We spent a solid month exploring the Indonesian island and documenting all the best things to do in Lombok. So here’s our easy to follow Lombok itinerary.
1. Visit The Best Beaches In Lombok
The Lombok beaches are some of the hottest attractions on the island. Tanjung Aan, Seger Beach, Selong Belanak, Semeti and Mawi Beach to name a few.
The sands are pure white and the ocean is ridiculously blue. There are photogenic swings with dreamy backdrops all over Lombok so be sure to prepare your camera for a heck load of scenery.
Lombok is a very unique island and the beaches make it that all the more special.
We scanned the coastlines on our Lombok travels and here’s our guide to the best beaches in Lombok.
2. Batu Payung
Sadly the really special Batu Payung collapsed on 31 March 2019 and is no longer standing. However the beach is still stunning and well worth visiting.
Batu Payung was a uniquely shaped rock that stood alone on the western side of Lombok. The beach in which it is located is surrounded by beautiful cliffs.
It’s a very popular spot for photographers and tourists because of its amazing coastal landforms and relaxed surroundings. Sunset is the ideal time to visit.
Be sure to check the tide before you head to Batu Payung. If the tide is in, you won’t be able to walk right to the end of the beach and see it for it’s real beauty.
3. Bangkang Cave (Lombok Bat Cave)
Bangkang Cave is an underground Lombok bat cave like no other, with light rays that will blow your mind.
Inside, the locals burned coconuts in order the create sun rays that beamed down into the cave.
It’s a very popular place amongst tourist for the light ray photo ops.
The cave itself is eery, with thousands of bats flying around. After a while the smoke and heat can get a little tough to handle.
It’s well worth checking out this incredible form of mother nature though! It’s certainly one of the best things to do in Lombok.
4. Merese Hill
Merese Hill is the prime location for sunset and definitely one of the best things to do in Lombok. Don’t leave the island without catching a sunset here.
With stunning views of the coastline and a unique stand alone tree, it’s the perfect place to stop and take a moment under the pastel skyline.
The simplicity of the surroundings at the top of the mound, makes for such a calm setting.
Bukit Merese boasts rolling grass hills, deserted white sand beaches and amazing viewpoints over Kuta, Lombok
After all your adventuring on Lombok island, there’s no better place to wind down than Merese Hill.
5. Benang Stokel & Benang Kelambu Waterfalls
Benang Stokel & Benang Kelambu are two beautiful waterfalls within walking distance from each other.
We headed to Benang Kelambu first. This is the furthest from the carpark and looks like something that belongs in the South American rainforest. With water seemingly appearing from the curtain of bushes and tiers of falls in four different places, it was beautiful.
At Benang Kelambu, there are pools deep enough to swim in and you can get right beneath the falls too.
Benang Stokel however, was super shallow when we visited so no swimming, only dipping your feet in. As you pass the bridge on the way into the falls, you will pass a jumping spot too. We didn’t realise until we left because there were some other tourists jumping in.
You may see tourists already taking the leap but if you get there and no ones there, be sure to check the depth of the pool down below before you jump in.
You could even book a Benang Kelambu and Benang Stokel Waterfalls Trek in advance for both waterfalls.
6. Climb Mount Rinjani
Our Mount Rinjani trek was the most rewarding, yet challenging experience of our lives and boy was it worth it.
You can choose between a 2 day, 3 day or 4 day trek. We chose the 3 day, 2 nights options and personally, it felt rushed. On the 4 day trek, you cover pretty much the same areas that we did, but you just have more time to do it.
We were trekking for what felt like every minute of every day but the landscapes we witness were incomparable to any we’ve seen before.
The main starting point for Mount Rinjani Trekking is just an hours drive from the town of Senaru.
Senaru is a small town on a hill, with a few scattered restaurants and shops, and gives access to Tiu Kelep Waterfall & Sendang Gile Waterfall.
Most trekkers tend to stay in Senaru a night before and a night after the big hike. A dedicated guide will collect you from your guesthouse on the morning of the trek at around 7am.
For those short on time, or that prefer everything to be organised for them, there are some awesome tours on Get Your Guide available to book in advance.
To find out more about what you need to take and what tour you should choose, you can read our full Mount Rinjani Trekking Guide.
7. Tiu Kelep & Sendang Gile Waterfalls
Tiu Kelep Waterfall and Sendang Gile Waterfalls are located in the town of Senaru. They’re also two of the most famous waterfalls in Lombok.
The town of Senaru is the destination most people choose to stay a day before, and a day after, trekking Mount Rinjani.
Both waterfalls are walkable from the small town centre and take between 15-20 minutes to reach.
However, if you’re unsure on visiting alone, or not confident with trekking, we recommend taking a guide which you can a Tiu Kelep and Sendang Gile Waterfall Trekking Tour.
