Lombok – Travel & Adventure Blogs – We Seek Travel https://www.weseektravel.com/category/indonesia/lombok/ Adventure Travel Blog Thu, 16 Feb 2023 02:24:38 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.1.1 https://www.weseektravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/weseektravel-icon-512x512-2-96x96.png Lombok – Travel & Adventure Blogs – We Seek Travel https://www.weseektravel.com/category/indonesia/lombok/ 32 32 25 Best Things to Do on Lombok Indonesia in 2023 (Travel Guide) https://www.weseektravel.com/things-to-do-lombok-indonesia/ https://www.weseektravel.com/things-to-do-lombok-indonesia/#comments Sat, 21 Jan 2023 05:23:14 +0000 https://www.weseektravel.com/?p=5357 An off-the-beaten-track travel guide to Lombok Indonesia featuring the 25 …

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An off-the-beaten-track travel guide to Lombok Indonesia featuring the 25 best things to do on your trip. Summit an active volcano, day trip to magical jungle waterfalls, and unwind on white sandy beaches– this is Lombok Indonesia!

Lombok Island is a volcanic island surrounded by coral reefs and dotted islets within the Indonesian archipelago. It’s often referred to as Bali’s sister island, but I like to call it Indonesia’s adventure island.

There’s an abundance of incredible things to do on Lombok, offering raw and memorable travel experiences.

After spending six weeks on the island, I’ve compiled this huge Lombok travel guide to help you plan your visit. I’ve given you a rundown on how to get here, what to expect, where to stay, and of course, a massive list of what to do on Lombok!

Quick Answer: Best Sightseeing Tours & Unmissable Experiences on Lombok

Below is a list of the most popular and worthwhile experiences that you can book on the island. If you're up for sightseeing on Lombok, don't go past these 3 must-dos.

Snorkeling on Lombok Island, Marine Life

About Lombok Indonesia

Lombok is an Indonesian island located just east of Bali, across the Lombok Strait in Southeast Asia. While Lombok has its own international airport and solid tourism infrastructure, it is sadly often overlooked as a travel destination in favor its neighboring tourism powerhouse.

However, thanks to adventurers slowly making a drift to Lombok from Bali via the Gili Islands and Nusa Penida, more and more people are slowly starting to discover this hidden gem.

The island of Lombok is home to the indigenous Sasak people, some of the kindest and most welcoming people I've ever come across in my travels. They are very proud of their sacred mountain; Gunung Rinjani, which is an active volcano with hot springs and an incredible crater lake.

In the coastal areas, you'll find both volcanic black beaches with calm waters, and pumping surf hotspots with white sands and a laid-back vibe. Conversely, the central regions of Lombok is dense with tropical jungle and many impressive waterfalls.

Indigenous Sasak people of Lombok, Indonesia
Motorbike on Lombok

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How to Get to Lombok

Where is Lombok Indonesia?

Lombok Indonesia is located within the Nusa Tenggara Barat province. This volcanic island is one of the Lesser Sunda Islands, which is found just east of the popular tourist island of Bali. The sea separating the two islands is called the Lombok Strait.

Wondering how to get here? Below is a quick up-to-date guide on the best ways to get to the island.

By Boat
As of 2023, there's a new convenient fast boat service from Bali that goes to Lombok each day. This journey takes roughly 1.5 hours.

Instead, you could book a cheap fast boat to Gili Trawangan, and spend a day or two on Gili T, Gili Meno, and Gili Air. Then, take the shuttle boat or public boat from Gili T to Lombok ($1 USD). In my opinion, this is the best way to get to Lombok from Bali as it's cheap and allows you to see the coral reefs of the Gili Islands as well.

Lombok International Airport (LOP)
There are daily flights between Lombok and Denpasar, as well as many other direct routes within Indonesia and internationally (including direct flights from Perth). Airlines flying into Lombok include Garuda, Lion Air, Silk Air, and Trans Nusa.

You can compare the best flights across all of these airlines using CheapOAir for great deals.

GILI TRAWANGAN THINGS TO DO, DRONE PHOTO GILI T

25 Best Things to Do on Lombok Indonesia

Without further ado, let's dive into this epic list of the best things to do on Lombok Indonesia! I haven't ranked this list in any order. So, it'll be up to you to choose your own adventures!

Remember, at the bottom of this post, you'll also find useful information on where to stay during your visit.

1. Mount Rinjani Volcano Trekking

Usually, you'll find Mount Rinjani trekking at the top of nearly everybody's list of what to do on Lombok, and rightly so!

Trekking Mount Rinjani was hands down one of the most epic adventures we had on Lombok.

In fact, I believe that climbing Rinjani is one of the most incredible hiking experiences you can have in South East Asia. The volcanic rim is breathtaking and the spectacular views of the crater lake makes you feel like you're on another planet!

Most treks leave from Senaru, however, less-popular routes are also completed from Tete Batu and Sembalun. If you're chasing the summit, I'd suggest trying to negotiate with local trekking guides in Senaru or in Sembalun.

Otherwise, you can book a hike to the most epic attraction on Lombok Indonesia below.

MOUNT RINJANI CRATER RIM HIKE FOR SUNRISE, SENARU TREKKING TO ACTIVE VOLCANO

2. Visit The Lombok Waterfalls

Just like Bali, Lombok has its own fair share of incredible waterfalls to visit– what do you expect, this is Indonesia!

The best part is that many are flowing year-round, despite the hot Lombok climate in the dry season. In my opinion, the natural beauty of Lombok is its primary attraction. And, checking out some of the waterfall trails is a sure way to experience it.

Some of my favorite adventures in Lombok were the waterfalls. Here are my top seven:

Below I've outlined three of my absolute favorites from that list to get you inspired.

Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep Waterfalls

I'd put money on the fact that you've already seen the impressive Tiu Kelep waterfall before. This incredible waterfall amphitheater has made the rounds on social media and even across waterfall tour banners as far as Bali and Java.

Located in Senaru, in the north of Lombok, Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep waterfalls are two falls on the same, short jungle hike. Out of all of the things to do on the incredible island of Lombok Indonesia, I'd place a visit to these two waterfall attractions near the top.

Lombok Indonesia, Tiu Kelep Waterfall
Tiu Kelep Waterfall
SENDANG GILE WATERFALL SENARU
Sendang Gile Waterfall

Benang Stokel and Benang Kelambu Waterfalls

Another set of waterfalls that is value for time and money are Central Lombok highlights, Benang Stokel and Benang Kelambu. Although they are located in the same geopark, the two waterfalls are vastly different.

Benang Kelambu is a curtain-like layer of flowing water and dense jungle plants. The other, Benang Stokel is a set of three plunging waterfalls in a wide jungle clearing.

Book in advance: Benang Kelambu & Benang Stokel Waterfall Trek (from Senggigi or Mataram)

Even if you have heard of these waterfalls before, you might be surprised to hear that there are actually another 3 hidden waterfalls here too.

BENANG STOKEL WATERFALL LOMBOK ISLAND
BENANG KELAMBU WATERFALL, LOMBOK INDONESIA

Mangku Sakti Waterfall

Visiting Mangku Sakti waterfall ended up being one of my favorite things to do on Lombok Indonesia. Located in the north close to the trekking town of Sembalun, Mangku Sakti has several levels of fast-flowing rapids and a large main waterfall.

The best part about this one is that you can climb inside and behind the waterfall in a small rocky cave!

MANGKU SAKTI WATERFALL NEAR SEMBALUN, LOMBOK
Mangku Sakti Waterfall

3. Explore the Senggigi Coastline

Senggigi was once the tourist capital of Lombok. However, the main tourist hub has now shifted from the west coast to the south (Kuta Lombok).

These days, you'll discover a chill beach vibe with plenty of small cafes and warungs. There's a main street wrapping along the coastline which is the perfect place to explore if you feel like beach hopping.

To see the best of Senggigi, I'd suggest renting a motorbike or scooter (with drop-off), which costs between 50,000-70,000 Rupiah per day and riding to all the beautiful beaches near Senggigi.

While you can catch a wave on a good day, the Senggigi beaches are more reserved for chilling, with calm, clear waters. Nevertheless, it's one of my favorite coastlines in Indonesia, and definitely worth an entry on your list of Lombok things to do and places to visit.

Senggigi Beach near Senggigi Bay on the west coast of Lombok
Main road on Sengiggi, Lombok Indonesia
NIPPAH BEACH, PANTAI NIPPAH LOMBOK

4. Visit the Tete Batu Rice Terraces

I've said it before but, Tete Batu is as close to Ubud as you'll get on Lombok. Complete with rice terraces, small cafes, waterfalls, and short hikes, Tete Batu is one of the most scenic Lombok tourist attractions.

