In the south, Lombok has surf-fringed beaches, and in the north-west, car-free islands; the island also has traditional Sasak villages and rainforest waterfalls beneath a giant volcano.
Three small islands with white sand, clear water and sea turtles, where no motor vehicles are allowed - only bicycles, horse carts and walking. Trawangan is lively, Air relaxed, Meno the quietest.
Best time: Dry season; snorkelling in the morning
Tip: Currents can be strong, especially on the east side of Trawangan and between islands - swim near the shore and use a guide for snorkelling. Take the official boat tickets, not offers from strangers.
Kuta's pepper-like sand, Tanjung Aan's two-textured beach and clifftop hills such as Bukit Merese give wide, golden views. The area is also home to the Mandalika race circuit.
Best time: Morning and sunset
Tip: Waves and currents can be strong at some beaches - swim only where locals do, and avoid isolated spots at night. Beach sellers can be persistent; a polite no is fine.
A wide, curved bay of soft white sand and gentle waves, good for beginner surf lessons, families and slow swims. Fishing boats and green hills frame the view.
Best time: Morning or late afternoon
Tip: Even calm-looking water can have currents - follow flags and the instructors' advice. Shade is limited, so bring sun protection and water.
Lombok's giant volcano holds a turquoise crater lake, Segara Anak, and a smaller volcanic cone. Even without a summit climb, the Senaru and Sembalun villages offer views, forest walks and cool air.
Best time: Dry season
Tip: Rinjani is a serious trek. The national park can close routes for weather, fires or safety checks - check current status for your dates. Book only a licensed operator and official permits.
Two waterfalls in the forest at the foot of Rinjani: Sendang Gile is the easier, closer one, and Tiu Kelep needs a longer walk and a stream crossing and has a cool swimming pool beneath it.
Best time: Morning, dry season
Tip: Paths are slippery and streams rise quickly after rain; take a local guide and avoid going in heavy rain. Wear sandals with grip and bring a dry bag.
A living Sasak community with thatched-roof houses, woven cloth and customs passed down through families. A local guide explains daily life and traditional weaving.
Best time: Morning
Tip: It is a real home village, so dress modestly and ask before photographing people. Buying a handwoven piece directly from the weaver supports families, but there is no obligation.
A rare beach with a pink tint from tiny red coral fragments in the sand, beside clear water and dry hills. It is reached by a rough road or by boat from nearby harbours.
Best time: Morning, dry season
Tip: Few facilities and little shade - bring water, snacks and sun protection. Road and boat conditions change, so check access and sea state for your dates.
Lombok's long-time resort strip: sandy bays along a winding coast road, beach cafes and sunsets over the Lombok Strait with Mount Agung on clear days.
Best time: Sunset
Tip: The coast road is winding, so take care at dusk, especially on motorbikes. Choose a beach cafe near your hotel and watch the sunset from the sand.
The Hubbul Wathan Islamic Center is Lombok's grandest mosque, with twin minarets and a golden dome. Lombok is nicknamed the Island of a Thousand Mosques, and this is its showpiece.
Best time: Morning or evening
Tip: Visitors are generally welcome outside prayer times. Cover shoulders and knees, and women should bring a scarf. Check if the viewing tower is open on the day.
It is about 15 km in a straight line from Lombok & the Gilis.
It is about 127 km in a straight line from Lombok & the Gilis.
It is about 121 km in a straight line from Lombok & the Gilis.
Taxi and scam advice for this country is on the Indonesia page
Each month shows its average temperature in °C and its mm of rain per month.
Driest months: Jul, Aug, Sep. Wettest months: Jan, Feb, Dec.
Prices here are about 29% of US prices (World Bank, 2025). This compares a country's overall prices, not the cost of a trip.
Lombok International Airport (LOP) is in Praya, central Lombok - about 30 minutes to Kuta and 1 hour to Mataram. From Bali, fast boats and a ferry also reach Lombok and the Gili islands.
The dry season (roughly May to October) is best for beaches, boats and Rinjani. The wet season brings rain, rougher seas and trail closures, so plan flexible days.
Most Sasak people are Muslim, halal food is everywhere and mosques are plentiful. Cover shoulders and knees away from the beach and in villages. Gili Trawangan is lively; Gili Meno and Gili Air are calmer.
Lombok is large and sights are far apart - a car with driver is the easiest option. Ride-hailing is limited outside Mataram. On the Gilis there are no motor vehicles: walk, cycle or take a horse cart.
sport
World-level motorcycle racing takes place on Lombok's south coast. Hotels get full and prices rise, so plan early.
Official site112 - general emergency (free, works from any phone where the service is live). 110 - police. 118 / 119 - ambulance and medical emergency. 113 - fire. 115 - search and rescue (BASARNAS). English is understood in the main tourist areas; elsewhere ask your hotel to call for you.
Report a lost passport to the nearest police station (get the police report), then contact your embassy or consulate for an emergency travel document. Keep a photo of your passport in your e-mail or phone - it speeds everything up. The official embassy list linked here shows where to find your country's embassy or consulate.
Big cities and Bali have international-standard private hospitals (e.g. Siloam, BIMC in Bali, Mayapada, RS Pondok Indah in Jakarta). Public referral hospitals are cheaper but busier. Ask your hotel or travel insurer for the nearest suitable hospital.
local government
Helps with: Indonesia's national tourism ministry. Its contact page lists a call centre, a WhatsApp contact centre, an email address and its office in Jakarta for tourism enquiries.
Who qualifies: Anyone travelling in Indonesia or planning a trip there.
Phone: 021-3838000
Email: [email protected]
Address: Gedung Sapta Pesona, Jl. Medan Merdeka Barat No.17, Gambir, Jakarta Pusat, Jakarta 10110
un agency
Helps with: The UN migration agency, operating in Indonesia since 1979. It works with governments and partners on migration management and crisis response.
Who qualifies: Migrants, governments and partners working on migration. It is not a help service for ordinary tourists.
Phone: +62 21 57951275
Email: [email protected]
Address: Sampoerna Strategic Square North Tower 10th Floor, Jl. Jend. Sudirman Kav 45-46, Jakarta 12930
ngo
Helps with: The ICRC says it works with the society on training first responders in pre-hospital care, reuniting separated families and emergency preparedness. No contact details are given, so use the society's website.
Who qualifies: The page does not say who can use it. It names the society as the ICRC's partner in Indonesia.