50 Amazing Things to Do on Lombok Indonesia: Travel Guide

Summit an active volcano, day trip to magical jungle waterfalls, & unwind on secluded white sandy beaches in this travel guide to the best things to do on Lombok, Indonesia!

Lombok Island is a volcanic island surrounded by coral reefs and dotted islets within the Indonesian archipelago. It’s often called Bali’s sister island, but I like to call it Indonesia’s adventure island!

After spending six weeks on the island on my first trip and returning several times since, I’ve written this huge and updated travel guide to help you plan your visit. I’ve given you a rundown on how to get here, what to expect, where to stay, and a massive list of what to do on Lombok!

7. Explore the Senggigi Coastline

Senggigi was once the tourist capital of Lombok. However, the main tourist hub has now shifted from the west coast to the south (Kuta Lombok).

These days, you'll discover a chill beach vibe with plenty of small cafes and warungs. There's a main street wrapping along the coastline which is the perfect place to explore if you feel like beach hopping.

To see the best of Senggigi, I'd suggest renting a motorbike or scooter (with drop-off), which costs between 100,000-150,000 Rupiah per day, and riding to all the beautiful beaches near Senggigi.

While you can catch a wave on a good day, the Senggigi beaches are more reserved for chilling, with calm, clear waters. Nevertheless, it's one of my favorite coastlines in Indonesia, and definitely worth an entry on your list of Lombok things to do and places to visit.

8. Dirt Bike Adventures Around Lombok

Looking for the most unique and adventurous way to explore the island? I highly recommend the epic new off-road motorbike trips you can book with MudNGears.

They offer several trips ranging from half-day adventures through the jungles, all the way up to week-long adventures covering all the remote corners of the island.

12. Cliff Jumping at Tetebatu Waterfall

If you're exploring the rice terraces and laid-back atmosphere at Tetebatu, I highly recommend taking the short walk over to the Tetebatu Waterfall (known as Durian Indah) for swimming and fun cliff jumps!

This waterfall is very easy to walk to from the main street. Once you arrive, you'll find a beautiful cascade in a shaded canyon with a deep pool for swimming and jumping!

14. Explore the Sekotong Peninsula (Hidden Gem on Lombok)

Sekotong is a small peninsula located on the southwestern coast of Lombok and a hidden gem that offers an authentic slice of island life away from the crowds.

Although it's arguably one of the least visited regions of Lombok, Sekotong is a place full of adventure. From white sandy beaches, thousands of islands with crystal clear water to explore, and one of the best coastal roads to drive on in Lombok, Sekotong should definitely be added to your Lombok itinerary.

15. Orong Bukal & Pilling Beach

Orong Bukal and Pilling Beach offer an adventurous and scenic experience on Sekotong's southern coast. The coastline in this region reminds me a lot of Nusa Penida, with beautiful limestone features dropping straight into amazing turquoise waters.

You can reach both of these epic spots on a fun, yet sweaty hike through the jungle.

Orong Bukal, is a great cliff jumping spot from a 10-meter height adjacent to a bat cave while Pilling Beach, characterized by its pebble shores and dramatic limestone cliffs, is by far one of the most beautiful beaches in Lombok.

17. Pergasinginan Hill Hike

Mount Rinjani isn't the only opportunity on Lombok for some epic mountain views. Another favorite hike is Pergasingan Hill, located in the mountain town of Sembalun.

The trek itself is quite steep, but shouldn't take more than a few hours for the return trip. I'd suggest leaving early since the sunrise views from the top are incredible!

You won't require a guide to reach the top of Pergasingan Hill. However, you can choose to camp at the top with the help of some local tour guides. This blog has some useful information for camping on Pergasingan Hill.

18. Bukit Selong Ricefield Viewpoint

While we're on the topic of hikes and viewpoints why not consider the Bukit Selong viewpoint over the carpeted Sembalun ricefields?

Unlike the previous two, this Lombok viewpoint doesn't require much hiking, just a quick walk up the hill at the back of town.

Bukit Selong is a great place to visit for either sunrise or sunset, and even though it's not very high, the views are pretty spectacular.

19. Explore the Rest of Sembalun and Senaru - North Lombok

You may have noticed that many of the items on this list of epic things to do on Lombok have been in the north. In terms of adventure travel, the north of Lombok has plenty of variety and countless things to do.

For off-the-beaten-path travel, I'd suggest spending a couple of days in Sembalun to explore the waterfalls, rice fields, and epic hikes and viewpoints!