Tete Batu is a small village that is the best place on Lombok to relax and unwind. Here, you'll also catch a great view of Rinjani but there are also plenty of opportunities for waterfall chasing.

Book: Tetebatu Rice Terraces Private Tour (includes waterfall and Monkey Forest)

LOMBOK RICE TERRACES IN TETE BATU
LOMBOK RICE TERRACES IN TETE BATU

5. Visit The Gili Islands

Since they're super easy to reach from Bali, The Gili Islands of Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air are often mistaken for Balinese islands.

However, the Gili Islands are located on the northern coast of Lombok, which makes these islands a convenient transit location from Bali.

On the tiny island of Gili T, you'll find great snorkeling and scuba diving, abundant marine life, calm, white sand beaches, lively bars, night markets, and some magical sunsets.

Book: Best of Gili Islands Snorkeling Day Trip (from Lombok)

There are loads of day trips available to book from Lombok, which works out well if you want to cram as much adventure into your trip as possible.

Gili Trawangan Beach Drone Photo near Gili Air
GILI TRAWANGAN SNORKELING WITH A TURTLE AND CORAL REEFS

6. Discover the "Secret" Gili Islands

Want island vibes but looking for what to do on Lombok that are more off the typical gringo trail? The "Secret Gili" Islands in the south of Lombok Indonesia will be your answer.

Many people are surprised to hear that Lombok actually has several islands all around its coast. The three I'd recommend are located off the quiet shores of Sekotong.

Book in advance: Secret Gili Islands Trip

There are several tours running here from Kuta beach, or you can make your way to Sekotong yourself and hop on a shared island-hopping trip to Gili Kedis, Gili Nanggu, and Gili Sudak.

GILI NANGGU LOMBOK

7. Gili Kedis Camping Trip

One of my absolute favorite experiences on Lombok was a camping trip to the tiny sandbar island of Gili Kedis.

The island is so tiny that you'd almost assume it would disappear at high tide! We finished off a great island-hopping day at the "Secret Gilis" by playing guitar and cooking a fresh BBQ at our private sandbar campsite. If you're looking for a raw, off-the-beaten-path travel experience in Lombok, make sure to spend a night out on Gili Kedis.

You can contact Feel Lombok and tell you that Olly from We Seek Travel sent you for a good deal.

GILI KEDIS LOMBOK, SUNSET
GILI KEDIS ISLAND CAMPING LOMBOK

8. Lombok Pink Beach

One of the most unique beaches on Lombok is Pink Beach, wedged in the southeast corner of Lombok, in the Ekas Peninsula.

A visit to Pink Beach will mean that you'll get to see a rare phenomenon only possible in select parts of the world. The other Pink Beach is in Komodo, but you don't have to go that far to see one!

The water at Pink Beach Lombok is crystal clear, and there are some nice little jump rocks too.

This beach takes over an hour to reach from Kuta Lombok, so a visit will most likely be a whole-day trip. Even so, if you've got the time, I'd suggest making the effort. Even with the pink sand aside, this part of Lombok is one of the most scenic in terms of coastal landscapes.

Book: Pink Beach and Southeast Gilis Day Tour (from Senggigi, Kuta, or Mataram)

PINK BEACH LOMBOK

9. Pergasinginan Hill Sunrise Hike

Mount Rinjani isn't the only opportunity on Lombok for some epic mountain views. Another favorite hike is Pergasingan Hill, located in the mountain town of Sembalun.

The trek itself is quite steep, but shouldn't take more than a few hours for the return trip. I'd suggest leaving early since the sunrise views from the top are incredible!

You won't require a guide to reach the top of Pergasingan Hill. However, you can choose to camp at the top with the help of some local tour guides. This blog has some useful information for camping on Pergasingan Hill.

Or, Book locally: Pergasingan Hill Trek

SEMBULAN VILLAGE NEAR RINJANI

10. Bukit Selong Ricefield Viewpoint

While we're on the topic of hikes and viewpoints why not consider the Bukit Selong viewpoint over the carpeted Sembalun ricefields?

Unlike the previous two, this Lombok viewpoint doesn't require much hiking, just a quick walk up the hill at the back of town.

Bukit Selong is a great place to visit for either sunrise or sunset, and even though it's not very high, the views are pretty spectacular.

BUKIT SELONG VIEWPOINT OVER THE RICE FIELDS IN EASTERN LOMBOK

11. Explore the Rest of Sembalun and Senaru - North Lombok

You may have noticed that many of the items on this list of epic things to do on Lombok have been in the north. In terms of adventure travel, the north of Lombok has plenty of variety and countless things to do.

For off-the-beaten-path travel, I'd suggest spending a couple of days in Sembalun to explore the waterfalls, rice fields, and epic hikes and viewpoints.

MOTORBIKE IN SEMBALUN VILLAGE LOMBOK

11. Malase Hill Sunset Viewpoint

Although not typically visited by tourists, Malase has both beaches and viewpoints worth visiting.

The coastal village of Malase is situated only a few minutes south of Senggigi center. To reach the Malase Hill (Bukit Malase) sunset viewpoint, you'll need to follow the winding roads up and behind the village.

Viewpoint 1: 8° 30' 51.81" S 116° 5' 29.796" E
Viewpoint 2 (Bukit Marese): 8° 30' 44.232" S 116° 4' 29.184" E

There are two great spots to visit where you can enjoy the sunset over the water. However, these aren't pinned on Google Maps. If you have a motorcycle or scooter, you'll have time to visit both viewpoints - just copy and paste these coordinates into Google Maps.

12. Try Kopi Rachik (Spiced Lombok Coffee)

If you make the short coastal trip from Senggigi to Malase, then I'd highly recommend stopping by at Henry's Warung, on Google as "Kedai Mamiq" for some lunch and coffee.

Here, you'll be able to buy great food at a local price and have the opportunity to taste Henry's secret spiced coffee recipe. Through Henry, I met some of my best friends on Lombok who taught me a lot about local culture and showed us some amazing spots.

I've written a full coffee article and made a video about the traditional coffee-making practices if you're interested in learning more about this unique cultural experience on Lombok Indonesia.

AMPENAN COFFEE LOMBOK

12. Lombok Monkey Forest

Similarly to Bali, Lombok has its own thriving populations of Macaque and also a few Javan Lutung (black monkeys). If you're planning to stay or make a day trip to Tete Batu, then you'll nearly be certain to spot a few macaques.

If not, then you could also visit the Lombok Monkey Forest, (Baun Pusuk) located roughly 45 minutes from the main beach at Senggigi. This is a relatively new Lombok attraction but one that is quickly gaining popularity. The road here is sealed and in good condition, and you'll have plenty of opportunities to stop and take some photos of the rice fields and local villages on the way.

The Lombok Monkey Forest can be found at the top of a mountain pass, with plenty of places to park a car or motorbike. Even if you're not that interested in the Macaques, the view from the top and the ride here is worth the effort.

MACAQUE MONKEY AT THE LOMBOK MONKEY FOREST, BAUN PUSUK

13. Explore the Sekotong Peninsula - (Lombok Hidden Gem)

Although it's arguably one of the least visited regions of Lombok, Sekotong is a place full of adventure.

From white sandy beaches, thousands of islands with crystal clear water to explore, and one of the best coastal roads to drive on in Lombok, Sekotong should definitely be added to your Lombok itinerary.

ELAK ELAK BEACH AND GILI MILU ISLANDS, SEKOTONG, LOMBOK
GILI KEDIS LOMBOK, ISLAND HOPPING SEKOTONG

14. Surfing at Kuta Lombok

Since it's one of the closest tourist hubs to the new International Airport, Kuta Lombok has become the go-to travel destination on Lombok. Since the southern coast of Lombok gets the best waves, the best things to do here usually involve surfing and water sports.

There are plenty of beaches and breaks that cater to both advanced and beginner surfers.

While Kuta Lombok beach on the southern coast is one of the most popular, I recommend checking out Segar, Gerupuk, Are Guling, Mawi, and Selong Belanak beaches for good breaks. You'll be able to rent a board for a few hours or even a week if you want at most beaches.

MAWI BEACH SURF SPOT, SURFING BEACHES KUTA LOMBOK

14. Check Out the Best Beaches in South Lombok

Even if you're not surfing, Kuta Lombok and the southern peninsula is still a treasure trove of epic beaches.

The best part is that most of the beaches aren't packed or busy. In fact, some of the best beaches on Lombok island that were only a short moped ride from Kuta Lombok were completely empty! d

16. Semeti Hills

The Semeti Hills, also known as Bukit Semeti, is a set of jagged coastal cliffs and natural pyramids on the south coast of Lombok. It's one of the most beautiful parts of the southern coastline and in my opinion one of the best Lombok tourist attractions worth visiting when in the south.

