Lombok

Eco-friendly travel guide to Lombok advises how to be a responsible tourist. Learn how to explore the attractions in a sustainable way and how to respect the local people and culture. Make your trip green by supporting locally owned hotels, organic restaurants and other businesses. Read more on how to protect the environment by making conscientious choices and how to travel green in Lombok, Indonesia.

The beautiful Mount Rinjani National Park

Air quality: 4 / 5

Exploring by foot: 5 / 5

Exploring by bicycle: 5 / 5

Public transportation: 4 / 5

Parks: 4.5 / 5

Outdoor activities: 5 / 5

Locals' English level: 1.5 / 5

Safety: 5 / 5

Accommodation: US$30 - $70

Budget per day: US$60 - $150

Responsible Travel

Lombok is a beautiful Island in the Lesser Sunda Islands chain in West Nusa Tenggara province of Indonesia. The Island covers about 4,514 square kilometres in the area is famous for its peaceful beaches. While visiting the Island, you will find that the locals aren't accustomed to the modern-day technology, and only a few people on the Island own cellphones. Therefore, you mustn't break the peaceful environment of the Island and travel responsibly and sustainably.

Since there are no trains, trams, or subway trains on the Island, you should only prefer public transports and not private motor vehicles as they will emit a lot of harmful gases and can increase the pollution levels.

The people live a simplistic and rural life; you should be respectful towards them and try to buy the various handicraft items to support them.

While exploring the Island, you should avoid the use of plastic and other non-degradable items as they will increase the pollution levels and harm the Island's flora and fauna.

Air Quality and Pollution

Due to the presence of various beaches and waterfalls, the air of Lombok is always fresh and cool. Lesser population leads to lower rates of pollution. The factories here are fitted with chimneys which are used to clean the smoke before releasing it into the air.

PM 2.5 – 11 G/M3

PM10 - 21 g/m3

Air Quality – Good

The pollution levels in Lombok are shallow as compared to other cities in Indonesia. It is because of the increase in the number of passengers on local buses rather than using personal conveyance.

Respect the Culture

While visiting Lombok, you mustn't cause any trouble or negativity amongst the locals as they are peace-loving. The locals are not as modern as the people of the rest of the world. They live in the same manner that they have been living for centuries.

Top 10 Places to Visit

Gili Meno Turtle Sanctuary: Gili Meno Turtle Sanctuary was initiated to preserve the turtles on the Island. The turtle breeding process is taken care of under the sanctuary. The turtle breeding is a unique process, and several deaths occur during the natural process. It focuses on protecting turtles and growing them in the sheltered or the preserved area until they are fully grown. The turtles are released in water which takes about a few months. It is situated on Gili Meno, where you can wander around and learn about these beautiful and tranquil creatures.

Kondo Island: Kondo Island is a beautiful stretched land to explore, giving you a mesmerizing feel to look closely at its marine life and the crystal clear water which is uninhabited. It forms part of the Three Islands, which are Gili Petagan, Gili Kondo, and Gili Bidara in the Sambelia subdistrict. On the east coast of Lombok, Alas Strait is a perfect trip for the families and honeymooners. Kondo Island can be reached using two ports Pelabhuan Kayangan which takes about 45 minutes or, from Sambelia Transat, which takes about 25 minutes. It is a lesser popular tourist destination but attracts visitors for being a remote untouched beauty where you can camp at night and connect to the environment. Make sure to bring your food and water for the night camp.

Mount Rinjani: Mount Rinjani in Indonesia, is the second-highest mountain sets tall over Lombok. It is a part of the ring of fire which is simply the active volcanos under the water. Its spiritual significance to locals as volcanic soil brings stunning landscapes with waterfalls and green forests which act as a hub to the wildlife of different species of animals. The crater forms lake Segara Anak which is high in content of sulfurous, and covers about 6 kilometres. It is a spiritual place for the local Lombok people. It sits alongside a national park that is home to the biodiversity of tropical flora and fauna. For tourists, it is one of the best hiking treks in South East Asia. It is also home to several waterfalls in the nearby area such as Sendang Gile, Tiu Kelep, Benang Stokel, and Benang Kelambu Twin Waterfalls.

Sembalun Village: The village is approximately 3 hours drive from Mataram, with a beautiful scenic drive. It is located in the valley and at the bottom of the Mount Rinjani. Driving here is challenging as the roads are steeps to climb. This village consists of very fertile soil that is formed due to the present volcano, which helps agriculture to bloom. You will find different varieties of vegetables and fruits are found in abundance up here. Here locals are known as Sasak, who's culture and tradition can be seen through food and arts. There are about nine different dialects used across the Island. Music plays an essential role in Sasak and instruments like flute, and some Indonesian Instruments like Gamelan and other percussive instruments are played.

Merese Hill: Merese Hill is situated in the eastern region of Lombok, about 20 minutes by car from Kuta. It is also known as Bukit Merese Hill, and you should always aim to visit Merese hill at sunset as beautiful colours are scattered all over the sky. You can even rent a vehicle to explore the nearby areas which are accessible and easy to navigate. It is the most beautiful beach that is close to Merese Hill is Tanjung Aan. You explore the beach during the day and walk up to the hill during sunset to experience the beautiful scenery. Looking with 360-degree perspectives near to the mountain you will find beautiful beaches where you can go for a picnic and a lot of sparkling water on the shores with the same sunset plan. Bukit Merese is a popular spot for photoshoots, with overall fun as well as of romantic memories shoots.