26. Semeti Hills

The Semeti Hills, also known as Bukit Semeti, is a set of jagged coastal cliffs and natural pyramids on the south coast of Lombok. It's one of the most beautiful parts of the southern coastline and in my opinion, one of the best Lombok tourist attractions worth visiting when in the south.

Visiting the Semeti Hills viewpoint is a great way to end a beach-hopping trip from Kuta Lombok, as it's a great option to watch the sunset. There's also a good little cliff-jumping spot around the corner, as well as a small beach cave.

27. Mangku Sakti Waterfall

Visiting Mangku Sakti waterfall ended up being one of my favorite things to do on Lombok Indonesia. Located in the north close to the trekking town of Sembalun, Mangku Sakti has several levels of fast-flowing rapids and a large main waterfall.

The best part about this one is that you can climb inside and behind the waterfall in a small rocky cave!

28. Bukit Merese Viewpoint

In terms of sunset spots in Kuta Lombok, the Merese Hill viewpoint near Tanjung Aan beach is easily the most popular– and for good reason.

Bukit Merese only takes about 15 minutes to reach via moped from the main strip on Kuta Lombok. The viewpoint itself is actually several hills, each looking over the ocean, with views across the southern coastline.

Since the area is quite spread out, it doesn't ever feel like a crowded sunset spot, even though at times it looks as if all of Kuta Lombok is there. Besides the wild monkeys, you'll almost certainly be able to watch the sunset in peace if you venture off to find a remote spot on the hill.

29. Visit the Oldest Mosque on Lombok

The Bayan Beleq Mosque is the oldest mosque on Lombok dating back to 1634. It's located in "Bayan" in Northern Lombok. This mosque is a symbol of the Islamic faith's early presence in Indonesia, and is unique since it displays traditional Sasak architecture with a bamboo, stone, and thatch construction.

30. Kuta Lombok Bat Cave (Bangkang Cave)

If you thought that you'd seen all the attractions and things to do on Lombok Indonesia, think again. Other than epic beaches, viewpoints, hikes, and tourist attractions, Lombok also has its very own cave systems too.

Although quite small, the Kuta Lombok Bat Cave is home to thousands of small nocturnal bats. Located only 10 minutes from Kuta Lombok, the bat cave is a perfect attraction stop on the way to some of the popular beaches like Pantai Mawun or Selong Belanak.

31. Mekaki Beach

In my opinion, one of the best beaches in Lombok is Mekaki Beach. This beach reminds me a little of those on Nusa Penida, with thick, deep sand and jagged, Jurassic cliffs edged by amazing turquoise waters. I'm serious- the water here is seriously blue. However, it can get a little rough when the swell picks up.

Mekaki Beach is located on the southern shores of Sekotong, which requires a little long, but well-worth ride if you're staying in Kuta Lombok.

Even if you don't swim, checking out the beach is still one of the best free things to do on Lombok!

32. Drive the New Coastal Road

Just before the road to Mekaki Beach is a newly constructed, long, winding coastal road. Known as "the new road", it makes for one of the most scenic drives in Lombok.

The road is in incredible condition. This means you’ll be excused if you divert your eyes to enjoy the coastal views! There are plenty of opportunities to park your bikes and grab some panoramic shots from the mountains.

My advice is to take the road east after leaving Pantai Mekaki. Then, follow it all the way around before diverting North back to Lembar.

33. Malimbu Hill Viewpoint

If you're staying in Senggigi, then you'll actually get a better sunset than those in Kuta Lombok, since the sun will set right out on the ocean's horizon.

The best sunset viewpoint in Senggigi is Malimbu Hill. This is a small, barren headland with a few leaning palms and one of the best attractions in Lombok Indonesia for those searching for unbeatable sunsets. Like most of the places in Senggigi, it's usually pretty quiet, and the view is spectacular!

35. Tiu Sekeper - The Tallest Waterfall in Lombok

If you're up for a true adventure, then trying to find Tiu Sekeper, Lombok's highest waterfall might be your answer!

This waterfall is located on the slopes of Mount Rinjani, deep within the national park. Although it is one of the tallest waterfalls in Indonesia, it is very little known, even by locals!

Be warned, this trek is very difficult, remote, and hard to reach. In fact, I tried to locate this waterfall on my first visit to Lombok back in 2019 but failed miserably and got lost in the jungle. On my recent trip, my friend Luke and I managed to reach it during the wet season in Lombok.

Read my guide linked above to find out more.

39. Lombok Blue Lake

The Lombok Blue Lake is a natural freshwater spring located in Central Lombok. It's very much a local swimming spot, so don't expect to find too many tourists here.