Visiting the Semeti Hills viewpoint is a great way to end a beach-hopping trip from Kuta Lombok, as it's a great option to watch the sunset. There's also a good little cliff-jumping spot around the corner, as well as a small beach cave.

SEMETI HILLS VIEWPOINT, BUKIT, PANTAI SEMETI

18. Bukit Merese Viewpoint

In terms of sunset spots in Kuta Lombok, the Merese Hill viewpoint near Tanjung Aan beach is easily the most popular– and for good reason.

Bukit Merese only takes about 15 minutes to reach via moped from the main strip on Kuta Lombok. The viewpoint itself is actually several hills, each looking over the ocean, with views across the southern coastline.

Since the area is quite spread out, it doesn't ever feel like a crowded sunset spot, even though at times it looks as if all of Kuta Lombok is there. Besides the wild monkeys, you'll almost certainly be able to watch the sunset in peace if you venture off to find a remote spot on the hill.

BUKIT MERESE SUNSET VIEWPOINT KUTA LOMBOK

19. Kuta Lombok Bat Cave - Bangkang Cave

If you thought that you'd seen all the attractions and things to do on Lombok Indonesia, think again. Other than epic beaches, viewpoints, hikes, and tourist attractions, Lombok also has its very own cave systems too.

Although quite small, the Kuta Lombok Bat Cave is home to thousands of small nocturnal bats. Located only 10 minutes from Kuta Lombok, the bat cave is a perfect attraction stop on the way to some of the popular beaches like Pantai Mawun or Selong Belanak.

BANGKANG CAVE, KUTA LOMBOK BAT CAVE

20. Nambung Beach Waterfall

Here's something a little unique yet again. Approximately an hour's ride from Kuta Lombok is a strange phenomenon that is famous amongst locals.

As the tide rushes out and waves pound the rocky shores of Nambung Beach, a natural "beach waterfall" appears. While it's not a freshwater waterfall, it's still a pretty cool spot to check out. If you do, make sure you bring a mask and snorkel, as there are literally dozens of turtles swimming around Nambung Beach!

NAMBUNG BEACH WATERFALL, LOMBOK

21. Mekaki Beach

In my opinion, one of the best beaches in Lombok is Mekaki Beach. This beach reminds me a little of those on Nusa Penida, with thick, deep sand and jagged, Jurassic cliffs edged by amazing turquoise waters. I'm serious- the water here is seriously blue. However, it can get a little rough when the swell picks up.

Mekaki Beach is located on the southern shores of Sekotong, which requires a little long, but well-worth ride if you're staying in Kuta Lombok.

Even if you don't swim, checking out the beach is still one of the best free things to do on Lombok!

DRONE LOMBOK BEACH

22. Drive the Epic New Coastal Road

Just before the road to Mekaki Beach is a newly constructed, long, winding coastal road. Known as "the new road", it makes for one of the most scenic drives in Lombok.

The road is in incredible condition. This means you’ll be excused if you divert your eyes to enjoy the coastal views! There are plenty of opportunities to park your bikes and grab some panoramic shots from the mountains.

My advice is to take the road east after leaving Pantai Mekaki. Then, follow it all the way around before diverting North back to Lembar.

MOUNTAIN ROAD SOUTH COAST LOMBOK

23. Malimbu Hill Viewpoint

If you're staying in Senggigi, then you'll actually get a better sunset than those in Kuta Lombok, since the sun will set right out on the ocean's horizon.

The best sunset viewpoint in Senggigi is Malimbu Hill. This is a small, barren headland with a few leaning palms and one of the best attractions in Lombok Indonesia for those searching for unbeatable sunsets. Like most of the places in Senggigi, it's usually pretty quiet, and the view is spectacular!

MALIMBU HILL VIEWPOINT SENGGIGI SUNSET

24. Take the 4-Day Boat Trip to Komodo

If you're traveling Lombok on an open schedule, and you've got some time in Indonesia, then I'd highly recommend taking the 4-day 3-night boat trip from Lombok to Komodo Island. This is definitely one of the best experiences you can have in Lombok and maybe even in all of Indonesia!

This trip was one of the most epic experiences I had in Indonesia, and was ridiculously good value for money. Costing only 2.3 million Rupiah, the boat includes accommodation, food, transport, access to all the Komodo highlights (including Padar Island and seeing the amazing Komodo Dragons) as well as all National Park fees.

You can book directly with Wanua Adventures, or, alternatively, let the guys at Feel Lombok organize it for you for the same price.

Read More: Lombok to Komodo Boat Guide

BOAT TRIP IN KOMODO NATIONAL PARK, INDONESIA

25. Go White Water Rafting at Jangkok River

Visiting Lombok during the dry season? You're in luck because this is the best time to go rafting at Batu Mekar.

This is a beautiful clean river running through tropical rainforest surroundings on a 6.5-kilometer route. The river offers class III rapids, meaning this is a fun and appropriate activity for beginners!

Lombok Accommodation Guide - Where to Stay

So, now that you've got some good ideas for things to do on Lombok Indonesia, why not save some travel cash by booking these accommodation options in advance?

I've broken this accommodation guide into sections for each area of Lombok Island so you can better orientate yourself. I've also listed several hotel and hostel options ranging from luxury hotels and resorts to budget dorms and guest houses.

However, each is close to the best Lombok attractions, activities, and hidden gems in each of the main Lombok tourist areas.

South Lombok

South Lombok is all about awesome surf spots and picturesque beaches. Here are the best picks.

Where to Stay in Kuta Lombok

  • Rascals Hotel - Adults Only - the 3-star hotel features an outdoor swimming pool, restaurant, and terrace. It offers a quiet and relaxing atmosphere being an adult-only hotel. With a great location, Rascals Hotel ticks the boxes for a great place to stay. 
  • Martas Windows - boasting authentic Indonesian bungalow villa-style rooms. This is any Instagrammer's dream place to stay. The rooms are large and the outdoor swimming pool is the perfect place to relax. Located in the heart of Kuta it really doesn’t get much better!
  • Origin Lombok  - Origin has a swimming pool with a sun terrace as well as lush gardens to relax by. This spot is centrally located and features an on-site restaurant. One of the best picks in Kuta Lombok for sure!
ORIGIN KUTA LOMBOK INDONESIA

West Lombok

West Lombok is often a gateway to Lombok for travelers coming in from Bali or the Gili islands via boat. Senggiggi is often the best place to stay, with awesome resorts, hotels, and backpacker hostels dotting the coast.

However, if you're looking for a more remote location, you'll find great deals on accommodation in Sekotong.

Where to Stay in Senggigi

  • Katamaran Hotel & Resort - those wanting a resort experience go no further! The Katamaran Hotel & Resort ticks all the boxes, boasting a swimming pool, wellness center, and on-site restaurant you won't ever want to leave.
  • Cozy Cottages Lombok - this villa-style cottage accommodation screams relaxation. It is located just 600 m from Mangsit Beach and has an on-site restaurant. The outdoor swimming pool is surrounded by luscious gardens that provide a  tranquil experience.
  • Bale Mandala Villas - a great option for those traveling in large groups or families. The villas can sleep up to 10 people and some include a private pool. A fully equipped kitchen and beautifully designed lounge areas make this a perfect choice. It is a short 1.6km walk to Senggigi beach.
PASIFIC BACH COTTAGES LOMBOK INDONESIA ACCOMMODATION

Where to Stay in Sekotong

Since this regency is a little tucked away. To save money on transport, I’d recommend staying in this largely unexplored part of Lombok Indonesia for a couple of nights to check out all the best things to do. Here are my top picks for budget accommodation.

  • Cocotinos Sekotong Lombok - The property overlooks the incredible secret Gilli islands, has a large outdoor beachfront pool, a wellness center, and has its very own digital nomad video editing room. A great choice for those wanting a quiet location.
  • Krisna Bungalows and Restaurant - located in Pelangan, not too far from Sekotong harbor. Each double room is equipped with a fan and bathroom and is conveniently located in a quiet area. You’ll also get a free breakfast.
  • Silver Fern Beach Retreat if you’re looking for a place in Lombok Indonesia to escape the crowds, meet some great people and unwind by the swimming pool, then this is it. Breakfast is included and the owners can organize loads of tours and activities in Lombok
Resort in Sekotong, Lombok

North Lombok

The two main areas to stay in north Lombok are Senaru and Sembalun. These are two great places to stay for hiking, especially if you want to climb Mount Rinjani or Pergasingan Hill.

You’ll also find some of the best waterfalls in this region, including Tiu Teja, Sendang Gile, and Mangku Sakti waterfalls.

