Famous for its sugar-fine sand and turquoise water, this picture-perfect beach is ideal for swimming and relaxing.
  • Senggigi Beach – Once the island’s main resort area, it’s still a good spot for sunsets, traditional food, and beginner snorkeling.
  • Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep Waterfalls – Located near Rinjani National Park, these twin waterfalls are a magical jungle escape that reward visitors with a natural shower.
  • Sasak Village (Sade or Ende) – Experience the traditions of Lombok’s indigenous Sasak people through weaving demos, architecture, and village life.
  • Pink Beach (Tangsi Beach) – One of the few pink-sand beaches in the world, this remote coastal gem is best reached via boat or 4x4 adventure.
  • Banyumulek Pottery Village – A living museum of pottery making, where you can watch artisans at work and take home handcrafted souvenirs.
  • Merese Hill (Bukit Merese) – Climb this grassy hill for panoramic ocean views and unforgettable sunsets over Tanjung Aan and the southern coast.
  • Local Tips -

    Lombok

    • Visit Mount Rinjani with a certified local guide for safety and to support the community.
    • Bring cash for small towns and beach areas, as ATMs can be rare outside cities.
    • Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect coral reefs while snorkeling or diving.
    • Always negotiate prices at markets and with local drivers.
    • The Gili Islands are alcohol-friendly, but in some inland Lombok villages, alcohol may not be served — respect local customs.
    • Dress modestly when visiting religious sites and traditional villages.
    • Rent a scooter with a helmet if you’re confident on the road — it's the best way to explore the coast.
    • Drink bottled or filtered water and avoid ice in rural areas.
    • Try a cooking class in Kuta or Senggigi to learn traditional Sasak recipes.
    • Download offline maps before arriving, especially for treks or rural areas with limited signal.

    Carnivals and Festivals in

    Lombok

    • Bau Nyale Festival (February/March) – A unique cultural event where locals gather on the beach to catch sea worms (nyale), based on the legend of Princess Mandalika. Music, dancing, and traditional ceremonies bring the story to life.
    • Islamic New Year & Ramadan Celebrations – As Lombok is predominantly Muslim, Ramadan is marked by family gatherings and nightly food markets. Visitors should be respectful during prayer times and fasting hours.
    • Perang Topat (Rice Cake War) – Held at Pura Lingsar temple, this friendly “war” between Hindus and Muslims uses rice cakes instead of weapons to symbolize peace and unity.
    • Gandrung Dance Festival – Showcases traditional Lombok and East Javanese dance, performed with vibrant costumes and gamelan music in public squares.

    Cool Facts About

    Lombok

    • Lombok means “chili” in Bahasa Indonesia — and the island’s food is appropriately spicy!
    • It’s home to the Sasak people, who make up around 85% of the island's population.
    • Mount Rinjani is an active volcano, last erupting in 2016.
    • The Gilies have no motorized vehicles — only bicycles and horse carts.
    • Traditional Sasak houses are made from wood, bamboo, and cow dung.
    • Pink Beach gets its color from red coral fragments mixed with white sand.
    • Lombok is part of the Wallace Line, where Asian and Australian wildlife meet.
    • Pearl farming is a major industry, especially in Sekotong.
    • It's a hotspot for eco-tourism and sustainable travel, with coral replanting programs and community-based homestays.
    • Lombok coffee from the highlands is rich and aromatic — don’t miss it!

    FAQ

    What is Lombok Island known for?
    Lombok is known for its epic surf beaches, Mount Rinjani, a massive active volcano, and its authentic Indonesian culture. It’s often seen as a quieter, more traditional alternative to Bali, with pristine beaches, dramatic mountains, and sacred temples.

    Is the island a good destination for families?
    Yes — families will love Lombok’s blend of beach time, waterfall hikes, and cultural activities. Kids can learn to surf in Selong Belanak, visit local villages, or take boat trips to the Gili Islands for snorkeling and sea turtle spotting.

    Is the island safe for tourists?
    Lombok is generally very safe. Petty theft is rare, and locals are friendly and welcoming. Always be cautious when driving or hiking, and follow official advice during rainy or volcanic activity seasons.

    Do you need a visa to visit?
    Indonesia offers visa-free entry or visas on arrival for many nationalities, including the EU, UK, US, Canada, and Australia, for up to 30 days. Always check the latest visa rules before traveling.

    What’s the best way to get to the island?
    Fly into Lombok International Airport (LOP) from Jakarta, Bali, or international hubs like Kuala Lumpur. Alternatively, you can take a fast boat from Bali (about 1.5–3 hours depending on departure point).

    Should I rent a car on the island?
    It’s better to rent a scooter or hire a driver. Roads can be narrow and winding, and traffic rules are loosely followed. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are available in larger towns.

    Is the island wheelchair accessible?
    Lombok has limited accessibility. Some hotels and modern resorts offer accessible facilities, but sidewalks, rural roads, and tourist sites may not be suitable for those with mobility challenges.

