From the highest mountains to the most postcard perfect beaches and everywhere in between.
We’ve explored all corners of Lombok and surprise, surprise… we like what we see!
Because while this charming and tranquil island does have mesmerising longboard waves, it’s also bristling with natural beauty, tourist attractions and cultural treasures.
So, to celebrate Lombok’s hidden beaches, waterfalls, volcanoes and everything in between, we’ve put together a list of our favourite places to visit and adventure activities to experience.
Get ready for bulk beach hopping and exploring – your next Xanadu surf trip is going to be epic!
North Lombok
The northern coast of Lombok is less developed and boasts some of the island’s most beautiful and untouched beaches.
Access from Kuta or Lombok International Airport is getting easier and easier every year. Here are our favourite haunts in Northern Lombok.
→ How to reach Lombok by land, air and sea
Tiu Kelep and Sendang Gile Waterfalls
Two waterfalls for one? Sign us up!
There is no shortage of waterfalls to explore in Lombok, but Tiu Kelep and Sendang Gile waterfalls are definitely top contenders.
Located near the village of Senaru at the base of Mount Rinjani, these two beauties offer a refreshing respite from the island’s heat and humidity.
Our advice? Trek here first thing in the morning for dramatic sunrise views followed by a reinvigorating dip!
Mount Rinjani National Park
Mount Rinjani is Lombok’s tallest peak, standing at a towering 3,726 metres.
The hike to the summit is definitely not for the faint of heart, but those who make it are rewarded with stunning panoramic views (and a sense of accomplishment to match).
Climb Mount Rinjani with a guide and bring your more adventurous friends. We guarantee this’ll be one experience you can talk about for years to come.
South Lombok
Ahhh… the southern coast of Lombok.
It’s our home base and where we spend most of our days chasing waves. That said, there’s more to southern Lombok than just surfing.
The southern shores are positively littered with stunning beaches and cultural experiences and adventure activities.
Tanjung Aan Beach
White sand. Crystal clear blue water. Oxen lolling up and down the beach as sellers spruik their wares.
Tanjung Aan is the quintessential Lombok beach experience and a must-visit for any traveller to the island. Take a dip in the warm waters, have a picnic on the sand or simply lay out your towel and soak up that sweet, sweet sun.
Sunsets from here are incredible but to be honest… It’s magic anytime of the day.
Kuta
Kuta Lombok (not to be confused with Kuta Bali) is a bustling little surf hub on the south coast of Lombok.
It’s most travellers’ gateway to the southern beaches and is home to a range of accommodation options, restaurants and bars. This is where you come for a taste of Lombok’s nightlife and to make new friends from all over the world.
You can order real Italian pizza. Sip margaritas made in restaurants owned by Mexicans. Order a flat white at an Aussie-style cafe.
Essentially, Kuta has all your food and drink needs covered.
→ Check our Kuta restaurant and bar guide
Did we mention it’s also home to some pretty awesome surf breaks?
Kuta beach itself is perfect for beginners, while nearby spots like Mawi and Gerupuk are ideal for more experienced surfers.
Seger Beach
If you’re seeking peace and quiet on the south coast, Seger is the spot for you.
This secluded beach is a hidden gem and one of the most beautiful beaches in Lombok. It’s perfect for taking long walks, soaking up the sun or just enjoying some solitude away from the hustle and bustle of Kuta.
The hikes up either one of its two hills make for some incredible views too.
The shorter hill closest to the beach is our pick. Jam a cold coconut or Bintang in your backpack and assume the (sunset-watching) position.
You’ll thank us later.
Selong Belanak
There’s perhaps no better beginner surf beach than Selong Belanak Beach.
It’s one of those famous Lombok white sand beaches that everyone raves about. But it has the added bonus of being a surfer’s paradise for those learning to catch their first waves.
This somewhat deserted beach is breathtaking in every sense of the word. The backdrop of lush green pyramid-shaped hills serves as the perfect setting for honing your surf skills.
Then again, they’re also nice to gaze upon as you stretch out in the warm sand and simply enjoy the moment.
Ninē-Ninē
Ninē-Ninē is one of our favourite cultural hotspots and workshops in Lombok, with a mission to preserve traditional textile techniques and empower local women.
Their handwoven products are not only beautiful, but also support sustainable practices and the preservation of Lombok’s culture. To say the owner, Lucile, is one of a kind is an understatement.
Through persistence, canny marketing and a whole lot of passion, Lucile has created an amazing space where locals and tourists alike can learn about and appreciate Lombok’s rich history and culture.