Where to Stay in Senaru

  • Rinjani Lodge - the perfect option for those wanting a luxurious experience surrounded by mountains. Boasting 2 outdoor swimming pools and breakfast delivered to your room Rinjani Lodge sits at the top of the list. 
  • Pondok Guru Bakti Cottage - the homestay you didn’t know you needed! With incredible views over the mountains from the infinity pool Pondok Guru Bakti Cottage is a hidden gem with Tiu Kelep Waterfall just a short 1 km walk from the property.
  • Tiu Kelep Homestay - This one is located literally across the road from Tiu Kelep and Sendang Gile waterfalls. The owner is super friendly, offers free unlimited coffee and tea, breakfast, and can also organize waterfall, or Rinjani trekking tours. A double room is the cheapest in Senaru at only $7 per night.
Senaru Lodge in Lombok

Where to Stay in Sembalun

Sembalun village isn’t exactly the most touristy location on Lombok. However, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t any great guest houses or hotels available.

  • Bukit Tiga Lima Boutique Hotel - the location is hard to beat with impeccable views over the surrounding rice fields. The 3-star hotel features triangular rooms with BBQ facilities and an included breakfast. Perfect for couples wanting to relax away from the bustling center.
  • Radiya Guesthouse - one of the best-value accommodation options in Sembalun. The rooms are small, but very clean and have everything you need. There’s unlimited free coffee and tea, as well as a free breakfast included.
  • Sembalun Kita Cottage - set among the mountains the Sembulan Kita Cottage offers its guests incredible views from its rooms, hot water, free breakfasts, and the option of sleeping in a 100-year-old traditional Indonesian house.
Sembalun accommodation

Lombok Indonesia Guide: Travel Tips & Info

I hope you enjoyed that long list of epic adventures and attractions on Lombok. Before you head out and explore the island, check out some of the useful travel tips and information below to better plan your visit.

When is the Best Time to Visit Lombok?

The climate in Lombok island is distinguished by two primary seasons; the dry season and the rainy season. It has a tropical climate meaning temperature stays relatively the same all year round.

While Lombok is Bali's sister island, it doesn't receive as much rainfall and is generally drier.

Dry Season: April to October
Locals refer to this period as "summer" even though it is technically in the southern hemisphere. That's because the weather is generally drier and more beach-friendly.

Rainy Season: October to March
The best time to explore Lombok if you want to get the most out of the epic waterfalls! The weather during these months are a little sticky and humid but enjoyable!

The best time to visit Lombok would fall between July and August. However, this is the peak travel season, so visiting in the shoulder season of October and March is also a good idea!

LOMBOK PINK BEACH, INDONESIA

Getting Around on Lombok

Lombok is generally quite easy to get around. I choose to rent a motorbike because it is cheap and this is how most of the local people get around.

However, you can also rent a car, pay a taxi driver, arrange a private driver for the day, or book organized day tours to the best places on the island. Unfortunately, there is a lack of bus transport on Lombok Indonesia. But, thankfully renting a bike or car is quite cheap.

If you'd prefer to book organized tours, I recommend searching Get Your Guide and Klook. They are the two most trusted booking sources on Lombok and since the pandemic, they offer free cancellations on all bookings.

riding a motorcycle on Lombok

Is Lombok Worth Visiting?

If you can't guess my answer by now, then I'll assume you've skipped the article altogether. Yes, of course, Lombok is worth visiting! In fact, I'd recommend it over Bali and other famous Indonesian islands for a few reasons.

  • Lombok is still somewhat a hidden gem - there aren't crowds of tourists yet
  • The people of Lombok are some of the friendliest on earth
  • Lombok is one of the best surf destinations in Indonesia
MEKAKI BEACH SEKOTONG SOUTH LOMBOK

More Lombok Photos

Did you enjoy this guide to visiting Lombok? It's one of my favorite adventure travel destinations on earth. Here are some more Lombok photos that I've captured during my visit.

AMPENAN COFFEE LOMBOK
SUNSET MALASE VILLAGE LOMBOK
KOPI RACHK MAMIQ
TRADITIONAL COFFEE ROASTING WITH SAND IN LOMBOK INDONESIA
TIU SEKEPER WATERFALL IN CENTRAL LOMBOK
COLLECTING RUBBISH WITH LOCAL KIDS AT MAWUN BEACH, KUTA LOMBOK
DRONE VIEW FROM PERGASINGAN HILL SEMBALUN, LOMBOK HIKE
GILI NANGGU SNORKELING
GILI KEDIS LOMBOK, ISLAND HOPPING SEKOTONG
BENANG KELAMBU WATERFALL, LOMBOK INDONESIA

After Lombok Indonesia: More Things to do & Travel Guides

I really hope that you've enjoyed this comprehensive travel guide to the best things to do on Lombok Indonesia! My goal as always is to inspire you to adventure and make the most of your trips.

If you have any suggestions for epic adventures in Lombok including more attractions, activities or hidden gems, or if you have any questions about visiting Lombok, then make sure to leave them in the comments below.

For now, why not check out some of my other travel guides and blogs for Indonesia below?

THINGS TO DO ON LOMBOK, MOUNT RINJANI

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12 Epic Things to Do on Gili Trawangan https://www.weseektravel.com/gili-trawangan-things-to-do/ https://www.weseektravel.com/gili-trawangan-things-to-do/#comments Tue, 18 May 2021 23:12:00 +0000 https://www.weseektravel.com/?p=4938 Discover all of the epic things to do on Gili …

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Discover all of the epic things to do on Gili Trawangan, from snorkeling to world-class sunset spots, and more. A complete travelers travel guide to Gili T including all attractions, activities, where to stay, and more!

Gili Trawangan is well connected via fast boats and therefore, serves as the perfect in-between destination for backpackers and travelers moving from Bali to Lombok or vice-versa. However, with all the epic things to do on Gili Trawangan, it has quickly become a highlight destination rather than a quick stopover.

Gili Trawangan is the most popular of the famous Gili Islands in the north of Lombok. Known also as Gili T, there are just so many things to do on this incredible Indonesian island. From wreck snorkeling, swimming with turtles, and exploring the island by bike, one thing is for sure, you won’t run out of activities on Gili T!

In this blog post, I will reveal all of the best things to do on Gili T based on my own experience exploring the island. I’ve also included a bunch of photos from my trip that I hope will inspire you to visit this incredible island paradise.

How to Get to Gili Trawangan and the Gili Islands

If you want to get to Gili Trawangan and the Gili islands, then it will depend on where you are coming from. Here’s a quick guide to get to Gili Trawangan from Bali and from Lombok.

Gili Trawangan, Things to do, Gili T Island Aerial Lombok,

Getting to the Gili Islands From Bali

The most popular route to get to the Gili Islands is from Bali. There are several fast boats that operate from the port of Padang Bai, approximately 1.5 hours from Kuta or the International Airport.

Bali to Gili Trawangan Fast Boat Cost: 350K – 450K

If you want to save time, I’d recommend booking this fast boat in advance. This boat ride ncludes complimentary pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle from your accommodation in and around Denpasar, including Kuta and Seminyak (click the link for more details).

Alternatively, for those traveling at a backpacker’s pace, there is a public ferry that runs from Padang Bai every hour. This is much cheaper, at only 40 000 per person. However, the ferry is much, much slower, taking about 5 hours in total from Padang bai.

Furthermore, you’ll need to remember that this doesn’t include a shuttle to the port. So, if you’re packed and ready to explore all the epic adventures Gili Trawangan, then I’d suggest just taking the fast boat.

Book Gili T: 3 Day Island Private Tour From Bali

Getting to the Gili Islands from Lombok

If you’re already in Lombok, then you can expect a much shorter and cheaper journey to Gili Trawangan. There are several fast boats and a public ferry that operate from Bangsal Harbor.

At the harbor, there is a ticket office that is open from 8.00 AM until 4:30 PM where you can buy a shuttle boat ticket for around 20 000 per person. The journey takes about 45 minutes to an hour and leaves when the boat is full.

Book Gili T: Full-Day Tour From Lombok

GILI TRAWANGAN BEACH DRONE PHOTO

Best Things to do on Gili Trawangan

With that out of the way, let’s jump into the full list of what to do on Gili Trawangan. I haven’t ranked this list in any specific order, so you’ll just need to pick and choose the Gili Trawangan adventures that sound good to you.

Below I’ve also included some links to some of the best-rated tours and experiences on Gili Trawangan for those that prefer to have something booked in advance.

1. Snorkeling on Gili Trawangan

Let’s start with the most popular of the things to do on Gili Trawangan (besides chugging a Bintang). The island is surrounded by incredibly crystal clear waters and healthy coral reefs.

There are also what seems like hundreds of sea turtles that laze around Gili Trawangan and the surrounding Indonesian Islands. For these reasons, snorkeling is one of the funnest activities Gili Trawangan.

Tip: There are loads of turtles on these small islands. If you’re heading to Gili Meno, you could also check out the turtle sanctuary!

Gili Trawangan Snorkeling from Beach

What’s great about Gili T snorkeling is that you can just walk straight into the water from the beach and be surrounded by healthy marine life.

