What to Do in Lombok: Complete Guide by Area
- Mar 3
- 5 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
Lombok is a large and very diverse island, so the best way to plan your trip is by dividing activities by area.
Here we’ll tell you what to do in the north and in the south of Lombok, depending on the type of trip you’re looking for.
Quick Guide: Things to Do in Lombok
What to Do in Lombok by Area
North Lombok
Nature, mountains, and waterfalls
Ideal if you’re looking for a wilder, more natural side of the island: jungle, volcanoes, and quiet beaches.
⭐ TREK MOUNT RINJANI
Mount Rinjani is one of the most impressive volcanoes in Indonesia and one of the main reasons many travelers come to Lombok.
At 12,224 feet (3,726 meters) high, it’s an active volcano and offers some of the most spectacular views in the country.
That said: this is NOT an easy trek.
During the hike, you’ll walk through jungle trails and along the edge of a massive volcanic caldera.
You’ll sleep in camps with unreal views and reach the crater viewpoint or even the summit, depending on the route.
This activity is recommended for people in good physical shape since there are steep inclines, sandy sections and long hiking days.
Trekking options:
• 2 days / 1 night: 12–16 total hiking hours
• 3 days / 2 nights: 18–24 total hiking hours
⭐ CHASE WATERFALLS
North Lombok is famous for its waterfalls hidden deep in the jungle.
• Tiu Kelep: The most famous one, surrounded by lush vegetation with a powerful waterfall.
• Sendang Gile: Very close to Tiu Kelep, easy access and super photogenic.
• Benang Stokel & Benang Kelambu: “Staircase-style” waterfalls flowing down rocks and greenery in a very natural setting.
💵 Entrance fee: less than €1 per person.
⭐ RELAX ON QUIET BEACHES
Unlike the south, the north has much quieter beaches, fewer people, and a super laid-back atmosphere.
🌊 Sire Beach: Crystal-clear water, perfect for snorkeling and relaxing.
We were literally alone there, on an incredible day. Plus, there are a few small local food stalls, cheap and really good!
⭐ VISIT SENGGIGI
Senggigi is the most convenient tourist base in north Lombok.
It has solid traveler infrastructure but still feels much more relaxed and less crowded than other parts of the island.
It’s not talked about much because most travelers go straight south. In our case, we ended up there almost by accident… and it turned out to be one of our favorite spots.
We found beachfront restaurants, hotels with pools, and beaches that felt almost all-inclusive style.
🏄♀️ SURF IN SENGGIGI
In front of Kayangan Resort, there’s a beach where locals offer personalized surf lessons.
⏱️ Duration: 1 hour
💰 Price: approx. €18 per person
Private lessons and super friendly vibe.
Extra tip!
We ended up spending the day there the day at the resort (pool bar, beach, restaurant). It wasn’t technically private beach access — but it felt like it. Hardly anyone there and the service was excellent.
⭐ TRY THE NORTH’S FOOD SCENE
If you are in Senggigi...
You’ll find plenty of beachfront restaurants with a relaxed, beach-club kind of vibe.
Places we recommend:
🔸 Kayangan Restaurant: Great service and tables with amazing ocean views.
💥 Average price: meal + drink + dessert = around €20 per person
🔸 The Kayana: Perfect for a calm, slightly more upscale dinner. They drive you from the entrance to the restaurant in a golf cart.
💥 Don’t miss: the brownie for dessert
🔸 Quiali Asian Dining: A bit more expensive, but with oceanfront couches and unreal views.
💥 Before 6 PM: 2-for-1 happy hour
🔸 Makalele Domes: Restaurant with an infinity pool and incredible views.
Everything is cooked fresh.
💥 Try the Nasi Goreng (you can’t go wrong).
Useful note
We stayed at Villa Cocodome, which doesn’t have its own restaurant, but:
It’s very close to Makalele Domes (excellent restaurant).
