Lombok is not just another travel destination. For us, it’s a place that truly changed our lives. 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 ease from the very first visit. Over time, that feeling grew stronger, and Lombok became our favorite place in Indonesia.
What started as a destination we loved, eventually became the place where we chose to make hijrah and build our life. Lombok offers something rare: a peaceful environment where faith, daily life, and nature come together naturally. It’s called ‘the island of a 1.000 mosques’ and in reality, the number comes closer to 10.000 mosques. Especially in and around the capital, Mataram, which is a busy city where you’ll forget you’re on an island. There’s so much to see and almost everything is available, but as a tourist, it’s difficult to know every spot. But because we live here for a while now we know many ins and outs of the island.
Beyond that, Lombok is very beautiful. Each area is a bit different. There are quiet beaches, green hills, and many waterfalls. Mount Rinjani makes the island feel cooler and greener than other places. Sembalun has mountains and amazing views near Rinjani. Mataram is the main city where you can see daily local life. Tetebatu is calm, with rice fields and a peaceful countryside feeling. In the South, places like Kuta and Selong Belanak are great for surfing, with long beaches and good waves.
All of that happens while you hear the ‘adhaan (call to prayer) five times a day.
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 in a combination trip, using a fast boat or ferry for around 20 euro to Lombok. Always be aware that this option can be affected by weather conditions. It’s best to book your tickets on this site (use code IMP10 for 10% off) 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 flighttimes. (use code IMP10 for 10% off)
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. If these plans move forward, Lombok could become a more accessible destination for travelers from the Middle East and Europe in the coming years.
The famous Gili islands, Trawangan, Air and Meno are one of the biggest reasons why tourists from Bali visit Lombok. It’s a ferry trip that brings you in 90 min to the Gili Trawangan port. This boat ride can look scary because of video’s on TikTok that were taken in a storm, and on smaller boats which are less safe overall. That’s why we advise to book with a bigger boat company. We booked our tickets here.
If you want to continue traveling from the Gili’s to Lombok island then you will need to take the boat for 30 min to Bangsal pier. You can book that one 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. Find your ticket on this site.
If you prefer to be dropped off at your stay, the best option would be to ask your hotel or stay if they can provide transport for you, so you don’t have to worry about that anymore. Another option would be Grab and airport taxis, which are available 24/7. Although we recommend to book Grab rather than a taxi, because it’s cheaper and reliable.
Lombok does not have public transport like metro or trains. Getting around here works differently. Many people assume you can just use Grab or that transportation is the same as in Bali, but that’s not the case at all. While Bali is well set up for tourists with plenty of transport available, Lombok is much quieter and less developed in that sense. Because of that, it’s useful to know your options in advance. The most common ways to get around are:
Hiring a private driver is the easiest and most stress-free option, especially if you want to explore multiple areas in one day. Drivers are affordable, knowledgeable, and often act as informal guides. On this website you can choose to rent a car and drive it yourself, or book one with a driver who can take you around for the day. This is especially useful if you’re not comfortable driving or just want a more relaxed experience. They offer different types of cars depending on your needs, from smaller cars for couples to larger vehicles for families or groups. The prices range from 15 euro – 35 euro.
Another convenient part of their service is that they can deliver the car to you, for example at the airport, your hotel, or places like Kuta Lombok or Senggigi, and pick it back up when you’re done, for an additional 8 euro. This makes arriving and getting around a lot easier.
Driving a scooter definitely feels liberating and our favorite way of transport, but you should only do it if you’re confident driving. Apart from busy places like Mataram and Kuta, roads can be very quiet and easy to drive on. You can most often just rent a scooter at your stay and prices range from 70k – 150k IDR depending on the type. Scooters are popular on Lombok, but roads can be narrow and conditions vary. Always wear a helmet and avoid driving at night in remote areas.
Grab and Gojek are widely available in Mataram and a little in Senggigi. They can be booked for longer distances too, but if you need to get back it’s best to take the number of your driver. Just after a quick registration in the app you’re ready to book transport or food delivery. How it works is, you choose your pick-up and drop-off location after choosing the type of vehicle (car, van, motorbike, etc) and you will get to see a fixed price. If you agree you can confirm. Payments can be done via the app (Mastercard) or cash to the driver.
