Asia › Indonesia › Lombok

Lombok

Scroll
Untamed Beaches and Majestic Mountains

Lombok presents a straightforward travel experience centered on natural beauty and cultural simplicity. The island features volcanic peaks, white sand beaches and clear waters that attract visitors seeking outdoor activities like hiking Mount Rinjani or relaxing near the sea. Local villages maintain traditional ways of life, with rice terraces and small markets offering glimpses into daily routines. Water sports such as snorkeling and surfing are accessible without complex planning. The pace remains unhurried, allowing time to explore landscapes shaped by both nature and local heritage.

Island in Indonesia
Climate zone: Tropical rainforest

Tropical rainforest: Equatorial climates with year-round high temperatures and heavy rainfall, supporting dense evergreen forests and rich biodiversity.

See climate table
Price level: $$$
$Cheap
$$Medium
$$$Expensive, upscale
$$$+Very expensive, luxury
See price details
Safety: 6.2
General Safety:7
Health & medical:6
Accessibility:4
Tap water:4
Read details
Tourist English: 3/5
Tourist areas and hotels usually have staff who speak English well. In rural and less touristic areas, English proficiency may be lower, so learning a few Indonesian phrases is helpful.
Last update: 12 Oct 2026
* We earn a commission from some links on this page.
Lombok Summary

These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.

‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.

‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.

‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.

Read how our scores work
Excellent for volcano trekking and beaches. Climb Mount Rinjani, relax on quiet beaches, surf coastal waves and visit waterfalls and villages.
Place score
7.4
Best at:
Sea
9
Natural sites
9
Islands
8
Street food
8
Beaches
7
Personal score
?
Log in to see how this place matches your personal travel interests.
Suited for
👶 7
Families
🧓 6
Seniors
❤️ 9
Couples
💻 9
Digital Nomads
Indonesia – Quick facts
Power Grid: 230 V, 50 Hz
Plug: Type C , Type F
Type C:
Diagram of a Type C power plug
Type F:
Diagram of a Type F power plug

Read about power adapters
Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
£1 ≈ IDR 24,141.20
Cashless info: Rating 4/5
Cashless payments are becoming more common in urban areas of Indonesia, particularly in larger cities. Credit cards and mobile payment apps like GoPay and OVO are widely accepted in many establishments.

Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers: Best value: Saily
Flexibility: Airalo
Read our in-depth comparison
Tipping: Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory in Indonesia. A 5-10% tip is common in restaurants, and taxi drivers may expect small tips for good service.
Public drinking: Public drinking is not commonly seen in Indonesia. Alcohol is consumed mainly in licensed establishments such as bars, restaurants, and hotels.
Public smoking: Smoking is prohibited in many indoor public spaces, including restaurants, shopping centres, and public transport.
Independence Day
(17 August)
A national holiday with celebrations and ceremonies
Nyepi
(March/April)
The Balinese Day of Silence, celebrated with unique rituals and festivities
Emergency contact: Emergency Number: 112
Taxi apps: GoJek, Grab
Other: Indonesia is known for its stunning natural landscapes, including beaches, volcanoes, and jungles. It is a great destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Best times to travel

The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.

Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.

Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.

Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.

Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.

for Lombok, Indonesia
🌦️
Jan
🌦️
Feb
🌦️
Mar
🌦️
Apr
🌦️
May
☀️
Jun
☀️
Jul
☀️
Aug
☀️
Sep
🔥
Oct
🌦️
Nov
⛈️
Dec
High season: June - Sep.
Shoulder season: April - May, Oct.
Crowdedness: 7 (Many tourists)
Tap on a month for more info Hover over a month for more info
Mount Rinjani treks usually closed January to March and open April to December
Wet season November to March: rough seas can cancel boats to the Gili Islands
Surf season on the south coast runs May to October

Why travel to Lombok?

Lombok’s natural beauty is a dream for beach lovers and adventurers. The island boasts pristine beaches, world-class diving and snorkeling and the challenging trek up Mount Rinjani, an active volcano with jaw-dropping views. Compared to Bali, Lombok feels less crowded, offering a more relaxed vibe and the chance to explore traditional Sasak culture.

