Lombok is one of those rare, unspoiled places that all travellers crave. Here you’ll find isolated beaches, traditional villages where a tourist is still an exciting novelty and remote jungle trails to wander along.
Whether you arrive on the island feeling fearless and ready to trek Mount Rinjani and dive down to reefs teaming with marine life, or you’re craving the peace and tranquility of pink beaches and leisurely walks through otherworldly landscapes, there are many amazing things to do in Lombok.
Unmissable Things To do in Lombok
Trek Senaru Crater Rim
Trekking to the summit of Mount Rinjani, the second tallest volcano in Indonesia, is why many people visit Lombok. Although there are several route options, all are challenging; the ‘easiest’ still requires an ascent of over 2000 metres (6500 ft).
While the climb isn’t technical, we highly recommend hiring an experienced private guide or booking a tour. Many such trips include a night of wild camping on the crater rim. You’ll see a spectacular sunset over the Gili Islands and Mount Agubg and fall asleep under a sky full of stars.
Most hikes will start in Senaru and take you through tropical rainforests, up steep, well-worn paths, grassland, and savannah. A good fitness level is required; the crater rim is 2639m (8658 ft) and will take around seven gruelling hours.
The panoramic views from the crater rim are stunning, and the volcanic crater and Lake Anak are at your feet. As you take endless photos or look around in awe, your guides and porters will set up camp so that you can comfortably watch the sunset.
In the morning, you’ll likely be perched high above the clouds. You’ll have a delicious breakfast of banana pancakes before an energy-sapping four-hour descent on loose rock and sand.
Popular Senaru Trek Tours: 2D1N Trek | 3D2N Summit Trek
Visit the Pink Beach
Recharge your soul on a trip to Pink Beach and the beautiful islands nearby. Relax on the rose-hued sand, snorkel over the coral reefs and paddle in the warm, crystal-clear water.
The Pink Beach (Tangsi Beach) and the green hills behind it are an unspoiled oasis of peace and beauty. They also have a history of once being the HQ of the Japanese Army in Indonesia during WW2.
The best times to visit the pink beaches are the morning and evening when the hot sun is low enough in the sky to illuminate the tiny grains of red algae in the wet sand.
Check out the Pink Beach Boat Trip
Relax on Senggigi Beach
Sengigi Beach was once the centre of tourism in Lombok. It’s a six-mile stretch of white sand with a safe swimming area and a sea section perfect for surfers. Not far offshore, there’s an exquisite coral reef that snorkellers will spend hours exploring.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can scramble across the rocky section of Sengigi Beach to reach the ornate Hindu temple of Pura Batu Bolong, 2km away, or hire a canoe and discover the delights of the sheltered part of the bay.
Sengigi Beach isn’t as fashionable as it once was, and the younger generation prefers the capital Kuta of the Gili Islands. However, the location is undeniably magnificent, with dense jungle, dramatic mountains and palm trees as a backdrop. It’s a great place to watch the sun disappear into the ocean while eating a sumptuous dinner.
Trek to Tiu Kelep and Sendang Gile Waterfalls
In the rainforest at the foot of the mighty Mount Rinjani, near the traditional Senaru village, you’ll find two of the most magnificent sights in Lombok, Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep. These powerful waterfalls are a hidden gem in Indonesia and a must-see when you’re in the area, and the best time to visit is in the early morning, as you’ll avoid the crowds.
If you’re exploring independently, the trailhead leading to the waterfalls can be tricky to find, but the friendly locals will be happy to help. On the walk in, you’ll pass through a pretty valley of rice fields, and if you time it right, you’ll see a gorgeous sunrise.
Sendang Gile is the first waterfall you’ll see. The tumultuous water cascades out of the towering cliff, and you can walk behind the water before swimming in the rock pools below. As you explore, look out for the monkeys, they’ll be watching you and won’t hesitate to steal any snacks.
Half an hour further along the easy-to-follow jungle path, you’ll find Tiu Kelep Waterfall across a couple of shallow river crossings. It’s breathtaking, with ice-blue water plummeting into a swirling vortex below. Unfortunately, this isn’t a safe place to swim due to the strong current and be extra careful as the rocks can be slippy.
Book the Tiu Kelep and Sendang Gile Waterfall Trek
Explore the landscape of Tetebatu
Tetebatu is a peaceful rural village where you can learn traditional crafts from the locals, trek through picturesque scenery and enjoy authentic Indonesian food. Group and private walking tours of the area are available, though it is safe to explore alone.
The village, the oldest on Lombok, is a hidden gem; rice terraces, coconut plantations and jungles stretch towards a horizon dominated by Mount Rinjani. There are idyllic waterfalls to swim in and cheeky black and grey monkeys to meet in the National Park.
Tetebatu is also an excellent base for climbing Mount Rinjani on the quieter Air Berik trail. It’s a strenuous trek you’ll need to be fit for, but the views and sense of achievement are worth it.
In Tetebatu and nearby villages, travellers looking for a cultural experience can learn how to weave vibrant sarongs, create bamboo ornaments or watch a demonstration of Sasak stick fighting.
Book the Tetebatu Walking Tour
Learn to weave in Sukarara
Sukarara village is in central Lombok; it’s a fascinating and welcoming place where tourists can learn about the ancient art of Songket cloth weaving, a skill that is an intrinsic part of Lombok culture.
The women of the village are skilled artisans. It’s such a vital part of their heritage that young women can’t get married until they have mastered the craft.
An organised trip to Sukhara will have a weaving class included. The local ladies you’ll meet will be thrilled to share their talent, so your experience will be educational, relaxing, and fun. Even better, you can take your work home as a treasured souvenir.
Book a weaving class in Sukarara Village
Go snorkelling on Gili Island
The Gili Islands off the coast of Lombok are a dream for anyone who loves the sea. Take a boat trip from Malimbu Hill harbour, and you’re guaranteed an unforgettable day.
Most tourist boats stop at Gili Petelu and Gili Gambir. You can wade out from soft sandy beaches with your snorkel and experience a colourful underwater world populated by hundreds of tropical fish and decorated with sculptural coral.
Small gentle waves and a weak current make the Gili Islands an ideal spot for all levels of swimmer, and you might even catch a glimpse of a sea turtle and underwater statues.
Book the best snorkelling tour on Gili Islands
PLAN YOUR PERFECT LOMBOK TRIP
Booking Resources for your Lombok trip
- Find the best hotel deals in Lombok on Booking.com
- Book cool tours on Viator and Get Your Guide
- Download WeSolo Travel App to plan trips with like-minded travellers
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Vanessa Ball
Vanessa is a digital marketing geek with a big passion for adventures off-the-beaten-track. She is a trekker, content creator, photographer, and an all-round travel junkie. Join her in discovering our beautiful world across 7 continents.
