Things to do in Lombok, Indonesia
We know Bali is the place to be for exotic beaches, iconic rice fields, and fun parties. But if you prefer a more laid-back holiday, look to Lombok, Indonesia’s less touristy island. You’ll still get your dose of sun, sand, and surfs sans the crazy crowds. Plus, the island is home to Mount Rinjani – a bucket list attraction for most adventure seekers.
We assure you there’s plenty to see and admire. Here are 25 things to do in Lombok in 2023.
– Activities –
1. Benang Kelambu & Benang Stokel – Pandora-like waterfalls
Benang Stokel Waterfall.
Image credit: @rubiaceae__
Step into the world of Avatar at these stunning Pandora-like waterfalls – Benang Kelambu and Benang Stokel. Located in central Lombok in Teratak Village, the waterfalls will take about 1.5 hours from Senggigi town or 45 minutes from Tetebatu to get to by car.
From the entrance gate, it’s just a 15-minute walk to Benang Stokel waterfall where fresh water from Mount Rinjani flows down. If you decide to test the waters, be warned that it’s usually very chilly.
Benang Kelambu Waterfall.
Image credit: @shar_ka8031
Another 15-minute hike through the jungle will bring you to Benang Kelambu waterfall – touted as the more impressive of the two.
While both these waterfalls are easily accessible on your own, you can choose to hire a local guide to bring you to 3 smaller hidden waterfalls situated deeper into the forest.
Book a day tour of Benang Kelambu and Benang Stokel waterfalls (S$38.69).
Address: Aik Berik, Batukliang Utara, Central Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara 83552, Indonesia
Location: Benang waterfalls on Google Maps
2. Lombok Wildlife Park – Kid-friendly sanctuary with elephants
Image credit: @lombokwildlifepark
Lombok Wildlife Park offers kiddos and wildlife-lovers the chance to get up close with over 50 species of animals. The most popular activity involves the friendly elephants – meet them, feed them, or join them in a playful mud bath. Just remember to pack an extra change of clothes as it can get a little messy.
Image adapted from: @a.d.e.k.adek, @lombokwildlifepark
About 40 minutes from Sengigi town, the wildlife sanctuary cares for roughly 195 animals and has other kid-friendly activities too including Orangutan interaction (from Rp420,000, ~S$37),
lunch or high tea at the park (from Rp360,000, ~S$31.71), and a walk-through bird sanctuary.
Image adapted from: @suadikafellicia, @mitunaku_
ADMISSION FEE
IDR200,000 (~S$17.75)
ADDRESS
Jalan Raya Tanjung Sire, Sigar Penjalin, Kec. Tj., Kabupaten Lombok Utara, Nusa Tenggara Bar. 83352, Indonesia
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3. Selong Belanak Beach – Surfing spot & buffalo sightings
Bali has a Kuta Beach, and Lombok has its very own Kuta Beach too. It is definitely the most popular one in Lombok lined with resorts and tourists flocking around the area. But if you’re on the lookout for less touristy options, we’ve got a few on our list that are equally worth a visit.
Image credit: Farrel Hadi
Surfers need to put Selong Belanak Beach on the top of their list. Those familiar with the sport can simply rent a surfboard while those wanting to learn surfing can engage a trainer from one of the many surfing schools there.
Surrounded by rolling hills, the beach boasts clear turquoise waters making it suitable even for swimming and snorkelling.
Image credit: @harryinframe
As the day draws to an end, a parade of buffalos walk through Selong Belanak Beach around 5pm to get back to their farm – a sight to behold. Hey, it’s also a great spot to catch the sunset.
Location: Selong Belanak Beach on Google Maps
4. Lingsar Temple – Historic temple with Hindu & Islamic symbols
Image credit: Lombok.com
Cultured folks looking to explore the historical aspects of Lombok can take a trip to Mataram City where Lingsar Temple aka Pura Lingsar lies. Built in 1714, this place of worship is unique owing to its architecture which features design elements from both Hindu and Islamic religions.
The compound consists of 3 buildings, a huge garden, and a pond which will take about an hour to explore.
Image adapted from: @taranigayatri, @utulstr
Be mindful that conservative clothing is required to enter the premises.