The Gili Islands have no motorized transport, meaning cars and motorbikes are not allowed. People get around by walking, cycling, or using horse-drawn carts (cidomo), which helps maintain a quiet, relaxed, and environmentally friendly island vibe. Gili Trawangan is the biggest of the three, but you can still walk around the whole island in about 2 hours. Bicycles can be rent for about 50k IDR (2,50 euro), and often at your stay.
One of the best things about Lombok is its people. Such genuinely welcoming and kind people, who always seem to be more excited when they see we’re tourists who are Muslims. Not to be discriminating in any form, but because of familiarity in religion, which creates an instant connection. That’s why meeting the local people in any place we go or any activity we do, makes it a lot more fun for that reason.
Lombok is a very diverse island in terms of nature and development. It has many different landscapes such as beautiful beaches, dense forests and jungles with beautiful waterfalls, mountains, hills and volcano Rinjani, but also wide rice terraces and many palm trees. And not to forget the exotic Gili islands.
The Gili Islands are a small group of tropical islands just off the coast of Lombok, known for their clear turquoise water, white sandy beaches, and slow island life. Many people come here expecting something similar to Bali, but it’s actually much more relaxed. Activities revolve mainly around the ocean and beaches.
Gili Trawangan is the largest and most popular, known for its party scene & beach bars. But luckily less than we expected as it’s only on the (east) beach side and not everywhere. It also has great diving spots and sunset views and multiple mosques including for Friday prayer.
On Gili Air we experienced a more traditional village feel compared to Gili Trawangan. More balanced with chill beach vibes, good for snorkeling, and nice accommodations. Ideal for couples and relaxed travelers.
Gili Meno is the quietest and most romantic, perfect for honeymooners or if you don’t want to be around people. It has the best beaches and a famous underwater statue for snorkeling.
We always love a snorkeling trip. We joined a shared boat that we booked via GetYourGuide. Gili T. is the main departure point for boat trips to Gili Air and Gili Meno. This is the most popular snorkel tour you can book.
TIP: Do check if the group isn’t too big so that everything goes smooth and stays fun.
We rented bicycles in one of the many rental shops and looped around the island with multiple beach stops. Renting a bike costs around 50k IDR per 24 hours.
West-coast beaches like Sunset Beach offer iconic sunsets with Mount Agung in the background. Go there around 5 PM so that you can grab a good spot on the beach or at the restaurants. They also turn it into an outdoor cinema! At 7 PM they usually play a kids movie and at 9 PM another one for adults.
Something different then the beach is to join a silver jewellery making class and create your own silver masterpiece. With guidance of skilled local artisans, you’ll learn traditional techniques of silversmithing from design to finishing. We advise to book this activity two days before via this site.
A relaxed and beginner-friendly 1-hour adventure that allows you to explore Gili Meno’s quiet beaches and village paths on horseback, guided by experienced handlers. Ideal if you’re looking for a peaceful, scenic way to experience the island’s natural surroundings. We booked this activity via this site.
Take a walk at this small inland lake surrounded by greenery. Be careful as the wooden walking bridge has many wholes.
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 everything is close by, while still being near nature and the ocean.
Beaches like Nipah and Pandanan 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.
In this Forest Tour we had the pleasure to visit locals that maintain the jungle forest. We got a real experience on how they do things and make products of plants and trees that grow here. We have seen them make brown palm sugar, cacao, fresh coffee and even attended a cooking class!
They taught us how the people live here and how they went from being in each other’s way by cutting the trees and damaging the forest, to uniting and combining their strengths to start this company to conserve the whole forest and their village!
Mataram is the island’s capital, where we saw a completely different environment that’s very developed. For a minute, we forgot that we were on an island
Located just inland from the west coast of Lombok, it’s the center of daily life on the island. It connects different areas of Lombok and is where you’ll find shops, markets, schools, and local neighborhoods.
In Mataram, you experience the everyday rhythm of Lombok, with local food, mosques, and busy streets. It’s less about beaches and more about culture, community, and seeing how people really live on the island.
Visit the islands biggest and most important mosque, located in Mataram. It is a centre for Islamic worship, but also for learning, and cultural activity. The Islamic Center is absolutely an impressive piece of architecture. One of its most notable features is a towering minaret that rises approximately 99 meters high, symbolizing the 99 names of Allah.
It welcomes guests every day and provides free guided tours from morning till evening.
