With its sacred beaches, majestic Mount Rinjani, and spectacular marine life to explore, Lombok Island in West Nusa Tenggara offers endless attractions both in and out of the sea. No wonder Lombok has become one of West Nusa Tenggara’s most popular travel destinations.
How to Get to Lombok
By Air
There are daily flights between Denpasar, Bali, and Mataram, the capital of Lombok. Lombok International Airport (LOP) is located in Tanak Awu in the central Lombok district, approximately 30 kilometers southeast of Mataram, or an hour’s drive. Airlines that fly to Lombok are Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, and many more.
By Ferry
Public ferries operate several times a day between Padangbai (Bali) and Lembar (Lombok). Travel time is approximately 4-5 hours. Motorbikes and cars can be taken on the ferry. For those prone to seasickness, be aware that the road can be bumpy.
Ferries operate several times a day between Labuhan Lombok and Pothano Tano on Sumbawa. It takes an hour and a half.
By Fast Boat
Blue Water Safari Express is one of the speed boat companies from Bali to mainland Lombok. There are two convenient starting points from Bali.
Serangan (near Benoa Harbour) and Padang Bai Harbour. You can also search Gilibookings.com for more options and information on transportation and accommodation on this scenic island.
Get Around in Lombok
Motorbikes and cars can be rented from reputable vendors to get around mainland Lombok. Public transport is air-conditioned mini-buses called Bemo. It will take you to most of the tourist attractions, but only operates during the day.
At night, there’s Ojek, an unmetered motorcycle transport where you can practice your bargaining skills before boarding. The most unique are the Cidomo found at Senggigi Beach and Gilis. This is the nickname for the Cikar-Dokar-Motor, a cart with enough literal horsepower to carry four people.
What to Do in Lombok
Surfing
It was American surfers who first woke up to Lombok’s great allure and provided the seed for today’s tourism industry and it was the south coast of the island that drew them.
A series of different coves, reefs and rocky coves, from Desert Point in the west to Ekas in the east, offer the best number and quality of breaks in Lombok.
Unlike Bali, Lombok’s dry season (April to October) surf breaks are usually best during the wet season (approximately November to March). Halfway along the coast, Kuta is a natural base for chasing waves.
Hiking
Mount Rinjani, Indonesia’s second tallest volcano, dominates Lombok’s topography and attracts hikers. A winding climb up the jungle-covered slopes (which takes several days) leads to an ever-changing and fertile tropical landscape.
Once at the top, the breathtaking sunrise and view of the volcanic caldera and the feeling of having conquered the whole island is the reward for any weary person. You can also enjoy a few hours of hiking at the less-visited Taman Wisata Alam Kerandangan.
Partying
Aside from the backpacker hubs of Kuta and Senggigi, Lombok’s party scene isn’t technically located on the island, but in its small offshore satellite, Gilis. One of Gili’s in particular, Gili Trawangan, is internationally renowned for its beach parties, buzzing hostel bars, and blissful beachside cocktail bars.
Fishing
A less unlikely way to explore Lombok’s salty bounty is on a guided fishing trip. Whether you board a traditional outrigger boat, use a larger boat, or use the more solid safety record of modern sport fishing gear, you’ll find tuna, giant trevally, barracuda, mackerel, and many others.
You can expect bottom and deep sea fishing for species. Coral reefs, dikes and deep waterways surround the island, so there are different places to sink your line depending on what you’re hunting.
Bangko Bangko (Desert Point), from Lombok to the Bali Strait, off the south coast of Kuta is a good spot.
Top Attractions
Pink Beach Lombok
The Pink Beach Lombok Tourism Object will not disappoint you, because in one destination, you will be able to explore beautiful spots that will amaze you. Here are 7 beautiful Pink Beach tourism spots that you must visit during your stay!
- Gili Pasir or Pasir Island
- Gili Petelu
- Gili Gambir
- Pink Segui Beach
- Tanjung Ringgit
- Old Rusted Cannon from World War II
Also read: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Pink Beach Lombok
Kuta Lombok
Kuta is probably the second most popular tourist spot on Lombok. It has beautiful beaches and plenty of accommodation and restaurants. From here, the dreamy beaches of Maun, Tanjung Aan, and Selong Beranak are close by. Kuta Beach itself is also worth a visit.
Mandalika Lombok
Located in the Central Lombok area, Lombok Mandalika is a major tourism megaproject that has been going on for 29 years. However, the Government of Indonesia, through President Joko Widodo, officially opened tourism activities in Mandalika in 2021.
With an area of 1,034 hectares, Mandalika has many beautiful beaches that must be included in your hunting list. Its location, which is only 30 minutes from Lombok International Airport, makes this location a strategic destination for local and foreign tourists.
What will you get at the Mandalika? Let’s check this out!
- Batu Payung Beach
- Seger Beach
- Gerupuk Beach
- Merese Hills
- Tanjung Aan Beach
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