After traveling through many countries and islands, Lombok stood out in a way no other place did. The calm atmosphere, strong Islamic values, natural beauty, and genuine kindness of the people made us feel at home from the very first visit. What started as a travel destination, eventually became the place where we chose to make hijrah and build our life.
Lombok is called ‘the island of a 1.000 mosques’ and in reality, the number comes closer to 10.000 mosques. There’s so much to see, but knowing where to stay and how to plan your days makes all the difference. We live on Lombok, which allows us to go beyond the tourist highlights and discover daily life and local culture.
What we love most about the island is its diverse landscapes and experiences. In the South, you’ll find white-sand beaches, turquoise bays, surf towns, and coastal cliffs. In North Lombok, Mount Rinjani changes the landscape completely. The air is cooler, the views are green, and you’ll find waterfalls, rice terraces, mountains, local villages, and small roads through the jungle. These areas are peaceful and untouched. Meanwhile, the capital, Mataram, gives you a glimpse into everyday life on Lombok, where Islam and Sasak culture are part of daily life.
Lombok is a place where nature, adventure, and Islamic values come together.
Below, we’re sharing some general information about Lombok. If you want to discover the real hidden gems, quiet beaches and detailed travel routes, our complete guide is the best way to experience the island.
Lombok has a tropical climate with warm temperatures all year-round. The best time to visit is during the dry season, from May to October, when the weather is sunnier and ideal for going to the beach, hiking, and island trips.
The rainy season runs from November to April. During this time, short but heavy rain showers are common, especially in the afternoons. Nature is greener, there are fewer tourists, and some activities like hiking Mount Rinjani or island hopping may be limited. Our favorite period on Lombok is in April – May, which is still before the high season starts, but little rain and everything looks green!
If you’re traveling from Europe, it’s important to know that there are no direct flights to Lombok. You will usually need to make at least one stop in one of the cities listed below. For more affordable tickets, it’s common to have an additional stop in the Middle East or Turkiye. Because of this, travel time can be quite long, so it’s worth planning your journey accordingly.
Most travelers arrive via Lombok International Airport (LOP) in Praya. The airport has direct flights from 3 major international cities such as:
Another popular option is to travel via Bali as part of a combined trip, taking a fast boat or ferry to Lombok for around €20. Keep in mind that this route can be affected by weather conditions, so schedules may change or be delayed. It’s best to book your tickets on this site and we recommend booking with Ekajaya or Wahana Virendra.
There is also the option to take a domestic flight from Bali to Lombok for about 50 euro. Click here for the flight times.
TIP: Lombok International Airport (LOP) is working towards better connections with the Middle East and Turkiye in the future. These connections would make it easier for travelers to reach Lombok without stops in other Asian cities.
The Gili Islands are one of the main reasons tourists, that are visiting Bali, also decide to explore Lombok. Fast boats from Bali bring you to Gili Trawangan in around 90 minutes.
Many people are worried after seeing scary videos on TikTok, but these are often taken during storms or on smaller boats, which are generally less safe and comfortable. That’s why we recommend booking with one of the larger and more reputable boat companies like Eka Jaya and Wahana Virendra. We booked our tickets here.
If you want to continue traveling from the Gili’s to Lombok island, you will need to take the boat for 30 min to Bangsal pier. You can book tickets here. If you’re already on Lombok and want to travel the other way around to the Gili’s. You first have to get to Bangsal pier and from there just take the boat to Gili T. Best to book 1-2 days in advance on this site.
When you arrive at the airport, you’ll usually want to head straight to your accommodation without having to arrange transport after a long flight. That’s why we recommend asking your hotel or stay to organize your pick-up in advance. Another option would be Grab and airport taxis, which are available 24/7.
Lombok doesn’t have public transport like trains or a metro system, so getting around works differently here. From our experience, many travelers expect it to be similar to Bali, but Lombok is much quieter and less developed in terms of transport. Because of that, it’s good to understand your options before you arrive.