Sade Traditional Weaving Village: It is situated in the centre of Lombok and is about 30 kilometres from Mataram. It is home to the indigenous locals; the Sasaks, who posses houses made of the traditional style with wood and bamboo. Sade is a small village with narrow pathways inside and takes about 30 minutes to explore. It is quite famous for its handicrafts and weaving crafts. You can find many souvenirs on sale on the various streets of the village. Young women of Sade are skilled in weaving as a part of their cultural identity. This weaving works also attracts the tourists to the beautifully knitted products which they can directly purchase from the locals. These incredibly detailed and close-knitted, woven pieces take up to two months to prepare.

Batu Bolong Temple: It is located nearby to Senggigi Beach and is about 12 kilometres from Mataram City. This Temple is a sacred place for Hindu and a place for worship. From here, you can listen to the sound of waves hitting the rocky shore near the site, which will make your mind calm and refreshed. It is Indonesia's most scenic Hindu Temple with spiritual vibes. If you begin a journey from Senggigi Beach, following the sea-shore path, it will lead you towards the Temple.

Lingsar Temple: It is a representation of the symbolic harmony between Hindu and Islamic religions in Lombok. The Temple is about ten kilometres from Mataram city on the eastern side and is set amongst the green rice fields. It dates back to 1714 and has gone through various renovation projects. A stunning garden and lotus pools surround the place. It consists of three buildings – Kemalig, gaduh, and perisaman. This Temple is considered as the holiest Temple in Lombok and was built under the King Agung Ngurah. This dual heritage Temple represents Lombok's identity and symbol of unity with other Indonesian islands.

Underwater Statues: Underwater Statues of Gilli Islands are an icon for Indonesia, which was designed by Jason DeCaire and was installed in 2017. The snorkelers and divers that are interested in witnessing some iconic dives into the ocean floors can visit this place. This place more famous for the many adventure sports and as a hotspot for scuba divers. The site not only homes statues, but there are more to the sight. An artificial reef has been created for environmental conservation and is an extensive project. It has about 48 structures that stand together. You may also find vivid marine life consisting of colourful fishes, moray eels, turtles, and tip reef sharks.

Bukit Selong Rice Fields Viewpoint: The viewpoint is located about an hour distance from Senaru and gives an incredible view across the rice fields and farms of Lombok. The perspective is about a 10-minute journey up to the hill, which leads you to access the flat platform. It is a mesmerizing sight and that you can capture on camera. Apart from the farmlands, it gives panoramic views of sunrise and the sunset.

Gunung rinjani

Explore

Lombok Island also homes many beautiful parks, beaches, museums, and landmarks. By visiting these places, you will be able to get deep insights into the local culture, traditions, and history.

City Parks

Narmada Park: Built-in 1727, it is one of the largest historical parks in Lombok. Narmada Park was designed to resemble Mount Rinjani and houses Pura Kalasa, a Hindu Temple. People come here every year to perform pujawali ritual, giving thanks to the gods for the harvest. You can also visit Balai Petitaan and get cleaned up with the fountain's water which is believed to be the ‘fountain of youth.’

Taman Kota Selong: It is a famous park among the locals and tourists and is open 24 hours for the public. People often come here to spend their evenings amidst nature with their loved ones. You can also find many cafés and food stalls around the place. This place is best for children to play and learn at the same time as they provide many facilities regarding adventurous sports.

Rinjani Waterpark: Rinjani Waterpark is a very popular waterpark in Indonesia. People can visit this park between 9 am to 6 pm every day with an entry charge of Rp 20,000-Rp 25,000. This place can be a delightful destination for families and is quite spacious too, spread over about 1.8 hectares. The best thing about this waterpark is that they use an eco-friendly concept by utilizing water from Rakam Spring.

National Parks

Lombok Wildlife Park: Lombok Wildlife Park is the first wildlife park of Lombok and houses 195 animals and 50 different kinds of species. The park has a professionally trained team that covers all the needs of the animals. This park uses specific methods designed to care for, train, and preserve every single animal. Visitors can enjoy fun activities with animals such as elephant meet and greet, elephant feeding, elephant mud bath, play-time with orangutans, birds, and many more. Lombok Wildlife Park is open every day of the year from 9 am to 5:30 pm.

Mount Rinjani National Park: Mount Rinjani National Park covers an area of about 41,330 hectares consisting of mountainous regions. The third highest volcano of Indonesia, Mount Rinjani is located here. This park houses some endangered floras such as Pterospermum Javanicum, Fiscus Superba, Toona Sureni, etc. and faunas such as Rusa deer, Indian Muntjac, Sunda Porcupine, Surili Monkeys, several Cockatoos, and Scaly-crowned Honeyeater. This national park works on protecting and preserving these floras and faunas.

Kerandangan National Reserve: It is in the area of Senggigi Beach, at the western part of Lombok Island. Kerandangan National Reserve preserves many plants such as Kelicung, Terep, Beringin/Banyan Tree, Goak, etc., and wild animals like Ayamhutan/Partridge, Cerucukan, Kera Ekor Panjang / Long-Tailed Ape, Biawak/Giant Lizard, etc. Visitors are allowed to trek along the western side of the reserve, where you might spot Ebony Leaf Monkey, who only lives on the Island of Lombok.

