Lombok island
LOMBOK ISLAND INFORMATION
Lombok Island, though only 70 miles to the east of Bali, feels as if it’s another country in another time. Lombok’s beautiful landscapes are some of the finest in the Indonesian archipelago with only a fraction of the hustle and bustle of its neighbors, Bali and Java. Villagers commute unhurriedly via cidomo (horse drawn carts) alongside small family farms from town to town. More information on more hotels in Lombok gives you more choice and better value!
Be advised that the time in Lombok is GMT + 8 hours.
How to Get to Lombok Island: A Comprehensive Guide?
Lombok Island, located just east of Bali, Indonesia, is a beautiful destination known for its stunning beaches, waterfalls, and the majestic Mount Rinjani. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, beach lover, or simply seeking a peaceful escape, Lombok offers diverse experiences. If you’re planning a trip to this island paradise, here’s how you can get there:
1. By Air: Flying to Lombok
The most common way to get to Lombok is by flying. Lombok International Airport (LOP) is the primary gateway to the island, and it connects to major cities in Indonesia and a few international destinations.
Domestic Flights:
From Bali (Denpasar): Bali to Lombok is just a 25-minute flight. Airlines such as Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, and Wings Air operate multiple flights every day.
From Jakarta: Daily flights from Jakarta to Lombok range from 1.5 to 2 hours. Airlines such as Garuda Indonesia and Lion Air service this route.
Other Indonesian Cities: Lombok can also be reached by flights from Surabaya, Yogyakarta, and Makassar.
International Flights:
From Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia): Direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Lombok are available, with airlines like AirAsia and Malaysia Airlines.
From Singapore: While there are no direct flights from Singapore to Lombok, you can fly to Bali first and then take a connecting flight to Lombok.
2. By Sea: Ferries and Boats to Lombok
For those seeking an adventurous and scenic route, you can travel to Lombok by sea. Several ferry and boat services connect Lombok to nearby islands like Bali, Nusa Lembongan, and the Gili Islands.
Bali to Lombok by Ferry:
Padangbai to Lembar: The most popular ferry route connecting Bali and Lombok is from Padangbai (Bali) to Lembar (Lombok). The journey takes around 4 to 5 hours, and the ferry departs regularly throughout the day.
Benoa Harbour to Lembar: Another option is taking a fast boat from Benoa Harbour in Bali to Lembar in Lombok. The trip takes about 2 to 3 hours.
Boats to Gili Islands:
If you plan to visit the Gili Islands first, there are daily boat services from Bali (Padangbai, Sanur) or Lombok (Bangsal) to Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air.
3. By Land and Sea: A Scenic Overland Journey
If you’re already in Bali, you can travel to Lombok by a combination of land and sea transport. Here’s the typical route:
Travel to Padangbai (Bali): Take a bus, shuttle, or taxi from Bali’s main areas (Kuta, Ubud, or Seminyak) to Padangbai, where the ferries depart for Lombok.
Ferry from Padangbai to Lembar (Lombok): Once you reach Padangbai, board a ferry to Lembar on Lombok.
Arrival in Lombok: From Lembar, you can take a taxi, local minibus, or private car to your accommodation, whether it’s in Senggigi, Kuta, or the Gili Islands.
4. By Private Yacht or Speedboat
For the more adventurous traveler, you can charter a private yacht or speedboat from Bali to Lombok. This option is much faster (about 1.5 to 2 hours by speedboat) and provides a unique and luxurious way to arrive in Lombok.
5. Getting Around Lombok
Once you’ve arrived in Lombok, getting around is pretty straightforward. You can rent a scooter or hire a driver to explore the island’s key attractions. Popular tourist areas like Senggigi, Kuta, and the Gili Islands are well-connected by road. You can also arrange for boat transfers to nearby islands or secluded beaches.
Final Tips:
Visa Requirements: Based on your nationality, check if you need a visa to enter Indonesia. Most travelers can obtain a visa on arrival for up to 30 days.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Lombok is during the dry season, from May to September. The weather is ideal for hiking, surfing, and beach hopping.
