Discovering Lombok: A Hidden Gem in Indonesia

I booked my trip to Lombok months in advance, without doing any research. Just two days before I was set to leave, I started to dig around for information and almost canceled the whole trip. Thankfully, I didn’t! Lombok turned out to be an absolute paradise and the highlight of my travels in 2024.

Lombok, located in Indonesia, is a small island just east of the famous Bali. Despite its proximity, it’s often skipped by tourists who usually flock to Bali instead. Honestly, that’s shocking to me because, in my opinion, Bali has lost much of its charm.

When I was looking for tips on Lombok, I struggled to find recommendations for things to do, places to eat, and other essential travel advice. To save you from making the same mistake and potentially missing out on this paradise, I’ve put together a comprehensive guide.

Here, you’ll find everything you need to know about Lombok, including where to stay, what to see and do, the best places to eat, how to get around, and more. Keep reading—you won’t want to miss out on this incredible destination!

How to get to Lombok

There are two main ways to reach Lombok:

1. By Plane

Lombok has an international airport, making flying one of the easiest options. Depending on where you’re traveling from, flights might be limited and could involve a layover in Bali. Be sure to check your flight options in advance. While I haven’t personally flown to Lombok yet, I plan to in April next year—stay tuned for updates on my experience!

2. By Boat

The second way to get to Lombok is by boat from Bali. There are so many boat companies offering this trip, but trust me on this one—use EKAJAYA! The sea between Bali and Lombok is insanely choppy, and it can make you feel really sick, even if you’re not prone to seasickness. I recommend Ekajaya because they have the biggest boat, which means you don’t feel the motion as much. They’re also a very professional company. https://ekajayafastferry.com/

Best Areas to Stay in Lombok

There are two main areas where people usually stay when they visit Lombok:

1. Senggigi

Senggigi is located along the west coast of Lombok and is known for its lush resorts and hotels. From what I’ve heard, this used to be the main area tourists stayed in before Kuta became more developed (more on Kuta later). These days, Senggigi is especially popular with families and older couples.

During my trip, I stayed about a 10-minute drive south of Senggigi, and I found it to be a fantastic area. There are plenty of beaches, restaurants, bars, and activities nearby. Its proximity to the famous Gili Islands also makes it a convenient base for a day trip to explore them.

2. Kuta

The second popular area to stay in Lombok is Kuta (not to be confused with Kuta in Bali!). This newly developed area is located on the southern part of the island and is known for its stunning beaches and laid-back, surfer vibe.

Kuta seems to attract a younger crowd, including backpackers and couples. Compared to Senggigi, it has more of a “Bali” vibe with plenty of trendy cafes and restaurants. One of the perks of staying in Kuta is its proximity to the airport, which is situated roughly halfway between Kuta and Senggigi. This makes getting to either destination fairly straightforward and not too time-consuming.

My Thoughts

While I personally found Senggigi to have more charm and character, Kuta still left a great impression. Its beaches and cafes are definitely worth experiencing. Plus, if you’re staying in Senggigi, Kuta is just a 45-minute drive away, making it an easy and worthwhile trip!

How to Get Around Lombok

Moterbike

When we stayed in Lombok, we rented a bike from our Airbnb host to get around. Riding a motorbike is the main way to travel on the island, and compared to Bali (which can be chaotic), the roads in Lombok were fairly quiet and easy to ride on. Around Senggigi, the roads were busier on Sundays and at sunset, but other than that, it was very calm.

Car

If you don’t want to ride a bike, you can also rent a car, as there are car rental shops on the island. Most roads are accessible by car, though be mindful that some areas outside of town have narrow or bumpy roads.

Walking / Driver

Walking around the main towns (Senggigi or Kuta) is definitely doable, and I found it to be safe and easy. However, if you’re looking to explore further, hiring a private driver is a great option to get to your desired destinations.

Things to do in Lombok

There are so many things to see, do, and explore in Lombok—I didn’t even get to everything during my 6 weeks on the island! (I guess I’ll have to go back!)

Here’s a list of some of the top things to do in Lombok that I recommend:

• Go snorkeling at the Secret Gili Islands

• Visit Sembemun Village (a must-do!)

• Do the Batu Layar walk through the mountains

• Watch the sunset at Senggigi Beach

• Drive along the west coast (a must-do!)

• Take a surfing lesson at Kuta

• Go beach hopping

• Relax at Loka Gym and Recovery

• Get a massage

• Visit a beach club

• Visit Tetebatu (a must-do!)

• Attend a cooking class at Aggeth Putith

Extra activities I didn’t manage to do but definitely want to next time:

• Visit Pink Beach

• Hike Mount Rinjani

• Explore the waterfalls (Tiu Kelep waterfall, Mangku Sakti waterfall)

• Do a water sport at Aurora Hotel

My Top Restaurant and Cafe Recommendations

• Source Kitchen and Bar

• Pasta Pojok

• Coco Beach Restaurant

• Fresh Market Bakery

• Munchies Cafe

• Plant-Based Cafe and Restaurant (Vegan)

Lombok completely exceeded my expectations, and I’m so glad I didn’t cancel my trip at the last minute. From its beautiful blue oceans and scenic coastal drives to its volcanic, mountainous regions, this island is an absolute gem that deserves more attention. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a mix of both, Lombok has something for everyone.

If you’re planning a trip, I hope this guide helps you make the most of your time on this incredible island. Happy travels! 🌴✨