Unforgettable things to do in Lombok | Places to visit in Lombok
Lombok
Lombok is a stunning island in Indonesia, just east of Bali, but with a much more laid-back vibe. It’s perfect if you want to escape the crowds and still enjoy some of the most beautiful landscapes. Lombok has everything from lush rainforests and beaches with crystal clear waters to the epic Mount Rinjani, a massive volcano that’s a must for hikers.
While we were in Lombok, we didn’t have time to trek up Mount Rinjani, but it’s definitely on our list for next time. Hopefully, we’ll be able to make the hike soon!
How to get to Lombok
Getting to Lombok is relatively easy, with several options depending on where you're coming from. First option by Air, The easiest way to get to Lombok is by flying into Lombok International Airport (LOP). There are lots of flights from major cities in Indonesia and even some international ones. From Bali It’s super quick, just a 30 minute flight from Bali's Ngurah Rai Airport (DPS) to Lombok Airport (LOP). Second option by boat, If you’re in Bali and prefer a scenic route, you can take a ferry or a fast boat. The ferry from Padang Bai Port in Bali to Lembar Port in Lombok takes about 4-5 hours, but a fast boat will get you there in around 1.5-2 hours. Boats leave from Serangan Port or Sanur in Bali. Once you're in Lombok, getting around is easy with online taxis, rental cars, or motorbikes.
Place to visit
Merese hills
Merese Hills is a beautiful and popular scenic spot located in the southern part of Lombok, Indonesia. Situated near the famous Tanjung Aan Beach, the hills offer stunning panoramic views of the coastline, the crystal-clear blue waters, and the surrounding landscape. Not only Tanjung Aan Beach offers stunning views, but nestled behind this hill lies a hidden gem known as Secret Beach, with its pristine white sands. The hill is a popular spot at sunset, as it provides a perfect vantage point to watch the sun dip below the horizon. Despite the crowds, the hill’s vast expanse ensures there’s plenty of space to enjoy a peaceful and tranquil experience. The area is known for its rolling green hills, which make it a great spot for hiking, photography, or simply relaxing in nature. During the dry season, the hill often transforms into a brown expanse, as the grass withers under the intense heat of the sun, losing its vibrant green hue.
The terrain is characterized by grassy slopes, rocky outcrops, and wide vistas that stretch across the Indian Ocean. Visitors often hike to the top of the hills to enjoy the breathtaking views, especially during sunrise or sunset when the sky is filled with vibrant colors. It's a relatively easy hike, suitable for most people, and the area has become increasingly popular among tourists seeking a peaceful retreat away from the busier spots on Lombok.
Merese Hills is accessible by car or motorbike from Kuta Lombok, located about 15-20 minutes away. From Kuta, travelers typically take a paved road toward Tanjung Aan Beach.
Tanjung Aan beach
Tanjung Aan Beach, located on Lombok's southern coast, is a beautiful and tranquil destination known for its fine white sand, clear turquoise waters, and stunning natural scenery. The beach is crescent shaped, surrounded by green hills and rocky outcrops, making it perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and photography. The water is calm, ideal for snorkeling, beginner surfing, and relaxing. Tanjung Aan is less crowded than other Lombok beaches, offering a peaceful atmosphere, while nearby attractions like Merese Hills and Kuta Lombok add to its appeal. It’s easily accessible by both car and bike.
Circuit Mandalika
The Mandalika Circuit in Lombok is a pretty epic spot, especially if you're into motorsports. Officially called the Pertamina Mandalika International Street Circuit, it's a modern race track that’s quickly become famous for hosting big events like MotoGP and World Superbike races.
Whether you’re a motorsport fan or just love exploring new places, Mandalika definitely worth checking out. It’s a blend of high-speed excitement and beautiful natural scenery, making it a unique spot in Lombok.
The information we have is that the Mandalika Circuit is only open to the public on race days and certain scheduled events. It’s not accessible every day, so if you want to visit, you’ll need to plan around a race or special occasions.