Suranadi National Park: Spread over about 52 hectares of land, Suranadi National Park is located at Suranadi Village. Its protected ecosystem makes Surandi National Park rich in both flora and fauna. Some kinds of flora grown here are Banyan Tree, Suren, Garu, Purut, etc., while the faunas include Grey Apes, various butterflies/birds, brown monkey, etc. Visitors can visit this park every day of the year between 8 am to 5 pm.

Rinjani Caldera

Beaches

Pink Beach: Pink Beach is a remote beach on Lombok Island and is the main tourist area of Senggigi. It is called a Pink Beach because of the coral that gives the sand a pinkish hue. From the climbable hill across the beach, you can see the fantastic panoramic view of the crystal-clear water. Tourists/Locals can also enjoy some adventurous water activities like snorkelling, water gliding, and parasailing. This beach is located on the utmost south-eastern tip of the Island. Sometimes you may also spot Flamingos while relaxing on this beach.

Senggigi Beach: Senggigi Beach is a famous beach in Lombok, located in the area of Senggigi on the western part of the Island. You can also catch boats to Bali and the Gili Islands from the Senggigi Harbour situated on this beach. There are many hotels and lounges to get food and drinks to pass your time relaxing and chilling while beautiful sunsets and amazing panoramic views of the Island.

Nipah Beach: Nipah Beach is one of the frequently visited beaches in Lombok. Tourists may not find this one that attractive to chill and relax, but it’s trendy among the locals of the city. They come here for swimming, chilling, and spending their evenings seeing the beautiful sunset every day and have quick bites from nearby food stalls. It’s peaceful from here to see the waves being calm, and there is virtually no coral, making this place best for people who wants to spend their alone time.

Pandanan Beach: Pandanan Beach is linked to Nipah Beach and is much quieter than Nipah Beach. However, you can still find many places to buy grilled seafood and drinks. It might be a must-go beach, as the view around here is beautiful, with lush green hills looming over coconut fields and a glimpse of the islands of Gili Meno and Gili Trawangan across the water.

Sire Beach: Further north along the coast of Nipah Beach, you enter Sire Beach, where the views of the colossal peak of Mount Rinjani can be seen. The calm waters around here make it an ideal choice for swimming, snorkelling, canoeing, and even fishing. It might be a good option for picnics or get-togethers as the beach is backed by groves of palm trees and grassy fields. You will find some breath-taking snacks from the nearby food stalls and restaurants.

Mawun Beach: Mawun Beach is a peaceful beach, nestled between lofty hills, and a hidden bay in the shape of a horseshoe. It is a beautiful beach which is just a 20-minute drive away from the Selong Belanak Beach. You will not see much crowd here, but it’s the best location to hang out with friends or loved ones. You may notice that the centre of the bay has more massive waves and deeper water, whereas the edges of the bay are much calmer to swim in. This place is best suited for picnics and family gatherings. Also, you can find some food stalls nearby to grab some tasty food.

Selong Belanak Beach: You will find this beach on the south coast of Lombok Island. This beach is quite popular among Lombok citizens. Its vast stretches of sand and azure blue waters are an ideal spot for swimming, surfing, sunbathing, and beach volley. There are plenty of cafeteria’s, surfboard rentals, food stalls, and vendors selling ice cream, barbeque corn, and coconuts on this beach. This beach is the best option to spend your holidays or to take a break from your workload.

Senggigi Beach

Landmarks

Mayura Water Palace: Mayura Water Palace is a beautiful water palace consisting of a large artificial lake with a floating pavilion in the centre connecting to the shoreline by a raised footpath. During the Balinese rule in Lombok, this Palace was used as a meeting place and court of justice for higher authorities. People visiting here can also seek blessings from the Jagat Natha Mayura Temple nearby. This Palace is closed on Saturdays and Sundays. The rest of the days, you can come here from 9 am to 5 pm.

Pura Meru: It is a Hindu Temple in Mataram near Lombok Island, Indonesia. Visitors can see this large Hindu temple complex, dated back to 1720, as a mere attraction point because of its multi-tiered shrines built from teak wood. To visit this place, you have to pay an entrance charge of 50,000 IDR for the complete tour of the Temple. It is an old temple, of which renovations are still in process, but overall it is a right place for history lovers to visit if you're running short on time.

Pura Surandi: Quite a few minutes away from the city of Mataram, there lies this Temple, Pura Surandi. It is a Balinese Temple, founded in the 16th Century by a Javanese priest, Danghyang Dwijendra. This Temple is also a part of an existing tourist forest, surrounded by different kinds of trees, making this place a peaceful and quiet one. People often come here to pray and make many sacrifices. Also, some Hindus call this Temple as a place of pilgrimage. This Temple also follows several rules like only Hindus can pray in the main Temple, and the other two temples are used for activities other than praying.

