Visiting Lombok Soon?
Here’s Our Guide to Discovering Lombok Accommodation, Restaurants, Beaches and Things to Do
The Basics – Get to Know Lombok
Population: about 4 million people
Size: 4,725 km2. To give you an idea that’s about the size of neighbouring Bali, almost double the size of Hong Kong and three times the size of London.
Local language: Sasak (and the national language Bahasa Indonesia)
Getting here: Direct flights from Bali, Jakarta, Surabaya, Yogyakarta, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Perth Australia. Also accessible by boat from Bali.
Climate: The dry season (also the peak season) runs from about May to September with the wet season running from about November to February. But don’t worry it doesn’t get that wet in Lombok. Temperatures range from about 20 C to about 30 C, guaranteed sunshine year round.
Things to Do in Lombok
With its untouched nature, beautiful beaches and lush scenery, there is so much to explore in Lombok. We recommend simply getting lost and discovering the island by scooter or trying some of the following activities.
Surf
All types of surfers can get their fix in Lombok. From perfect beginner waves to world class barrelling point breaks, Lombok has it all. Those looking for lessons or guiding check out: Drop In for Intermediate / Advanced training camps or Kura Kura Surf Camp for lessons and surf guiding.
Scuba Diving and Snorkelling
The waters around the South east coast of Lombok are pretty undiscovered when it comes to scuba diving compared to places like the Gili Islands. Only recently have dive shops moved into the area taking divers to new and uncrowded spots with pristine waters full of beautiful coral, fish, rays and macro – to find out more check out our blog post. We highly recommend a scuba or snorkeling trip with the friendly experienced team at Blue Marlin
Other water sports
Kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, wake boarding and kite surfing, the waters around South Lombok are made to be explored. Check out the following local companies offering water sport adventures: Seagypsies Lombok and Lombok Playground
Yoga
Balance your mind, body and spirit and truly unwind on your holiday with some yoga. Our favourite yoga places are Mana and Ashtari and the yoga shala at Sempiak Villas all located in South Lombok.
Hiking / Trail Running
Lombok has so many amazing places to explore by foot. If you’re looking to get your heart rate up, go on a three day hike to the peak of Mount Rinjani. The views across Lombok, Bali and beyond are breathtaking. Around the foothills of the mountain are some beautiful villages and waterfalls, also great for a day hike. Take a trip to Tete Batu (Ubud before the Eat, Pray, Love effect) and stroll along the rice paddies or explore the beautiful hillsides surrounding Tanjung Aan beach.
For Rinjani trekking tours we can personally recommend Rinjani Dawn Adventures
Paragliding
See South Lombok from a completely different perspective on a tandem paraglide. Enjoy exhilarating views over the areas stunning bays, valleys and hillsides. Contact Dodi Paragliding
Loka Gym and Recovery Centre
Get your sweat on at Loka Gym, offering a range of classes including HIIT and Muai Thai. To ease those sore muscles make sure you give their Recovery Centre a try and enjoy the healing benefits of the sauna, ice bath and magnesium pool.
Where to Stay in Lombok – Hotel and Accommodation Guide
Top Tip: We’ve included links to each of the hotels – book directly with them for the best deals
A tropical and lush oasis offering a range of beautifully appointed accommodation options fit for all budgets. Two yoga studios offering daily classes, an onsite spa, swimming pool, healthy restaurant and evening cinema, everything you need for a relaxing stay.
Boutique hotel with stylish furnished rooms and an amazing adjoining restaurant. No single-use plastic which we love, a TV with inbuilt movies and a fun rooftop pool.
Enjoy your own private, two bedroom villa nestled in the heart of Kuta. Beautifully designed and bursting with style, Villa Alba provides all the comfort in an idyllic central location. Private pool, fully equipped kitchen, open plan living area and air-conditioned ensuite bedrooms. It’s a solar powered home perfect for families, couples or small groups.
Enjoy peace and quiet in the tranquil tropical gardens of Jivana Resort. Ideally located in Kuta the resort offers villas and pool suites. Swim up to the poolside bar and relax with a cocktail or stroll around the expansive gardens, Jivana offers a natural and beautiful retreat.
Spacious one bedroom loft apartment with incredible views over Kuta bay. Perfect for couples looking for a quiet getaway but with close proximity to Kuta Lombok (5 minutes scooter ride). Set within the Ashtari grounds you can enjoy daily yoga classes and fantastic food and drinks from their on-site restaurant.
Truly unwind at this small villa retreat in the heart of Kuta. Choose from one of their five large private villas and laze by the lagoon style shared pool. Strict no child policy here!
Tranquil and modern boutique resort on the shores of Serangan Beach. If you’re looking for a beachfront getaway Segara has you covered. A range of room types with pool access and beach views. Great on-site restaurant.
Located on Selong Belanak beach, this small, boutique resort offers an idyllic and relaxed beachfront getaway. Comfortable, spacious and elegantly designed, the villas have been built using natural, local materials throughout.
Set along the turquoise shores of Torok Bay, Amber Resort offers a range of rooms and villas with direct beachfront access. On site restaurant and lounge is the perfect place to enjoy a sunset cocktail. We recommend grabbing a kayak or paddleboard and hit the water where there are an abundance of turtles.
