Your Lombok travel guide to the emerging next top destination of Indonesia as it lies just to the east of Bali. Lombok also boasts pristine beaches, crystal clear blue seas, diving spots, and surfers’ nooks, but without all the tourist crowd of Bali.

Visit Lombok for a powdery white sand beach, dive into the deep sea filled with corals and marine life, and hike up Mount Rinjani, which stands majestically over Lombok’s villages, rich with culture, history, and people.

Lombok Travel Guide. Photo by Süleyman Coskun on Unsplash

Just off the coast east of Lombok is Gili Islands, which is not too far west of Bali. Smack right between these powerhouses, Gili Islands is the last remote island you can get around here. No motorized vehicles are allowed on these islands, which are made up of three islands – Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air.

You can find nature’s best here, untouched and unspoiled, therefore, explore away on land and dive deep into the uncharted seas.

Lombok Travel Guide

Lombok Travel Map

Bali and Lombok Travel Map

 

Lombok Travel Map
Click on for larger map

 

Places to Visit in Lombok

Senaru Waterfalls

Sengigi Beach

Sumbawa

Lombok, Indonesia

 

Lombok beach, Indonesia. Photo by Tanti Ruwani

 

Lombok’s Activities

Where to Stay in Lombok

Best Accommodations in Lombok

Booking.com is a good choice becuase most of the bookings can be cancelled right up to the trip, allowing flexibility.
Agoda.com is another good alternative because they have the most extensive hotel listings in Asia.

Most people stay around Senggigi beach area in Lombok, with its variety of accommodation choices as well as restaurants. Another choice would be to stay at Mangsit beach, where there are many choices in from mid-range to budget. If you want to go for more hype than the upcoming place is Kuta, Lombok.

Luxury (from 150 USD)

Mid-range (50 – 150 USD)

Budget (below 50 USD)

See Best Places to Stay in Lombok
Fishing Boat in Gili Trawangan, Lombok, Indonesia

 

Fishing Boat in Gili Trawangan, Lombok. Photo by Walter-Wilhelm

 

Gili Islands Travel Guide

The Gili Islands are the archipelago of three islands which is Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air. Locally it is known Tiga Gili (means three Gilis) or Kepulauan Gili (Gili Islands). They are nestled in between Bali and Lombok, these islands are the answer to those who seek remote island experience, which is so rare nowadays. Small huts and resorts sprawled sporadic across non-motorized streets, this place is a paradise.

Must read: Which Gili Islands is for you?

Gili Islands Activities

Where to stay on Gili Islands

As the demand is higher than the supply here, the prices tend to be higher than its counterparts of Bali and Lombok. The choices are you usual backpackers inns and guesthouses.Also do pre-book during peak season too, which are July-August and December-January.

Gili Trawangan

Most of the good hotels to stay are on Gili Trawangan * as it is also the largest and the most popular. Here are few of the best ones:

-> Read our guide to Gili Trawangan Accomodations, hotels and resorts

Gili Meno

For somewhere quieter yet not too quiet, Gili Meno is where you want to stay *. It is like a mix in between the vibrant Gili Trawangan and the serene Gili Air.

Gili Air

If you are looking more of a local bungalow style and homestay kind, then stay at Gili Air * where you can find the ultimate peace and quietness of a village life.

If you are looking for the famous swing at the sea of Gili Islands, it is located at Ombak Sunset resort hotel * at Gili Trawangan.

The swing at Gili Islands at Ombak Sunset, Indonesia

 

The swing at Gili Islands at Ombak Sunset resort hotel *. Photo by Dennis Keller

 

Travel Tips to Lombok and Gili Islands

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