15 Best Things to Visit in Lombok (Indonesia)
Bali is a popular destination for tourists looking for a beach vacation in Indonesia. However, the island of Lombok is only a ferry ride away, making it a wonderful spot to start if you want to escape the throng and visit somewhere a little less developed. Stunning white sand beaches, clear waters, and some of Indonesia’s top snorkeling and diving opportunities are just a few of this island’s features. It is also the location of the renowned Mount Rinjani, so if you enjoy hiking, you shouldn’t miss a journey to the top of this active volcano. Lombok is a great place to go if you want to get away from Bali but still do something different. The slower pace of life and more relaxed atmosphere there make it a great choice. The top activities in Lombok are listed below:
Gili Meno
Gili Meno, the smallest of the Gili Islands, is a favorite spot for families who want a quiet beach. Couples frequently visit, and if you want to relax on the sand for a while, this is the spot for you. Here, you’ll find a few tiny strips of beach, and it’s a great place to attempt snorkeling in Lombok. These waters are rich in marine life, and snorkeling there gives you a high chance of sighting turtles and other aquatic life.
Pink Beach
Tangsi Beach’s moniker is “Pink Beach,” and it’s a very ambitious one at that. Although you have to look very closely to detect any glimmers of a pink tint here, it is rumored that this beach is dubbed “Pink Beach” because of its pink sand. The beach is more of a strawberry-blonde color instead, but it is still a lovely place to go if you want to swim or sunbathe on the sand. One of the best things about Pink Beach is its coral reefs. If you like snorkeling, you can go into the water and see the colorful marine life that lives there. Canoeing is another thing you can do at the beach, and it’s great for people who want to try something a little more exciting.
Senggigi
Senggigi, one of the main tourist areas on the island, is one of the regions on Lombok that resembles how Bali would have seemed 20 years ago before the flood of tourists. Despite being considered a vital hub, there aren’t a ton of amenities here; rather, it’s more of a tranquil enclave where you can unwind and make advantage of the beach that encircles the coastline. There are several hotels and resorts, as well as a variety of restaurants and cafés where you can grab a bite to eat and a drink, but the mood is still relaxed so you can take in the beauty of the island.
Narmada Water Park
The name Narmada Water Park is a bit misleading because this is more of a water palace than an amusement park. Hindus see the park, which was created in 1727 by King Anak Agung Gede Ngurah Karang Asem’s wise leadership, as a spiritual and religious retreat of great importance. The park is built in the shape of Mount Rinjani, which is the highest point on Lombok and is also seen as a sacred mountain. Be sure to look at the beautiful architecture, which is based on the shape of Mount Rinjani. Since the park gets its water from nearby natural springs, it is surrounded by lush gardens that are ideal for an afternoon stroll. Although Narmada Water Park is not as large as some of the more well-known water parks in Bali, it is still well worth a visit if you want to see some of Lombok’s historic buildings.
Air Kalak Hot Springs
Make sure to stop at Air Kalak Hot Springs, which are around 200 meters from the main campsite, if you opt to hike up Mount Rinjani, the island of Lombok’s highest point. There is no better way to celebrate after climbing Mount Rinjani than to soak away any aches and pains in the hot springs, which are located near the gorgeous Lake Segara Anak. People say that the waters have healing powers because they contain a lot of minerals from volcanic eruptions. If you want to relax after a hard climb, this is the place to go.
Tetebatu Village
Tetebatu Village resembles Ubud in nearby Bali in certain aspects. Tetebatu Village in Lombok is a good change of pace if you’re searching for something a little different and want to venture away from the beach. This part of the island is surrounded by green rice paddies and forests that go far into the distance. The hamlet is a fantastic location to learn more about the Sasak culture, which is that of Lombok’s native inhabitants, as well as to learn about local handicraft traditions and buy some souvenirs.
Bukit Pergasingan
Consider making the climb to Bukit Pergasingan, a hill that is located at about 1,700 meters above sea level, if you don’t want to hike all the way up Mount Rinjani. The surrounding environment is a major draw at the hilltop and vantage point in Simbalun Village. One of Lombok’s most beautiful sites is the patchwork of fields below, which can be seen from Bukit Pergasingan. The fields have a variety of colors.