Epicentrum Mall is a modern shopping mall that serves as one of the main retail and social hubs on the island, providing a mix of local and international shops, cafés, restaurants, and entertainment options. The mall has a clean, family-friendly environment with air-conditioned spaces, making it a comfortable place to take a break from outdoor activities, or if you need to do some shopping.
TIP: The mall becomes very crowded on the weekends (including Friday), so if you want to shop quietly, pay a visit during the week.
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 link.
The State Museum in Mataram is a good place to learn about Lombok’s history and culture. It displays traditional Sasak textiles, tools, and everyday objects that show how people have lived on the island over time. The museum is easy to visit and works well as a short stop if you want more cultural context beyond beaches and nature.
Lombok has a strong, ancient culture called the Sasak culture. It’s full of many traditions that differ from other parts in Indonesia, you especially notice this in the North of Lombok.
Beside the culture, the nature here is incredible itself. The villages sit on higher altitudes, between many hills and mountains reaching the clouds. It all creates beautiful landscapes and viewpoints along with cooler temperatures. We think the next 3 places are a must-add to your itinerary.
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, a rich cultural village with breathtaking viewpoints. Best to stay the night, but you can also book a daytrip here.
Tetebatu, the organic area where every food grows and many ancient crafts are still practiced. This is the place where Lombok has many beautiful rice terraces. We definetly recommend to stay a few days, but you can also book a daytrip here.
In our travelguide we put all things-to-do and activities for each village nice in one place, so you can get the most out of your trip to Lombok!
In the South of Lombok it’s all about beautiful beaches and a slower farmer and fishermen lifestyle. Compared to the North, this part is more open and less developed, but long coastlines and many hills with viewpoints. For these reasons it’s much more touristy.
Tanjung Aan Beach for white sand and clear water. Mawun Beach for chill vibes. Selong Belanak Beach for swimming in the waves or learning how to surf. We’ll share our full list of favorite beaches, and most private ones, in our travelguide.
The Merese Hill in Kuta is the most popular sunset spot. It can be easily combined with Tanjung Aan beach. It is one of the best places in the area to enjoy wide ocean views, rolling green hills, and coastal scenery. A short and easy walk takes you to the top, where you can look out over white-sand beaches, turquoise water, and the surrounding coastline. Entrance fee is 10k IDR for parking.
This Lombok cooking class near Selong Belanak 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. It’s an easy, hands-on activity that fits well into a relaxed day and is especially nice if you want to do something different from beaches and sightseeing. Book the cooking class here.
Most people only know the Gili islands in the North, that’s why these 3 islands are called the ‘Secret Gili’s’. Join a private tour to the beautiful, secluded Secret Gili islands, Nangu, Sudak, and Kedis. Swim and snorkel in the crystal blue waters and relax under the palm trees on the white sand beaches! Book your next snorkeling trip here.
If you want to know all our favorite activities, best modest fashion stores, food places, kids-friendly areas and ready-made itineraries, check out our Lombok e-book and save yourself hours of planning. You will have direct access to our Google Maps pins and we also talk about how to prepare yourself best, visa options, and travel insurance so you can travel worry-free! These are only a few of the highlights. In the e-book we provide direct contact numbers and all things needed for a smooth trip! Check it out here.
If there’s one thing that shouldn’t be a problem on Lombok, it’s finding a mosque. Seriously, we think the number of mosques might be closer to 10.000. It still depends on what area you’re looking at, but even in the tiniest villages, there will always be 1 or 2. This is why Lombok has the most mosques per square meter in the world! Below we highlight the biggest and our favorites.
The most prominent mosque on Gili Trawangan, often considered the central mosque of the island. It serves as a primary place of worship for local Muslim residents and visitors and is one of the main sources of the adhan heard across the island multiple times per day.
A secondary mosque on the island serving nearby neighborhoods. Smaller than Masjid Baiturrahman but widely used by locals.
The mosque on Gili Air is centrally located within the village area. Gili Air also has several prayer facilities, called musholla’s.
The main and only mosque on Gili Meno. Like on the other islands, this mosque is a community hub for daily prayers.
A local neighborhood mosque serving the Senggigi area. It is clean and spacious and easy to reach if you are staying near the main road or beachfront hotels and is commonly used for daily prayers.
This mosque is still a bit under construction but the result will become lovely. It’s located a short walk up in the jungle from the main road, which gives it nice green surroundings and a peaceful atmosphere.
The largest and most important mosque in Lombok. It is a central place of worship and learning, easy to visit, and very suitable for travelers staying in or passing through Mataram.