Tiu Kelep Waterfall: Tiu Kelep Waterfall is a cultural landmark in Lombok. If you’re exploring Lombok, be sure to visit this place as its scenic site showcases two different waterfalls joint by trails through lush, picturesque surroundings. It is open every day throughout the year from 8 am to 5 pm. You have to walk for like an hour to reach the waterfall and can also view a rainbow below the waterfall. This rainbow is the main attraction point for visitors, making this place the most visited place in Lombok.

Gunung Pengsong: It is a Balinese temple from where you can enjoy a stunning hilltop location with arousing panoramas of the surrounding rice fields, Lombok Strait, and distant volcanoes. If you want to reach the Temple, you have to climb up to the top of the hill which takes approximately 15 minutes. The exciting fact about Gunung Pengsong Temple is that a group of Japanese soldiers hid inside the Gunung Pengsong temple during the Second World War. You can visit this Balinese Temple from 7 am to 6 pm (Monday-Sunday).

Kalak Hot Springs: If you’re trekking at Mount Rinjani, then Kalak Hot Springs is the best choice to relax and chill for a while. This hot spring is around 200 meters away from the trekking campsite. It is located near the stunning Lake Segara Anak. It is a great place to soak away your pains and aches in the hot springs as the waters here are said to have medicinal properties due to the high volcanic mineral content. If you want to have a perfect hiking trip, make sure you visit Kalak Hot Springs to ease all your tiredness and enjoy to the fullest.

Mayura Water Palace

Museums

West Nusa Tenggara State Museum: This state museum, located in Mataram, Lombok Island, is the provincial museum of the West Nusa Tenggara province. The museum houses more than 7,387 artworks related to Lombok and Sumbawa traditional arts. The arts include traditional songket, Kris, basket ware and masks, as well as articles related to geology, architecture, ceramic paintings, etc. They have everything you need to learn about the people, values, and the culture of their lifestyle. This state museum is open from 8 am to 3 pm every day (Monday closed).

Baloq Sade Museum: Baloq Sade Museum is the most visited Museum in Lombok. You can see the relics of the tribal history from ancient bouffant pompadour to the history sasak. This museum displays a lot of ancient artefacts and cultural relics, giving you an insightful introduction to the Sasak culture from the 15th Century. This museum’s key feature is the Hamlet of Sade, designated as a village because of its uniqueness. It is said to be the reflection of indigenous Sasak Lombok, serving as the village’s atmosphere of the original natives of Lombok. This place is open to the public 24 hours every day.

The Griya Lombok: This place is known as the Home of Arts in Lombok, here, you may get to see many handicrafts, homemade artworks, even turning waste paper into creative and unique arts. All the equipment required to create such artwork is readily available; in fact, they don’t even charge you to learn the skills here. This place is the right choice to find what you’ve never seen before. You may also bring home your favourite art piece at an affordable price, starting from $5 only.

Asmara Collection: Located near the Pasar Seni Art Market, Asmara Collection contains some very appealing tribunal artwork, along with detailed ornamental wooden carvings, weavings, and handmade furniture. It is open daily, and the entrance charge to visit this place is also free. This place displays many ancient artworks. You can also purchase some artefacts, paintings, and quality handicrafts at a very reasonable rate. They update their collection regularly as well as some preserved antique pieces are added frequently.

Lombok Pottery Centre: Lombok Pottery Centre is worth looking out place in Lombok Island. It is located within the Mataram region of Lombok, where you can find various kinds of Indonesian ceramics and handicrafts, many of which are perfect for holiday gifts or souvenirs, being reasonably priced for customers. They also work for the welfare of the village communities; hence it’s a charity-based shop or market where the income generated from the products/handicrafts are used for the help of the people in Lombok Island. The key feature of this pottery centre is that they frequently increase local traditional handicrafts as a distinctive culture, which results in product quality for exploring markets.

Eat

The best way to learn about a place’s culture, traditions, and livelihood of the locals is by exploring the food and drink culture.

Traditional Local Restaurants

Curry House: Curry House is an Indian-Asian Restaurant, located in the Central Lombok Regency, best known for its delicious Indian cuisine. You may like paparadum and raita for the appetizer, tikka masala, and a butter chicken for the main course here. Curry House is also famous for its uniqueness in biryani served with mint chutney. The restaurant is open from 5 pm to 9:30 pm every day except Mondays.

Asmara: It is an Indonesian-Asian Restaurant, widespread among the locals, this place is spacious, airy, and lush with green vines and dreamy lights twinkling into the nights. This restaurant is perfectly fit for romantic couples because of its atmosphere and ambience. Traditional yellow rice, nasi campur, and satay, which is a heaping plate of tempeh, fried vegetables, curried meats with seaming white rice is the best-served dish of Asmara Restaurant. You may find this place in Jalan Raya Senggigi, open from 3 pm to 10 pm every day.

Persona Beach Lounge: This lounge is the only restaurant on the Island, which is spiced with imported ingredients and cooked by trained chefs. This Indian restaurant serves you with the best of its delighting Indian dishes. It is a great place where you can hang out with families or get-togethers with your close one while enjoying a beachfront pool where you can relax and soak up the sun on sun loungers. They also offer you a private beach area and an in-house, 5-star PADI dive resort called Dive Central Gili.

Ashtari: It is an Indonesian-American-European Restaurant perched on the top of a hill, surrounded by lush jungle with a view of the Kuta Bay. Ashtari Restaurant’s special dish is nasi goreng and Mie Goreng. You may also find this restaurant a unique one as they also offer daily yoga classes and an open-terrace barbeque every Friday nights.

