The best things to do in Lombok

One of the top things to do in Lombok is to conquer the mighty Mount Rinjani, Indonesia’s second-tallest volcano at 3,726 metres. Encompassing various environments, including savanna, jungle, and temperate forest, the scenery is unbeatable the whole way to the top (and back down into the crater itself!) There are several starting points and routes, with Sembalun being the most popular option. In recent years, the new Torean Trail has also created a buzz. It’s a challenging climb, taking two to four days, depending on your chosen route. Many trekking companies offer hiking tours with camping equipment, food, and porters all included. 

Who doesn’t love a waterfall? Lombok is home to some of Indonesia’s most iconic waterfalls. Luckily, most are easily accessible and don’t require anything too strenuous, making them a great activity for families. In the north is Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep, on the edge of Mount Rinjani National Park. A short walk through the rainforest will take you down to these two waterfalls, perfect for cooling off from the tropical heat. Also located in the north is Mangku Sakti, a little off the tourist trail but well worth visiting for the stunning milky blue waters. In central Lombok, Benang Kelambu and Benang Stokel are incredibly photogenic, their waters cascading down a wall of vegetation like a giant curtain. 

Tetebatu is a small village in central Lombok, perched at the foot of Mount Rinjani. Thanks to its fertile volcanic soil, the village is a centre for agriculture, growing everything from rice to chillies, cabbages, durian, and mangosteen. It’s still relatively untouched by tourism, with just a few local homestays and simple eateries. For travellers wanting to disconnect and spend time in nature, the village is a peaceful place to slow down amongst the terraced rice paddies, pristine waterfalls, and lush rainforest home to black langurs. It’s just as beautiful as Bali’s famous rice terraces but with none of the crowds.

No holiday is complete without a little retail therapy, and lucky for you, Lombok’s local markets are an absolute treasure trove. Pasar Cakra is one of the largest, with a huge variety of wares such as home decor, traditional textiles, antiques, and artwork. Meanwhile, Pasar Kebon Roek is a great choice for foodies and keen cooks, with its wide selection of stalls selling fresh produce, herbs and spices, traditional cakes, and street food. Visit in the morning to experience the buzzy atmosphere of people going about their daily food shop. Remember to put your bargaining hat on, as you’ll be expected to engage in a little back and forth before settling on the best price.

Lombok has long been a popular destination for surfers worldwide, who flock to the island’s stunning beaches and amazing swells. The best areas for surfing are on the south coast, with favourite spots including Mawi, Ekas, Tanjung Aan, and Gerupuk. However, Desert Point is the most well-known, its reputation reaching far beyond Lombok and Indonesia. Located on the very southwest tip of the island, the waves here attract pro surfers from around the world. For beginners looking to learn the ropes, Selong Belanak is a long, wide stretch of beach with small waves and sandy bottom, with plenty of surf schools in the vicinity.

Dive beneath the waves to experience Lombok’s incredible underwater world. The Gili Islands in the north are the most well-known place to scuba dive and snorkel, with a massive choice of dive schools. But those in the know will head to the southern Gili Islands (nicknamed the ‘Secret Gilis’) instead, basing themselves in Gili Gede or Gili Asahan. Much fewer people visit these islands as they are less developed than the northern Gilis (but still with a good choice of hotels). Thanks to this, the corals here are much more vibrant and teeming with reef sharks, turtles, and large schools of tropical fish, making it a much more enjoyable experience for scuba diving and snorkelling.

The Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit opened in 2021 as part of former Indonesian president Joko Widodo’s initiative to develop tourism in destinations beyond Bali. The track hosts the MotoGP each year, attracting motorcycle enthusiasts worldwide to participate in the three-day race, which is usually held in September or October. The circuit is just on the outskirts of the up-and-coming town of Kuta, with its ever-growing number of boutique hotels, villas, and restaurants. It’s the perfect base to explore the southern part of Lombok with its nearby beauty spots, including Pink Beach and Bukit Merese.