Admission: Free
Address: C5FJ+JCV, Jalan Raya, Batu Kumbung, Lingsar, West Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara 83371, Indonesia
Opening hours: 8am-6pm, Daily
5. Bukit Pergasingan – Camping site up a hill with a cliffside swing
Image adapted from: @nobleman_12, @zkoltu
Even if you’re not an outdoorsy person, don’t pass up the chance to hike up Bukit Pergasingan. Yes, it is a 1.5-hour journey to get to the top of the hill but it’s a fairly easy trek that doesn’t even require a guide. And you’ll be rewarded with epic views.
Sembulan Village below and Mount Rinjani in the background.
Image credit: @riantrv
Enjoy the scenery on a cliffside swing that also warrants a spot on your IG feed. If you can’t get enough of the beauty of the place, choose to camp overnight and you’ll be able to catch both the sunset and sunrise the next morning. While you’re there, explore the nearby rice and strawberry fields too.
Book a 2D1N Pergasingan Hill Private Camping experience (S$159.59).
Address: Sembalun Lawang, Sembalun, Sembalun Lawang, Sembalun, East Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara 83656, Indonesia
Location: Bukit Pergasingan on Google Maps
6. Mawi Beach – Mellow waves for novice surfers
The path down to Mawi Beach aka Pantai Mawi is not paved so, be careful.
Image credit: @cmzakn
Escape the crowds at Mawi Beach, a quiet slice of paradise down south of Lombok island. This beach mainly attracts surfers thanks to the huge waves during high tide, especially early in the morning.
Beginner surfers should look out for mid-tide, around 1pm, when the waves are gentler and more friendly for surfers with less experience.
Image credit: @agussurflombok
Experienced surfers can be seen paddling further out to play with the wave barrels – quite entertaining even if you’re just a spectator from the shores.
Fair warning that the beach is not suitable for swimming nor to surf during low tide due to the reef bottom which gets exposed later in the day.
Location: Mawi Beach on Google Maps
7. Pura Batu Bolong – Hindu temple perched over a rock promontory
Image credit: @mulyawan_galib
Anyone on an Eat, Pray, Love kind of holiday to Indonesia should put Pura Batu Bolong on their list of places to visit. This Hindu temple is located on the seashores, overlooking the Indian Ocean, and is a relatively quiet spiritual spot for meditation.
Apart from the ancient architecture, you’ll see statues of Hindu deities and rituals being performed by priests. As it lies on the western part of the island, it’s also a great place to catch the sunset with Mount Agung in the background.
Address: F3Q4+XP6, Batu Layar, West Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
Location: Pura Batu Bolong on Google Maps
8. Pantai Tanjung Bloam – Non-touristy hidden beach
Image credit: @qumbang__
Pantai Tanjung Bloam is usually not on the radar for most visitors to Lombok because it is hidden behind teak forests and thus, rarely accessed by tourists. If you want a quiet day out, it’s the perfect place to be. Plus, there’s a unique rock formation that from certain angles looks like a layered cake with a pointy tip being served on a platter.
Getting there: It’s a 1.5-hour drive from Kuta town to Jeeva Beloam Beach Camp resort. From there take a 5-minute walk to Pantai Tanjung Bloam.
Admission: Rp100,000 (~S$8.80)
Address: Jalan Pantai Beloam, Tanjung Ringgit, Nusa Tenggara Bar, Jerowaru, Sekaroh, Lombok Timur, Kabupaten Lombok Timur, Nusa Tenggara Barat, 83672, Indonesia
Location: Pantai Tanjung Bloam on Google Maps
9. Mount Rinjani – Overnight trek from 1-3 nights
Image credit: Abee Sukarna
The world-renowned Mount Rinjani is one of the main reasons why most people fly to Lombok. The trek can span from 2-4 days depending on your chosen pace. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience with the highlights along the way being Lake Segara Anak, Senaru Crater Rim, and Pelawangan Sembalun – the first campsite before the summit.
Mount Rinjani Hot Springs.
Image credit: @mikhail.mail
The route is considered rather challenging even for experienced climbers so prior preparation is highly recommended. If you decide to take up the challenge, we promise the most breathtaking views of the natural landscape await you.
Book a private guided trek up Mount Rinjani (S$ 227.35).