Lotus Bayview: Lotus Bayview is an Italian Restaurant that is mostly renowned for its delicious pizzas. The food items often accompany Cold Bintang Beer and homemade Tiramisu. Except for authentic Italian fare, Lotus Bayview also serves fresh seafood and delicious Indonesian cuisine. This restaurant is in the best location where you’ll get a fantastic view of the ocean while experiencing the best of its dishes.

Vegetarian and Vegan

Musa Cookery: Musa Cookery is an organic café offering a variety of foods and drinks. It is open from 9 am to 9 pm every day. You may find a few interesting dishes, some of which are fusion salads and bowl meals, French toast, vegan pancakes, smoothie bowls, etc. This restaurant is famous for its fusion meals and the attractive décor of the café. You may also find this place a bit expensive, but it is worth trying and is rated as one of the best vegan restaurants on the Island.

Firda Warung: Firda Warung is an Indonesian restaurant, best known for its excellent food and ambience. It is popular among the local people of Lombok as this place has a fantastic support staff and well-trained chefs. The chefs here like to experiment with flavours according to the wishes of customers making this place a must-go restaurant for tourists and locals. Spaghetti bolognaise with chicken is the most preferred dish here. Every dish on the menu is reasonably priced, and the taste of every particular dish is excellent. You can come here between 9 am to 10 pm and enjoy its delightful cuisine.

Terra: Located in the Raya Kuta region, Lombok, Terra is a healthy, vegan restaurant with a take-away section on the first floor serving breakfast, healthy drinks, juices, and a buffet of salads and cakes. It has a restaurant upstairs with indoor and outdoor seating, a reading area, and a lounge area. You can also get a private table on request at a very reasonable rate. It is open from 8 am to 9 pm on all days. Thai green curry is one of the most served dishes in this restaurant.

Yadish Bar and Restro: It is an Italian-Mexican-Chinese restaurant, where wide varieties of food are served. This restaurant is famous for serving delicious food, cool design, and low prices that attract lots of customers. Tapas and salads are among the most liked dish of the restaurant. It is open from 7 am to 11 pm on all days. You must visit this restaurant if you are in Lombok to experience some delightful dishes along with a beautiful environment and a great view of the Island.

Pituq Waroeng: Pituq Waroeng is the best Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurant on Lombok Island. It serves you the most aromatic Indonesian food with a unique twist. Everything on the menu is vegan, and the dishes are so good that visitors choose to come here again and again. A Charity Shop is also located at the restaurant that has locally sourced and eco-friendly items for sale (from cutleries, baskets, bags, and clothes to natural hygiene products). The profits earned from the sale of such products go towards helping the less fortunate people in Lombok.

Street Food

Ayam Taliwang (Grilled Chicken)

Plecing Kangkung (Mix of Vegetables & Seafood)

Kelor (Hot Vegetable Soup)

Ares (Cooked Banana Stems)

Sate Bulayak (Rice Cake)

Sate Rembiga (Skewered Beef)

Sate Ikan Tanjung (Grilled Tuna/Ground Fish)

Ikah Bakar Pantai Nipah (Grilled Fish)

Drink

Cocktails

Imported Wines

Coffee

Tequila

Beer

Bintang Beer

Fruit Juices

Coconut Water

Tap-water

Coming to the tap water of Lombok, you cannot drink the tap water of Lombok as it may cause damage to your system causing stomach irritation or even worse, but this type of water can be used in other works like brushing teeth, bathing cleaning, etc. Lombok is suffering from a shortage of water for a very long time. Water supply in most of the area is dependent on river Narmada. The Batujai reservoir, which is located in the central residency of Lombok stated that the water is heavily polluted with a ph level of 6.6 to 7.5 mg/l. The main reason behind it was the growth in population and an increase in the number of pollution being discharged in water. It is advised that you should use boiled water or packaged water and reuse the container so that you would not contribute to the increasing pollution there.

Organic Cafés

Pachamama Organic Cafe: It is located on the east-side at the coast of Lombok, and assure good and freshly made food. They bring products from local farms and use coconut oil in the preparation of food. They even have a two-bedroom private villa which has to be booked in advance.

Kenza Cafe: It is an entirely vegan cafe that is famous for its coffees, smoothies, and juices—located in the heart of Lombok. Some of its favourite dishes include Turmeric Scrambled Tofu, Vegan Green Wrap, and Raw Vegan Cacao Cake. Food categorized under the category of Western and Indonesian is widely available there. It also offers a beautiful view and a healthy atmosphere.

Tera plant-based restaurant: Another vegan restaurant in Lombok that serves delicious organic food which is freshly prepared by getting the ingredients from local farms. Their three main specialities which make them unique among the other cafe are – They mostly make food from the plant base or in its original form. They assure that the food is entirely gluten-free. Their products are dairy-free, that means they do not serve milk, cheese, yoghurt, or other such dairy products. They make coconut milk by themselves.

Papaya Cafe: This cafe is wholly made up of woods, even the chairs too. The staff here is very polite and maintains a high standard of cleanliness. You can even relax here with a great green environment. According to Google reviews, it has been rated 4.1 out of 5. The dishes here are entirely vegan, and this restaurant is vegetarian.