If you’re wondering about the best places to snorkel on Gili Trawangan, then you might want to check out my snorkeling guide.

HARD CORAL ON GILI TRAWANGAN
Snorkeling on Gili Trawangan

Gili Trawangan Snorkeling Trip

If you’d prefer to be shown some of the best snorkeling sites around Gili Trawangan and the other Gili Islands like Gili Meno and Gili Air, then you can also book a snorkeling day trip.

You’ll find tour vendors scattered everywhere around Gili T. They ask for 10 000 rupiah per person for a full day trip, which is pretty good value. However, if you’ve got a big crew, then you could probably talk this down a little.

Keep in mind that these trips are shared with dozens of other snorkelers. I understand that many people would understandably prefer a private boat tour. If that sounds like you, then I’d recommend this half-day snorkeling trip that you can book in advance.

This tour is one of the best-rated online and visits the best spots!

GILI TRAWANGAN SNORKELING, TURTLE ON GILI T

2. Watch The Famous Gili T Sunset

After a long day of snorkeling and exploring, the best way to unwind is to enjoy the world-famous Gili Trawangan sunset. The best places to view the sunset are on the Northwest or west side of Gili Trawangan.

On a clear day, you can watch the sun slowly creep behind Mount Agung in the distance and cast its fleeting rays onto the shallow coral waters. It’s true that the sunset in this part of the world is something else! That’s why watching the sunset is one of the best things to do on Gili Trawangan and something we did nightly!

Gili Trawangan Sunset Point
WATCH SUNSET ON GILI TRAWANGAN

3. Eat at the Night Market

This isn’t a food blog, but checking out the night market is still one of the coolest things to do on Gili Trawangan.

There are fish, meat, and vegetable skewers and a wide range of epic side dishes to go with it. The Gili Trawangan night market is located just past Sama Sama Reggae Bar. You’ll find it pinned on Google Maps as ” Trawangan Night Market”.

Locals cook all the food at the market on scolding BBQ coals and everyone gathers around a communal-style park eating area. It’s here that you’ll find the best value food on the island, and there are plenty of options to try.

I usually went with a vegetable skewer with 4-side dishes and rice for 20 000 IDR.

THINGS TO DO ON GILI TRAWANGAN, EAT AT THE NIGHT MARKET
Gili Trawangan Night Market

4. Workout on the Beach at the Free Beach Gym

I get it, a workout is probably one of the last things you’d want to do on Gili Trawangan and on your holiday. However, if you’ve been traveling for a while or enjoy a morning workout, then there’s a free beach gym located right in front of Blue Marine Dive Shop.

There are chin-up and dip bars, a bench, some mats, and a few weights to use. It might not be a lot, but it’s definitely enough to get a good workout in. In the early morning, there’s usually no one here, so you can pretty much have all the equipment to yourself.

Also, if you get up early enough, you can even catch the sunrise on this side of the beach.

BEACH GYM THINGS TO DO ON GILI TRAWANGAN
Gili Trawangan Beach Gym

5. Rent a Bike to Get Around

Pumped after your morning beach workout and ready to explore?

By far, the best way to get around on Gili Trawangan is to rent a bike. Typically, vendors were charging around 40 000 per day for a bicycle. However, with a bit of bargaining, you can probably get this down to about 25 000 per day.

Once you’ve got your wheels, you can easily and quickly explore this beautiful tiny island!

Tip: Make sure to also check if your accommodation offers free or discounted bike rental!

RIDE A BIKE AROUND GILI TRAWANGAN
Riding bikes through the middle of the island

6. Scuba Dive

When you first arrive at Gili Trawangan, you’ll notice the endless array of dive shops almost immediately. That’s because scuba diving is one of the most popular things to do on Gili Trawangan.

If you’re already certified, there are some epic dive sites including Shark Point, Manta Point, and the Gili Wreck; Meno Bounty.

For those that have a little more time, it’s also possible to get your PADI or SSI scuba license over 5 days. Due to the popularity and supply of dive shops, Gili Trawangan is one of the cheapest places in the world to get certified. So, if you’ve been thinking about it, now’s the time!

Out of all the dive shops on Gili Trawangan, I’d recommend Manta Dive Gili T. They are one of the largest and most professional dive shops on the island. I’ve also recommended them because they did great work to help out with emergency relief and rebuilding following the earthquake.

SCUBA DIVING BEST THINGS TO DO ON GILI TRAWANGAN

7. Try Not to Get Run Over By a Horse Drawn Carriage

There are no cars or motorbikes on Gili Trawangan. In fact, there are no motorized vehicles at all! As a result, most people get around on bikes. There are also several horse carts which are known as “Cidomo”.

You’ll definitely need to watch out when you’re walking or riding around, as they can come screaming around corners unannounced.

You’ll need to use your own judgment on whether you’d want to actually pay for horse riding. I decided that I’d prefer not to use them, considering how overworked the horses looked.

However, the Gili Eco Trust is working with local Cidomo drivers to take better care of the island horses.

8. Go Island Hopping To Gili Meno and Gili Air

Some of the best things to do on Gili Trawangan aren’t actually on Gili T at all! If you’re on the Gili Islands, then it’d be a shame if you didn’t get to experience Gili Meno or Gili Air too!

To get between Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air, it costs 35 000 per person for a one-way boat ticket.

I know this is more expensive than the much longer shuttle boat to Lombok! However, I’m sure that you’d understand how tourist demand plays into this pricing.

Regardless, at the end of the day, the cost to explore more of the Gili Islands isn’t that much. If you’ve only got time for one, then I’d recommend going to Gili Meno for the epic, turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and awesome snorkeling spots around the island.

GILI- ISLANDS - GILI TRAWANGAN, AIR, MENO
GILI TRAWANGAN SNORKELING TRIP
GILI TRAWANGAN BEACH

9. Explore the Island Interior

One of the most overlooked things to do on Gili Trawangan is to head inland. I understand that the beaches and reefs are hard to leave, but if you want to see what real island life is like, you’ll have to take a walk or bike ride to the interior.

There are fields of symmetrical palm trees and super scenic roads.

If you’ve already spent plenty of time on the beach, then I’d recommend taking one of the interior roads when you head for sunset on the west side of Gili Trawangan. This way, you’ll probably save time and get to experience the island interior at the same time!

PALM TREES ON GILI TRAWANGAN

Don’t Miss: Nusa Penida (my favorite island)


10. Gili Trawangan Beach Cleanup

While you’re on Gili Trawangan, one of the most helpful things you can do is to dispose of your trash properly. For those extra passionate about limiting plastic pollution, you can join in on the weekly Gili Trawangan Beach Cleanup.

The beach cleanup starts at 5 PM sharp every Friday night in front of the Gili Teah Restaurant. It’s organized by the awesome guys and girls at the Gili Eco Trust.

This is a great way to help out, meet some like-minded travelers and best of all, you’ll get a free beer at the end!

The Gili Eco Trust doesn’t only do beach cleanups. They do great work on the Gili Islands, building the first recycling facility in 2014 and helping the community rebuild with recyclable bricks. If you want to find out more, you can visit their website at the link above.

Gili T Cleanup Gili Eco Trust
Gili T Cleanup Gili Eco Trust

11. Gili Trawangan Hilltop – The Highest Views You’ll Get on Gili T

As you can probably see from the drone photos, the Gili Islands are really flat. However, there is one hill on Gili Trawangan that is worth climbing.

The Gili Trawangan Hilltop Viewpoint is the highest point on the island. From the top, you’ll get expansive 360-degree views over the Gili Islands, Lombok, and even out to mainland Bali.

It’s not super tall, only around 100 meters in elevation. Still, chilling on the top of this hill is going to offer one of the best sunset spots on Gili T island!

Gili Trawangan Viewpoint Hilltop Sunset

12. Listen to Live Music at the Sama Sama Reggae Bar

The Sama Sama reggae bar is on most lists of things to do on Gili Trawangan for a reason.

Many people visit the Gilis every year because of the nightlife. If you prefer live music over nightclubs like me, then you won’t be disappointed by the Sama Sama Reggae Bar, located close to the Gili T Boar Harbour.

13. Indonesian Cooking Class on Gili Trawangan

If you search the best-rated tours and activities on Gili T, you’ll find this particular cooking class right at the top. It’s also mentioned in tonnes of blogs and even in the Lonely Planet guide!

The class is called Sweet and Spicy, and focuses on traditional Indonesian cooking. Of course, you’ll learn the basics with common dishes like Nasi Goreng. But, you’ll also be taught some interesting combinations that you can keep making easily on your travels through South East Asia.

Indonesia cooking class with fire

Where to Stay on Gili Trawangan – Quick Accommodation Guide

Being a small island, the best places to stay are usually along the beach, or just a couple of streets down. Accommodation is fairly affordable here.