    What are the island’s most famous landmarks?
    Mount Rinjani is the crown jewel, towering over the island with a crater lake and multi-day treks. Also famous are the Gili Islands, traditional Sasak villages, and Sendang Gile & Tiu Kelep waterfalls in the lush north.

    What are the best beaches on the island?
    Selong Belanak is ideal for beginner surfers and families. Tanjung Aan has perfect white sand and blue water. Mawun Beach and Pink Beach are quieter and stunningly scenic. For surf pros, Desert Point is legendary.

    What’s unique about Lombok’s wildlife?
    Lombok is home to rare birds, wild monkeys, and unique marine life. You'll spot long-tailed macaques in the mountains and tropical fish in coral reefs. Look for sea turtles in the Gilis and rare butterflies in the forests.

    What traditional foods should you try?
    Try Ayam Taliwang, spicy grilled chicken unique to Lombok, and Plecing Kangkung, a spicy water spinach salad. Sate Rembiga and Lombok-style nasi campur are flavorful local favorites. Don’t miss the island’s fiery sambal sauces!

    Can you drink tap water?
    No — tap water is not safe to drink. Use bottled or filtered water, and avoid ice in remote areas unless you know it’s from purified water.

    What’s the nightlife like?
    Nightlife is low-key compared to Bali, but you’ll find beach bars in Kuta, sunset lounges in Senggigi, and music nights on the Gili Islands. For a quiet night, many travelers relax with sunset views and local food.

    How can I stay connected to the internet?
    Wi-Fi is available in hotels, cafes, and guesthouses, with varying speed. Buying a local SIM card (Telkomsel or XL) gives you reliable mobile data almost anywhere on the island.

    What souvenirs should you bring home?
    Look for handwoven Sasak textiles, traditional pottery from Banyumulek, pearl jewelry, and local coffee or spices. Wooden crafts and natural beauty products are also popular with visitors.

    20 Essential Words

  • Sasak – Local ethnic group
  • Taliwang – Spicy grilled chicken dish
  • Becak – Pedicab
  • Pantai – Beach
  • Gunung – Mountain
  • Desa – Village
  • Rinjani – Island’s iconic volcano
  • Lombok – Chili (also the island’s name)
  • Pura – Temple
  • Terima kasih – Thank you
  • Selamat pagi – Good morning
  • Ibu/Bapak – Madam/Sir
  • Kuta – Southern surf town
  • Pasar – Market
  • Gili – Small island
  • Batik – Traditional fabric
  • Sambal – Spicy chili sauce
  • Air putih – Drinking water
  • Naik gunung – Mountain trekking
  • Tidur – Sleep/rest
  • Famous figures connected to

    Lombok

  • Tuan Guru Bajang – Former governor and Islamic scholar known for developing Lombok’s education and infrastructure.
  • Zainuddin Abdul Madjid – Revered religious leader and founder of the Nahdlatul Wathan movement in Lombok.
  • Joko Widodo (Jokowi) – While not from Lombok, his presidency brought increased investment and attention to the island’s development.
  • Desak Made Rita Kusuma Dewi – An Indonesian climber and influencer who promoted trekking on Rinjani.
  • Sandy Harun – Indonesian actor who filmed several TV projects in Lombok.
  • Eka Gustiwana – Indonesian musician and composer who featured Lombok in music videos.
  • Husnul Hotimah – Prominent local educator and women’s rights advocate in West Nusa Tenggara.
  • Lalu Muhammad Zohri – Olympic sprinter from Lombok who gained global attention in 2018.
  • Ni Putu Desy Margawati – Athlete and national archery champion born in Lombok.
  • Ririn Ekawati – Actress who vacationed in Lombok and helped popularize its hidden beaches on social media.
  • Films and TV Shows Shot on the Island

    10 Films and TV Shows Shot on Lombok

    • “Eat Pray Love” (scenes) – Some beach scenes were shot near the Gilis and Tanjung Aan.
    • “Laskar Pelangi” (The Rainbow Troops) – Parts of this beloved Indonesian film were inspired by and shot around rural Lombok.
    • “Terbang Menembus Langit” – A biopic with scenes set in Lombok’s airport and mountainous regions.
    • “Negeri 5 Menara” – Featured beautiful shots of Lombok’s Islamic schools and natural beauty.
    • “Petualangan Sherina 2” – A children’s adventure film with beach sequences shot near Kuta Lombok.
    • “Wonderful Indonesia” commercials – Lombok frequently stars in official tourism videos.
    • “My Trip My Adventure” (TV series) – Featured multiple Lombok episodes covering Rinjani, waterfalls, and coastal treks.
    • “Jejak Petualang” (Explorer’s Trail) – Showcased Lombok’s Sasak villages and marine life.
    • “Seribu Pulau” – A travel docuseries capturing Lombok’s traditions and landscapes.
    • “Asia’s Next Top Model” (S7) – Filmed photo shoots at Pink Beach and Rinjani trails.

    Videos