Musa Cookery: It is a 12 hours open cafe offering organic food unique fusion of salads, meals vegan pancakes, and French toast. There might be a hike in price as compared to other diners. This cafe has a cosy environment that might be comforting for couples. It has a separate place for yoga, and it has a beach in which snow clean and diving can be done. It has a Google rating of 4.8/5 which can be considered an excellent cafe.

Felice Vegetarian restaurant: It is a pocket-friendly hotel with tasty food, and local cuisine is readily available here. The staff is amicable, and the atmosphere is clean, which seems to be inviting to this cafe. It even serves barbequed potatoes with coconut milk. It is another cafe that has 4.8/ 5 Google reviews making it an excellent vegetarian restaurant.

The Patio Lombok: It will be a great choice if you are a health-conscious person as this cafe provides casual, affordable healthy lunch with a fully air-conditioned area. Google reviews of this cafe are 4.7/ 5, and many of the studies were found positive about the restaurant.

Flavours Restaurant Lombok: This restaurant is open for 4 hours only. Other than the taste of food, the decoration of the food is also kept on focus, making it unique from other restaurants. This cafe offers highly trained staff which increases the overall experience of this restaurant. Because of the availability of a cafe for only four hours, this cafe is generally a bit crowded, which increases the food arrival timing.

The Banyan Tree: This cafe serves a wide variety of dishes, the dishes starting from plant-based and ending with coffee. They also do juices that are freshly prepared without any preservatives are chemicals that can harm the body. You can again stay up there if you love the environment and the scenery it offers.

Breweries

Lombok has a wide variety of beer as it has some breweries present there. The list of beers is Anchor beer, Bintang beer, Bia Huda, Chang beer, Beerlao, Tiger beer, San Miguel, Arak Bali, Stark craft beer other than these some different beers are also there including Storm beer, Bia Saigon, Bali Queen, Tuak, Hatton. You can find these bears even in your hotels but make sure you must not drink in public access places as it will be disrespecting to the culture of Lombok where religion and tradition are of high importance. Some of the breweries are listed below;

Beer Garden Lombok

Surfers bar Kutta Lombok

The Office Bar and Restaurant

Sama – Sama Regai Bar

The Bus Bar

Activities

The activities listed below are must-do ones in Lombok. These will boost up your experience of visiting Lombok.

Party in Gili Trawangan: It is one of the biggest Islands. If you are a night person, you can enjoy the nightlife of this Island. This Island is the most developed one, but it doesn't have any roads. Therefore you have to take a cart for a cycle to reach on this Island. Snorkelling and diving will be a great option to enjoy here if you arrive here in the day time

Visiting Tiu Kelep Waterfall: The critical feature of Lombok is its waterfalls, and the famous waterfall is Tiu Kelep waterfall. Adventure lovers can track this waterfall which word takes around 45 minutes to an hour entirely depending on you. This waterfall comes from a forest which can be enjoyed during your track.

Enjoy Air Kalak hot springs: Another adventurous thing to do there is to visit hot springs on the Mount Ranjani. It is believed that the water has medical properties like relieving pain healing skin problems, boosting the blood circulation, reduction in the amount of stress, and helps in better sleep. It is present near the lake Segara Anak.

Snorkel on Gili Meno: A person who is fond of marine life like turtles and other sea creatures, it is a must-visit place for them. It is the smallest Island of Minu and has little strips of sand where anyone can relax calmly enjoying the beautiful scene of water.

Visit a Pearl Farm: Lombok is also famous for its pearl farms where pretty pearls are cultivated here. It is a farm where tourists can gain information about how a pearl is acquired along with the showroom where anyone can buy some exotic pearl products and encourage the local business of pearl farming.

Explore Kuta Lombok: It is the central tourist spot in Lombok. Beaches and surfing water is the speciality of this Island due to which it gains a significant focus on tourism development.

Trek to Bukit Pergasinan: If you want to hike in Lombok, then you can trek to this hill as its height is 1700 meters above sea level. It is located in the centre of the village, and you would love the surrounding scenery where you can enjoy some of the prettiest views in Lombok

Sunbathe on Selong Belanak Beach: It comes under the category of the most stunning beach as it is located in South Lombok. You can enjoy some peaceful time as the crowd here is less in amount. You can find many local stalls with island noodles and rice dishes. If you want to enjoy something in beverages, then fresh coconut water is also available.

Climb Mount Rinjani: It is not just a mountain but rather than a volcano. It is the second-largest volcano entire Indonesia. According to visitors visiting this mountain gave them the best experience they had. The height of this mountain is 12224 feet and offers panoramic views of the surrounding areas.

Explore Narmada Water Park: It is a water park that dates back to 1727, and Hindu believers feel that it offers a significant religious and spiritual retreat. It is one of the ancient sacred architecture in Lombok. This park was built to mirror the shape of mount Rinjani, which is the highest peak of Lombok.

Trek to Belang Kelambu Water fall: The height of this waterfall is 35 meters and is about 500 meters above sea level. The waterfall is covered with beautiful plants, and the base of the waterfall has a pool in which anyone can swim if you are bored of checking beaches then this might be a nice change. Due to the slippery stones, it is advised to wear proper footwear.