• The Villa Cocodome reception can arrange delivery — basically like room service.
If you’re visiting the waterfalls…
Tiu Kelep and Sendang Gile are both located in the village of Senaru.
After the hike and a refreshing swim in the waterfalls, we recommend wandering around the village and grabbing something to eat:
🔸 Rinjani Dawn Cafe: Beautiful spot, affordable, and close to the waterfalls.
💥 Two dishes for about €12 — generous portions.
If you’re visiting Sire Beach…
We recommend a small place called Coffee Shop, with freshly made local food.
💥 Two drinks + burger + nasi goreng for around €6.
⭐ VISIT THE GILI ISLANDS
From north Lombok, you have the fastest and most direct access to:
• Gili Trawangan
• Gili Air
• Gili Meno
From Bangsal or Teluk Nare, boats take between 5 and 15 minutes.
If you want more details, check out our complete Gili Islands guide.
South Lombok
Beaches, surf, and relaxation
The south is the most visited area — perfect if you’re looking for open beaches, surf, and a traveler vibe.
⭐ DISCOVER SOUTH LOMBOK BEACHES
Here they are based on our personal favorites:
Our favorites:
• Mandalika Beach: A very attractive mix of coastal nature and modern tourism development. More organized and developed than remote Lombok beaches.
• Mawi Beach: More rustic, with a few simple warungs — and that’s exactly what gives it that authentic charm. Best for advanced surfers.
• Selong Belanak: One of the most beautiful and accessible beaches. Perfect for learning how to surf, with lots of surf schools.
Our least favorites:
• Tanjung Aan: Visually stunning, but not our top choice compared to other Lombok beaches.
• Kuta Lombok: The most touristy area. Not the prettiest beach, but very convenient for staying and going out to eat.
⭐ ADMIRE THE LANDSCAPES
Short hikes with incredible views:
• Bukit Merese: Spectacular sunsets.
• Lancing & Telawas: Very photogenic rock formations.
⭐ LEARN HOW TO SURF
In Kuta Lombok and surrounding areas, you’ll find lessons for all levels.
Recommended surf schools:
Kuta Lombok Surf School: One of the most popular, highly rated for organizing equipment and boat transfers depending on sea conditions.
Surfwell - Surf Lessons Lombok: Known for professionalism and teaching all levels, starting as early as 5:30 AM to catch the best conditions.
Rama Surf School: Clear pricing structure — beginner/intermediate lessons 500,000 IDR (~$31 USD), private lessons 700,000 IDR (~$43 USD).
DHM Surf Camp: Ideal if you’re looking for a more immersive experience, including yoga and surf-specific training.
Best surf spots:
• Gerupuk: The most versatile. Multiple breaks for all levels. Access only by local boat.
• Are Guling: A consistent right-hand wave, best for intermediate surfers.
• Mawi: The best wave in the area, recommended for advanced surfers.
⭐ GET A BALINESE MASSAGE
Nothing beats a good Balinese massage after a beach day.
Very affordable prices and tons of options.
⭐ TRY SOUTH LOMBOK’S FOOD SCENE
🔸 Milk Espresso Café: Fresh juices, great coffee, veggie/vegan options.
🔸 La Cabaña Lombok: Great option if you need a break from local food. Spanish cuisine and a super cool vibe.
💥 Extra info – Recommended hair salon
💇♀️ Salty Hair Lombok: If you want to keep your blonde looking amazing on vacation, this is the spot. They know how to handle both women’s and men’s hair.
Plus, if you’re traveling together, while one person waits, the other can enjoy a massage.
SUPER BONUS: The owner is from Canada and speaks English — so no stressing about local language barriers.
🇮🇩 Still planning your Lombok trip?
Lombok is huge and incredibly diverse. Depending on the area you choose, you’ll have a completely different experience: wild nature in the north, endless beaches in the south, and amazing island escapes nearby.
To finish planning your trip, check out our other Lombok guides:
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