Top Destinations in Lombok: Your Ultimate Travel Guide
Lombok, an island just east of Bali, is an underrated gem in Indonesia, offering stunning beaches, lush landscapes, and a rich cultural experience. While Bali often steals the spotlight, Lombok’s natural beauty, diverse activities, and tranquil atmosphere make it a must-visit destination for travelers looking to explore Indonesia’s quieter side. Whether you’re into hiking, surfing, or just relaxing by the beach, Lombok has something special for everyone. Here’s a guide to the best destinations on Lombok Island.
1.Mount Rinjani National Park
Perfect for Adventure Seekers and Nature Lovers
Mount Rinjani best treks in the world according to Lonely Planet.
Mount Rinjani in Lombok, Indonesia, has earned its place as one of the best treks in the world according to Lonely Planet. The publication has consistently ranked it highly due to its challenging and rewarding trek that offers both natural beauty and cultural significance.
Mount Rinjani is Lombok’s crown jewel and the second-highest volcano in Indonesia. At 3,726 meters (12,224 feet), it’s a challenging climb, but the reward is worth the effort. The summit offers breathtaking views of the island and the famous crater lake, Segara Anak. A trek to the top takes around 3 to 4 days, and hikers are treated to incredible sunrise views, dense forests, and serene mountain lakes.
For those who prefer something less intense, the lower trails around the crater rim provide a more manageable hike while offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Tip: Bring a local guide for the trek, as the routes can be tricky, and weather conditions change quickly in the mountains.
2. Senaru Village: Gateway to Mount Rinjani
Perfect for: Rinjani Trekkers and Cultural Explorers
Senaru is a small, picturesque village located in the northern part of Lombok. It is the main base for hikers wishing to conquer Mount Rinjani, Indonesia’s second-highest volcano. The town is nestled on the mountain’s slopes, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including forests, rice fields, and waterfalls.
The cool mountain air makes Senaru a perfect place to relax before or after a trek. The village is home to the Indigenous Sasak people, who have lived in this region for centuries and offer visitors a genuine cultural experience.
What to do in Senaru:
Mount Rinjani Trekking: Senaru is one of the most popular starting points for trekking to the summit of Mount Rinjani. The trek from Senaru to the crater rim and summit offers breathtaking views, challenging terrain, and an unforgettable adventure for experienced hikers. Many trekkers start their journey here, taking in the natural beauty of Rinjani and the stunning Segara Anak Lake at the summit.
Visit Traditional Sasak Villages: The Sasak people of Senaru are known for their rich cultural heritage. Exploring the village provides insight into traditional life, local architecture, and customs. You might see women weaving intricate textiles, local rice cultivation, and daily rituals that have remained unchanged for generations.
3. Sembalun Valley
Perfect for Nature Enthusiasts, Hikers, and Culture Seekers
Sembalun is one of the most scenic and peaceful areas in Lombok. It is known for its stunning valley surrounded by the towering slopes of Mount Rinjani. Located in the eastern part of the island, Sembalun is a popular starting point for those wanting to hike Mount Rinjani. Still, it offers many experiences for travelers seeking a quieter, more rural side of Lombok.
The valley has terraced rice fields, traditional villages, and picturesque landscapes. The cool climate and fresh mountain air make it a perfect retreat for those looking to escape the heat and bustle of the coast.
What to do in Sembalun:
Trekking and Hiking: If you’re keen on experiencing Mount Rinjani up close, Sembalun is the most popular route for trekking to the summit. The trek from Sembalun offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, with fields and forests leading up to the crater rim. The area also has several shorter treks that lead to waterfalls, lookout points, and traditional Sasak villages.
Sembalun Lawang: The main village in the valley, Sembalun Lawang, is an excellent base for exploring the region. It offers accommodations, local markets, and a chance to interact with the indigenous Sasak people who have lived here for generations.
Rice Fields & Scenic Views: Sembalun’s terraced rice fields, which stretch across the valley floor, offer some of Lombok’s most stunning views. Walk through the fields, enjoy the fresh air, and soak in the natural beauty.
