This plan is exactly how I would explore Lombok if I could do it again tomorrow. In short, it’s a full loop around Lombok so you can start anywhere on this route and still see the best the island has to offer.
It’s based on my own trips to Lombok over the past few years, so you’ll get both the facts and the little details you only notice when you’ve actually been there.
My biggest tip? Rent a scooter. It’s by far the easiest and cheapest way to get around, and the roads in most areas are much less chaotic than in Bali. So don’t Worry. Bluebird taxis are also available in some parts, but Grab and GoJek scooter taxis are not a thing here.
Most guesthouses can arrange private drivers, but be prepared to pay at least double what a Bluebird would cost.
This loop will take you from lively surf towns to quiet bays, from temple courtyards to turtle-filled reefs, up into cool mountain air and down to pink-sand beaches.
Start in South Lombok
Kuta is where I would start, and I am glad I did. It is only about 25 minutes from the airport, so you can land, check in, drop your bag, and still make it to the beach in time for sunset.
The vibe is lively but not overwhelming. It is more relaxed than Bali’s Canggu, but still has plenty of cafés, surf schools, and new people to meet. The streets are wider and less chaotic, so renting a scooter here is much easier than in Bali — which you will definitely want if you plan to explore the beaches around town.
Personal tip: Do not just stay in Kuta itself. Tanjung Aan Beach and Seger Beach are both within 15 minutes by scooter and are much nicer for swimming. Seger is also famous for the Bau Nyale sea worm festival in February or March.
If you are into motorsport, the MotoGP race is held here once a year around September October, which is an exciting time to visit. If you are not, I would avoid Lombok during that week, as prices skyrocket and the town gets crowded.
Great Hostels I can Reccoment:
- Slumber Party Hostel
- Pipes Hostel
- There are more great options. But I will have to write a Lombok hostel recommendation guide for that!
Bars and restaurants I recommend:
- El Bazar – Mediterranean flavors, a nice change from local food.
- Warung Flora – Great local dishes and good value.
- KRNK Restaurant & Bar – Burgers and comfort food with a lively vibe.
- Knalpot Restaurant & Bar – Good mix of Western and Indonesian food.
- Milk Espresso – My go-to for coffee and breakfast after early beach walks.
- SeaSalt – Nice setting with fresh seafood.
- Terra – Plant-based dishes with creative flavors.
Selong Belanak – For a Slower Start
When I wanted less noise and fewer European tourists, I started my Lombok trip in Selong Belanak. It is not the best choice if you want a hostel atmosphere, but perfect for relaxed days. It is 30 minutes west of Kuta.
The bay is long, clean, and the waves are perfect for learning to surf. I took my second surfing lesson here (the first being in Norway, but that is another story).
If you want to learn more about surfing in Lombok, there is a great article here: Surf Lombok – The Complete Breakdown
The town is small enough that you will know the café owners by your second day. There is a mix of locals and travelers, so you still feel connected to Indonesia. You can easily spend the entire day at the beach with plenty of beach bars to choose from.
Wheat I can really reccoment to eat and Drink:
- Klub Kembali – A Swiss-owned bar and café. I stayed longer than planned because they really had great cocktails!
- Warung Corner – Family-run, very fresh food, and my go-to for affordable dinners.
Personal tip: Between Selong Belanak and Kuta you will find countless unnamed coves. Stop whenever you see a dirt path leading to the sea. Some of my best beach days happened by doing just that.
Beaches worth the ride:
- Amber Beach – Wide, pale sand and usually empty, giving it a remote feel. Perfect if you want space and quiet.
- Tampah Beach – Long stretch of soft sand with a few small warungs for cold drinks and coconuts. Very peaceful.
- Mawun Beach – A horseshoe-shaped bay framed by green hills. Calm, clear water that is great for swimming.
Heading North – Culture on the Way
Once you have fully settled into Lombok’s rhythm, I suggest heading north toward the Gilis.
The inland route between the south and north is not just a transfer — it is a chance to see a completely different side of Lombok. Small villages line the road, with people selling fruit from bamboo stalls, kids waving at passing scooters, and rice fields stretching out on both sides.
If you are interested in culture and history, there are a few stops worth making:
- Pura Suranadi – One of the oldest Hindu temples on the island, surrounded by forest and shaded pathways. The complex is peaceful, with several shrines and a natural spring said to provide “holy water” that locals drink for blessings. The air is heavy with incense, and you will likely see small offerings placed carefully on stone steps.
- Meru Temple in Mataram – Built in 1720, this is the largest Hindu temple in Lombok. It is known for its three tall pagodas, each dedicated to one part of the Hindu trinity: Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva
If temples are not your thing, you can skip the city entirely and detour toward the northwest beaches before reaching Bangsal Harbor. Nipah Beach and Pandanan Beach are my favorites along that stretch long strips of sand where the water turns bright turquoise, and the roadside warungs serve freshly grilled fish with sambal.
Gili Islands
For many travelers, the Gilis are either the first or last stop on their Lombok trip, especially if they are coming from or heading to Bali. But since my guide is literally a loop around the island, you can start reading this from wherever it makes the most sense for your own trip.