Visit Sukarare Vilage: It is a significant part of Lombok's identity. It is based in this village as it has woven and intricate clothes that are beautifully braided. The dyes used here are of natural materials like Bach turmeric betel Vine or tamarind. This job is done by most of the local people there, and the weaving is done by hand. If you want to gain knowledge about the traditional procedure of weaving, you can even try it by yourself and learn from the locals. Locals here are always in traditional sasack clothing and will welcome you with excitement on arrival into the town.

Hike in Tanjung Rinjit: Locals believe that it is the best trekking spots on the Island with lush fields across the sea. You can get a view of Mount Ranjani in the background. It is found in the south of Lombok. Historical traces of the second world war can also be seen along the cliff here, where the Japanese built the bunkers and abandoned gun placements during the War for hiding.

Trek to Mangu Sakti Waterfall: The height of the waterfall is roughly 1.5 meters deep. The water here contains a high amount of sulfur. If you want to swim in this waterfall, be prepared for the fast-moving water, especially if it is the rainy season.

Reach out ot Gunung Tunak Waterfall: If you haven't discovered any of the beautiful scenery yet then, this might be the place where you'll find some great use of the local view. Today it also has a local park in Taman Wisata Alam section which looks like a transmission tower.

Yoga and Retreats

Yoga and meditation are ancient level practices running from a long back time. It not only helps to relieve stress but also boosts our body with mental peace and strength. It also allows us to focus well. It also helps us to release muscular tension and makes our bodies active in the future. Lombok is a place of beautiful waterfalls, mountains, and beaches. It also offers various hotels which provide different kinds of yoga classes at flexible rates with a fresh, natural environment and beach. The top five hotels which offer yoga classes are listed down.

Novotel Lombok

Ashtari

Gili Yoga

H20 Yoga and Meditation Center

Mandala Blue Seaview Yoga

Accommodation

There is a various number of places in Lombok where you can stay like hotels, resorts, private villa, hostel, apartmental rooms, etc. Depending upon your budget you can choose the type of place you want to check-in. The price range may vary from the minimum of Rs 500 to a maximum of booking a villa in rs 60,000. If you are concerned about nature, then you can even check out some eco-friendly hotels that maintain eco-friendly norms.

Green Hotels

Gili Asahan Eco Lodge

Rinjani Beach Eco Resort

Eco Garden Resort

K2 Eco Resort

Eco Lodge

Hostels and Guest Houses

Pipes Hostel

The Living room Hostel

Botchan Hostel

The Rabit Tree Hostel

Bale Hostel

Hut Hostel

Gili Meno Eco Hostel

Lombok Guest House

Lubna's Guest House

Lilypad Guest House

Polong Guest House

Magic Valley Guest House

Apartments

Ashtari

Villa Umbrella Lombok (poolside apartment)

Bungalow over the reef

Villa Stanley

Senggigi homes and Apartments

Villa Stanley

Bluff House Lombok

Cabana Apartments

Iwan Tours

House Mauracia

Couchsurfing

It can be a good option but is only available in west Lombok as many locals don't trust anyone so easily. You can make a friend there, which might let you stay in or charge a minimum amount.

Camping

Sereta Camping Ground

Nanggi Camping Area

X. Terros Camping Ground

Jangkar Camping

Tibuborok Green Camp

How to Get There

There are two ways of reaching to Lombok Island, which is either by airway or waterway. Since it is an Island, no trains, trams, or metros are available.

Air

Lombok has an international airport which became operational in 2011. It has a vast development project divided into three phases 1, 2, and 3, which took 108.9 million dollars. It also has parking for buses, taxis, and cars so that tourists need not trouble themselves a lot. It is built on the regency of Central Lombok so that everyone who comes there can easily visit every place. The airport is spread over an area of 551.8 hectares.

Lombok International Airport

Bus

All buses in Lombok stands under Terminal Bus Sengkol. It has local buses to go out of town, but there are no traces of any international buses. Local buses are available at this Bus Terminal.

Train

There is no railway system in Lombok. Technological issue and due to less number of population in Lombok is the reason why there is no station of the railway in Lombok.

Hitchhiking

Hitchhiking is possible in Lombok as it is a safe destination, but you will not need to ask for lift as it is a small town. You can use it to travel from town to town. The people of Lombok are friendly toward the tourist, and the ride fairs are comparatively low, so one would prefer that.

Others

There are different other ways to travel to Lombok like hiring a personal taxi, bus, boat, motorbike, bemo (a small van) which come at a low rental price and are easy to get. You can find many local taxis after landing, but try to avoid then as they cause a lot of pollution.

Moving Around

Moving around in Lombok is relatively easy as it is a small island and you can explore it easily by walking or using vehicles like bicycles and public vehicles. While travelling, try to avoid cars that are harmful to the environment.

Walk

Walking around Lombok is very much possible because it is not a large area and has fewer places to visit. Walking around is a healthy option for you as it will lighten your mood and boost up your energy. It will also help you to remain active during your Lombok trip.

Bicycle

Some of the hotel rents bicycle to their customers charging some amount. It is an excellent option if you love to go on an adventure. Other than this you will enjoy certain health benefits with cycling too. Bluebird is the most popular company for private bikes in Lombok.