4.Gili Islands
Perfect for Beach Lovers and Divers
Just a short boat ride from Lombok, the Gili Islands are a group of three small islands — Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air. These islands are famous for their crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, and laid-back vibe.
Gili Trawangan: The largest and most developed of the three, Gili Trawangan offers a lively atmosphere with beach bars, restaurants, and plenty of activities like snorkeling, diving, and cycling around the island. It’s also known for its vibrant nightlife.
Gili Meno: The quietest of the islands, Gili Meno, is perfect for those seeking peace and serenity. It’s excellent for snorkeling, with a sea turtle sanctuary and beautiful coral reefs.
Gili Air: Gili Air balances the hustle of Gili Trawangan and the tranquility of Gili Meno with relaxed beach vibes, excellent diving spots, and calm waters for swimming.
Tip: Since motorized vehicles are prohibited on the Gili Islands, you’ll get around by foot, bike, or horse-drawn carts.
Senggigi Beach
Perfect for Sunset Lovers and Relaxation
Senggigi Beach is one of Lombok’s most popular coastal areas, offering beautiful views, calm waves, and a range of accommodations. It’s an excellent spot for watching the sunset as the sky turns vibrant colors over the Lombok Strait. Senggigi is also a wonderful base for exploring Lombok, as it’s close to many attractions and provides a peaceful escape from Bali’s more crowded tourist areas.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of water sports, including snorkeling, diving, and surfing, or relax on the beach. The nearby Batu Bolong Temple, located on a rock outcrop over the ocean, is a lovely spot to catch a sunset or photograph.
Tip: The area has a range of accommodations, from budget hostels to luxury resorts, making it suitable for different types of travelers.
5. Kuta Lombok
Perfect for: Surfing and Secluded Beaches
Not to be confused with Bali’s Kuta, the Kuta in Lombok is far less crowded and offers some of the island’s best beaches and surf spots. The area has become a hotspot for surfers due to its consistent waves, particularly at places like Tanjung Aan, Selong Belanak, and Gerupuk. These beaches are also ideal for sunbathing, swimming, or enjoying the stunning coastal scenery.
Kuta Lombok has a relaxed vibe and is perfect for those looking to escape Bali’s bustling crowds while enjoying world-class beaches. The area also offers several homestays and boutique accommodations.
Tip: The nearby Bukit Merese offers a panoramic view of the coastline, perfect for watching the sunrise or sunset.
6. Sade Village
Perfect for: Culture Enthusiasts
For a dose of local culture, head to Sade Village, located in the southern part of Lombok. Sade is home to the Sasak people, Lombok’s indigenous ethnic group, and visiting this village gives you a glimpse into their traditional lifestyle. You can observe the iconic thatched-roof houses, learn about Sasak customs, and experience local handicrafts such as weaving.
Many villagers are happy to show visitors around and share their way of life, making it an enriching cultural experience.
Tip: To support local artisans, consider buying traditional crafts directly from the villagers.
7. Pink Beach
Perfect for Beach Hopping and Snorkeling
One of Lombok’s hidden treasures, Pink Beach (Pantai Merah), is located in the eastern part of the island. As the name suggests, the sand has a unique pink hue created by a mixture of white sand and crushed red coral. It’s a quieter alternative to the more popular beaches and offers a fantastic spot for snorkeling and swimming. The area is home to vibrant marine life, and you’ll often see sea turtles.
8. Tetebatu Village
Perfect for Nature Lovers, Culture Seekers, and Off-the-Beaten-Path Travelers
Tetebatu is a peaceful village in the central part of Lombok, known for its stunning natural beauty and traditional culture. Situated at around 600 meters above sea level, Tetebatu enjoys cooler temperatures, making it a great escape from the heat of the coastal areas. Surrounded by lush rice fields, tropical forests, and the majestic slopes of Mount Rinjani, Tetebatu offers a quiet retreat with a glimpse into the everyday life of the Sasak people.
The village remains relatively untouched by mass tourism, which allows visitors to experience a more authentic and peaceful side of Lombok. The views of the surrounding countryside, including terraced rice paddies, rivers, and distant mountains, make it an ideal spot for nature walks, photography, and cultural exploration.
