Looking for things to do in Lombok? You’ve come to the right place. Lying east of Bali, the island of Lombok is where adventure, culture, and breathtaking natural beauty combine to create a spectacular vacation. We expected our days to consist of nothing more than basking in the sun, sipping cocktails, and finishing each day in paradise watching the sunset, but once we arrived, we found out that there were more things to do in Lombok than we initially thought. Read on for ways to enjoy this Indonesian island.
Elevate Your Lombok Adventure: 17 Unique Experiences to Add to Your Itinerary
Lombok is for romance, adventure, water sports, and cultural experiences. These are the best things to do in Lombok – there’s something here for everyone!
Tetebatu Rice Terrace
The Tetebatu Rice Terrace, located in the tranquil village of Tetebatu at the southern foothills of Mount Rinjani, is a stunning destination often compared to Ubud’s rice fields. However, unlike Ubud, this place is less crowded and more peaceful due to the fewer tourists visiting Lombok.
You can take a guided tour of the expansive rice fields and climb up to the top for breathtaking views of Mount Rinjani in the background. After exploring the rice fields, it’s highly recommended to take a short hike to the Tetabatu Waterfall, where you can enjoy the stunning views of the waterfall, although the water may be too cold for swimming.
Mount Rinjani Trekking
Experience the breathtaking sunrise views at Mount Rinjani, Indonesia’s second-highest volcano and one of Lombok’s most popular attractions. The climb up majestic, forested Mount Rinjani (3726m), which includes the magnificent Danau Segara Anak crater lake, is the most challenging and rewarding trek on Lombok.
Most climbs begin from Senaru or Sembalun Lawang, located on the northern slopes. However, two new access points have recently opened at Aik Berik, near Benang Stokel waterfall and Timbanuh on the southern slopes.
If you want to reach the summit, Sembalun Lawang is the ideal starting point. If you only want to reach the crater, you can start from Senaru, the easiest option.
In 2018, the entire area was designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark.
Mount Rinjani trekking is open from April to January. It can be dangerous to trek after January due to the rainy season. April and May are the least crowded months for trekking, and they offer some of the best views as the landscape is lush and green. May is the ideal time to climb Mount Rinjani, as the crowds are smaller, and the views are stunning.
Snorkel the Gili Islands
Explore the magnificent underwater world of the Gili Islands by snorkelling. These three beautiful islands, Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air, are just a 20-minute boat ride from Lombok.
Although small in size compared to Lombok, these islands are famous for their breathtaking scuba diving and snorkelling spots, as well as for their relaxing beaches and vibrant nightlife.
Exploring the Pink Beach
Immerse yourself in the stunning pink sands of Tangsi Beach, better known as Pink Beach. Located on the far south-eastern shore of Lombok, Pink Beach is one of only ten pink sand beaches in the world and is distinguished by the millions of dead red coral fragments blended with the white sand, resulting in its glorious pink tint.
Indonesia is home to two beautiful pink sand beaches, with the other one on Flores, Lombok’s neighbouring island. Due to its secluded location, Tangsi Beach remains a hidden gem, untouched by mass tourism. It’s a perfect destination for a memorable day out exploring the unique natural beauty of Lombok. Moreover, the calm waters of Pink Beach make it an ideal spot for swimming.
Diving in Lombok’s Pristine Waters
Lombok boasts some exceptional diving spots, particularly at the Gili Islands in the northwest region. However, numerous other dive locations are situated around Lombok, including some challenging and exhilarating dive sites where you may get the opportunity to dive with Hammerhead Sharks.
The most renowned dive sites in Lombok, besides the famous Gili Islands, are in Belongas Bay, located in the southwest corner of Lombok. The two primary dive sites here are ‘Magnet’ and ‘The Cathedral.’ These dive sites are not for the faint-hearted, owing to their depth and potential currents. Both dive sites are pinnacles in the exposed sea, meaning that sea conditions can change abruptly and become challenging without warning. However, the benefits are numerous, including healthy corals, resident species, and the large pelagics that visit, such as schools of Giant and Scalloped Hammerhead Sharks.
Along the south coast of Lombok are several bays, beaches, and regions, including Kuta, Tampah, and Gerupak Bay. Each of these areas has dive centres and diving spots.
Visit the Tiu Kelep Waterfall
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Tiu Kelep, the most famous waterfall in Lombok. The waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery and features multiple cascades that pour out of the wall and converge into an expansive, diagonal gushing flow that pours down with extreme force.
It’s worth noting that you need to be cautious when swimming beneath the falls, as the impact zone can have an extreme pull that has caused trouble for some people.
Visit the Unique Hindu-Muslim Temple – Pura Lingsar
Lombok’s temple of Lingsar is a unique symbol of harmony between Hindu and Muslim cultures. The temple was built by Balinese Hindus in 1714 and is the most important religious site on the island. The northern section of the temple is dedicated to Hindu worship, while the southern section is where the native Sasak people of Lombok practice Wetu Telu. This religion is a blend of Islam, Hinduism, and animist practices, without many of the commandments of Islam.
Lingsar temple demonstrates the cultural connections between Bali and Lombok and highlights the multi-faith nature of Lombok. To enter, men and women must rent or bring a sarong, and revealing clothes are prohibited inside the temple.
Related: The Best Things to Do in Bali
Explore Traditional Sasak Villages
Immerse yourself in the rich traditions and unique way of life of the Sasak people who make up around 85% of Lombok’s population and are its largest tribe as indigenous inhabitants. If you’re looking for a break from the beaches and want to immerse yourself in the culture of Lombok’s Sasak people, you can visit Sade Village and step back in time. Just a stone’s throw away from Kuta, explore picturesque thatch-roof homes, marvel at exquisite handicrafts, and learn about Lombok’s indigenous community.