Below I’ve given you my top three picks for the best places to stay on Gili T for various travel styles and budgets.

  • Gili Eco VillasA luxury, solar-powered beachside getaway. The best-rated hotel on GIli Islands!
  • Tipsea Turtle Rooftop – The most vibing hostel and the best place to meet other travelers on the islands!
  • Kuno Villas – Prefer a private villa? Kuno Villas have the best villas on the island. Let’s just say they are absolutely freaking incredible!
GILI TRAWANGAN BEACH THINGS TO DO

Related: Secret Gilis (from Lombok)


Gili Trawangan Budget Food Guide

For travelers used to Lombok food prices, you might be shocked at the cost of a meal on Gili Trawangan. However, this is understandable considering the entire island is catered to tourism.

However, don’t stress, you can still grab a cheap bite by opting for local food. The night market listed in the above things to do on Gili Trawangan offers good quality budget food. If you eat vegetarian food, you can easily walk away refueled for under 25 000 IDR. Otherwise, expect to pay a little more for fresh seafood or meat.

I also found a great little warung with fair prices just one street back from the beach and the main strip.

You’ll find it on Google Maps under Kafe Kecil’s – Ristorante Italiano. I’m not sure why it has this name since it’s mostly local Indonesian dishes. Meals are around 15-25K, and they even have translated words to help you learn some Bahasa Indonesia.

MORE GILI T PHOTOS

GILI TRAWANGAN BEACH DRONE PHOTO
GILI TRAWANGAN SNORKELING CORAL
GILI TRAWANGAN SNORKELING WITH A TURTLE
STAND UP PADDLEBOARDING, THINGS TO DO ON GILI TRAWANGAN,
BEST THINGS TO DO ON GILI TRAWANGAN IS SNORKELING
Meno Slope on Gili Meno
WAVES CRASHING ON GILI T
Mount Agung Sunset From Gili Trawangan
SNORKELING ON GILI TRAWANGAN
GILI WRECK, MENO BOUNTY GILI TRAWANGAN
SUNSET ON GILI TRAWANGAN, MOUNT AGUNG VIEW
GILI TRAWANGAN SUNSET LOCATION

Beyond GIli Trawangan: More Indonesia Travel Guides

I hope this travel guide featuring the top things to do on Gili Trawangan has been useful for planning your adventures!

While you’re here, below are some more blogs you might enjoy, especially if you’re planning your adventures through Indonesia!

12 EPIC THINGS TO DO IN GILI TRAWANGAN

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Lombok Waterfalls: 7 Best Waterfalls on Lombok Indonesia https://www.weseektravel.com/best-waterfalls-in-lombok/ https://www.weseektravel.com/best-waterfalls-in-lombok/#respond Tue, 11 May 2021 20:48:00 +0000 https://www.weseektravel.com/?p=5359 A quick roundup of the absolute best waterfalls on Lombok! …

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A quick roundup of the absolute best waterfalls on Lombok! Explore some well-known Lombok waterfall highlights like Tiu Kelep, as well as some hidden waterfall gems you won’t find anywhere else online!

Those visiting Lombok from neighboring Bali might not expect to find the large variety of epic waterfalls on offer on Lombok. But, scattered throughout the volcanic island are a diverse range of waterfalls from rainforest giants to refreshing swimming spots.

Although Lombok has a generally drier climate, you’ll still be able to visit many of these waterfalls year-round. In fact, I visited all of these Lombok waterfalls in the dry season and they were all spectacular. However, there were a few falls that I would would miss if you are on Lombok during the dry season. You’ll find them. atthe pbottom of this post.

In this travel guide, I’ll detail some of the best Lombok waterfalls that you should visit on your trip. I’ve also written independent waterfall guides on each of the falls listed so you can click through to find out how to get there, what to expect and to see more photos.

If you’re looking for more adventures or travel inspiration for Lombok, don’t miss my mega-guide to the Best Things to do on Lombok.

Lombok Waterfall Map

Before we get into the list, here is a map to help you find the Lombok waterfalls mentioned in this article.

The Best Waterfalls on Lombok

Alright, let’s not beat around the bush. Here’s my full list of the best waterfalls on Lombok. Again, remember that I visited all of these waterfalls in the dry season.

Still, below the main list, you’ll find a few waterfalls which I would recommend only to visit in the wet season.

1. Batu Santek and Tibu Bunter Waterfalls

Like a few of the waterfalls on Lombok, travelers visiting Batu Santek and Tibu Bunter falls will be rewarded with two waterfalls in the same location!

Reaching Batu Santek and Tibu Bunter Waterfall takes just over an hour on motorbike from Senggigi as well as from Tetebatu. On the way you’ll small villages and large fruit markets.

These waterfalls are hardly visited by tourists, so you’ll almost be guaranteed to have them to yourself.

Batu Santek Waterfall

Batu Santek waterfall is a 10-meter waterfall plunging into a shallow pool. The encaving rock face also has several adjacent streams that create a peaceful ambiance. Although the pool is too shallow for swimming, Batu Santek makes a great spot to chill out and cool off.

BATU SANTEK WATERFALL LOMBOK
BATU SANTEK WATERFALL LOMBOK

Tibu Bunter Waterfall

Only 10 minutes away from Batu Santek waterfall is another secret waterfall named Tibu Bunter. This waterfall is hidden underneath some beautiful rice paddies and has a similar height and shape to Batu Santek.

Again, it’s not the best for swimming, but definitely worth a visit. Check out the drone shot I captured of the waterfall hidden beside the rice fields!

AERIAL DRONE PHOTO OF TIBU BUNTER WATERFALL. LOMBOK RICE PADDIES
TIBU BUNTER FALLS AND RICE PADDIES

READ DETAILED BLOG POST ON HOW TO GET HERE: BATU SANTEK AND TIBU BUNTER WATERFALL – CENTRAL LOMBOK

2. Benang Stokel

Besides Tiu Kelep and Sendang Gile waterfalls, Benang Kelambu and Benang Stokel are some of the best and most popular waterfalls on Lombok. Most probably agree that these two are the best waterfalls in central Lombok.

You’ll find these waterfalls located approximately 1.5 hours from Senggigi, or about 45 minutes from Tetebatu. I rode here myself from Senggigi after visiting Tibu Bunter and Batu Santek falls. However, you can also organize a waterfall day-tour from Senggigi, Tete Batu or even Kuta Lombok.

Benang Stokel is located in a large clearing and is actually made up of three, high-falling flows of water. However, in the dry season, expect only two streams to actually be flowing. Although in my opinion, this one is not as impressive as Benang Kelambu, it’s quite unique and definitely worth visiting.

3. Benang Kelambu

After a quick walk through the dense banana plantations and a small descent, you’ll reach Benang Kelambu waterfall. This one is one of the most unique waterfalls on Lombok, if not the world!

Rather than plunging flows of water, Benang Kelambu flows in gentle sheets down a green carpet of lush vegetation. Here, you’ll find a deep, albeit man-made swimming pool, as well as some hidden jungle spots to shower underneath the waterfall.

BENANG STOKEL AND BENANG KELAMBU WATERFALLS, NORTH LOMBOK WATERFALLS, THINGS TO DO
BENANG KELAMBU WATERFALL LOMBOK

READ THE COMPLETE BLOG POST ON HOW TO GET TO BENANG STOKEL AND BENANG KELAMBU WATERFALLS HERE

4. Kilwun and Sesere Waterfalls

You might be surprised to find out that there are in fact 3 other waterfalls that can be found at the same location as Benang Stokel and Benang Kelambu.

Although easily accessed and only within 10-15 minutes walking distance, these waterfalls are often missed in favor of the larger falls. That being said, you will need a little bit of local insight to find them if you don’t hire a guide. You can find read the full blog post here for detailed directions.

Kilwun Waterfall

Although smaller, Kilwun is my personal favorite waterfall in this Geopark. Surprisingly, this Lombok waterfall had the strongest flow out of all the others, despite being smaller. It’s tucked away around the bend in a small jungle ravine.

For those visiting in the afternoon, you’ll have the chance to catch some pretty spectacular light rays as the waterfall droplets paint the scene with warm, glowing stirpes.

KILWUN WATERFALL LOMBOK
KILWUN WATERFALL LOMBOK

Sesere Waterfall

Following the steep and slippery trail down from Kilwun Waterfall leads to yet another; Sesere Waterfall. Compared to the others, Sesere is definitely not the most spectacular waterfall on Lombok. However, the fact that you’ll probably have it all to yourself makes it a great spot to chill out and even go for a swim in the shallow pool.