10. Gili Islands – Multiple snorkelling sites
Image credit: Jimmy Rodger
Travellers who have plans to stay a little longer should consider island-hopping from Lombok, especially to Gili Islands which is only 1 hour away by ferry; 35 minutes if you take the fast boat. Gili consists of 3 islands – Gili Air, Gili Trawangan, and Gili Meno – and is one of the best spots in the Indonesian Archipelago for snorkelling and diving.
Reefs and marine creatures such as turtles and sharks are a common sight. Either make a day trip or, if you have more time to spare, stay overnight on one of the islands. Gili Trawangan is the largest and most popular of the 3 with plenty of accommodation options.
Book a day tour to Gili Islands (S$ 40.15).
– Photogenic Spots –
11. Pink Beach – Lesser-known beach with “pink” sand
Pink Beach is known as Pantai Tangsi in Bahasa.
Image credit: SAEPUL BASRI
Anyone who follows travel content on IG would have come across the famous Pink Beach. Well, there’s more than one. Usually, it’s the Pink Beach in Komodo National Park that’s being featured in these posts but Lombok has its very own one. Although the pink hue here is more subtle, it’s still very pretty.
How does it get its pink colour? A combination of marine algae, crushed red corals and shells that mixes with the sand. The best time to go is in the morning before 2pm. But to get there means having to drive far east, about 1.5 hours from Lombok Airport, so get an early head start.
Book a private day tour to Pink Beach (S$ 33.10).
Location: Pink Beach on Google Maps
12. Pusuk Monkey Forest – Mountainside lookout point
Pusuk Monkey Forest is known locally as Baun Pusuk.
Image credit: @dotty_qiram
Get your head in the clouds at Pusuk Monkey Forest – about a 30-minute drive up the mountains from Senggigi town. As the name suggests, wild macaque monkeys have made this area their home and so you’ll see plenty of them.
Image credit: @ arif.arrijal
The main highlight is the lookout point called Pusuk Forest Viewpoint from where you get elevated views of the thick jungle below.
The winding roads can feel a little risky so book a tour if you are not confident of driving up there yourself.
Book a private day tour to Monkey Forest (S$ 25.39).
Location: Pusuk Monkey Forest on Google Maps
13. Bangkang Caves – Mystical bat caves
Goa Bangkang Prabu.
Image credit: @christinewir
Get a feel of Batman’s bat cave with these underground caves just 10 minutes from Kuta. There are 3 of them – Goa Bangkang Prabu, Goa Puwun or Mystical Neverland, and Goa Sumur – all of which offer the same experience and are within the same vicinity, so just pick one.
As far as photogenic spots go, the caves are a must-visit attraction in Lombok for their Instagram-worthy photo ops. At different times of the day, light rays stream into the caves giving you a natural spotlight to take studio-like pics.
Goa Sumur.
Image credit: @laluaden
For Goa Bangkang Prabu, the best time to go is around 4pm-5pm while the best time to go to Goa Puwun is around noon. If you want to see bats flying, you’ll have to go later in the evening when it starts getting dark, which is when they become active.
Book a trekking tour to Goa Bangkang (S$ 31.39).
Location: Bangkang Caves on Google Maps
14. Tetebatu Terrace – Ubud-like rice paddies
Image adapted from: @lukepalms
It’s not just Bali that has rice terraces, Lombok has them too. Tetebatu Terrace is located in a small village in Mount Rinjani National Park, about 2 hours from Senggigi or 1 hour 40 minutes from Lombok International Airport.
Make a day trip to the area and add Jeruk Manis waterfall nearby as well as Tetebatu Tourist Village where you can meet the locals and observe kampung life.
Location: Tetebatu Terrace on Google Maps
15. Sade Village – Traditional kampung with artisan fabric weavers
Image credit: @asadghozy
Sade Village is the place to go to find out more about the Sasak tribe people and their culture. Here you’ll meet local artisans that sell traditional handicrafts which make for good souvenirs.
Image credit: @dianaserayu
For the complete experience, dress up in traditional costumes to take photos with the village huts. Definitely a tad touristy but it gives you a good idea of kampung life. It’s worth a visit if you’re happy to support the local tourism industry.
Book a day tour to Sade Village (S$ 72.25).