What to do in Tetebatu:
Explore the Rice Fields: Tetebatu is famous for its expansive, terraced rice fields that stretch across the surrounding hills. Walking through the rice fields offers an excellent opportunity to witness local farming practices and enjoy the tranquility of the countryside. The stunning views of the surrounding forests and the towering Mount Rinjani in the distance make this a fantastic place for photography.
Cultural Experiences: The Sasak people in Tetebatu maintain their traditional lifestyle, with many villagers still farming and weaving. You can visit local homes to observe ikat weaving, where women create beautiful handwoven textiles. Craftsmanship is a key part of Sasak culture, and you might even have the chance to learn how to weave yourself.
Coffee Plantations: Tetebatu is also known for its organic coffee plantations. The area’s cool climate is perfect for growing high-quality coffee, and many locals grow their beans in small family-run plantations. Visitors can take guided tours of these plantations, learn about the coffee-growing process, and enjoy fresh cups of locally brewed coffee.
9. Selong Belanak Beach
Perfect for Beach Lovers, Relaxation, and Water Sports Enthusiasts
Selong Belanak Beach is one of the hidden gems of South Lombok. It offers pristine white sand, clear turquoise waters, and a laid-back atmosphere. It’s a perfect spot for those looking to escape the crowds and enjoy some tranquility while still having access to beautiful landscapes and fun activities.
Located in the Selong Belanak village, this beach is relatively quieter compared to other more well-known spots on the island, like Kuta Beach, making it an ideal destination for a relaxing beach getaway. With its picturesque setting surrounded by hills and lush greenery, Selong Belanak Beach offers a peaceful escape that remains under the radar for many visitors to Lombok.
What to do at Selong Belanak Beach:
Relax on the Beach: The most apparent activity at Selong Belanak Beach is simply unwinding by the water. The soft, powdery sand and clear, calm waters create an idyllic environment for sunbathing, reading a book, or enjoying a picnic with friends or family. It’s also a fantastic spot to watch the sunset.
Surfing: Selong Belanak is one of the best beaches in Lombok for surfing, especially for beginners and intermediate surfers. The gentle waves are perfect for learning to surf or honing your skills. Several surf schools along the beach offer lessons and rental boards, making it an accessible spot for those wanting to try surfing for the first time.
Swimming and Snorkeling: The calm and clear waters of Selong Belanak are perfect for a refreshing swim. While the beach doesn’t have extensive coral reefs for serious snorkeling, you can still enjoy snorkeling near the shoreline and discover some underwater life. The shallow, warm waters make it an excellent spot for families and those with young children.
Photography: The scenery around Selong Belanak is stunning, with rolling hills, palm trees, and crystal-clear water stretching into the horizon. It’s an ideal place to capture beautiful photos. Sunrise and sunset are particularly magical times for photography, with vibrant colors lighting up the sky.
10. Gili Kondo
Perfect for Secluded Getaways, Snorkeling, and Nature Lovers
Gili Kondo is a serene and relatively less-known island off the eastern coast of Lombok. Often overshadowed by the more famous Gili Islands (Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, and Gili Meno), Gili Kondo remains an unspoiled paradise, offering pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and an authentic escape for those seeking peace and tranquility.
The island is part of the Gili Kondo Marine Reserve, making it ideal for snorkeling and enjoying the underwater beauty of Lombok’s coastline. Visitors to Gili Kondo often seek a quiet, relaxing environment surrounded by stunning landscapes, clear blue waters, and a slower pace of life.
Green Rinjani private transport.
We provide various types of transportation for your comfortable holiday on Lombok Island with good English-speaking drivers. Visiting Lombok island you will explore a lot of amazing tourist destinations with different atmospheres, cultures, and beautiful panorama.
Out transportation is available for a private transfer to any tourist destination beyond Lombok island, pick up from the airport / Lombok harbor, transfer to Lombok International airport / Lembar harbor from your hotel, and our tour desk provides daily tours as well to explore more about Lombok island.
Lombok Island, an undiscovered paradise…
Lombok and Sumbawa, the two main Islands of West Nusa Tenggara and other small islands known as The Gilis invite you with its charming variety of landscapes, places of interest and activities for the tourist.
