Top 10 Things To Do in Lombok

The allure of spending perfect days of sun, sea, sand and seclusion on Gili Asahan is hard to resist, yet a short boat trip to the mainland unlocks a host of inspiring adventures. If you are craving a little art, little-known culture or a quick adrenaline buzz above and below the waves, the island Lombok definitely has you covered.

1. Climb Mount Rinjani

Photo credit: @ayuukomeng

Soaring to a monumental 3,726 metres above sea level, Mount Rinjani is Indonesia’s second highest volcano and dominates the northern portion of Lombok. It doesn’t require expert mountaineering skills but expect a strenuous three or four-day climb to reach the summit and back. The big highlight is a dip in the huge crater lake nearly 3,000m above sea level, where you’ll camp overnight before reaching the summit to witness a mind-blowing early morning sunrise. You’ll be rewarded with simply awesome views as far across, Lombok, Bali, Sumbawa and even Java on a clear day.

2. Discover Secret Gilis

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Spread across the calm waters of Sekotong Bay is more than a dozen dreamy islands – one of which is your base at Gili Asahan. Each of these ‘Secret Gilis’ offer pristine uncrowded beaches with soft white sand and a delightfully low key pace of life. Each can be easily reached by boat from Gili Asahan, such as the lush Gili Gede, Gili Nanggu for excellent snorkelling, rarely visited Gili Tangkong and the idyllic atoll of Gili Kedis. Expect a peaceful, back to basics ambience and pristine reefs to explore snorkelling.

3. Pristine Beaches

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Lombok beaches come in a wide variety of colours, pristine white, volcanic black sand and even pink. A trip to Lombok’s southern coast unlocks several stunning beaches. Selong Belanak beach is one of the most eye-catching with a crescent shaped stretch of powdery white sand. There is also a mellow surf break perfect for beginners. Tucked between two large hills, Mawun beach is a picture perfect horse shoe shape. During the week you could be enjoying the soft white sands all to yourself. Tanjung Aan is another south Lombok beach that is both breath-taking to look at and also a popular hangout for surfers. Located at the extreme south east corner of Lombok Pantai Tangsi (Pink Beach) is very isolated. The sand really is pink thanks to the timeless ebb and flow of the water carrying tiny crushed particles of bright red coral, which over time has fused seamlessly into the white sand.

4. Surfing

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Like its namesake in Bali, Kuta-Lombok is also a surfer’s paradise with a lively surfer-friendly vibe around town. It’s a gateway for exploring a series of secluded bays along the south coast with rolling, waves. There are consistent waves suitable for all levels at Tanjung A’an beach, which has established itself as one of the south coast’s most popular surf spots. Further east, Gerupuk offers boat rides out to surf consistent waves, or try the awesome barrelling waves at rugged Ekas Bay. Lombok’s top surf spot is just a relatively short journey from Gili Asahan. Legendary Desert Point has been attracting fearless surfers in search of the perfect wave. When the conditions are just right, it’s rated among the very best on the planet.

5. Scuba Diving

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There are small pockets of pristine dive sites all around Lombok’s coastline with the most established areas found in the northwest at the offshore Gili Islands. Despite the popularity, reefs remain in good condition (thanks to Biorock artificial reef regrowth) and its arguably the best place to learn the basics. For the most pristine, uncrowded reefs, you can enjoy scuba diving right on the doorstep in the Secret Gilis, just moments away by boat from Gili Asahan. There are very accessible dive spots perfect for macro divers, as well as encounters with rays, turtles and reef sharks. On the south coast, Belongas Bay is the go-to place for more adventurous divers with huge schools of big fish, including sharks, barracuda and hammerheads. The famed sites of Magnet and Cathedral are legendary adrenaline dives.

6. Chase Waterfalls

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The topography of Mount Rinjani and its awesome crater lake create dramatic cascading waterfalls in the foothills. Sedang Gile is a highly photogenic sight and Lombok’s most popular waterfall, with water plummeting over 50 metres into fresh water pools. The nearby Tui Kelep waterfall is another captivating sight, which fills the mountain air with blowing mist. Further upstream is little known Betara Lenjang waterfall and hot springs – a hidden gem as it needs good climbing skills to reach. Near the village of Aik Berik are the falls of Benang Setokel and Benang Kelambu. They are about a 30 minute hike apart so can be visited together. Benang Kelambu is a true insta-worthy sight, with water cascading down a steep rock face which is covered in dense tropical flora.

7. Handicraft villages

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Art and traditional crafts date back centuries in Lombok and are still part of everyday life in many ‘Sasak’ villages. ‘Ikat’ fabric weaving in particular is thriving and draws visitors from far and wide. One of the main centres is the village of Sukarara in Central Lombok, famed for songket’ garments with elaborate motifs made of cotton, gold and silver silk thread. Another key weaving village is Pringgasela. There is also a strong heritage of ceramic arts which is still alive in Banyumulek, Masbagik in East Lombok, and Penujak. Potters use simple kilns and each village has its own unique decorative style.

8. Hiking

Photo credit: @lombokfunhiking

Besides an arduous climb up Mount Rinjani, there are numerous rewarding soft trekking options across rural Lombok. In the shadow of Rinjani is the Sembalun Valley, which offers a number of hiking itineraries through rolling hills, rice fields, fruit plantations, fields of orchids and forests of bamboo. Located further south at the bottom of the foothills is the scenic village of Tetebatu. There are many easy hiking trails through the Tetebatu Monkey Forest to secluded waterfalls and mote extensive guided treks can be arranged. Closer to the city of Mataram, Sesaot Forest is a large tract of protected rainforest with established walking and biking trails, a campground and bathing ponds.

9. Traditional markets

Bustling and chaotic, Lombok’s traditional markets are a must-see. The Cakranegara market is the perfect introduction. Impossibly hectic at times, it is piled high with exotic fruits, spices and a warren of clothing stalls that seemingly goes on forever. The Cakranegara area has a strong Chinese and Balinese influence so expect traditional wares, handicrafts, herbal medicines and more alongside everyday household goods. Neighbouring Ampenan is home to the equally colourful Kebun Roek food market. This is a hot and humid indoor market crammed with all manner of exotic fruits, meat and fish.

10. River Rafting

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While Lombok is famed for its scuba diving and surfing, there is also another little known water based adrenaline activity. The fast flowing Jangkok River is the place for high-octane river rafting which is a relatively new activity. It flows at speed down several levels along a meandering water course of about 7km, cutting through picturesque scenery with large boulders strewn across the river. Located not far from the famous Lingsar Temple, rafters are taken up to the start of the rafting course by 4X4 jeep so you get a short off-road adventure thrown in before you get on the water.