Our definitive guide to the best things to do in Lombok (other than surfing).
Be warned, some of these activities still require you to get a little salty!
This guide covers:
Watersports
Biking Adventures
Hiking and Trail Running
Scuba Diving and Snorkelling
Yoga
Wakeboarding, Kiteboarding, Kitesurfing, SUP boarding, Kayaking, the list goes on…
With the wide open ocean literally everywhere you look, it’s no surprise that South Lombok is the ideal spot for the adrenaline water junky.
From wakeboarding and kitesurfing to SUP boarding and kayaking. There’s something for everyone in Lombok. Whether you’re looking to try something new or progress your skills, local water sport operators WhatsUp Lombok and Lombok Playground have your water adventure covered.
Offering fully certified instructors. Beginner lessons. Intermediate and Advanced courses. And full equipment hire. There really is no excuse not to hit the ocean on your visit to Lombok.
Scooter and Mountain Bike Adventures
Is there anything more fun than jumping on a bike and hitting the open road? If you’re looking to get off the beaten track and explore Lombok freely, hiring a scooter or mountain bike is a great option. You can literally go anywhere. But one option is to follow the coastal road and stop off at deserted beaches along the way. Make sure you say hi to the passing school kids or buffalos! Scootering around is one of our favourite things to do in Lombok. Our best adventures are always when we hit the road. It’s amazing what you stumble across.
Tip: Most accommodation can organise scooter hire and can point you in the direction of bicycle hire. Lombok Playground also offers guided or ‘go it alone’ mountain biking tours. Wear a helmet and “hati-hati”!
Hiking and Trail Running
If exploring by foot is more your thing, Lombok has so many empty trails just waiting to be explored. If you’re visiting Gerupuk, just behind the Surfcamp there is Siwak Hills, offering beautiful, elevated views of Tanjung Aan. Get lost exploring these quiet hills. The views of the surf are simply stunning.
There’s also some great trails on the outskirts of Kuta, looking over Kuta Bay, Are Guling and Tanjung Aan. They’re a little trickier to find so get in touch if you want directions!
If you’re looking to go further afield, Mount Rinjani and the surrounding villages offer some amazing day and overnight walks. There’s also some fantastic waterfalls hidden away too.
Tetebatu, just over an hour from Kuta, is top of our list of things to do in Lombok especially if you want to get off the beaten path. Perfect for a day trip or a longer stint, we like to call it the Ubud before the “Eat, Pray, Love effect”. Quiet. Tranquil. And full of natural beauty. Tetebatu is brimming with rice paddies. For a spot of lunch or a place to rest your head, stop off at French owned Les Rizieres.
Scuba Diving and Snorkelling
While the Gili Islands are famed for their scuba diving and snorkelling, there are some amazing, lesser known spots on the mainland of Lombok that are equally worth exploring. For those looking for an adventurous dive experience off the beaten track check out Blue Marlin Dive
Blue Marlin offer daily scuba diving trips, diving certification and snorkelling adventures for all ages. The adventure begins in Kuta and the team will take you on a scenic drive to Telong Elong in the east where their dive boat awaits.
Yoga
And of course there is yoga. There are three main yoga providers in and around Kuta. Mana Yoga. Ashtari. And the yoga shala at Sempiak Villas, Selong Belanak. All offering a variety of daily classes in beautiful settings.
In the heart of Kuta, is Mana Yoga. A tropical retreat, this is more than just a place to practice yoga. Have a swim. Chill with a book. Master the slackline. Or visit their beautiful onsite spa. Also offering one of the best accommodation options in town.
Ashtari’s stunning hillside location means you can practice yoga while you enjoy the breathtaking views over Kuta Bay. The open air, floating yoga shala is also a great place to spot monkeys swinging in the nearby trees!
If all that action and adventure makes you feel a little dizzy you can always book yourself in for a day of pampering at one of the beautiful spas located in Kuta Lombok. Our favourite is Matcha. Two central locations offering divine massages, facials, scrubs and nail treatments – go on treat yo self!
That’s just a snapshot of some of the things to do in Lombok. There’s so much more waiting to be discovered.
What did you get up to on your trip to Lombok? Share with us your favourite things to do in Lombok in the comments below. We’d love to know!