I took the public ferry from Bangsal Harbor — it costs only around 20,000 IDR and is way less hassle than speedboats (and a fraction of the price).
Here’s my honest take on each island:
- Gili Trawangan – The party island. If you want nightlife, live music, and plenty of other backpackers around, this is your place. I liked it for the endless choice of bars and food spots, but it’s definitely the busiest of the three.
- Gili Meno – Super quiet, honeymoon vibes. Stunning beaches, crystal water… but not much happening beyond that. It’s the only Gili I haven’t actually stayed on.
- Gili Air – My absolute favorite. I’ve been twice, and it hits the perfect balance: enough bars to be social, but still plenty of peaceful corners. You can spend the day lounging at the beach or café-hopping, and if you stay away from the harbor area, it doesn’t feel overcrowded even in high season.
A Must-do: Snorkeling. I saw turtles every single time I went out, plus coral gardens and loads of reef fish. Personal tip: Skip the big group boat tours. You can easily snorkel straight from the beach and still see turtles. One of the best spots is simply called Snorkel Point easy access and no crowds if you go early.
If you want all the details, check out my Gili Guide here: Experience the Definition of Island Life – The Gilis
becasue really there is soo much to do here it is too much for this guide!
Mount Rinjani – The Hard but Worth-It Trek
At 3,726 m, Mount Rinjani is the second-highest volcano in Indonesia and visible from all over Lombok, even from Bali. As someone who hikes a lot in the Alps, I could not resist the challenge.
A guide is mandatory after too many tourists underestimated the route. The trek is about 25 km over two days with 2,300 m of elevation gain. Your trekking company will pick you up anywhere on Lombok and take you to Senaru the day before. You meet your guide, get a briefing, and have the afternoon free. I recommend visiting Sendang Gile Waterfall, only 15 to 20 minutes away, and worth seeing even if you skip the hike.
The next morning starts early with your guide, porters and cooks. After a mandatory medical check in Sembalun, you begin the climb. Day one is a steady 9 km from 1,200 m to the crater rim at 2,639 m, with four official breaks. The view is incredible, but the campsite is sadly covered in trash despite cleanup efforts.
Summit day is 3.5 km and another 1,100 m up. The volcanic ash makes it slippery and exhausting, but the sunrise above the clouds, with the crater lake below and Bali’s Mount Agung in the distance, makes it worth every step.
The descent is easier and even fun as you can almost slide down the ash. After breakfast at the rim and a few breaks, you are back by noon. It is a tough but unforgettable trek. The trash is frustrating, but I still recommend it for anyone who loves hiking and nature.
For the longer Story: Mount Rinjani – A Must See in Lombok
After Rinjani, take at least two days to rest. I stayed at Saifana Organic Farm, an old cashew farm surrounded by fields and hills. It is quiet, with only a few bungalows for privacy. They grow their own vegetables and herbs, serve fresh meals such as cashew mousse and marmalade for breakfast, and the owners are warm and welcoming. It is the perfect place to breathe cool mountain air, recover, and do nothing.
Sembalun Highlands – The Different Side of Lombok
Sembalun is one of those places in Lombok that most tourists skip, which is exactly why it is worth going. The air here is cooler, the landscape is all rolling green hills and farmland, and it feels like you have left the island’s beaches behind for a completely different world.
What makes Sembalun really stand out are the strawberry fields, and you’ll find them everywhere. In the village, served fresh in most restaurants, or growing in neat rows across the valley. Walking between the fields with the mountain rising behind you feels like a completely different island, far removed from the beaches.
Sembalun is also a great base for short hikes if you are not doing Rinjani or if you just want to explore without crowds. The views from the surrounding hills are wide open, stretching over the patchwork fields and out toward the mountains.
Last Stop – More Beaches
After Sembalun it I completed the Island Loop and visited even more beaches on the the southeast coast of Lombok has some incredible stretches of sand, but one beach here really stands out: Pink Beach. Its color comes from crushed red coral mixing with white sand. It is not a bright, neon pink, but when the sunlight hits at the right angle, the whole shoreline has a soft, rosy tint.
When I I went I was quite luicky as there where not as many tourist but I heard it can get croweded! The water was calm and clear, perfect for snorkeling. The ride out to this part of the island is also worth mentioning.
Summary
Lombok is one of those rare places that feels big enough to keep exploring but small enough to really get to know. In just one trip, you can surf beginner waves in Selong Belanak, party on Gili T, snorkel with turtles straight from the shore, hike Indonesia’s second-highest volcano, wander through strawberry fields in Sembalun, and end up floating in turquoise water off a pink-sand beach.
What I love most is that it’s Bali’s laid-back neighbor! You get stunning landscapes, warm people, and diverse experiences without the constant traffic and over-tourism. It’s still authentic, but with just enough tourism infrastructure to make travel smooth and comfortable.
If you want an island where you can wake up to mountain views one day and be at a hidden cove the next, Lombok is your place. For me, it beats Bali by a landslide.
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