• 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.

• 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.

• 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!

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.

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.