SESERE WATERFALL LOMBOK
SESERE WATERFALL LOMBOK

5. Sendang Gile

Although often upstaged by its neighbor, Sendang Gile is still one of the best waterfalls on Lombok. This tall, plunging waterfall is located in the trekking town of Senaru and is actually on the same path as Tiu Kelep. So, even if you were only planning on visiting Tiu Kelep waterfall on Lombok, you’ll get to stop at this one on the way.

Like most of the waterfalls so far, this one also isn’t the best for swimming, due to the lack of a deep pool. That said, it’s powerful flow, the jungle surrounds and double-stream shape make it a spectacular addition to the waterfall list.

6. Tiu Kelep Waterfall

This waterfall is so famous in Indonesia, that you’ll often find it displayed on tourist posters and billboards in Bali! Despite its fame, Tiu Kelep definitely doesn’t attract the Bali-scale hordes. In fact, we spent a little over an hour at Tiu Kelep in the early morning and didn’t see another soul – waterfalls on Lombok eh…

Reaching Tiu Kelep only takes about 25 minutes on the same path leading right after Sendang Gile Waterfall.

After laying eyes on Tiu Kelep for the first time, I understood the hype. The waterfall looks like a perfectionist’s grand design. There is a wide, curving curtain of water that immaculately frames a huge diagonal streak of plunging water across the scene.

Unfortunately, after the earthquakes, the deep pool has been shallowed and replaced with large fallen boulders. Still, the integrity of the waterfall has remained and is still an incredible place to visit and everybody’s favorite waterfall on Lombok.

TIU KELEP WATERFALL, BEST WATERFALLS IN LOMBOK, SENARU WATERFALLS
TIU KELEP WATERFALL LOMBOK
AIR TERJUN TIU KELEP

FULL WATERFALL GUIDE: SENDANG GILE AND TIU KELEP WATERFALL LOMBOK (SENARU)

7. Mangku Sakti Waterfall

What’s great about the waterfalls on Lombok is that they’re all unique, each with a unique feature or twist. Mangku Sakti waterfall is certainly no exception.

Unlike the other waterfalls on Lombok, Mangku Sakti is carved into limestone, with a much more barren and dry surrounding landscape.

Located near the trekking town of Sembalun, Mangku Sakti takes approximately one hour to reach. The road here is incredibly bumpy and rocky, which makes reaching the waterfall an adventure in itself.

A great feature of this waterfall is that you can actually climb up and behind the waterfall. Check out the photos below and read the full waterfall guide here for a detailed description on how to get here.

MANGKU SAKTI WATERFALL NEAR SEMBALUN, LOMBOK, SEMBALUN VILLAGE

Bonus – Saltwater Waterfall?

Alright, it’s not really a waterfall, but still a cool addition to the list of waterfalls on Lombok that you’ve likely never heard of.

Air Terjun Pentai Nambung, translated to Nambung Beach waterfall, is more or less just a flat rock which when smashed by big waves on low tide, creates a saltwater waterfall effect that is quite famous among locals.

To get to Nambung waterfall, you’ll want to take a bike from Kuta Lombok. It takes a bit over an hour to reach it, however you’ll pass many of the best beaches around Kuta Lombok on the way, so for this reason, it’s worth a day trip.

NAMBUNG BEACH WATERFALL, LOMBOK

READ THE NAMBUNG BEACH WATERFALL GUIDE HERE.

Bonus Number 2 *If* You Can Find it – Tiu Sekeper Waterfall

For the super adventurous, I’ve got a challenge for you in the form of a secret, hidden waterfall deep in the Rinjani jungle – Tiu Sekeper Waterfall.

Tiu Sekeper is the tallest of all Lombok waterfalls according to Top Lombok. Therefore, I really wanted to try and find it. However, after a lot of research, I found that not even most locals know about this waterfall.

After an eventful mission overheating and bashing the motorbikes through dense mountain roads, on the side of steep cliffs and through isolated banana plantations, we eventually found Tiu Sekeper waterfall – however only by drone.

It turns out that we followed the wrong path up to Tiu Sekeper, and ended up on an adjacent ridge with no plausible way down. Nevertheless, we managed to snap some frustrated photos of Tiu Sekeper from the air and, to our surprise, spotted another, nearby and unnamed waterfall.

TIU SEKEPER WATERFALL IN CENTRAL LOMBOK
TIU SEKEPER WATERFALL AND ANOTHER UNNAMED WATERFALL IN CENTRAL LOMBOK

Tips on How to Find Tiu Sekeper

While there are very limited English resources online, there are some Indonesian bloggers who provide some limited but useful information. Most, however, suggest hiring a local guide, which I couldn’t find anywhere in the Ganga or Santong areas. The exact pin location is true on Google Maps as “Air Terjun Tiu Sekeper”, however, don’t rely on Google Maps to reach it.

How to Get to the Lombok Waterfalls

By far, the best and cheapest way to reach all of the waterfalls on Lombok is to rent a motorbike and explore by yourself. Typically, motorbike rental on Lombok will cost between 50 000 Rupiah to 70 000 Rupiah per day.

Remember though that Lombok is much bigger than it looks. Depending on where you choose to stay, it can take more than an hour to reach each waterfall.

Most of the roads on Lombok are quite good. However, for some of the less-visited Lombok waterfalls, you’ll have to navigate rocky, unsealed roads. If you’re not confident on a motorbike, you’ll also have the option of booking a Lombok waterfall tour.

COMPARE THE CHEAPEST FLIGHT DEALS TO AND FROM KUTA LOMBOK HERE

Lombok Waterfall Tour

As mentioned, another great way to see the best of the best Lombok waterfalls is to book a Lombok waterfall tour online.

For the northern waterfalls, there is a fairly good deal online which takes you to arguably the most spectacular waterfalls on Lombok; Tiu Kelep and Sendang Gile. You can click here to check the prices and book in advance.

Alternatively, if you’re traveling in a group, you could also rent a car to explore the entire island of Lombok yourself. Click here to find a good car rental deal on Lombok. With a car, you’ll easily be able to reach all of the main beaches near Kuta Lombok.

Waterfalls Not to Visit in the Dry Season

My initial goal was to see as many Lombok waterfalls as I could over the two months I spent exploring the island. Unfortunately, some of the Lombok waterfalls that I visited were completely dried up in the dry season.

Below is a short list of some more waterfalls on Lombok that could be worth a visit in the wet season, but should be avoided in the dry season.

Gangga Waterfall

Gangga waterfall is a great example of why building too much tourism infrastructure around a natural feature can ruin it. It’s almost as if its been turned into a theme park rather than a waterfall. To make things worse, the concrete structures, pathways, and bridges are now severely damaged from the recent earthquakes, which means locals have had to gather resources to rebuild the site.

Although the concrete puts me off a little, the waterfall itself is quite spectacular, at least I would imagine it would be in the wet season or following heavy rain. Gangga was almost completely dried up when I visited in September, however, it still had a large swimming hole at its base.

Tibu Bunter (Tete Batu)

There are seemingly dozens of worthwhile waterfalls located in and around the rice terraced villages of Tete Batu. Unfortunately, I didn’t have enough time to visit all of these waterfalls on this trip. However, I did visit Air Terjun Tibu Bunter (Tete Batu). This shares the same name as another waterfall on this list of Lombok waterfalls, however is completely dry in the dry season.

After seeing photos of this and other waterfalls on Lombok during the wet season, it’s convinced me to revisit this amazing island and see them in full-force for myself

TETE BATU WATERFALL AIR TERJUN TIBU BUNTER

Where Should I Stay to See the Waterfalls on Lombok?

Most of the waterfalls on Lombok are located in the central and northern regions. For this reason, I’d recommend either staying in Senggigi, Senaru, Sembulan or Tetebatu in order to make day trips to some of the epic Lombok waterfalls on this list.

Below I’ve listed a few of the best accommodation options to make the most of your waterfall trips on Lombok.

Where to Stay in North Lombok – Senaru or Sembalun

The two main areas to stay in north Lombok are Senaru and Sembalun. These are two great places to stay for hiking, especially if you want to climb Mount Rinjani or Pergasingan Hill. You’ll also find some of the best waterfalls in this region, including Tiu Teja, Sendang Gile, and Mangku Sakti waterfalls.

Where to Stay in Sembalun

Sembalun village isn’t exactly the most touristy location on Lombok. However, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t any great guest houses or hotels available.