Exotic tropical islands and coastlines lined with pristine beaches, wonderful climate and natural beauty of this island combine these with fabulous waters for any underwater activities such as swimming, sunbathing, sailing, diving, surfing, fishing and much more.
Location
Lombok is situated between 115^45 and 119^10 east and to the south of the equator between 8^52 and 9^52 south and there fore this island is perfectly located within the golden triangle of the Indonesia’s Best Kept-Secret Places: East Nusa Tenggara (Komodo Island), Bali (Island of Gods), Toraja Unique Tribe Island in Sulawesi to the North.
Land
It comprises of an area of 20,153 km2. For the entire part, it is mountainous and hilly with Low and High Plains from the western part until the eastern end of Sumbawa Island.
It’s Length from west to east 80 km. Sumbawa is 300 km from west to east and of 100 km from north to south its coastline extends 2500 km and territorial waters of 29,000 km2 inclusive 137 islands of which 70 are inhabited. Sumbawa with 75 % of the land area owns only 25% of total population, even though it is opposite to Lombok which owns only 75% of the population.
Climate
Its Climate is generally similar to other areas with a tropical climate in Indonesia. The temperature ranges from 21^ to 33^ centigrade. There are two seasons namely wet and dry season. Wet Season starts from October to March and Dry Season starts from April to September. January has in general lot of rain and winds until and reaching a peak in February.
Environment
Marine Ecology has played an important role due to coral reefs with sea grasses and seaweeds vegetation where the majority of reefs are found in Nusa Tenggara Region. They could potentially endorse the development of tourism, fisheries, and pharmaceutical products in future.
With seasonal nature of the monsoon, vegetation of Nusa Tenggara is influenced by the distribution of rainfall in a year rather than by the total annual rainfall.
Flora & Fauna
Based on the fictive “Wallace Line” that Flora & Fauna in Asia separates from Australia which runs north – south between the Island of Lombok and Bali.
Forests are here found mostly in Mountain Areas. Huge parts of Lombok Mainland are coastal wetlands, irrigated fields and other wetlands while extensive dry land areas are found on the Island of Sumbawa. Especially species of plants growing have specific importance that influence the life of its people such as kesambi, bungur, sonokeling, mahogany, teak, kelicung, pala, ipil, bamboo, tutul and etc. here are also found several types animals spread over the area according to climate and natural conditions such as wild pigs, small deer, deer, iguanas, porcupines, turtles, and any kinds of snakes and birds such as pring, parrots, bering, koak-kaek, cucak rawa and etc.
Religion
Its original inhabitants formerly followed an animism belief. The Sasak, local tribe of Lombok, is belived to have come from north – west India or Burma.
Nowadays, the people of Lombok are 90% are Moslem but other adherents are found, Balinese Hindu (mostly live in the western part), Christian, and Buddhist.
Interestingly, varied forms of religious life with different worship places and practices could be seen existing alongside with mutual respect for one another.
People & Culture
Its ethnic groups have their own respective costumes and traditions which are still alive nowadays. The marriage custom ceremonies are the most dominant ones and tradition of catching sea worms (Nyale) usually takes place on the southern coast of Lombok (Seger Desa Beach, Kuta, Selong Blanak, Mawun and Kaliantan Beach)
Government
As a province, this autonomous region is governed by a Governor of the 1st Level Regional Administration elected for a term of 5 years by Regional Parliament and confirmed by The President of Republic of Indonesia. The Governor has played an important role for conducting administration, coordinating, planning, and developing and promoting all aspects of social life.
There are seven (7) regencies and two (2) municipalities based on its regions and administrations below:
1. West Lombok Regency with its capital in Gerung
2. Central Lombok Regency with its capital in Praya
3. East Lombok Regency with its capital in Selong
4. West Sumbawa Regency with its capital in Taliwang
5. Sumbawa Regency with its capital in Sumbawa Besar
6. Dompu Regency with its capital in Dompu
7. Bima Regency with its capital in Bima
Plus 2 Municipalities: Municipality of Mataram and Bima City