A well-known city mosque located in central Mataram. It has a beautiful new modern design and is praised for it’s architecture.
The main mosque of Praya and an important religious center in Central Lombok. It is centrally located and easy to access from shops and main roads.
A very nice and clean mosque located at the airport. Convenient for those waiting at the airport for transport or their flight.
The main mosque in Kuta Lombok, located close to the town center. It is easy to find and commonly used by both locals and travelers staying in the area.
In the middle of the busy Jalan Raya street in Kuta you have this open mosque serving the surrounding community. It is a convenient option if you are staying in the main tourist area.
The main mosque in Selong Belanak, located at the main road going to Kuta.
As you already know, Lombok has a high percentage of Muslims, but depending on which part, Islam is practiced more or less. On the coastal sides, where more tourists come visit and invest, are more restaurants and hotels that sell alcohol and sometimes even pork. We try to recommend you the best, halal places that don’t provide alcohol and definitely no pork. However if it isn’t possible we mention it clearly.
Coffee and Thyme and Kayu Café were our go to café’s for breakfast and lunch.
Regina Pizzeria is a local owned halal pizzeria with great pizza’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)
The best local chicken dish we had was here. They only serve chicken, cooked in 3 styles: grilled, fried or curry. They were all delicious! The bonus is the location on the hill that gives a nice view while eating.
Pasta Pojok
A local owned restaurant but authentic Italian food with pizza’s and pasta’s that never disappointed. (serves alcohol)
Konyu Coffee
Very good coffee and breakfast/lunch place. Also is perfect as a working space, with chill vibes.
Deco Coffee
Aesthetics, great coffee and on top of that, very nice lunch dishes. Come here early morning or afternoon, it doesn’t matter, you will get satisfied!
Umami Cafe and Bakery
These sandwiches might look more of a hype, but they are actually delicious. We came back multiple times already because it’s such an easy snack that always does the job.
Blusky Pizza
The guys at Blusky really figured out how to deliver. Great pizza’s, fresh ingredients, fast service, and cheap prices. Can’t beat that.
The People’s Café
Located in the Epicentrum Mall, this local restaurant has one of the best quality of local dishes we ever had. And all of that for very cheap prices.
El Primo
The place to go if you’ve got meat cravings. Plenty of choices, great quality and good service for affordable prices. (serves alcohol)
The Breakery
A breakfast/lunch café with real authentic French pastries and sandwiches. You can also buy fresh sourdough bread.
The Well
A great spot that focuses on organic, healthy foods for breakfast/lunch/dinner. They have a family friendly setting with an inside and outside kids playing area.
ShawarMe
French/Algerian styled taco’s, cheese burgers, shawarma sandwiches and everything is home-made, even the bread! You haven’t lived if you haven’t tried this one.
So’nak
Really one of the best coffee and dessert spots in the area. And it’s local owned!
LaFama
One of the local owned restaurants that focuses on simple but delicious and high quality dishes that are easy to have on a daily basis!
OZ Restaurant
One of our favorite restaurants that has it all. Unique dishes from breakfast to dinner, with buffet evenings and delicious drinks. Not only that, the place is also a 10 on aesthetics, both inside and outside!
Damonte Gelato
If you’re looking for a cool and sweet treat, this is where you need to be. Prices aren’t cheap, but you’ll get a big scoop of freshly made ice cream and a fresh made cone right in front of you.
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!
Bareng coffee bar
The latest addition of halal restaurants to Selong Belanak. With restaurant experience on Gili T, this local brought nice local meals, great coffee, a working space right on the main street Jalan Selong Belanak!
Lombok is often mispresented as ‘small’ island, but it’s almost as big as Bali. That’s why we always advice to stay in at least two different places. For example in the North or Central of Lombok and in the South. That way you get to experience different sides of the island that have varying landscapes and activities.
Gili Khayangan Villas
A boutique villa complex offering spacious and well-equipped villas with options for private pools, outdoor swimming pools, and garden with kids-playing areas. The property is clean, comfortable, and has friendly and attentive staff. It’s a short bike ride from the beaches and main island areas. The villas are conveniently located in the centre of the island, where you can easily cycle to dining spots, sunset points, and snorkelling sites.
Nero North
Nero North is a small, modern hotel on te quiet North side. It’s good if you want to relax and avoid crowds. It’s a bit further from the main area, but with a bicycle you can easily go there. Oh, and the beach in front is very good for snorkeling, with chances to spot many fish and turtles.