Areguling beach
Areguling beach remains relatively quiet and less crowded. The beach’s quiet, peaceful atmosphere is perfect for those simply looking to relax, whether by sunbathing, reading a book, or enjoying the surrounding beauty. The calm, natural environment makes it a fantastic place to unwind away from the crowds. Perfect for relaxing by the shore, taking in the views, or going for a peaceful walk along the beach.
The beach is lined with golden-brown sand, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The waters here are clear, with varying shades of blue, though the surf can be rough at times. It’s perfect for relaxing by the shore, taking in the views, or going for a peaceful walk along the beach.
Areguling Beach is still relatively undeveloped in terms of tourism infrastructure. There are no resorts or beachfront big cafes, making it a true escape into nature. Only a small local warung that you can grab fresh young coconut and some snacks .
Selong belanak beach
If you're looking for a place to learn how to surf, Selong Belanak beach is the perfect spot. The beach curves like a crescent and is surrounded by lush green hills, has soft sandy shores with no coral, and the gentle waves make it ideal for beginners. There are a lot of local warungs around that you can grab some food or a refreshing coconut. Don’t worry about surfboards or guides, there are rentals available and you can easily hire a surf instructor if you want some help.
The sunset here is stunning, with the sky lighting up in beautiful colors making it a great spot to relax in the evening. However, for swimming I’m not sure it's worth it to swim here. The beach often has a lot of local boats parked along the shore, which can make it a bit tricky to swim in certain areas.
Hidden and secluded beaches must visit
Tampah beach
Tampah Beach is located on the southwestern coast of Lombok, Indonesia. Known for its serene beauty and unspoiled nature, this beach is a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path spot that's perfect if you're looking to escape the crowds. The beach is surrounded by rocky cliffs and lush greenery, giving it a really chill, untouched vibe.
It’s a great place to relax, swim, or just take in the views. If you're into snorkeling, the water here has some nice coral reefs and colorful fish to check out. You’ll also see local fishermen working, which adds to the laid-back atmosphere.
After searching for the perfect snorkeling spot, we finally discovered the ideal place. This beach is teeming with vibrant coral reefs and a variety of fish. What's amazing is that you don't even have to dive deep to find the coral and fish, they can be spotted just a few steps from shore with the water often only knee deep. However, be cautious as there are some more adventurous species here like the lionfish, which we encountered a few times.
The beach is incredibly peaceful and far less crowded, making it a perfect escape. There are a few local warung offering a relaxing spot to unwind and enjoy the surroundings. They even sell fresh young coconuts, which are perfect for cooling off after a day in the sun.
Mawun beach
Mawun Beach in Lombok is a total hidden gem. It's a beautiful, crescent-shaped beach with soft white sand and clear turquoise water. The vibe here is super chill and peaceful, making it a great place to relax away from the crowds. The water is calm, perfect for swimming, and there are some gentle waves that make it a nice spot for beginner surfers.
The beach is surrounded by green hills and rocky cliffs, giving it a secluded, almost private feel. There are a few local warungs (small shops) by the shore where you can grab a cold drink or some fresh seafood. It’s the perfect spot to just unwind, soak up the sun, or take a swim in the clear water. If you're looking for a quiet escape with a stunning view, Mawun Beach is definitely worth checking out.
Mawi beach
Mawi Beach in Lombok is a hidden gem that’s perfect if you’re looking for a more laid-back, less crowded spot. It’s a small, secluded beach surrounded by cliffs and green hills, giving it a very peaceful, almost untouched vibe. The sand is dark, and the water is clear, but it’s not the best for swimming because of the strong currents. However, it’s a great spot for surfing, especially if you’re into bigger waves.