Sendang Gile Waterfall is just 10 minute walk down from the entrance gate. You will reach it from the concrete staircase leading down, so you can’t miss it. The waterfall wasn’t busy at all when we visited, just a couple of other tourists there.
At Sendang Gile Waterfall you can get in the base of the falls and you can also get right underneath. It’s not super powerful so you can enjoy a free massage from the pouring water.
Tiu Kelep Waterfall is definitely the big boy out of the two, and also a very good reason to travel up to the North of Lombok.
After visiting Sendang Gile Waterfall, the trail alongside the river takes around 15-20 minutes to get down to Tiu Kelep.
The whole back wall of the forest is taken over by the falls and there’s another even more powerful falls of it’s own that pours straight over the top. You might even see the rainbow gleaming through the water.
You can swim at the base of the falls and feel the fresh spray right up close.
8. Bukit Selong Rice Field Viewpoint
Bukit Selong Viewpoint is one of the best things to do in Sembalun if you’re looking for a great sunset or sunrise viewpoint without much of a hike involved.
We had a driver included after our Mount Rinjani Trek so asked if he could swing by for a few photos before dropping us off at the Gili Islands ferry port.
All the different coloured crops at Bukit Selong create a patchwork effect and it covers the entire valley.
There are a few decorations and platforms to stand on in order to get the beautiful fields in the backdrop of a photo.
Please note, due to the horrific earthquake that affected Lombok island in September 2019, the tourist attraction may not look the same as pictured throughout this blog. However, the viewpoint is still accessible.
The photogenic structures seem to have been damaged during the earthquake.
9. The Gili Islands
The Gili Islands are one of the most popular places for tourists to visit from both Bali and Lombok.
They are famous for their swings, sunsets, and snorkelling.
You can catch the ferry over to Gili T from Bangsal ferry port, or you could book onto a private Full-Day Gili Islands Snorkeling Trip from Lombok that arranges everything for you.
There are no means of motored transport on the whole island, only bicycles and horse and carriage (but the horses are dehydrated and not looked after in the way that they should be so we recommend not using them).
Gili Trawangan is an all round backpacker vibe, with bars, cheap drinks and water related activities along the main strip of the island.
Gili Air and Gili Meno however are way less quiet – and although there are a sparse number of accommodations on each, day trips to the island are much more popular.
As we mentioned, the easiest way to get from Lombok to the Gili Islands is via Bangsal ferry port.
Ferries run daily from 9am-6pm.
We also have a things to do in Gili Trawangan blog, that explains more in depth of how to get there and the best things to do from snorkelling with turtles, to having a massage on the beach and eating at the night market.
10. Relax In Senggigi
After a lot of time in the water in the Gili’s, or maybe some much need downtime from partying, we can firmly recommend a stop in Senggigi for a couple of nights to complete all the best things to do in Lombok.
There’s not a lot to do in Senggigi apart from relax, so it’s the perfect final stop to switch off and we chose Living Asia Resort and Spa to do exactly that.
Many people stop in Senggigi for some down time in a resort. It’s a great place to stay, away from all the noise.
Where To Stay In Kuta
Luxury – Mana Yoga Retreat
Boasting a year-round outdoor pool, Mana Retreat offers an accommodations in Kuta Lombok.
The hotel has a sun terrace and a spacious area with wooden flooring where guests can take daily yoga classes with a surcharge.
Free private parking is available on site. All units have a seating area with views of the tropical garden.
Every room comes with a private bathroom and a bidet.
There is a shop and a vegetarian restaurant at Mana Retreat. Guests can also enjoy a movie in the evening, 4 times a week.
Mid Budget – Puri Rinjani Bungalows
Offering an outdoor swimming pool and an on-site restaurant, Puri Rinjani Bungalows is a beachfront property located in Kuta in Lombok.
Free WiFi access is available in public areas.
This holiday park is only about a 2-minute walk from Kuta Lombok Beach and Lombok International Airport is reachable within 30 minutes by car from the property.
The bungalows at Puri Rinjani come with air conditioning and a flat screen TV with satellite channel, a wardrobe, and a safety deposit box. The private bathroom features shower facility.
There is also a terrace with seating area overlooking the lush garden and pool.
Budget – Kebun Homestay
Located 11 miles from Selong Belanak Beach, Kebun Homestay offers a garden, a terrace and air-conditioned accommodations with a patio and free WiFi.
There’s a fully equipped private bathroom with bidet and free toiletries.
The family stay offers a continental or à la carte breakfast.
Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at Kebun Homestay.
Kuta Beach is a 12-minute walk from the accommodation, while Tanjung Aan Beach is 6 miles away.
For more places to stay in Kuta, you can check the latest prices on Booking.com.
More Lombok Blogs
Lombok Waterfalls – Top 4 Waterfalls In Lombok
The Top 7 Things To Do In Kuta Lombok
Mount Rinjani Trekking – All You Need To Know
A Guide To Your Gili Trawangan Snorkeling Tour
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