Tiu Kelep Waterfall
The Tiu Kelep Waterfall, one of Lombok’s most well-known waterfalls, is among the island’s many attractive waterfalls. This rushing waterfall is in the north of the island. It is surrounded by beautiful green plants. Depending on how quickly you walk, the hike to the waterfall from Senaru Village might take anywhere between 45 minutes and an hour. As you walk to the waterfall, you’ll pass by trickling jungle streams and may be able to see native plants and animals. While admiring the view, you can expect to feel the cooling mist from the water as the falls drop over 45 meters. After a strenuous hike through the forest in the heat, swimming in the pool at the cataract’s foot can be a nice break.
Gili Air
The second-largest of the three main Gili Islands, Gili Air, is an excellent option if you’re looking for somewhere a little quieter than Gili Trawangan. It is also one of the best places to try diving in Indonesia because you can see everything so well. Off the coast, there are many places to visit, including lovely coral gardens where graceful turtles and attractive rays graze.
Gili Trawangan
The largest and most developed of the three main Gili islands is known as Gili Trawangan. However, don’t anticipate it to resemble Bali in any way. There are no roads in this area; therefore, the only means of transportation are an antique horse and cart, walking, or cycling. Despite its relative lack of development, Gili Trawangan is known for its vibrant nightlife and for having many beach bars where you can dance well into the night. You can also expect to find a lot of places with live music every night and clubs with dance floors. During the day, you can also enjoy Gili Trawangan’s other features, like its clean white beaches and crystal-clear waters, which are great for diving and snorkeling.
Mount Rinjani
Mighty Probably Lombok’s most well-known landmark, Mount Rinjani, serves as the primary draw for many tourists. The second largest volcano in Indonesia, Mount Rinjani, is more than simply a mountain; it is a still-erupting volcano. A hike to the crater at the peak, where you can also enjoy an emerald lake and some breathtaking views of the larger Lombok, is one of the main attractions here. If you prefer to take things a little easy, it is advisable to choose one of the longer treks that will enable you to take your time. There are many different treks from which to choose, most of which last several days. Many visitors to Lombok agree that climbing Mount Rinjani is among the best things to do in Indonesia, although it should be noted that the hike to the crater is challenging and that you should be in pretty excellent health to do it.
Kuta Lombok
Not to be confused with the more well-known Kuta in Bali, Kuta is on Lombok. Unlike its well-known sister, Lombok’s Kuta is smaller, quieter, and mostly just a town with some beautiful beaches nearby. The best way to explore Kuta is to hire a motorbike or a bike and driver and then make your way along the coast, stopping at any inlets or coves that take your fancy. You are sure to find something that catches your eye and can spend the day sunbathing on the sands and sipping from fresh coconuts bought from a roadside stall.
Sekotong Islands
Lombok is an island in and of itself, but it is also surrounded by smaller islands. This gives you the chance to explore a tropical paradise that feels very different from the busier islands around Bali. If you want to avoid crowds, choose the Sekotong Island chain, a group of tiny islands that can be visited on a day trip from the main island of Lombok. Because they are less well-known than the nearby Gili Islands, this is a smart choice. If you like snorkeling, these islands are great because they have a lot of underwater plants and animals, as well as white sand beaches and beautiful coral reefs around the edges.
Selong Belanak Beach
One of the most beautiful beaches on the island is Selong Belanak Beach, which is situated in South Lombok. Selong Belanak Beach is a long stretch of clean, golden sand that runs along a beautiful bay. This is in contrast to many of Bali’s other beaches, which can be crowded and messy. There are a few local stands that back onto the beach where you can purchase straightforward rice and noodle dishes as well as fresh coconut. Although the waves are not as consistent as they are in Bali, hard-core surf enthusiasts might be better off choosing another location. It is also possible to hire a surfboard or a sponge board here.
Pearl Farm
People might not be aware that Lombok is renowned for its pearl farms, which are major employers in the region and where some of the most beautiful pearls in Southeast Asia are grown. The Autore Pearl Farm is one location where you may see pearls, and there is a tour that is ideal for tourists and will teach you everything you need to know about pearl farming. Also, there is a showroom where you can buy things related to pearls and help the local pearl farming industry in Lombok.