Here’s a fun fact! Did you know that Sasak homes are constructed using unique methods? They use wooden pillars and frames, bamboo walls, and alang-alang (woven grass) roofs without nails or metal tools. These sturdy “lumbung” huts are abundant in Ende and traditionally used for grain storage. The floors of these huts are polished with dried cow dung in a ritual believed to keep mosquitos at bay. You can easily hire a local guide in Ende for a reasonable fee and stroll around the village to admire their ingenious architecture.
Visit the Traditional Pottery Village – Banyumulek
Pottery-making has been a traditional occupation for generations among the Sasak Lombok tribe in the village of Banyumulek. Daily life in the village revolves around this ancient art, with their unique pottery traditions passed down from mother to daughter since the early 16th century.
In this village, women start learning how to shape and mould pots from a young age. They use primitive tools and clay collected from the surrounding countryside. Since they don’t have potters’ wheels, all the pots, vases, plates, and jugs are hand-thrown using a round stone and wooden paddle. On the other hand, the village men are responsible for firing the pots while the local children decorate them.
As you enter the village, you will notice a green gate that reads “Banyumulek, Pottery Centre.” Even the local government and school offices feature large pottery pieces on their gate fences, emphasising Banyumulek’s status as a centre for pottery. Along the street, you will find many galleries to shop at.
Related: A complete travel guide to Lombok for couples
Traditional Weaving Village – Sukarara
Learn about the intricate art of weaving and admire the craftsmanship of the local weavers. Sukarara is a delightful but small village located in the island’s centre and only a short drive from the city of Mataram in the northwest. The village offers incredible views of the mountains and volcanoes of the north, and all its buildings are traditionally laid out, adding to the experience.
The village’s primary focus is the production of fabrics and cloth, which are used for various things, including clothing and other decorative items. Some of Indonesia’s most popular and aesthetically pleasing traditional designs can be found in Sukarara.
Explore the Traditional Market of Ampenan
Explore this bustling market and indulge your senses by sampling delicious local street food. This traditional market offers a variety of fresh vegetables, spices, fish, and much more. It is a must-visit destination in Lombok if you want to experience the island’s authentic culture!
Visit Sekotong Peninsula
Sekotong is a hidden paradise located on the southwestern coast of Lombok, which is approximately two hours away from Senggigi. This place is famous for having some of the best undiscovered pristine beaches, incredible diving locations, and world-class surfing spots on the island.
Besides its natural beauty, Sekotong provides access to 12 small ‘Secret Gili’ islands, such as Gili Nanggu, Gili Sudak, and Gili Kedi. These islands are perfect for a day of island hopping and snorkelling.
Benang Stokel Waterfall & Kelambu Waterfall
The dual waterfalls of Benang Stokel Waterfall and Kelambu Waterfall are located in Aik Berik Village, southeast of Mount Rinjani. They are considered two of the most breathtaking waterfalls to visit in Lombok.
Benang Stokel Waterfall, also known as Air Terjun Benang Stokel, is a 20-30-minute hike from the entrance. It is famous for the three falls that cascade down a wall of rock and vines into a shallow pool, creating a fine mist. Although the pool is too shallow for swimming, we recommend standing under the water for a refreshing shower.
Afterwards, follow the path for about 15 minutes to reach Benang Kelambu Waterfall, also known as Air Terjun Benang Kelambu. It is a two-tiered formation that looks like a curtain of water flowing over rocks and hanging leaves.
Surf Lombok
Try surfing at some of Lombok’s world-famous surf breaks, like Desert Point, located on the southwestern tip and Belongas Bay. If you are a beginner, head to Selong Belanak, the best beginner wave on Lombok, with the swell tamed by the framing of reefs to the north and south.
Bukit Selong Rice Field Viewpoint
The Bukit Selong Rice Fields viewpoint is a beautiful patchwork of farm plots that can be viewed from different mountaintops.
The valley is covered by different-coloured crops that create a striking quilt-like pattern. There is a flat viewpoint from where you can see the entire valley and a higher viewpoint as well.
Sunset Point Kuta Lombok – Bukit Merese Hill
Bukit Merese Hill, located on the southern coast of Lombok, is a must-visit destination for witnessing one of the most stunning sunsets in Indonesia. This natural hilltop viewpoint offers panoramic views of the Indian Ocean and the surrounding countryside.
From the top of Bukit Merese Hill, visitors can enjoy a spectacular sunset that paints the sky in orange, pink, and red hues, creating a breathtaking scene. The hike to the top is relatively easy and offers you a chance to witness the natural beauty of Lombok up close.
Explore Lombok’s Gorgeous Beaches
Lombok is home to some fantastic beaches, and you’ll need to spend more than a few days there to explore them all! Here are some of our favourites for your must-do Lombok itinerary:
Tanjung Aan Beach: Just a quick hop from Kuta, this picture-perfect retreat boasts soft white sands and tranquil azure waters. Sun lounges line the buzzing shore, offering perfect spots for family fun, swimming, and snorkelling.
Selong Belanak Beach – A haven for budding surfers! Located just west of Kuta, its sheltered bay and calm waters provide the ideal surf-learning environment. Lounge under umbrellas, enjoy peaceful swims or watch the unique sight of local farmers parading their buffalo.
Senggigi Beach: Senggigi Beach, located on the west coast of Lombok, is a popular tourist destination that offers a perfect opportunity to relax and unwind. With its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters, this place is perfect for swimming and snorkeling amidst the vibrant reefs. You can also enjoy kayaking and jet skiing.
Although it may not be the top surfing destination in Lombok, surfers are still able to catch some amazing waves in Senggigi.
We hope this list of the top things to do in Lombok will inspire you to explore this culturally and naturally rich island.
