What to Do in Lombok: A Practical Activity Guide

Lombok is often framed as Bali's quieter neighbor, but that undersells it. The island has its own strong identity — active volcanic trekking, some of the best surf in Indonesia, genuinely pristine beaches, and a living Sasak culture that hasn't been polished for tourism. Here's a practical breakdown of what to do and where to go.

Surf

Surfing is what put South Lombok on the map, and the waves are still the main reason many people come. The coastline between Kuta and the eastern bays offers a range of breaks suited to different levels. For a full breakdown of the best spots, conditions, and how to get to them, see our [guide to surf spots in South Lombok](/blog/surf-spots-in-south-lombok).

Kuta is the central base for surfing in the south. From here, you're within 20–45 minutes of several quality breaks by scooter.

Trek Mount Rinjani

At 3,726 meters, Rinjani is the second-highest volcano in Indonesia and one of the most rewarding multi-day treks in Southeast Asia. The standard route takes two to three days and includes a crater rim with views over the crescent-shaped lake Segara Anak far below.

The main trailhead is in Senaru in the north of the island, about 2.5 hours from Kuta. Guided treks are required inside the national park. Book in advance during peak season (June–August). If you want a taste of the area without the full summit push, Bukit Pergasingan near Sembalun is a solid half-day alternative with clear views of Rinjani.

Beaches

South Lombok has some of the finest beaches in Indonesia, and most are uncrowded even during peak season.

• **Tanjung Aan**: Wide double bay with white sand and calm water. Easy to reach from Kuta, about 10 minutes by scooter.
• **Selong Belanak**: Longer crescent beach, good for swimming and beginner surfing.
• **Mawi**: More exposed, rougher, better for experienced surfers or those who want solitude.
• **Tangsi (Pink Beach)**: One of only two pink sand beaches in Indonesia, on the east coast. Worth the longer drive.
• **Semeti Beach**: Rocky volcanic formations and blowhole pools rather than sand — different and worth seeing.

Snorkeling and Diving: The Gilis and Sekotong

The Gili Islands (Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, Gili Meno) are the most popular spot for snorkeling and diving near Lombok. All three have good reef life and are accessible by fast boat from Bangsal port in the north. Gili Meno is the most reliable for turtle sightings. Gili Trawangan has the most dive operators and a lively beach bar scene.

For a quieter alternative, the Sekotong area in southwest Lombok has excellent snorkeling with far fewer people. The small islands off the coast — including Gili Gede and Gili Asahan — are reachable by local boat and offer good coral in good condition.

Sasak Villages

The Sasak people are the indigenous majority of Lombok, making up around 85% of the population. Their culture, weaving traditions, and traditional architecture are accessible through several villages.

• **Sade Village**: About 10 kilometers from Kuta. Local guides walk visitors through the traditional compounds where women still weave songket cloth by hand. It's small and genuine — not a purpose-built tourist site.
• **Tetebatu**: A cooler hill village in the foothills of Rinjani, surrounded by rice fields. Good for seeing traditional agriculture and handicraft production.
• **Ende Village**: Near Sade, similar traditional Sasak architecture.

Waterfalls

The north and center of Lombok have several impressive waterfalls worth a day trip from Kuta.

• **Tiu Kelep**: Near Senaru, a 45-meter fall into a swimmable pool, reached by an easy 45-minute jungle walk.
• **Benang Kelambu**: A curtain-style fall with good photo opportunities from behind the water.
• **Sendang Gile**: A shorter walk from the road, impressive volume during and after wet season.

Mataram and Narmada

If you want a day in town, Lombok's capital Mataram has a different energy to the south. The Pura Meru Hindu temple complex dates from the early 18th century and is one of the most significant temples on the island. Nearby, Narmada Water Palace was built in the 1720s as a royal retreat — the terraced gardens and pools are well maintained and easy to walk around in an hour or two.

Motorbike Touring

Renting a scooter and exploring on your own is one of the best ways to see Lombok. The roads in South Lombok are generally good, traffic is light outside of Mataram, and you can reach beaches, villages, and viewpoints that shuttle services don't go near. Most rental shops in Kuta charge Rp 60,000–80,000 per day for a standard automatic scooter.

Tanjung Ringgit

On the southeastern tip of Lombok, Tanjung Ringgit is a coastal trekking area with low cliffs, sea views, and remnants of Japanese WWII fortifications. It's less visited than the main tourist spots and makes for a good half-day trip for those who want something different.

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Kuta Lombok makes a practical base for almost all of these activities. Most of the south coast is within 30–45 minutes by scooter, and day trips to the north (Rinjani, waterfalls, Gilis) are manageable with an early start. If you're looking for a place to work in the mornings and explore in the afternoons, The Spot's [coworking space](/cowork) is right in the center of Kuta.