Address: Rembitan, Pujut, Central Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara 83573, Indonesia
16. Bukit Selong – Photogenic sunrise viewpoint
Image credit: @milavennika
While you can take the rest of your holiday in Lombok at a relaxed pace, spare one morning to rise extra early to catch the sunrise from the top of Bukit Selong. The best part is, you don’t even have to make a hike up because the lookout point is just a 5-minute walk from the carpark.
To catch the sunrise, you’ll have to be there before 6am and chope a spot on the giant handcrafted wooden star on bamboo stilts – the main photo op. As you look down, you’ll see a neat grid of rice fields and Mount Rinjani in the backdrop.
Location: Bukit Selong on Google Maps
17. Nambung Beach – Saltwater beach with a waterfall
Image credit: @hts_7373
At Nambung Beach, you get to enjoy the beach and witness an uncommon natural phenomenon where waves crashing over a cliff provide the effect of a waterfall. Obviously, it’s not a constantly flowing waterfall so you’ll have to snap the photo just at the right time to capture it. Oh, and if you’re there during low tide, you can swim in the saltwater pools.
Book a day tour to Nambung Beach (S$ 72.85).
Location: Nambung Beach on Google Maps
18. Narmada Botanic Garden – “Torii” gates & sunflower fields
Image credit: @amry19940801
On a day you need a break from all the adventurous escapades in Lombok, drop by Narmada Botanic Garden for leisurely strolls and lots more IG content. It’s a medium-sized garden which only takes about 90 minutes to go around. Admire the various flowers that bloom throughout the year. The sunflower field is next to the floral arches and hard to miss.
Image credit: @utami.niways__
You may not be in Japan, but you can still get that snapshot under the Torii gates and plenty of other photo ops at the gardens. To make the most of your time in the area, combine this attraction with a Mataram city tour and explore the area further.
Admission: Rp15,000 (~S$1.32)
Address: C654+49V, Jalan Wirabakti, Gandari, Narmada, Lembuak, Kecamatan Narmada, Kabupaten Lombok Barat, Nusa Tenggara Bar. 83371, Indonesia
Contact: Narmada Botanic Garden Facebook
19. Bukit Merese – Best sunset view in Lombok
Image credit: @purnamaefendi
Dubbed as the place to catch the sunset from in Lombok, Bukit Merese is located at Tanjung Aan Beach, another very popular beach. The hill is easily accessible on foot via Kuta Beach as well. A simple 20-minute walk up the hill will get you to the vantage point from where you can admire the sun going down.
Image credit: @lalubayu042
The hill is not only a romantic spot to capture amazing photos with bae, but also a lovely site for a picnic. So, pack some food and get cosy on a beach towel to watch the sun set together.
Book a day tour to Merese Hill (S$ 30.39).
Address: Jalan Kuta Lombok, Kuta, Kecamatan Pujut, Kabupaten Lombok Tengah, Nusa Tenggara Barat 83573, Indonesia
– Cafes, Restaurants & Bars –
20. Kenza Cafe & Restaurant – Tropical-themed hangout spot
Image credit: @xpinkpeachx
In Lombok with a group of friends or family? Make a stop at Kenza Cafe & Restaurant at Kuta where the French bistro-inspired menu features bites and small plates good for sharing.
You’ll get breakfast classics (from Rp25,000, ~S$2.20) such as acai bowls and focaccia sandwiches in the day as well as freshly baked pastries and bread. The dinner menu consists of cheeses, dips, meats, and seafood (from Rp35,000, ~S$3.08).
Address: Jalan Raya Kuta No.5B, Kuta Lombok, Kecamatan Pujut, Kuta lombok, Nusa Tenggara Barat 83573, Indonesia
Opening hours: 7am-11pm, Daily
Contact: Kenza Cafe & Restaurant website | Kenza Lombok Instagram
21. The Hut Restaurant Kuta – Vegetarian-friendly cafe in a hut
Image adapted from: @thehutkutalombok, @thehutkutalombok
Known for its healthy menu, The Hut Restaurant Kuta serves salad bowls and fresh pressed juices. The portions are quite hearty and good for sharing too.
Vegetarians will be delighted with their variety of options such as Falafel Pita (Rp70,000, ~S$6.16), and Pesto Pasta (Rp70,000, ~S$6.16).
