Top 10 Things To Do in Lombok, Bali
Lombok, which has a lot of activities and attractions for every traveler, is one the last best-kept secrets of Indonesia. It is the alternative to Bali, also known as the Bali before the commercialization. With weather that is almost perfect all year round and beautiful pristine beaches, you will find that paradise does indeed exist in the backyard of Bali, Indonesia.
The beach is dotted with powdery white sands while the sea filled with astonishing blue corals and marine life. The land boasts its own richness with Mount Rinjani standing majestically as yet another volcano mountain of Indonesia while the countryside boasts forests and wildlife besides villages of people and culture.
Read on for our take on top 10 things to do in Lombok:
-> Or jump to see the Best Accommodations in Lombok

Beach at Lombok, Indonesia. Photo by egkk privat

Chili Peppers in Lombok. Photo by Jos Dielis
Chill out at the Beach, obviously

White Sand Beaches at Lombok, Indonesia. Photo by Jos Dielis
Explore the island on a motorcycle
Inside and around Lombok, it has many sightseeing and attractions that would satisfy any curious traveler. Rent a motorcycle and put on your explorer helmet around Lombok, this is one of the best ways as the public transport is unreliable while you have the total freedom of doing whatever you like without needing to wait and stress about haggling price every time. Lombok is relatively small and can be explored in a day, the ride across the 21km coastal stretch from Senggigi to Pemenang are notably beautiful while the other smaller inner roads will bring you to secluded waterfalls and vast rice paddy fields.

Motorcycle around Lombok, Indonesia. Photo by Black_claw
Join in Bau Nyale festival and eat roasted worms
In February or March every year, hundreds of people will rush to Lombok to catch a glimpse of the first nyale (worm-like fish) at this huge fishing festival. Join in the crowd and look for your first nyale, and if you are brave enough eat them as well. The indigenous Sasak people of Lombok will commemorate a mythical princess who drowns in these waters to escape a politically arranged marriage. This festival is done the same time with the season of these worm-like fish, where they are caught and eaten roasted in banana leaves with much enthusiasm.

Bau Nyale Fishing Festival in Lombok, Indonesia. Photo by kenken31
Hike up Mount Rinjani
At 3626m, Rinjani is the second highest volcano in Indonesia and one of the most famous ones for travelers, side by side with the likes of Mount Bromo. It is due to its beauty and also because it was doable for most experienced hikers and easy for the strong minded. At 2,700m, you may already soak in the beautiful crater lake view but with another 1,000 ascent that requires extra physical and mental strength, you may conquer just yet a truly awe inspiring volcano of the world. One’s stay in Lombok would not be complete without conquering Mount Rinjani. A guide or hiking tour up Mount Rinjani is much recommended for safety.

Hike and camp in Mount Rinjani, Lombok. Photo by Jos Dielis
Soak in the life of the people here in the village
Stay in one of the many homestays here or just mingle with the local villagers to experience the unique way of life here. Also, visit local villages like the Senaru Village and do your very own walking tour around. Here you will learn about the history of Mount Rinjani and the surrounding, bringing in more meaning and appreciation to what you experience in Lombok.

Kids in the villages, Lombok. Photo by Jos Dielis
Take a dip in the beautiful Senaru Waterfalls
Deep in Senaru Village, if you explore enough you may find hidden waterfalls such as Air Terjun Sindang Gila (slightly crazy waterfalls) which is the most famous among the rest for being breathtakingly beautiful with waterfall as high as 50 m but if you want to have a peaceful dip, you may try Air Terjun Tiu Kelep which has a nice bathing pool below the smaller falls.

Waterfalls in Lombok. Photo by yeowatzup
Get deep relaxation with traditional massage
Here you may get the local Sasak people to give their traditional massage, mainly you may find them in tourist areas such as Senggigi Beach or Mangsit. These massages are therapeutic for the body and also the mind as you get to be massaged with a background of the music of the waves on the beachside.
Get in touch with your artistic side
You may find weaving villages that produce many beautiful tapestry, here you can see how they are made. Or go to pottery making in some other villages and marvel at their beautiful work of arts on handmade pottery. You may do a shopping or two for souvenirs in these villages to support the local community.

Handmade potteries in Lombok. Photo by Jeda Villa Bali
Snorkel in the blue coral sea around the islands
Surrounded by the beautiful deep blue sea that apparently houses those deeply blue corals, it is almost impossible not to do snorkeling here. Take a boat out and snorkel in many of the beautiful spots around Lombok.
If all these still have not satiate your appetite and you are still thinking about what else to do in Lombok, head to the nearest secret islands – Gili Islands. And if you find that we have missed out some of the top best things to do in Lombok do leave a comment, we would love to hear from you!
Best Accommodations in Lombok
Booking.com is my favourite site to book a place when I am planning my trip. The main reason is that most of the bookings can be cancelled right up to the trip, allowing flexibility.
Agoda.com is another good choice for me 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)
- The Oberoi
For those looking for the perfect getaway, be it for honeymoon or special occasions. This hotel comes with tastefully designed private villas with an amazing sea view. The outdoor pool also gives an illusion of nature, while a private beach is just a stone throw away.
Check out the latest prices on Booking.com *
Check out the latest prices on Agoda.com * - Hotel Tugu
For those looking for world class hotel with unique Lombok style, with its refusbished temple restaurant and other historical buildings. The infinity pool also overlooks the ocean and the service here is hard to top, they will go out of the way to make your stay enjoyable.
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- Mid-range (50 – 150 USD)
- Qunci Villas Hotel
For those looking for tranquil beach resorts, every villa comes with natural wood design with a garden or ocean views. It has also an outdoor pool with an amazing seaview, and located directly on Mangsit Beach. There’s also all kinds of amenities from spa to gallery and restaurants.
Check out the latest prices on Booking.com *
Check out the latest prices on Agoda.com * - Sudamala Suites & Villas Senggigi
For those looking for a beachfront resort with Lombok style and charm. Go straight for the sunset and ocean view resorts for the ultimate experience overlooking the ocean and Mt. Agung in the distance. This is a place for some quiet relaxation, soaking in a pool overlooking the oceans with green surroundings.
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- Budget (below 50 USD)
- Mama Bella’s Retreat
For those looking for Lombok version of bed and breakfast, this resort place comes with the famous Lombok thatched roof rooms with air-conditioned. There is are also terraces and pool for relaxation and breakfast is also included in this home away from home.
Check out the latest prices on Booking.com *
Check out the latest prices on Agoda.com * - Senggigi Cottages
For those looking for a resort stay in Lombok but with a budget, this boutique resort is really well located, with Mangsit Beach just 3 minutes away. It also comes with terraces and balconies and a pool to relax in. Value for money!
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