Guide to Lombok: Secret Places and the Island’s Best Beaches

The island of Lombok is Bali’s neighbor, preserving its pristine nature and unhurried pace of life. Lombok combines everything that people love about Indonesia: volcanoes, tropical forests, waterfalls, white sand beaches, and excellent surfing conditions. Here, green hills descend to deserted bays, and tropical forests hide waterfalls. The island remains true to its traditions: craft villages live as if time stood still hundreds of years ago.

How to get from Bali to Lombok

The easiest way to get to Lombok from Bali is by speedboat or ferry. Both options depart from Padangbai Port. The journey by speedboat takes 1.5-2.5 hours, and by ferry, about 5-6 hours. You can choose the most convenient option in advance and book tickets to Lombok. If you want to save as much time as possible, you can take a domestic flight: the flight from Ngurah Rai Airport in Bali to Lombok takes about 30 minutes.

Main attractions

Rinjani Volcano

The highest point in Lombok and the second highest volcano in Indonesia (3,726 meters above sea level). Rinjani attracts travelers with its picturesque trekking routes to the volcano’s crater, views of Lake Segara Anak, and the opportunity to experience the scale of nature at the top of the island. Keep in mind: climbing Rinjani is a serious challenge that requires good physical fitness and trekking experience. If you are confident in your abilities and have already been trekking, we are waiting for you on an unforgettable adventure to Mount Rinjani.

Sasak tribe villages

The Sasak are the indigenous people of Lombok, who still maintain their traditional way of life. In the villages of Sade and Ende, you can see houses made of clay, bamboo, and palm leaves, as well as ancient crafts and rituals passed down from generation to generation.

Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep Waterfalls

Two waterfalls on the northern slopes of Rinjani, hidden in the dense tropical forest. A short walk will take you to cool natural pools where you can refresh yourself after the journey. These waterfalls are part of organized tours of Lombok and are perfect for a first introduction to the north of the island.

Best beaches

Kuta Lombok

The heart of the south coast and an excellent starting point for exploring Lombok. Kuta is a wide sandy beach where you can alternate surfing with lazy breakfasts in local cafes. Kuta’s uniqueness lies in its atmosphere of freedom: here you can easily meet travelers from all over the world, but at the same time feel the space and absence of city bustle.

Tanjung Aan

The most picturesque beach in southern Lombok with white sand and wide open spaces for swimming and surfing. A unique feature is the double bay: one side is calmer, the other has gentle waves. It is the perfect place for long walks along the shore and sunset picnics.

Selong Belanak (Selong Belanak)

The perfect beach for those who dream of learning to surf. Smooth waves, soft sand underfoot, and warm water create comfortable conditions for your first attempts on a board. Along the shore, you can see traditional fishermen in wooden boats — a rare combination of living culture and beach relaxation. The beach is surrounded by coconut palms and is also known for its pearly sunsets. Imagine the sky filling with fiery colors as the sun slowly sinks below the horizon, giving you a sense of peace and harmony.

Pink Beach (Tangsi Pink Beach)

A real treasure of Lombok. The pink hue of the sand is created by coral particles and looks especially beautiful in the morning sun. The beach is hidden on the southeast coast of the island and surrounded by wild nature.

Mawun Bay

A secluded bay tucked away between green hills. The water here is always calmer than at neighboring beaches, and there are almost no buildings around. One of the few places in Lombok where you can swim in complete calm and feel like the hero of a romantic movie.