Cars are a better option if you’re traveling with family or prefer more comfort. They’re especially useful during hot or rainy days. Another option is hiring a private driver. Which is the easiest and most stress-free option, especially if you want to explore multiple areas in one day.
TIP! You can find all our direct contacts with the best prices in our guide.
Exploring the island by scooter is our favorite way to get around. There’s nothing quite like driving through the island with rice fields, hills, and coastline on both sides under a blue sky. An international driving license is not officially required, but we recommend having one with you for safety. Rental prices usually range from €3–€8 per day depending on the model.
Apart from busy places like Mataram and Kuta, roads can be very quiet and easy to drive on. Always wear a helmet and avoid driving at night in remote areas.
Grab and Gojek are available, but mainly in Mataram and parts of Senggigi. Both apps are great for booking transport or ordering food delivery.
You simply download the app, enter your destination, and choose between a motorbike or car. Prices are shown upfront, and you can pay by card or cash.
The Gili Islands have no motorized transport, meaning cars and motorbikes are not allowed (which we loved!). People get around by walking, cycling, or using horse-drawn carts, creating a quiet and relaxed island atmosphere. Bicycles can be rent for about 50k IDR (2,50 euro), and often at your stay.
One of the things we love most about Lombok is its people. The locals are genuinely warm and welcoming, and as Muslim travelers we often felt a natural sense of familiarity in daily interactions. That’s why meeting local people in different places and activities always adds something special to the experience.
When it comes to things to do, Lombok is very diverse. You can spend slow days on quiet beaches, explore waterfalls hidden in the jungle, drive through green rice fields, or stop at viewpoints with wide open scenery. You can also hike Mount Rinjani if you’re up for something more adventurous, or take a short trip to the Gili Islands for a completely different island vibe.
Below is just a general overview of what Lombok has to offer. In our full Lombok guide, we share the exact places we personally recommend — from quiet beaches and waterfalls to viewpoints and hidden spots that are not always easy to find online, all from a Muslim travel perspective.
The 3 famous Gili islands are Trawangan, Meno, and Air. Whenever we feel like escaping the mainland for a few days, the Gilis are usually our first choice. The beaches are beautiful, the water is crystal clear, and the snorkeling is some of the best around Lombok.
We always love a good snorkeling trip. Most of the time we book these kind of trips via through GetYourGuide (use halaltravelasia5 for 5% off). Most tours depart from Gili Trawangan and visit the waters around Gili Air and Gili Meno.
TIP: Check the group size before booking to make sure the experience stays relaxed and enjoyable. Our group was quite large, so next time we would probably choose a private tour.
West-coast beaches like Sunset Beach offer beautiful sunsets with Mount Agung in the background. We recommend arriving around 5 PM so you can find a good spot on the beach or at one of the beachfront restaurants. Around 7 PM, screens are set up on the sand and you can enjoy a movie right on the beach.
Tired of the beach? Join a silver jewelry making class on Gili Air, where you can create your own silver piece. With guidance from skilled local artisans, you’ll learn traditional silversmithing techniques from design to finishing. We recommend booking this activity at least two days in advance via this site (use halaltravelasia5 for 5% off).
Horse riding is a Sunnah sport in Islam, so what’s better than doing this activity on a tropical island? It’s a beginner-friendly 1-hour experience that let you explore quiet beaches and village paths on horseback, guided by experienced handlers. We booked this activity via this site (use halaltravelasia5 for 5% off).
Located on the west coast of Lombok, Senggigi is known for its long beaches and views over the sea. It sits between the hills and the coastline, making it a good starting point to explore different parts of the island.
In Senggigi, you’ll find beaches, local restaurants, and some great sunsets. It’s an easy place to stay, because you’re close to Mataram, while still being near nature and the ocean.
Beaches like Nipah Beach and Setangi Beach in Senggigi have soft sand and are great for swimming, relaxing, and walking. Hungry? Have lunch at one of the many warungs on the beach that provide fresh local food and drinks.