The 5 Must Visit Beaches in South Lombok
South Lombok offers some of the most stunning beaches, from the untouched crystal-clear water to the surfer’s paradise, there is a beach for everyone. Here’s our list of the best beaches in the region.
Tanjung Aan
10 minutes from Kuta is the stunning and huge sweeping bay of Tanjung Aan. Enjoy crystal clear water and white powdery sand. It’s a great place to spend the day – a family friendly swimming spot with beautiful calm water, local warungs to enjoy a spot of lunch and stunning hills and cliffs if you fancy a short hike. You can also take a boat out into the bay to experience the perfect longboarder or beginner wave.
Selong Belanak
West of Kuta is Selong Belanak, arguably South Lombok’s most famous beach but still a quiet slice of paradise. A stunning, horseshoe shaped bay, with turquoise blue water and powdery white sand, Selong Belanak is breathtaking. A major highlight at this beach is watching the buffalos on their daily jaunt down the beach – a truly unique Lombok experience!
Mawi
A surfer’s paradise, Mawi is a quality left and right hand reef break for the more experienced surfer. More rustic than Tanjung Aan and Selong Belanak, it’s easy to spend a day chilling at Mawi, enjoying a coconut or nasi goreng between surfs.
Tampah and Lancing
On the road between Mawun and Selong Belanak is the long stretching beach of Tampah and Lancing. Off the tourist trail, most days you can have this place to yourself. The locals here take amazing care of this beach and its super clean as a result. A great snorkelling spot too.
Our Must Try Restaurants in Kuta Lombok
Kuta Lombok is becoming quite the foodie heaven. While nasi goreng is still very much available, the area has seen some amazing new restaurant and bar additions bringing a huge variety of cuisines. It’s hard to pick a favourite but here’s our regular go to spots.
Aussie Cafe Style
Our favourite coffee in town. Chilled, friendly Aussie-style hospitality serving breakfast and lunch daily.
Poolside eats and cocktails
Pool bar and restaurant with great cocktails, craft beer and bites. Rendang pizza is a must try. Open from breakfast through to late.
Relaxed bistro
For the meat lovers. RockSalt is a relaxed and cosy bistro focused on locally sourced meat served with a range of salads, sides and sauces. Their buffalo burger is a local favourite and there’s lots to choose from with a daily specials board and daily dessert offering.
Neighbourhood cafe
Chilled, laid back, community feeling hangout spot with seriously tasty salads, sandwiches and smoothie bowls. Everything homemade, fresh and packed full of goodness. Great coffee hit too.
Mediterranean
Offering a delicious Mediterranean menu in a cool and breezy rooftop space. Homemade sourdough bread, ricotta, octopus, sardines to name but a few of their delicious fresh ingredients. Head their for sunset to enjoy some rooftop cocktails. Never disappoints.
Mexican Cantina
Tasty Mexican inspired menu with a great selection of cocktails, we love the jalapeno pineapple margarita. A lively spot perfect to kick your night off.
Sourdough Pizza and Pasta
Mama Pizza specialises in sourdough pizzas baked in a traditional brick oven. Sister restaurant to Mama Pizza Gili Air, its arguably Lombok’s best pizza.
Healthy relaxed cafe
Health cafe by day, fun happening bar by night; throw in their daily crossfit and muay thai classes and you’ve got the perfect yin-yang! A beautiful, relaxed outdoor setting where you can pull up a bean bag and get comfy. Their smoothie bowls and salads are full of yummy, healthy goodness – perfect post surf / workout.
Modern Australian
Day club and restaurant with the most incredible views over Kuta Bay. The perfect spot for a sunset drink or dip in their infinity pool. The menu is modern Australian with a focus on high quality meat and seafood combined with locally sourced ingredients.
Relaxed Cafe Style
Spacious open cafe with a family friendly vibe, sip your coffee while the kids play in the outdoor play area. Their breakfast burrito is a must try or if your feeling like something sweet their banana and chocolate waffle stack will hit the spot.
Chinese Eatery
A Chinese eatery serving fantastic dumplings, noodles and stir frys. The interiors alone are reason to visit but the kimchi pork dumplings will keep you coming back for more. We also love the dan dan noodles and the prawn cashew stir fry.
Seafood
Specialising in fresh, locally sourced seafood with daily specials featuring the catch of the day. We love their wide range of salads and sides to combine with our favourite local fish.
Local Food
No website links for these places but keep your eyes peeled for roadside satay, bakso soup, Indonesian’s famous nasi padang, local favourite ayam taliwang and the amazing range of fruits including jackfruit, durian, dragonfruit and mango.
Some of our favourite local food spots or ‘warungs’ include: Warung Jawa Pemuda, Warung Asa, Warung Sulawesi, Lalapan Jawa Seafood, Warung Jawa, Tasty Hesty Cafe, Fish Bones Warung and Pink Swing Café at Tanjung Aan beach
P.s For more inspiration you can also check out our Ultimate Guide to Kuta Lombok in collaboration with Honeycombers Bali