🏙️Cities & Regions
  • 1 Gili Trawangan
    A tropical paradise off Lombok's coast, Gili Trawangan features white-sand beaches and calm waters. This car-free island offers vibrant nightlife, diving spots and a relaxed atmosphere that attracts travelers seeking sun, sea and a unique cultural experience in Indonesia.
  • 2 Gili Air
    Just off Lombok’s coast, Gili Air offers clear turquoise waters and vibrant coral reefs ideal for snorkeling and diving. The island balances relaxed beach vibes with a lively nightlife scene, making it popular among travelers seeking both tranquility and adventure.
  • 3 Gili Meno
    A tranquil island in Indonesia’s Lesser Sunda chain, Gili Meno offers clear turquoise waters and pristine coral reefs ideal for snorkeling and diving. Its quiet atmosphere, limited development and lush mangrove forests create a peaceful escape from crowded resorts.
🏯Places worth seeing
  • 1 Mayura Water Palace
  • 2 Jalan Gili Nanggu
  • 3 Kuta Lombok
  • 4 The Beach Club
  • 5 Sade Sasak Village
  • 6 Pura Batu Bolong
🎡Places for activities
  • 1 Mandalika International Street Circuit
  • 2 Gili Ayer, Gili Meno, Gili Trawangan Marine Recreation Park
  • 3 Air Terjun Benang Stokel
  • 4 Lombok Wildlife Park
  • 5 Semeti Beach
  • 6 Puri Malimbu Hill
🏞️Natural landmarks
  • 1 Mount Rinjani
    A volcanic peak rising above Lombok's coastline, Mount Rinjani offers challenging trails and panoramic views of crater lakes. The trek rewards hikers with sunrise vistas over the surrounding islands and lush rainforest.
  • 2 Mawun Beach
  • 3 Gili Islands
  • 4 Pantai Tangsi/Pink Beach Lombok
  • 5 Tiu Kelep
  • 6 Sade Sasak Village
  • 7 Air Terjun Benang Kelambu
  • 8 Waterfall Tiu Kelep
🛍️Shopping
  • 1 Mataram Mall
  • 2 Lombok Epicentrum Mall
  • 3 Sade Sasak Village
  • 4 Pasar Burung / birds market
  • 5 Pasar Seni II
  • 6 Pasar Mandalika
🎈Events
  • Bau Nyale Festival
  • Perang Topat (Rice Cake War)
  • Festival Pesona Bau Nyale
  • Rinjani 100 Ultra Trail
  • Lombok Sumbawa Cultural Festival
  • Independence Day Celebrations
  • Ramadan Celebrations
  • Nyepi Day (Day of Silence)
  • Gili Festival
  • MotoGP Race in Mandalika

Knowledge before you go

  • Respect local customs; dress modestly when visiting villages and temples.
  • Consider a few days on Gili Islands for snorkeling, but beware of marine conservation rules.
  • Rent a scooter with a valid license and wear a helmet; traffic can be chaotic outside cities.
  • Mount Rinjani trek requires permits and weather awareness; book guides through reputable operators for safety.

How to travel to Lombok

Lombok is accessible via Lombok International Airport (LOP) with flights from Bali, Jakarta and some international routes. You can also take a fast boat from Bali or nearby islands, offering a scenic approach to Lombok’s shores.

Access summary

  • From Lombok International Airport (LOP): Taxi or private transfer, about 45–90 minutes.
  • From Bali (DPS): Short domestic flights 30–40 minutes; many daily departures.
  • From Bali ports: Fast boats/ferries to Lombok typically 1.5–4 hours.

Where to stay in Lombok

Accommodation ranges from luxury beachfront resorts to budget-friendly guesthouses. The Gili Islands, Senggigi and Kuta Lombok are popular areas to stay, each offering a different vibe from laid-back to adventurous.

How to get around Lombok

Getting around Lombok is best done by renting a scooter or car. Taxis, private drivers and ride-hailing apps are available. Public transport is limited but local bemos (minibuses) are a cheap option for short distances.
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home

We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.

To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.

-79 %
Daily expenses in the region are around 79% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend a lot less on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend

The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.

-20 %
Your exchange rate (GBP to IDR) is 20% better than in recent years. That means travelling now is considerably cheaper compared to the past.

Travel costs

To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.

Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.

Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.

Daily cost summary

Travel style categories explained:

Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.

Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.

Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.