When we first visited Lombok, this was one of the very first tours we did and, to this day, we still consider it a must-do. During the tour, we visited local families who help preserve the surrounding forest and learned how products such as palm sugar, cacao, and coffee are made. We joined a cooking class and made our own lunch!
One of the highlights is the easy jungle hike, where we learned about the different fruits and plants that grow in the area and how local people use them in their daily lives. What we love most is that this tour supports the local community in protecting the forest and creating sustainable livelihoods.
It’s best to book this tour directly with Ikbal via WhatsApp +62 823-4277-5358
Mataram is the island’s capital, and when we first visited, we were surprised by how developed it felt. For a moment, we almost forgot we were on an island.
Located just inland from Lombok’s west coast, Mataram is the center of daily life and connects different parts of the island. Here, you’ll find shopping malls, markets, mosques, schools, and busy local neighborhoods.
Islamic Center NTB is the largest mosque on Lombok. Besides being a place of worship, it also serves as a center for education and community activities. Outside, you’ll find a miniature Kaaba where students can practice the rituals of Hajj and Umrah. The mosque itself is an impressive piece of architecture. One of its most striking features is the 99-meter minaret, symbolizing the 99 names of Allah.
Epicentrum Mall is the largest shopping mall in Mataram. You’ll find international brands alongside many local and Asian stores. There are many playgrounds throughout the mall, food courts on the lower ground and ground floors, and a mosque on the 2nd floor.
TIP: The mall gets especially busy from Friday evening and throughout the weekend, so if possible, visit between Monday and Thursday.
Joining a city tour always comes in handy if you are on schedule or want the comfort of not figuring it all out yourself. It’s also a great way to see the cultural highlights of the capital. We recommend to book a few days in advance via this site (use halaltravelasia5 for 5% off).
Villages around Mount Rinjani are surrounded by hills and mountain views and the drives through this area are some of the most scenic on the island. In our opinion the next three places are definitely worth adding to your itinerary, as they still feel authentic.
Bayan, where Islam originated and began on Lombok. You can find the oldest mosque here. Combine it with Senaru for the most beautiful waterfalls, only 15 min away.
Sembalun is one of the most underrated areas on Lombok and, in our opinion, deserves much more attention. Driving through the mountains and hearing the adhaan echo across the valley in such a setting feels truly special.
In Sembalun you can expect breathtaking viewpoints, a unique landscape, and beautiful nature. Because of its higher elevation, temperatures are much cooler than in the rest of Lombok.
We often call Tetebatu the most fertile part of Lombok. Surrounded by rice fields and Mount Rinjani, almost everything seems to grow here. It’s one of our favorite areas for walks through the rice terraces and experiencing a more traditional side of the island.
We definitely recommend to stay a few days, but you can also book a daytrip. We share our contacts with the best prices in our Lombok Travel Guide.
In our Lombok guide, we’ve collected all things to do and activities in these villages in one place, so you can easily plan your trip. The guide includes exact locations, our favorite hotels, halal restaurants, and direct contacts with discounts we’ve arranged.
If you ask us where to find the most beautiful beaches on Lombok, our answer would definitely be the South. With its white-sand beaches, turquoise bays, and rolling hills, this is one of our favorite parts of the island.
Kuta is where most tourists choose to stay in the south and offers the largest selection of restaurants, cafés and accommodations. Because of its popularity, it attracts many Western tourists, which means you’ll find nightlife, alcohol, and restaurants serving pork.
For this reason, we prefer staying in Selong Belanak. Located about 30 minutes from Kuta, it offers a quieter and more local atmosphere while still being close to many of South Lombok’s best beaches.
Visit Tanjung Aan Beach for white sand and clear water, but expect it to be quite busy. Go to Mawun Beach for a more relaxed atmosphere. Selong Belanak Beach is great for swimming in the waves or learning how to surf, but it can also get crowded.
We share our full list of quiet beaches, including more hidden and private spots, in our travel guide.
Merese Hill in Kuta is the most popular sunset spot and can easily be combined with Tanjung Aan Beach. A short and easy walk takes you to the top, where you’ll be rewarded with views over white-sand beaches, turquoise water, and the surrounding coastline.