Electronic Vehicles

Electric Vehicles like a motorbike are available for rent in Lombok. You can even order a customized bike if you are planning to stay for a longer time and want to visit each place in Lombok.

Public Bus

You can find a public bus near the airport. If you want to travel the whole Island without much cost, this is one of the best options available. The ride fairs are cheap and affordable for all, and you would not contribute to air pollution. Using public buses also helps in lowering traffic rates and even creating friends who might benefit you later.

Tram, Train and Subway

The technology is not too advanced in Lombok, and also the population is not that much that they need a tram. The Island of Lombok is also not a wide area, and most of the Island is covered with beaches and seas. There is no railway system in Lombok. Due to less number of population in Lombok, the people don't require any train system.

Sustainable Shopping

If you are a traveller that prefers to travel in an eco-friendly and budget-friendly manner, then this new fashion trend is something you should try. Sustainable shopping or eco-friendly shopping is a considerably new concept in the world where you opt for organic and locally sourced items like handicrafts, fresh produce, and recyclable or reusable items. These products are beneficial not only to you but to the local environment too. These items are organic, which means they will not cause any harm to the local environment as they are degradable items. Also, these items are locally sourced, which means their procurement is done from local sources within a few kilometres of the city. These products promote local artists, farmers, fishers, etc. In the present age, we must prefer organic products instead of products that are full of chemicals and cause a lot of harm to the animals and the environment. These products are also beneficial for your health and well being in general. You can find such items in Lombok in the various food markets, flea markets, second-hand shops, and eco-fashion stores.

Food Markets

The availability of fresh seafood is excellent in Lombok as it is an island, but before you consume such products, you need to think about whether they are 100% organic. Because of the increasing tourism rate and demand for exotic and rare seafood items has led the local seafood producers and fishers in adopting artificial production where they use chemicals and growth serums that can create a lot of complications in your body if ingested. Instead of opting for supermarkets and grocery shops for such items, prefer local businesses, who often set up their shops in the various food markets in Lombok.

Kebon Roek Traditional Market

Daha Organic Farm

Salad Buah Bintang

Abonese Lombok

Trawangan Night Market

Dapur Aiwa

Gili Culinary Market

Flea Markets

Instead of buying brand new items, you can opt for purchasing second-hand products. These products are just as good as original ones as they are taken proper care of and are in mint condition. You can find many local businesses selling such items in the various flea markets in Lombok. You should buy second-hand items from these businesses at the most as even a small amount of earning will mean a proper meal for them.

Pasar Rombengan Karang Sukun

Lombok Eco Flea Market

Second Hand Stores

Lombok also has many second-hand stores that sell all types of used items like computers, clothes, gadgets, jewellery, auto parts, etc. While travelling in Lombok, you should prefer buying second-hand items for the time you are on the Island as brand new products will only increase your total budget.

Ronsok Hand Phone

Jaya Laundry

Gear Outdoor Second

Rizka Furniture & Jewelry

Reborn Komputer Elektronik

Pusat Laptop Second Mataram

Eco-Fashion

Eco-fashion or sustainable fashion is somewhat a new concept but as taken over the world like a storm. It refers to organic and second-hand products that are sourced locally and enhanced by the creativity and style of the artists. These fashion stores in Lombok will give you deep insights into the local culture and traditions.

Gili Eco Trust

Sustainable

My Essential in Kuta

Asmara Collection Lombok

Recycling

The Indonesian government has put forth many rules to help the people be aware of the need to recycle and reuse products to save our environment. You will find that Lombok has KLC bins, where plastic, paper, cardboard, aluminium, and other solids which are recyclable and degradable. The people follow proper disposal and recycling laws, and many volunteering organizations also help in creating awareness for other societal issues.

Waste

The residents of Lombok believe in reusing rather than throwing it as a waste. They are well aware of all the ways to reduce air pollution like an increase in the usage of woods or paper bags rather than using plastic bags. Because of the natural beaches and seas, there is no need for air conditioners. The government of Lombok is continuously working on its improvement related to waste management so that the pollution can be minimized to its lowest level. Not only the residents but also the factories industries are strictly ordered to maintain the pollution level while using water as a coolant or other natural resources. Due to less pollution, the water here is crystal clear and is fit for swimming or diving.

Work and Study Abroad

The Island has increased opportunities for education and professional jobs. Although most educational institutes in Lombok Island are not part of the student exchange program, they still offer education opportunities to international students.

Exchange Student

Although the education quality and facilities in Lombok aren't the best in Indonesia, some educational institutes offer admission to international students with different scholarships. A few of the institutions are also part of the student exchange program and will consider entry of students from the worldwide education program.

Au Pair

Au Pairing is quite common in Indonesia as many families are unable to meet their necessities like education, clothing, shelter, and food. Some many couples or individuals offer their help to these families. These couples and individuals receive some monetary benefits that they can use for their personal use.

Volunteering

Pelita Foundation Lombok

Lombok Volunteer HomeStay

Genpi Lombok Sumbawa

Yayasan Peduli Anak

Gili Eco Trust

LombokCare

While visiting the Island, you can also opt for helping out the local communities by participating in various social activities, programs, and events. By helping out the local communities, you can help them become better versions of themselves.