The road to Mawi Beach is a bit rough, so getting there can be a bit of an adventure, but it’s totally worth it for the quiet, stunning views. There are a few local warungs around where you can grab a snack or a drink, but overall, the beach keeps that rustic, off-the-beaten-path feel. Whether you’re there to surf, relax, or just take in the scenery, Mawi Beach is a great place to escape the crowds and enjoy some natural beauty.
Torok beach
Surrounded by lush greenery and stunning cliffs, Torok beach is one of those hidden gems that's perfect if you're looking to escape the crowds. It's a peaceful, laid-back spot with soft white sand, clear blue waters, and some pretty great coral reefs just waiting to be explored. The beach isn’t touristy, which adds to its charm. It's a great place to relax, swim or just just walk along the beach without the hustle and bustle.
If you're looking for a quieter place to unwind, Torok is definitely worth checking out. Plus, it’s close enough to other cool spots like Selong Belanak Beach if you want to explore more of Lombok’s coastline.
This beach is also a fantastic spot to just chill and enjoy nature. The water is calm and clear, ideal for snorkeling or simply floating. Bring your own food or drink while you visit this beach, because there’s no shops around this beach.
Serangan beach
Offering a quiet and unspoiled escape for those who prefer a more laid-back beach experience. The beach is tucked away from the usual tourist routes, giving it a peaceful and serene atmosphere, perfect for relaxation.
The sand is soft and golden, and the water is calm and clear, making it ideal for a swim or a peaceful stroll along the shore. The shallow waters stretch out, so it's great for families or anyone wanting to paddle in the warm sea without worrying about waves. The surrounding landscape is lush with greenery.
This beach is pretty low-key and not overrun with tourists, which makes it a perfect spot. The water here is great for both surfing and snorkeling, so you can easily spend a few hours exploring the waves or marine life. There are a couple of local warungs around where you can grab a fresh coconut or a simple snack, adding to the chill vibe. While there are some villas in front of the beach, they’re not too many, so the place still feels quiet and private. It’s a great spot if you’re looking for a relaxed day by the sea without the usual crowds.
Serangan beach
Offering a quiet and unspoiled escape for those who prefer a more laid-back beach experience. The beach is tucked away from the usual tourist routes, giving it a peaceful and serene atmosphere, perfect for relaxation.
The sand is soft and golden, and the water is calm and clear, making it ideal for a swim or a peaceful stroll along the shore. The shallow waters stretch out, so it's great for families or anyone wanting to paddle in the warm sea without worrying about waves. The surrounding landscape is lush with greenery.
This beach is pretty low-key and not overrun with tourists, which makes it a perfect spot. The water here is great for both surfing and snorkeling, so you can easily spend a few hours exploring the waves or marine life. There are a couple of local warungs around where you can grab a fresh coconut or a simple snack, adding to the chill vibe. While there are some villas in front of the beach, they’re not too many, so the place still feels quiet and private. It’s a great spot if you’re looking for a relaxed day by the sea without the usual crowds.
Tanjung panggeroh beach
Located on the southern coast of the island, the beach has soft, golden sand and clear, shallow waters that make it ideal for swimming or just relaxing under the sun. The area around the beach is pretty natural, with lush greenery and stunning views of the coastline. It’s not overly developed, which gives it a more untouched, rustic feel.
Tanjung Panggeroh is relatively quiet, making it a great place to enjoy some solitude or just take in the beautiful surroundings without the usual tourist crowds.
If you walk along the beach to the far end, you’ll discover a hidden gem, an open stretch of beach with large corals and cliffs. It's a popular spot for fishing, we wouldn’t recommend swimming or doing any water activities here, as the waves can be quite strong and there are sharp corals beneath the surface.
Getting to Tanjung Panggeroh can be a bit tricky. The road is in rough condition for almost half of the journey, and you’ll be navigating mountain roads that require extra caution. The effort is definitely worth it though, as the views at the beach are breathtaking. Just make sure to bring a reliable motorcycle, and be aware that some parts of the road might not show up clearly on navigation apps. Bring your own food because there is no shop nearby.