This cooking class near in Kuta is a great way to experience local culture through food. You’ll learn how to prepare traditional Lombok dishes with fresh ingredients and enjoy the meal afterward. This activity is especially nice if you want to do something different from beaches and sightseeing. Book the cooking class here. Use halaltravelasia5 for 5% discount.
We visited this small farm in Mawun with our friends and their kids. You can play with animals and there is an organic farm. The place is continuously expanding with new activities like BBQ nights, outdoor cinema, and farming experiences. You can find more info and prices here.
If there’s one thing that should never be a problem on Lombok, it’s finding a masjid. The island is often called the “Island of a Thousand Mosques”, but in reality the number might be closer to 10.000. While it still depends on the area you’re in, even in the smallest villages you’ll usually find one or two. Below, we highlight some of the largest ones, as well as our personal favorites.
The most prominent mosque on Gili Trawangan, often considered the central mosque of the island. With its high minaret you will most likely hear the adhaan wherever you are.
A secondary mosque on Gili T that’s serving nearby neighborhoods. Smaller than Masjid Baiturrahman, but widely used by locals.
With this mosque, the local community has clearly chosen to focus on one central mosque instead of multiple smaller ones. It’s beautiful to see how well maintained and active the community is here.
This only small mosque on the island has a unique local design with a wooden interior.
This mosque is still partly under construction, but once finished it will be a beautiful addition to the area. It is located a short walk up from the main road, surrounded by greenery, creating a peaceful and quiet atmosphere.
The biggest and, in our opinion, most beautiful mosque in Lombok. We love coming here every time we’re in Mataram and it’s a good place to meet other travelers or people who made Hijrah to Lombok.
This mosque is something of a hidden gem in Mataram, with a beautiful modern design that gives it a unique architectural style.
This is the main mosque in Praya, about 30 minutes from Mataram. The mosque is centrally located and easy to reach from main roads and nearby shops.
A mosque located at the airport. Convenient for those waiting at the airport for transport or their flight.
The biggest mosque in Kuta Lombok, located close to the town center. We like its modern and spacious design. You’ll also likely meet Muslims from many different countries here.
In the middle of the busy Jalan Raya street in Kuta, you’ll find this open mosque. Many people working in Kuta stop here to pray, and the adhaan can be heard clearly throughout the area. Great option if you are staying in the main tourist area.
The main mosque in the center of Selong Belanak. It’s still a relatively small and simple mosque, which reminds us that Selong Belanak is still a small and peaceful community despite its growing popularity.
As you probably know by now, Lombok has a predominantly Muslim population, though religious practice varies by area. In coastal regions with more tourism, alcohol is more widely available and some restaurants also serve pork. We always try to focus as much as we can on recommending halal-friendly places without alcohol or pork, and we clearly mention it when that’s not the case.
We’ve selected a few of our favorite restaurants below. This is just a small selection — all our recommended spots can be found in our guide.
Coffee and Thyme and Kayu Café were our go to café’s for breakfast and lunch.
Regina Pizzeria is a local owned pizzeria with great pizza’s & pasta’s for affordable prices.
Nona Kitchen & bar always covered us with their great dishes for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Warung Lariz is where you need to be if you crave the local cuisine.
Trawangan night market is a must visit on the island and will satisfy your fish cravings.
Ayam Tungku (Bukit Klui)
One of the best local chicken dishes we’ve ever had was here. Ayam Tungku only serves chicken, prepared in three styles: grilled, fried, or curry, and they’re all delicious. The bonus is the location on the hill that gives a nice view while eating.
Pasta Pojok
An Indonesian owned restaurant serving authentic, homemade Italian food with pizzas and pastas that never disappoint. It’s our favorite restaurant in Senggigi and there is also a kids’ play corner. Alcohol is served here.
Konyu Coffee
One of our regular spots for breakfast or lunch and it’s one of the few places where you can get a proper Western egg breakfast. Local dishes are available too.