Image credit: @thehutkutalombok
If you’ve got kids in tow, keep them entertained with the board games available for play at the cafe.
Address: Jalan Raya Kuta No.5, Kuta, Kecamatan Pujut, Kabupaten Lombok Tengah, Nusa Tenggara Barat 83573, Indonesia
Opening hours: 8am-10.30pm, Daily
Contact: The Hut Kuta Lombok Instagram
22. La Chill Bar – Beachside eatery with colourful beanbags
Image credit: @mrbarrelsbydesign
At La Chill Bar, you do exactly what the bar is named for – chill by the beachside, that too on colourful comfy bean bag chairs. This is a special mention for folks who are in the Senggigi area and want a change from the Kuta beach clubs.
La Chill Bar is rather popular with tourists so expect crowds, especially in the evenings when many come to enjoy the live music and watch the sunset.
Address: Jalan Raya Senggigi KM8 Senggigi, Batu Bolong, Lombok, Indonesia
Opening hours: 4pm-12am, Daily
Contact: La Chill Bar & Restaurant Facebook | La Chill Bar & Restaurant Senggigi Instagram
23. Markisa – Mediterranean restaurant with a rooftop garden
Image credit: @rawa.lombok
Offering Mediterranean cuisine, Markisa is a hidden gem in Kuta. Not many know of this restaurant as it’s located within Rawa Lombok, a sleepy guest house near Kuta Beach.
Choose to dine indoors on the ground floor or on the rooftop garden, under the stars. If you choose the upper level, note that there are no proper tables and chairs, rather cute picnic tables and pillows for you to sit on the grass.
Image credit: @rawa.lombok
Their seafood dishes are particularly raved about, especially the Grilled Yellowfin Tuna Steak (Rp140,000, ~S$12.33) and Octopus Ragu (Rp120,000, ~S$10.57).
Address: 475J+5C8, Kuta, Pujut, Central Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
Opening hours: 8am-9:30pm, Daily
Contact: Rawa Lombok Instagram
24. Jiang Nan – Handmade dumplings & noodles for <S$10
Image adapted from @jiangnanlombok, @jiangnanlombok
If you are travelling on a budget and don’t want to live on Indomee, Chinese restaurant Jiang Nan is your saviour – the entire food menu is priced under Rp75,000 (~S$6.61).
Get a taste of Sichuan dumplings while soaking in the lively atmosphere of Kuta. Recommended dishes include Dan Dan Noodles (Rp65,000, ~S$5.72) and Xiao Long Bao (Rp50,000, ~S$4.40). Those who can take spice must also try their much-talked-about chilli oil.
Address: Jalan Raya Kuta No.1, Kuta, Kecamatan Pujut, Kabupaten Lombok Tengah, Nusa Tenggara Barat 83573, Indonesia
Opening hours: 1pm-10pm, Daily
Contact: Jiang Nan Lombok Facebook | Jiang Nan Instagram
25. SIWA – Cliffside day club & bar overlooking the hills
Image credit: @gerdangalaysia
To escape the crowds, head to SIWA, an alternative chilling spot to the many clubs on Kuta beachfront. This clubhouse restaurant is perched high above Kuta Beach and offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills.
Image credit: @gerdangalaysia
Take a dip in the infinity pool or indulge in western and local fare from their dining options. For an atas clubhouse the food and drinks are pretty affordable starting from Rp35,000 (~S$3.08) for the dishes and Rp130,000 (~S$11.45) for cocktails.
Address: Prabu, Pujut, Central Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
Opening hours: 8am-8pm, Daily
Contact: Siwa Resorts website | Siwa Cliffs Instagram
Plan your visit to Lombok, Indonesia
The best months to plan a holiday to Lombok are from April to October when the weather is less rainy. There’s plenty to do on the island, especially for nature lovers – everything from beaches and caves to waterfalls and mountains.
And if you still want to make your way to Bali, you can get there easily from Lombok either by a 4-hour ferry ride or a short 40-minute flight.
Getting there: Take a direct 3-hour flight from Singapore to Lombok.
More things to do in Indonesia:
Cover image adapted from: @purnamaefendi, @laluaden, @riantrv, @lukepalms, @milavennika, @cmzakn
A portion of this content may contain referral links to products. However, all opinions are ours.
