Lombok: an island east of Bali, but less famous than its neighbor. While millions of tourists are drawn to Bali every year, many places in Lombok remain untouched. Here, mass tourism is still unknown.
Lombok: 15 fascinating places you must not miss
Lombok offers many empty and often secluded dream beaches, friendly and interesting people, tasty food, and fantastic nature. This year, after a stay of over two months, Lombok and the Gili Islands became my personal favorites, at least for now.
In this article, you will find some must-see spots in Lombok.
1. The Gili Islands
3 paradise islands, which seem tiny compared to Lombok, are just 20 minutes by boat: Gili Trawangan, the main island, Gili Meno, and Gili Air.
The Gilis are very popular for diving and snorkeling, but also for relaxing, swimming, and partying. Backpackers and tourists especially often visit Gili Trawangan.
Here you can feel the lively reggae-ganja-magic-mushroom vibe. The Gili Islands are a must-see!
2. Mount Rinjani
The second highest volcano in Indonesia is definitely one of the highlights of Lombok! You can book multi-day guided tours to the crater lake and even to the summit at all tourist spots. The photos speak for themselves…
3. Senggigi
Most tourists arrive in Senggigi because many hotels are located here. It is also ideal for nightlife or dining. One of the most popular surf spots for locals and tourists is Senggigi Beach.
On this beach, vendors and locals are not aggressive at all, but you can have a nice little chat if you want (mainly about football, as Indonesians love football).
4. From Senggigi to Pemenang
To explore this coastal road, it is best to use a scooter, which you can rent, for example, in Senggigi. One of the highlights is the viewpoint at Malimbu Hill 1 and 2. It offers a wonderful view over Malimbu and Nipah Beach and the 3 Gili Islands. Check out the other viewpoints and beaches you can find along this road as they are also worth seeing.
If you leave Lombok by public boats to the Gili Islands and take a taxi from the airport or from Lembar (where the public ferry from Bali arrives), you will probably use the same road (or tell the taxi driver your preferred route) as this road goes directly to Bangsal, from where the public boats depart.
5. Pusuk Monkey Forest
Taking a winding road through stunning mountainous scenery is the second option to reach Bangsal. It is where the so-called monkey forest is located, named after the numerous wild monkeys in the jungle and near the road. Feed the little hungry and pesky bastards at the viewpoints if you want.
But be careful and watch your bags, backpacks, and other belongings. You can also go by scooter, but always "Hati Hati," as the Indonesians say.
6. Kuta
After Senggigi, Kuta is probably the second tourist hotspot in Lombok. It also offers beautiful beaches and many accommodations and restaurants.
From here you can explore the dream beaches of Mawun, Tanjung Aan, and Selong Belanak, as they are very close (see below). Even Kuta Beach itself is worth a visit.
7. Mawun Beach
Now I will introduce you to some of my favorite beaches in Lombok. One of them is Mawun.
Depending on the day of the week and the time of day, this beach with its soft white sand and turquoise water is still mostly deserted. Sometimes the waves are heavier here. The beach is secluded and located west of Kuta in an almost closed bay, which you can also easily reach with your scooter.
8. Selong Belanak and viewpoint
I think I have rarely seen a beach as wide and shallow as Selong Belanak anywhere else. You can perfectly surf or swim on this extensive beach.
I highly recommend checking out the nearby viewpoint overlooking the beach and bay. It is located a little north of Selong Belanak Beach. It remains a tip from the connoisseurs and should not be missed when taking a scooter tour.
9. Tanjung Aan
Turquoise sea and white sand, how I love it! Here you can even climb a rock to enjoy an impressive view of the two bays and beaches of Aan. You must see it!
10. Pink Beach
It is no longer an insider tip, but it is worth a visit! The drive is quite difficult as, in my opinion, the roads on the Ekas Peninsula (where Pink Beach is located) can no longer be called roads. At least they are being improved little by little every year. If you really make it, you will be rewarded with a deserted and tranquil beach. It is named for its pink sand that consists of coral.
The view from the nearby viewpoint is also wonderful, and the cliffs of Tanjung Ringgit, which are also worth seeing, are nearby.
11. Mosques and Hindu temples
Unlike Bali, Lombok and the rest of Indonesia are predominantly Muslim. That is why you can see and especially hear mosques everywhere. If you book your accommodation in advance, you should check if it is near a mosque. Especially during Ramadan, it could get very noisy.
12. Waterfalls
Lombok has numerous waterfalls, mainly in the northern part of the island. Among others, there are Tiu Teja, Tiu Kelep, or Sendang Gile. In central Lombok, you will also find some decent ones, such as Benang Kelambu, Benang Stokel, or Jeruk Manis near Tetebatu.
There is no fresher water than this! Drink it, swim in it, or just let the cold water run down your back, excellent!
13. Sasak Culture
The Sasak are the indigenous people of this island, who today make up about 85% of the total population of Lombok. Their culture is fascinating, and as a visitor, you definitely need to experience it.
Their food known for its spiciness, their crafts, their music and dances, the typical Sasak houses, or a Sasak wedding with a street parade (extremely loud) with "Gendang Beleq" musicians that you need to experience. There are many wedding parades in Lombok, especially on weekends. You must see it!
By the way, many of the natives of Lombok still speak the Sasak language, especially the elders. But everyone speaks and understands the official language Bahasa Indonesia. English only helps in tourist spots, which makes a guided tour a great option to learn about Sasak culture.
14. Traditional markets
Markets are typically Asian with fresh vegetables, spices, fish, and much more.
I recommend the traditional market of Ampenan. From time to time, locals look on in amazement at a "Bule" (westerner) as they do not come here often. There is no cheaper or fresher place to buy food, although as a "Bule" you should consider paying more than a local. It is convenient to speak a little Indonesian.
For things like clothes, jewelry, or other souvenirs, you should visit the Cakranegara market (Pasar Cakranegara) in Mataram.
15. Mataram, Ampenan, and Cakranegara
With about 420,000 inhabitants, Mataram is the capital of Lombok and the province of Nusa Tenggara Barat.
Very close you will find places like Ampenan, where you can still find some old buildings in Dutch colonial style. In the district of Cakranegara (abbreviated: "Cakra") there are some beautiful Balinese temples and the Mataram Mall with its numerous shops, supermarkets, bars, and restaurants, as well as fast food chains on different levels.
Even larger and more modern is the newly built Lombok Epicentrum shopping mall on the main street Sriwijaya.