Deco Coffee
An aesthetic café with great coffee and an extensive menu featuring local, Asian, and Western dishes, including healthy options.
Umami Cafe and Bakery
This place is known for its delicious toast pocket sandwiches and good coffee and matcha. We especially love its cozy interior.
Blusky Pizza
Often considered the best pizza in town (we can confirm). Great value for money and a fully halal-certified restaurant.
The People’s Café
Our favorite local food spot inside Epicentrum Mall. We tried many dishes here and none of them disappointed. The food is more Javanese-style, meaning less spicy and easier for foreigners to enjoy.
The Breakery
We always visit this breakfast and lunch café when we’re craving authentic French pastries, sandwiches, and fresh sourdough bread.
The Well
A place is focused on organic and healthy food throughout the day. Their menu includes both Indonesian and Western options. They have a family friendly setting with an inside and outside kids playing area.
ShawarMe
A place we visit quite often. This French/Algerian-owned restaurant serves tacos, cheeseburgers, and shawarma sandwiches, all homemade, including the bread.
So’nak
Known as one of the best local-owned coffee and dessert spots in the area, this café was started by Tierza together with two sisters and has become a great success.
LaFama
A local-owned restaurant serving Indonesian and Western dishes that are easy for everyday meals. You can visit this place for breakfast, lunch and diner.
OZ Restaurant
Our favorite place in Kuta, offering a wide variety of dishes from breakfast to dinner. They also host buffet evenings and serve great drinks. The restaurant itself is beautifully designed, both inside (air-conditioned) and outside.
Cangkir Coffee & More
Your trip to Selong Belanak will become perfect if you bring a visit to this local owned restaurant. Either for breakfast/lunch/dinner, or even just a coffee, you’ll get the best view of Selong Belanak!
Three Sisters Dumplings
One of our favorite spots on the island, with another branch in Kuta. This locally owned restaurant serves some of the best homemade dumplings we’ve had. Perfect for a snack, light lunch, or dinner.
These are just a few of our favorites. In our Lombok guide, we’ve included over 100 restaurants across Lombok, making it easy to find halal friendly places that match your preferences wherever you’re staying.
One of the most common questions we get is: Where is the best place to stay on Lombok?
The answer really depends on your travel style and what you want to see. Lombok is a fairly large island with very different landscapes and experiences depending on the area. For example, if you want to explore both South Lombok and North Lombok, we wouldn’t recommend staying in just one place and making day trips across the island. You’ll end up spending a lot of time on the road. That’s why we would recommend splitting your stay between multiple areas. It allows you to see more of the island, spend less time traveling, and enjoy each region at a more relaxed pace.
Below we share some of our favorite hotels and private pool villa’s in each area. If you’re looking for the complete list which includes places like Sembalun, Tetebatu and Senaru, have a look on this page.
Gili Khayangan Villas
We really enjoyed staying here in this spacious 2-bedroom villa. It has a private pool, a small garden, and feels very comfortable for families or groups. The location is peaceful, but everything is still just a short bike ride away.
Nero North
This boutique hotel is located on the quiet north side, making it a great choice if you want to relax and avoid the crowds. It’s a bit further from the main area, but easy to reach by bicycle. The beach in front is also great for snorkeling, with a good chance of spotting fish and turtles.
Pearl of Trawangan
If you’re looking for a bit more comfort, Pearl of Trawangan is a great option. The hotel has spacious rooms, a beautiful beachfront setting, and a large pool, while still being close to the island’s restaurants and cafés.
Kalyana Villas
One of our favorite places to stay on Gili Air. The villas are spacious, beautifully designed, and each comes with a private pool. It feels peaceful and private, while restaurants and the beach are still just a short bike ride away.
Divino
A stylish boutique hotel which is perfect for couples. The staff are known for going above and beyond, and the location makes it easy to walk to the beach, restaurants, and the harbour.