Pearl of Trawangan
This one is in a more convenient location, closer to restaurants and the main area, but still not too noisy. It has a pool and beachfront, so it’s easy to enjoy your stay or explore the island.
Kalyana Villas
Kalyana Villas are luxury villas with private pools set in lush gardens just a short walk from the beaches and village. They are stylish designed and offer spacious in- and outdoor relaxation spaces. Expect great service, cleanliness, and different types of villa’s, making this ideal for couples, families, or anyone seeking a peaceful yet elegant retreat on the island.
Divino Gili Air
Divino is a small, stylish hotel that’s more modern and a bit luxurious. The service they offer is really what they are praised for. Perfect for honeymooners or those who want real relaxation.
Villa Kinagu
Kinagu is a small, quiet, and well-maintained villa-style property, only a short walk from the beach. It offers comfortable rooms, a private pool, friendly personalized service, and free bicycles, making it ideal for couples or solo travelers seeking a relaxed, low-key stay away from crowds and nightlife.
The Beach House
At The Beach House it’s all about quiet and nature. With a beachfront experience you can enjoy the sea, sand, and a very slow pace of life. Gili Meno in general is really a place to disconnect and just enjoy the surroundings.
Diva Lombok Resort
A comfortable local owned budget resort near Senggigi Beach with a good balance of price and facilities. Friendly staff, clean rooms, pool, and onsite dining, making it a solid choice for families or couples wanting to stay close to the beach and local eateries.
Svarga Resort
A higher-end resort in Senggigi with a scenic infinity pool overlooking the surrounding hills. Offers modern rooms, spa services, and easy access to beaches and Senggigi attractions. It’s generally well-reviewed for its location and quality service.
Qunci Villas Resort
This is one of the nices places to stay if you’re looking for a peaceful, beachfront resort. They offer villa’s with private pool, perfect for families and couples that want privacy.
Lombok Souls
At Lombok Souls Villa’s you get to enjoy your own private space in a beautiful place designed for comfort, and surrounded by the beauty of Lombok.
Grand Madani Hotel (100% halal)
A centrally located hotel in Mataram with a strategic position near the Islamic Center and city amenities. We stay here often when we visit Mataram. This is a clean and comfortable budget hotel with decent service and breakfast.
Hotel Santika
A reliable mid-range hotel in central Mataram, known for clean and comfortable rooms, friendly service, and good facilities such as a swimming pool and restaurant. Its central location makes it convenient for travelers 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 more upscale service. Located next to the Islamic Center and close to the Epicentrum Mall.
Village Corner Homestay
A basic and budget-friendly homestay option in Kuta. Suitable for travelers looking for simple and clean accommodation. It’s only 5 min to the city center and local shops. Breakfast is included and the people are one of the friendliest.
Lina Boutique Villas & Spa
A tranquil, Moroccan-inspired boutique villa property known for its private pool villas and spa. Each villa combines comfort and privacy for a good retreat, and base while exploring southern Lombok.
Novotel
A well known hotel and resort brand that provides great amenities for those who need more than a basic stay. Novotel is a safe, comfortable option if you want something reliable, with good facilities, It’s located right on the beach, just outside the main Kuta area, so you get a quiet environment while still being close to town.
Villa Noor
Villa Noor is a private villa stay that’s perfect if you want something more personal and quiet compared to a hotel or resort. Instead of a big complex, it’s more like having your own little home in Lombok, with your own space and no crowds. It’s a one – bedroom villa with open living space, and a private pool in a modern tropical style with a Mediterranean touch.
Seven Havens Residence (100% halal)
A boutique villa-style stay sitting on the top of a hill near Selong Belanak Beach, known for its impressive panoramic views over the ocean and landscape. Ideal for honeymooners, couples, or travelers seeking peaceful surroundings.
Driftwood Hotel
A peaceful boutique hotel with traditionally styled bungalows and modern comforts just a short walk from Selong Belanak Beach. It has an outdoor swimming pool, café/restaurant with good breakfast options, and friendly service.
Amber Resort
Only 8 min away from Selong Belanak, on Torok beach lies Amber Resort. The only resort in that area and one of the best because of it’s beach views from both the ocean view rooms as the open restaurant. Very good hotel for families and honeymooners, and people who love being in a peaceful environment.