Talk to us about paying her a visit or check out this interview with Lucile to learn more.
Sade Village
The Sasak people are the indigenous population of Lombok and their culture is deeply intertwined with the island.
Visiting Sade Village is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the unique customs, traditions and architecture of this community.
You can wander through traditional houses, watch locals weave textiles and even take part in a local Sasak ceremony if you’re lucky enough to time your visit right.
East Lombok
East Lombok allows you to see a more rural and undeveloped side of the island.
As far as adventures and things to see go, it more than holds its own against other parts of Lombok. We don’t venture here much, but when we do, these are our top picks.
Tetebatu Rice Terraces
If there’s one thing Lombok island isn’t short of, it’s rice terraces. And the most picturesque can be found in Tetebatu village.
Here, you’ll have the chance to see how rice is grown and harvested, take a leisurely walk through the terraces or even try your hand at planting some rice yourself.
Visiting Lombok should be about more than just the beaches, and a trip to the Tetebatu Rice Terraces is a must for anyone wanting to get a taste of traditional village life.
Mangku Sakti Waterfall
To explore Lombok is to come across plenty of waterfalls. Mangku Sakti Waterfall, located near Tetebatu village, is a hidden gem that offers a peaceful and serene retreat from the bustling tourist areas.
The hike to reach the waterfall takes you through lush vegetation and beautiful scenery before reaching the impressive 25-metre cascade.
There’s a pond at its base that’s just begging to be swum in. And because it’s surrounded by dense forest, the water here is incredibly unspoiled and clear.
Tangsi Beach (Pink Beach)
Spoiler alert: most of the images you see online of Pink Beach are heavily edited to make it appear brighter and more vivid. While it’s still a beautiful destination, just don’t expect to see the same level of vibrancy in person.
That said, it still stole our attention the very first time we saw it. The pink-tinged sand is a sight to behold, and the crystal-clear waters here are perfect for swimming or snorkelling.
The colour itself comes from microscopic animals called Foraminifera, which has a red shell that breaks down and mixes with the white sand.
While it’s one of Lombok’s more popular tourist attractions, low and shoulder season visits will ensure you’ll still have a quiet and peaceful experience.
West Lombok
Gili Air, scuba diving, fast boats to Bali and other west coast Lombok shenanigans await on this side of the island.
Located on the opposite side of Mount Rinjani to East Lombok and separated from Bali by the Lombok strait, it’s a bit more developed but just as exciting and beautiful.
Secret Gili Islands
From Gili Trawangan to Gili Meno and Gili Air, the three Gili islands off the west coast of Lombok are a popular tourist destination for those looking for a tropical island paradise.
But did you know there are actually more than just these three?
Known as the Secret Gilis, these lesser-known islands offer a quieter and more secluded experience compared to their famous neighbours. Some of our favourites include Gili Nanggu, Gili Asahan and Gili Sudak.
Coral reefs, soft white sand and abundant marine life await.
The only thing missing is you, really.
Senggigi Beach
Senggigi Beach is a black sand beach on the west coast of Lombok roughly an hour’s drive from the capital city of Mataram.
It’s a popular spot for tourists, with plenty of restaurants, bars and hotels lining the coast. On the flipside, it’s also one of the most crowded spots on this Indonesian island.
Why are we recommending it then?
Well, because Sengigi faces due west, the sunsets here are absolutely stunning. Plus, the combination of the black sand and crashing waves make for a dramatic backdrop.
Avoid the weekends. Come in the low or shoulder seasons. Enjoy the people watching and the stunning views.
Pura Batu Bolong
This is an incredibly cool temple and one of the most interesting places on Lombok island.
Pura Batu Bolong is a Hindu temple that sits perched on a rock just offshore from Senggigi Beach.
It’s not the largest or most impressive temple you’ll see in Indonesia, but its location makes it unique and worth a visit.
It’s actually perched on a rocky outcrop that’s connected to the main island by a narrow causeway, with waves crashing all around. The name Batu Bolong means “Rock with a hole” in the local dialect, owing to the natural hole in the promontory.
Guides will explain the significance of different parts of the temple and traditional rituals that take place there. This makes for a much more enriching experience than just strolling around taking photos.
Final thoughts
It’s amazing natural beauty, beautiful waterfalls and small village vibes make Lombok island a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Indonesia.
Many tourists visit here strictly for the beaches (which are incredible, mind you), but as you can see there’s so much more to discover.
Visit Lombok with Xanadu and let us show you off-the-beaten-path destinations and awesome times. Hit the button below to reserve your spot!