While there is some infrastructure built around it, like small warungs and some concrete paths, the "lake" itself is still very naturally beautiful. Plus, since the water comes from a spring rather than a catchment, it is much cooler, offering a very refreshing place to cool down when exploring Lombok.

40. Pertamina Mandalika (Lombok MotoGP Track)

Pertamina Mandalika, also known as the Mandalika International Street Circuit is a notable motor racing circuit located near Kuta Lombok.

The track is designed to challenge racers while offering spectators thrilling views of high-speed competition set against the backdrop of Lombok's stunning natural landscapes. While the best time to visit is for the MotoGP, there are often races happening here.

Plus, since it's very close to Kuta Lombok, it makes a worthwhile stop when exploring the area.

41. Explore the Ekas Peninsula

While I've already recommended Pink Beach, the truth is that this is just one of the great places to visit in the broader and less-frequented Ekas Peninsula.

Here, you'll discover breathtaking landscapes, serene beaches, and excellent surf spots. In fact, the Ekas Peninsula is really only known to die-hard surfers who prefer a real off-the-beaten-path experience. However, I had a great time in this region even without surfing, exploring the rugged coastlines, stunning views, and secluded beaches.

42. Sajang Sembalun Rope Swing

Looking for one of the most unique cafes in Lombok? Go check out Sajang Glamping, a hidden glamping area with one of the most awesome rope swings and Rinjani viewpoints on the island.

We discovered this one while traveling on the Lombok Loop and had a lot of fun swinging out over the rainforest canopy overlooking Rinjani's crater.

To get here, you'll need to ride down some bumpy, unsealed roads leading from the new road between Senaru and Sembalun villages. Unfortunately, the road is too narrow for cars, so you'll need a motorbike.

43. Witness Traditional Lombok Weaving

Lombok's weaving, particularly in villages like Sukarara and Sade, showcases intricate designs and skilled craftsmanship passed down through generations. This is a great way to see firsthand how local artisans create beautiful textiles, including the famous ikat and songket fabrics, using ancient hand-weaving techniques.

These textiles carry significant cultural meanings and often reflect the community's beliefs, status, and identity.

44. Try Local Palm Wine (Tuak) and Rice Wine (Brem)

While Lombok is primarily a Muslim country, many locals widely consume the traditional alcoholic beverages of Tuak and Brem.

Tuak is a palm wine that is made from the sap of palm trees and often served in rural areas as a symbol of hospitality. When staying at the Jasmine Homestay on my recent trip, our host even showed us how he made his Tuak from a local tree in the village!

Similarly, Brem is a rice wine with a different flavor profile. It tastes slightly sour yet sweet and if you hang out with the locals long enough, I'm sure you'll be offered these delicious local drinks!

45. Villa Hantu - Ghost Villa in Senggigi

Villa Hantu is an abandoned villa project on the cliffs in Senggigi. It's not a widely known attraction but an intriguing destination for those interested in exploring abandoned places.

Known as the "Ghost Villa," this site has attracted attention due to its mysterious aura and the silence that stands in stark contrast to the bustling beaches nearby. I also noticed that some opportunistic locals have started selling food from a small stall right outside!

If you're looking for a unique place to watch the sunset, this is one of the most unique places you'll find in Senggigi! If you come during the day, you'll also get a great view over the sea out to Bali.

46. Coffee & Chocolate Garden Above Tiu Kelep

One of my favorite viewpoints of the famous Tiu Kelep waterfall is located at a small coffee and chocolate plantation just above Senaru Village.

This plantation is open to travelers, who can come to enjoy the view or drink a coffee in the dense jungle surroundings. Best of all, you'll get an amazing view of Tiu Kelep!

47. Coconut Palm Tree Forest at Pantai Kerandangan

The Coconut Palm Tree Forest at Pantai Kerandangan is a picturesque palm field located just a short distance from the popular Senggigi Beach area.

This serene and sprawling coconut grove is open to the public and is a great place to take some fun, unique travel photos in Lombok. Furthermore, the forest provides a cool, shaded area for walking or even a picnic.

48. Lombok's Black Sand Beaches

Thanks to the volcanic nature of the island, Lombok is home to several unique black sand beaches. These offer a fun, unique alternative to the more common white sand beaches found on the island.

Below are my three favorite black sand beaches in Lombok.

• Obel-Obel Beach is located in the north of Lombok, near the village of Bayan. This beach is known for its striking black sand and as a relatively secluded beach without the crowds.
• Pantai Pasir Hitam, which literally means "Black Sand Beach," is located in the Sekotong area on the southwest coast of Lombok. T
• Kerandangan Beach features slightly less black, and more dark, golden sands that stretch along a peaceful bay that is a great place to swim in calm waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

49. Bukit Seger Sunset Point

Bukit Seger Sunset Point is a little-known spot in Kuta Lombok that I believe is one of the island's most spectacular sunset spots.