Mowies on the Beach
One of the best beachfront stays on Gili Air, especially for couples looking for a relaxed and quiet atmosphere. We love the laid-back vibe and it’s the perfect place to enjoy a beautiful sunset right from the beach.
Villa Kinagu
Villa Kinagu is a peaceful, small-scale stay just a short walk from the beach. The friendly staff make you feel right at home, and the private pool and free bicycles add to the relaxed atmosphere.
The Beach House
If you’re looking for a peaceful beachfront stay, this is one of our favorite spots on Gili Meno. The stylish bungalows are just steps from the white sandy beach and are surrounded by a calm, tropical setting. We especially love the infinity pool overlooking the ocean.
Meno Mojo Beach
Another beachfront stay on Gili Meno, where you can wake up with the ocean right in front of you. We especially love the friendly staff, spacious rooms, and the amazing snorkeling spot just steps from the beach, where you may even spot turtles. A great choice for couples!
Below, we share 3 of our favorite places to stay in Senggigi. For a complete list of our recommended hotels and private villas across different budgets, you can find our full selection here.
Svarga Resort
Svarga Resort is a beautiful resort in Senggigi that offers a luxury feel without the high price tag. You can choose between comfortable rooms or upgrade to a room with your own private pool.
Qunci Villas Resort
This is one of the best places to stay in Senggigi. It is a bit more expensive, but if you’re looking for a special stay, this is a great option. You can book a regular room or choose one of the private pool villas. The beachfront location, beautiful sunset views, and excellent service are what make this place stand out.
Lombok Souls
Lombok Souls is a new boutique stay near Senggigi that we really like. The private villas have a beautiful design, are surrounded by nature, and offer a peaceful place to relax. We also enjoyed the great food here!
Grand Madani Hotel (100% halal)
A centrally located hotel in Mataram with a strategic position near the Islamic Center and city. We stay here often when we visit Mataram. This is a clean and comfortable budget hotel with decent service and breakfast.
Hotel Santika
We have stayed here several times and always enjoyed the comfortable rooms, friendly service, and convenient location in central Mataram. The swimming pool is a great bonus, especially for families with children who want to relax after a day of exploring the city.
Primepark Hotel
One of the best hotels for a comfortable and convenient stay is the Primepark Hotel with modern rooms and a rooftop pool. Located next to the Islamic Center and close to the Epicentrum Mall.
In Kuta, there are almost too many beautiful hotels and private villas to choose from, but as a Muslim traveler, it’s important to choose the right location. Below, we share some of our favorite stays, but you can find our complete list here, organized by budget, size, and type of accommodation.
Lina Boutique Villas
A tranquil, Moroccan-inspired boutique villa property known for its private pool villas and spa. Our favorite part about this stay is the breakfast!
Novotel
This resort hotel is a great option if you’re looking for a comfortable family friendly stay close to Kuta. Located directly at the beach it offers spacious rooms, private villas, swimming pools, and facilities that make it especially convenient for families.
Eden Villas
With its beautiful interior and stylish design, Eden Villas is a great choice if you’re looking for a 2-bedroom private villa with a pool. The location is also ideal, with most restaurants within a 5–10 minute walk, while still being far enough from the main road to enjoy a peaceful stay.
Amber Resort
Just 8 minutes from Selong Belanak, you’ll find Amber Resort, a beautiful beachfront resort on Torok Beach. It is often mentioned as one of the best hotels in Lombok, thanks to its ocean views, beautiful location, and peaceful atmosphere. We especially recommend it for families and honeymooners who want to enjoy a relaxing stay.
Driftwood Hotel
A boutique hotel with traditional bungalows, just a short walk from Selong Belanak Beach. It’s a great affordable option, offering a swimming pool, a café with good breakfast options, and friendly service.
Seven Havens (100% halal)
This is one of the few Muslim-friendly stays in South Lombok, with no alcohol or pork served on the property. Located on a hill near Selong Belanak Beach, Seven Havens offers beautiful views over the ocean and surrounding landscape. It’s our favorite peaceful place to stay, with options ranging from private pool villas to comfortable rooms.
