If Bali’s the party, then Lombok’s the afterparty you actually remember. Often brushed aside in favour of its flashier neighbour, Lombok offers everything Bali does—minus the influencers, traffic jams, and overpriced cocktails.
It’s a place where you can climb a volcano one day, swim in a waterfall the next, then end your trip drinking arak on a beach with locals who actually want to talk to you. This is your no-nonsense Lombok Guide to Indonesia’s most underrated island.
Background to Lombok
Lombok is part of the West Nusa Tenggara province in Indonesia, sitting just east of Bali, separated by the Lombok Strait. It covers around 4,725 square kilometres, making it slightly smaller than Bali. The island’s population hovers around 3.5 million, with most people belonging to the Sasak ethnic group. Unlike Bali’s Hindu population, Lombok is predominantly Muslim, which plays into everything from the island’s cuisine to the way you dress on the beach.
The capital, Mataram, is the island’s largest city and serves as the political, economic, and administrative hub. It’s not exactly a tourist destination, but it’s a good place to glimpse urban Indonesian life beyond the beach resorts. The island’s crown jewel is Mount Rinjani, an active volcano and the second-highest in Indonesia, standing at a towering 3,726 metres. Lombok is surrounded by smaller islands, most famously the Gili Islands, which serve as the boozy yin to Lombok’s more grounded yang.
What to Do on Lombok
Lombok is more than a stopover. Here are ten things to actually do while you’re here:
- Climb Mount Rinjani
Not for amateurs. This two to three-day trek to the summit of Indonesia’s second-highest volcano is hard work, but the view from the top is a bucket-list moment. - Chase Waterfalls
Tiu Kelep and Sendang Gile near Senaru are the poster children of Lombok’s waterfall scene. Bring decent shoes and a waterproof bag. - Explore Traditional Sasak Villages
Villages like Sade and Ende offer a snapshot of Sasak architecture, weaving, and culture—minus the tourist-tainment that sometimes plagues Bali. - Sunbathe at Tanjung Aan
The kind of beach that makes you think twice about leaving. Powdery white sand, turquoise waters, and usually, not too many people. - Surf in Kuta (Lombok, not Bali)
Kuta Lombok has become a mini surf mecca. If you’ve never surfed before, now’s the time. If you have, you’ll love the waves around Gerupuk. - Hike in Mount Rinjani National Park
Not ready for the summit? Shorter hikes offer jungle trails, monkeys, and panoramic views without the need for a three-day commitment. - Visit Gili Islands
Gili Trawangan is where the party’s at, Gili Air is a little more balanced, and Gili Meno is basically for honeymooners or people in witness protection. All accessible by boat. - Snorkel or Dive
Lombok’s reefs are less crowded than Bali’s and often more colourful. Try the Secret Gilis (Gili Nanggu, Gili Sudak, and Gili Kedis) if you want to avoid the crowds. - Visit Pink Beach
One of only ten pink sand beaches in the world. It’s remote, so hire a local driver or do a boat tour. - Hit Up a Night Market
Ampenan Market and the Mataram Night Market are buzzing with street food, knockoff T-shirts, and the sort of chaos that makes travel interesting.
What to Eat on Lombok
If you like your food spicy, you’re in the right place. The standout dish is ayam taliwang, grilled chicken marinated in a potent mix of garlic, shrimp paste, and enough chilli to knock out your taste buds. You’ll find plecing kangkung served with nearly every meal—water spinach doused in sambal and peanuts. Don’t miss sate rembiga, skewers of sweet-spicy beef, or bebalung, a hearty rib soup perfect after a hike. Wash it all down with Kopi Lombok, strong local coffee usually served sweetened with condensed milk. And yes, you can still get a Bintang if you’re craving something more familiar.
Where to Party
Lombok is not trying to be Bali, and that’s a good thing. But if you’re after a few drinks and some socialising, head to Senggigi, which has a few beach bars and live music venues that get lively on weekends. Kuta Lombok is catching up fast, with reggae bars and a growing number of cocktail joints. But if you really want to party, do a night or two on Gili Trawangan, then come back to Lombok for a detox.
Where to Stay
Accommodation is as varied as the island’s landscape. For budget backpackers, Kuta Lombok is the best bet—plenty of hostels, guesthouses, and boutique stays. Senggigi caters more to mid-range and luxury travellers, with resorts that offer spa packages and infinity pools. For a quiet escape, stay near Tetebatu in the foothills of Rinjani or try a beachfront homestay on the east coast. Booking in advance is smart, but walk-ins can still score deals in the off-season.
Getting Out
Lombok is well connected. Lombok International Airport offers direct flights to Jakarta, Bali, Surabaya, and even Kuala Lumpur. You can also take a fast boat or public ferry to Bali. Boats to the Gili Islands run daily from Bangsal Harbour and Senggigi, while slow boats connect to Sumbawa and the more remote eastern isles. Scooter rentals are everywhere, and hiring a car with a driver is still cheap by Western standards.
Gateway to Gili Islands
No Lombok Guide is complete without mentioning the Gili Islands. Most travellers use Lombok as the launchpad to the Gilis—three tiny islands known for crystal-clear waters, turtles, and beachside bars. Boats from Lombok are faster, cheaper, and less nausea-inducing than the ones from Bali. Even if you’re staying in the Gilis, keep a few days free to explore the main island. You’ll thank yourself.
Conclusion
Lombok doesn’t try too hard. It doesn’t have to. Whether you’re looking for adventure, a quiet beach, or something real in a part of Southeast Asia increasingly shaped by influencers and algorithm-friendly cafes, Lombok delivers. It’s raw, it’s beautiful, and it’s still just under the radar enough to feel like a secret. Bookmark this Lombok Guide now. You’ll be needing it soon.
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