Backpacker Mid-range Luxury
💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation
£25
£53
£140
🏨 Accommodation per night, per person
£15
£38
£90
🍝 Food per day
£8
£13
£46
🚕 Transportation per day
£2
£2
£5
Food & Drink
🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person
£3.40
🍛 Lunch Set, per person
£0.75
🍟 Fast food combo
£1.70
🍝 Preparing your own food, per day
£3
☕ Cappuccino
£1.15
🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l
£1.80
Transportation
🚌 Public transport ticket
£0.44
🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi
£2.60
⛽ Petrol, 1 l
£0.48
Other
🎞️ Cinema ticket
£1.80
👩‍⚕️ Doctor's consult
£9
🤧 Cold medication
£1.60
💇 Basic haircut
£2.40

Safety information overview

General safety
7
Lombok is generally safe for tourists. Petty theft can occur, so keep your belongings secure. Be cautious on remote beaches and avoid walking alone at night in less populated areas.
Health & Medical
6
Medical facilities are available in Mataram and larger tourist areas, but for serious issues, Bali might be better equipped. Always have travel insurance and be cautious with food and water hygiene.
Accessi­bility
4
Accessibility can be challenging in remote areas, with rough roads and limited facilities for those with mobility needs. Tourist hubs and modern resorts offer better accessibility.
Tap water
4
Tap water is not safe to drink. Stick to bottled or filtered water. Refillable water stations are available in some eco-conscious hotels and cafes.

Popular districts of Lombok

Looking for inspiration?

Discover
Most beautiful beaches and coastal escapes
For a lot of people, a beach is the whole point of a holiday, but what makes a beach day perfect really depends on personal taste. Some travellers want isolation and the feeling…
Read more
Discover
Top adventure destinations and outdoor activities
Adventure travel covers an enormous range of activities and risk tolerances, from multi-day wilderness trekking and white water rafting to technical climbing, polar expeditions and…
Read more
Discover
Best island getaway destinations in Asia
Asia's island destinations span an extraordinary range, from the densely developed resort islands of Southeast Asia and the volcanic archipelagos of the Pacific rim to the remote…
Read more
Discover
Top street food cities and local culinary markets
The best street food destinations treat the cart, stall or hawker counter as a serious culinary format rather than a budget substitute for a real meal. In cities with strong street…
Read more
Discover
Best travel destinations for food allergies
Travelling with a food allergy adds a layer of planning most people never have to think about and the right destination can make that planning a lot easier. Some travellers…
Read more
Discover
Best couple vacation destinations in Asia
Asia is perfect for couples who want their holiday to feel like a shared adventure rather than just a change of scenery. Few continents offer so many ways to be amazed together.…
Read more
Discover
Best natural wonder destinations in Asia
Asia contains some of the most extraordinary natural wonders on earth, shaped by the collision of tectonic plates, vast river systems, volcanic activity and climatic extremes that…
Read more
Discover
Best boating destinations in Asia
Asia's boating offer ranges from the liveaboard diving circuits of Southeast Asia and the river boating networks of the great continental waterways to the motor charter…
Read more
Discover
Top island destinations and tropical getaways
Island travel offers a self-contained quality that few other destination types match, with defined geography, distinct local culture and the particular atmosphere that comes from…
Read more
Discover
Best destinations for first-time travelers in Asia
Asia has one of the best established beginner travel routes anywhere, largely because so many first time travelers have worn the path before you. Southeast Asia in particular…
Read more
Discover
Top boating destinations and cruising waters
Boating travel encompasses an enormous range of experiences from river cruising and canal boating to motor yacht charter, liveaboard diving and the growing circuit of destinations…
Read more
Discover
Best street food destinations in Asia
Walk through almost any city in Asia after dark and the real dinner rush is often happening on the sidewalk rather than inside a restaurant. Southeast Asia has some of the…
Read more
Discover
Top luxury island resort destinations in Asia
Asia is home to the destination most people picture first when they think of luxury island travel, along with several others that have built strong reputations of their own. The…
Read more
Discover
Best solo travel destinations in Asia
Asia is where most solo travelers figure out they can actually do this. The backpacker trails through Southeast Asia have been running for decades, and the infrastructure along…
Read more
Discover
Top solo travel destinations and safe hubs
Travelling alone sounds like a bigger deal than it is. The first day feels strange – eating dinner by yourself, navigating without someone to double-check the map with, making…
Read more
Was this page helpful?
Feedback