You'll find it at the southeast part of Kuta Lombok, directly beside the famous MotoGP track (Mandalika). From the hilltop vantage point, you'll get panoramic views of the coastline and the surrounding beaches.

As the sun sets, the sky transforms into a canvas of vibrant colors, casting a warm glow over the turquoise waters and the rugged terrain that characterizes southern Lombok.

50. Nambung Beach Waterfall

Here's something a little unique for your Lombok to-do list! Approximately an hour's ride from Kuta Lombok is a strange phenomenon that is famous amongst locals.

As the tide rushes out and waves pound the rocky shores of Nambung Beach, a natural "beach waterfall" appears. While it's not a freshwater waterfall, it's still a pretty cool spot to check out. If you do, make sure you bring a mask and snorkel, as there are literally dozens of turtles swimming around Nambung Beach!

Things to Know About Lombok Indonesia

Lombok is an Indonesian island located just east of Bali, across the Lombok Strait in Southeast Asia. While Lombok has an international airport and solid tourism infrastructure, it is sadly often overlooked as a travel destination in favor the neighboring tourism powerhouse.

However, thanks to adventurers slowly making a drift to Lombok from Bali via the Gili Islands and Nusa Penida, more and more people are slowly starting to discover this hidden gem!

The island of Lombok is home to the indigenous Sasak people, some of the kindest and most welcoming people I've ever come across in my travels. They are very proud of their sacred mountain; Gunung Rinjani, which is an active volcano with hot springs and an incredible crater lake.

In the coastal areas, you'll find both volcanic black beaches with calm waters, and pumping surf hotspots with white sands and a laid-back vibe. Conversely, the central regions of Lombok is dense with tropical jungle and many impressive waterfalls.

When is the Best Time to Visit Lombok?

The climate in Lombok Island is distinguished by two primary seasons; the dry season and the rainy season. It has a tropical climate meaning temperature stays relatively the same all year round.

While Lombok is Bali's sister island, it doesn't receive as much rainfall and is generally drier.

• Dry Season: April to October - Locals refer to this period as "summer" even though it is technically in the southern hemisphere. That's because the weather is generally drier and more beach-friendly. Expect very little rain but dry conditions.
• Rainy Season: October to March - The best time to explore Lombok if you want to get the most out of the epic waterfalls! The weather during these months are a little sticky and humid but very enjoyable. What's more, the island is very green!

Most people say that the best time to visit Lombok would fall between May and August. However, this is the peak travel season, so visiting in the shoulder season of October/November and March/April is also a good idea!

Getting Around on Lombok

Lombok is generally quite easy to get around. I choose to rent a motorbike because it is cheap and this is how most of the local people get around.

However, you can also rent a car, pay a taxi driver, arrange a private driver for the day, or book organized day tours to the best places on the island. Unfortunately, there is a lack of bus transport on Lombok Indonesia. But, thankfully renting a bike or car is quite cheap.

If you'd prefer to book organized tours, I recommend searching GetYourGuide, Viator, and Klook. They are the three most trusted booking sources on Lombok and offer free cancellations on all bookings.

Is Lombok Worth Visiting?

If you can't guess my answer by now, then I'll assume you've skipped the article altogether. Yes, of course, Lombok is worth visiting! In fact, I'd recommend it over Bali and other famous Indonesian islands for a few reasons.

• Lombok is still somewhat a hidden gem - there aren't crowds of tourists yet
• The people of Lombok are some of the friendliest on earth
• Lombok is one of the best surf destinations in Indonesia

I really hope that you've enjoyed this comprehensive travel guide to Lombok!! My goal as always is to inspire you to adventure and make the most of your trips.

If you have any suggestions for epic adventures in Lombok including more attractions, activities or hidden gems, or if you have any questions about visiting Lombok, make sure to leave them in the comments below– I reply to everyone.

Before you go, check out some of my other travel guides and blogs below.

• The Waterfalls of Lombok - a guide to the best waterfalls on Lombok Island
• Epic Lombok to Komodo Boat Trip - one of my personal favorite boat tours in Indonesia!
• Nusa Penida Travel Guide - an adventure guide to visiting the island of Nusa Penida off Bali
• Things to do on Gili Trawangan - discover Gili T in this epic adventure guide
• Accommodation guides: Discover epic Tree Houses in Bali, awesome accommodations on the Gili Islands & the best beach resorts in Bali.