Things To Do In Lombok

Looking for an island that’s more laid back than Bali but just as beautiful? Then Lombok might be your perfect destination. Just a couple of hours away from Bali, Lombok has soft white sandy beaches, lush rice fields, breath taking waterfalls and a lot less traffic!

Whether you’re a surfer, a hiker, or simply in need of some slow island life, here’s our guide to the very best things to do in Lombok.

Chase Waterfalls

Everyone we spoke to in Lombok asked whether we had been to see a waterfall yet. The locals are incredibly proud of them—and it’s easy to see why. Not only are Lombok’s waterfalls far less crowded than those in Bali, but they’re also breathtakingly beautiful, set amid rugged, untouched landscapes.

There’s truly no other waterfall in Lombok—or neighbouring Bali—quite like Benang Kelambu. Tucked away in central Lombok’s rainforest, this enchanting spot features delicate streams of water spilling gently over layers of ferns, creating a soft, curtain-like effect (“kelambu” means mosquito net in Indonesian). You can swim in the pools at the base, but note that swimsuits aren’t allowed, so bring something to cover up that you don’t mind getting wet.

The trek to Kelambu passes three other waterfalls—Stokel, Sesere, and Kilwun—and hiring a local guide is a great way to ensure you don’t miss any along the way.

Many more waterfalls are hidden in the foothills of Mount Rinjani and deep within the jungle, but don’t worry—the local drivers know exactly where to go and are always happy to show you “just one more.”

Snorkel With Turtles At Nipah Beach

Nipah Beach is a quiet crescent of golden sand on the north-west coast of Lombok. It’s lined with beachside stalls serving freshly grilled seafood, with tables and chairs scattered right on the sand, and even a few swings (which my youngest daughter loved). The beach has a wonderfully authentic feel and is definitely not over-commercialised.

You can throw your towel down anywhere along the shore—there’s plenty of space—or grab a drink and something to eat at one of the local warungs. The sea is calm and shallow, making it a great spot for swimming or for kids to paddle. The highlight, though, is that you don’t have to swim far to spot turtles feeding around the reef to the left of the bay.

Surf

I had my very first surf lesson in Lombok on Senggigi Beach and quickly established that I am not a natural surfer. My daughters, however, loved it—and loved watching me fall off even more. There are plenty of options for surfers of all levels in Lombok, from beginners (like me) to seasoned pros. Tanjung Aan, a beach near Kuta in the south, offers waves suitable for all abilities and is set in a stunning bay with a beautiful stretch of golden sand.

For beginners, head to Selong Belanak, which has mellow beach breaks and a soft sandy bottom. Mawi is ideal for intermediate to advanced surfers, known for its consistent dry-season swells, while the experts make their way to Desert Point, famous for its challenging, world-class waves and long rides.

Hike Up Mount Rinjani

Climbing Mount Rinjani, Indonesia’s second-highest volcano, is not for the faint-hearted. Most hikers tackle Rinjani over two or three days, starting from Sembalun or Senaru. Expect steep climbs, slippery volcanic sand, and long, punishing days of 10–12 hours on the trail. If you hire a local guide (highly recommended), they’ll carry supplies, cook hearty meals, and share invaluable knowledge of the mountain.

However, watching the sunrise over Rinjani’s turquoise crater lake and steaming hot springs is pure magic. It’s absolutely worth the climb—just make sure you’re fully prepared with sturdy boots, warm layers, and plenty of determination.

Visit A Sasak Village

A visit to a traditional Sasak village is a must if you want to learn more about the history and culture of Lombok. The indigenous Sasak people make up the majority of the island’s population, and exploring villages like Sade or Dusun Sasak offers a fascinating glimpse into their way of life.

You can wander through thatched-roof bamboo homes, watch women hand-weave colourful textiles, and learn about customs such as communal living and natural herbal remedies. Most tours are donation-based (around £5) and can easily be combined with nearby beach visits for a half-day trip. The guides are friendly and full of local stories, often sharing a cup of home-grown coffee or traditional snacks along the way.

Meet The Monkeys

The hillsides of Lombok are the perfect place for monkey spotting. We took a trip from Senggigi along Pusuk Pass (affectionately known as Monkey Hill). The scenery was gorgeous as we wound our way up into the hills, and my daughters loved spotting monkeys along the route. We made a short stop at a café where we bought some nuts to feed the monkeys while enjoying a refreshing drink.

We were practically the only people there, and the staff kindly helped us feed the monkeys—which my youngest daughter absolutely loved. Just be sure to keep a tight hold of your phone and sunglasses; they’re not as cheeky as the monkeys in Bali’s Monkey Forest, but it’s best not to take the risk.

Hop On A Boat To The Gili Islands

From Senggigi, the most famous Gili Islands are only a quick 15-minute speedboat trip away, making them an ideal day trip. Our favourite was Gili Air, which has plenty of restaurants and cafés to stop at, beautiful white-sand beaches, and the chance to snorkel with turtles just a few hundred metres from shore.

There are no cars on the Gili Islands, but they’re small enough to walk around the coastal path in about an hour to an hour and a half. If you prefer, you can hire a bike for around IDR 50K (just over £2) for the whole day. We loved hopping on and off our bikes to explore different parts of the island.

The three main Gilis—Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, and Gili Meno—aren’t the only ones. In Indonesian, gili simply means “small island,” so you’ll find many more scattered along the coast, such as Gili Asahan or Gili Gede off the southwest shore. The infrastructure on these lesser-known islands is more limited, so be sure to take cash and prepare to enjoy their raw natural beauty.

Why We Love Lombok

We love Lombok because it feels like discovering Bali before the crowds arrived. The island has a calm, unhurried charm—untouched beaches, volcanic peaks, and the people are so friendly. It’s authentic, peaceful, and naturally beautiful—everything we love about island life without the rush.