  • Bukit Tiga Lima Boutique Hotel – the location is hard to beat with impeccable views over the surrounding rice fields. The 3-star hotel features triangular rooms with BBQ facilities and an included breakfast. Perfect for couples wanting to relax away from the bustling center.
  • Radiya Guesthouse – one of the best-value accommodation options in Sembalun. The rooms are small, but very clean and have everything you need. There’s unlimited free coffee and tea, as well as a free breakfast included.
  • Sembalun Kita Cottage – set among the mountains the Sembulan Kita Cottage offers its guests incredible views from its rooms, hot water, free breakfasts, and the option of sleeping in a 100-year-old traditional Indonesian house.
Sembalun accommodation

Where to Stay in Senaru

  • Rinjani Lodge – the perfect option for those wanting a luxurious experience surrounded by mountains. Boasting 2 outdoor swimming pools and breakfast delivered to your room Rinjani Lodge sits at the top of the list. 
  • Pondok Guru Bakti Cottage – the homestay you didn’t know you needed! With incredible views over the mountains from the infinity pool Pondok Guru Bakti Cottage is a hidden gem with Tiu Kelep Waterfall just a short 1 km walk from the property.
  • Tiu Kelep Homestay – This one is located literally across the road from Tiu Kelep and Sendang Gile waterfalls. The owner is super friendly, offers free unlimited coffee and tea, breakfast, and can also organize waterfall, or Rinjani trekking tours. A double room is the cheapest in Senaru at only $7 per night.
Senaru Lodge in Lombok

Where to Stay in Senggigi

  • Katamaran Hotel & Resort – those wanting a resort experience go no further! The Katamaran Hotel & Resort ticks all the boxes, boasting a swimming pool, wellness center, and on-site restaurant you won’t ever want to leave.
  • Cozy Cottages Lombok – this villa-style cottage accommodation screams relaxation. It is located just 600 m from Mangsit Beach and has an on-site restaurant. The outdoor swimming pool is surrounded by luscious gardens that provide a  tranquil experience.
  • Bale Mandala Villas – a great option for those traveling in large groups or families. The villas can sleep up to 10 people and some include a private pool. A fully equipped kitchen and beautifully designed lounge areas make this a perfect choice. It is a short 1.6km walk to Senggigi beach.
PASIFIC BACH COTTAGES LOMBOK INDONESIA ACCOMMODATION

TIP: If you’re arriving from the airport, I’d recommend booking a pre-arranged private transfer to your accommodation. This will save you having to pay ridiculous prices coming out of the airport gate.

Got Some Insights? – Lombok Waterfall Recommendations

Do you have any recommendations for other waterfalls on Lombok? I know that there are several more hidden away and I’d love to know about them. Feel free to shoot me a message or leave a comment below to help out other travelers if you happen to stumble upon an epic Lombok waterfall gem!

For more travel guides and articles from Lombok, make sure to check out the list of links below.


LOMBOK'S BEST WATERFALLS INDONESIA

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The Secret Gili Islands: Gili Kedis, Gili Nanggu and Gili Sudak Lombok https://www.weseektravel.com/secret-gili-islands-kedis-nanggu-sudak/ https://www.weseektravel.com/secret-gili-islands-kedis-nanggu-sudak/#comments Tue, 11 May 2021 20:02:00 +0000 https://www.weseektravel.com/?p=5835 Complete island hopping and snorkeling guide to the Secret Gili …

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Complete island hopping and snorkeling guide to the Secret Gili Islands off Lombok Indonesia; Gili Kedis, Gili Nanggu, and Gili Sudak. Explore these hidden island gems on an island hopping tour from Lombok and experience a true hidden gem in Indonesia!

Gili Kedis, Gili Nanggu, and Gili Sudak are three epic southwest Lombok Islands tucked away from their frenetic island cousins in the North. Nicknamed the Secret Gili Islands of southwest Lombok, they’re known for incredible snorkeling and actually aren’t really that secret.

But, compared to the more famous “Gili Islands”, these are a remarkably more peaceful and off-the-beaten-path Lombok travel destination.

For those looking for a more authentic Lombok experience, visiting the Sekotong coastline and the island-speckled coastline will be a fresh sigh of relief. Here you’ll find epic coral reefs, tiny tropical sandbars and palm-lined islands without a tourist in sight.

In this blog post, I’ll outline my experience on the overnight Secret Gili Island hopping tour visiting Gili Nanggu and Gili Sudak and camping under the stars on the tiny island of Gili Kedis.

secret Gili Islands Video

Below is a video that I made of my experience camping on Gili Kedis and exploring the nearby Secret Gili Islands.

How to Get to the Secret Gili Islands off Lombok

Gili Kedis, Gili Nanggu, and Gili Sudak are located in the region of Sekotong. While there is some tourist infrastructure here, it’s still very raw and finding regular transport here will be difficult.

Since there are no regular shuttle or public transport services to Sekotong, you’ll have to organize private transport. After asking around, I found that the cheapest and easiest option was to get a metered Bluebird Taxi, which cost me 27 000 IDR from Senggigi.

Once you arrive in Sekotong, there are a number of small boats at the main harbor that opportunistically offer island hopping trips to Gili Nanggu, Gili Kedis, and Gili Sudak. Quality for these island-hopping trips are hit and miss and price will vary dramatically depending on the size of your trip.

However, if you don’t want to waste any time, then I highly recommend just booking a Secret Gili Islands tour, available from either Senggigi or Kuta Lombok and includes there-and-back transport.

Book: Gili Nanggu, Sudak & Kedis Islands Full-Day Snorkeling Tour

However, if you’d rather spend the night on Gili Kedis, make sure to check out Feel Lombok. These guys run an incredible tour (the one I did) and are some of my best friends on Lombok.

READ MORE: 12 EPIC THINGS TO DO IN GILI TRAWANGAN

Secret Gili Islands Hopping and Camping Trip

While day-trips for island hopping and snorkeling are popular, by far, the best way to see the Secret Gili Islands of Sekotong’s Gili Kidis, Gili Nanguu, and Gili Sudak is to join in on a camping trip.

As far as I know, Feel Lombok is the only tour company that organizes overnight trips.

BOOK NOW: SW “Secret Gilis” Snorkeling, Island Hopping and Camping Trip

GILI KEDIS ISLAND CAMPING LOMBOK

Gili Nanggu Snorkeling

After arriving in Sekotong Harbour, a Secret Gilis and Gili Kedis Lombok island hopping trip usually begins with Gili Nanggu snorkeling.

Gili Nanggu is one of the largest of these islands and even has a resort at the back. The main beach is a stretch of white sand on the southern tip, which backs onto a pristine coral reef.

The vibe at Gili Nanggu is extremely relaxed. There’s almost nothing going on here, which is a relief from the constant tourist buzz of Kuta Lombok or Gili Trawangan. It’s easy to see why they call these gilis the Secret Gili Islands!

However, once you strap on your mask and snorkel, you’ll find one of the most diverse snorkeling locations on Lombok. There are huge schools of fish of all colors and even a bio-reef formed around a sunken berugak (traditional gazebo). If you’re lucky, you might even spot the odd turtle making its way from Gili Kedis and the other islands.

GILI NANGGU SNORKELING
SNORKELING WITH HUGE SCHOOLS OF FISH AT THE BIOREEF ON GILI NANGGU

Gili Nanggu Snorkeling Tip

While the snorkeling at Gili Nanggu is quality anywhere around the island, if you swim over to the north-east tip, you’ll find somelarger sections of hard corals. Just remember to not stand or touch corals.

Gili Sudak

Before heading to Gili Kedis, the boat will stop at Gili Sudak. Compared to the other islands off Sekotong, Gili Sudak is probably the least impressive. However, here you’ll find an authentic Lombok Island experience. There are no resorts or tourist infrastructure, just rows of palm trees, some cows and small local huts.

If you choose to join in on a camping trip, you’ll stop at Gili Sudak to get some firewood. There is a healthy supply of dry and old wood on this island. What I liked about Feel Lombok’s island camping tour is that they use resources sustainably, and they didn’t cut down any trees or leave any rubbish behind.

If you’re only here for a Secret Gili Islands snorkeling and island hopping tour, you’ll still get to check out Gili Sudak.

GILI SUDAK SUNSET
GILI SUDAK, FIREWOOD FOR CAMPING ON GILI KEDIS
COLLECTING FIREWOOD ON GILI SUDAK

Gili Kedis Lombok Island Camping

The last island is my personal favorite; Gili Kedis. It’s a tiny sandbar island that you can walk across in about 15 seconds. There’s not much here, just a small swing, some benches, a hut, outdoor toilet, and a few trees.

Gili Kedis is also the island sunset spot of choice. You’ll get to watch as the sun sets behind the horizon, lighting up the floating pearl farms and tiny islands that dot the Sekotong coastline.

After sunset, our tour cooked a traditional BBQ dinner of fresh fish, vegetables, rice, tempeh, and tofu. We then sat around the campfire, watched the stars and learned some local Sasak songs by the talented guitarist and singer; Ilham.

GILI KEDIS LOMBOK, ISLAND HOPPING SEKOTONG
GILI KEDIS LOMBOK, SUNSET ISLAND
SUNSET ON GILI KEDIS
GILI KEDIS ISLAND CAMPING LOMBOK

Accommodation Near The Secret Gili Islands

Where to Stay in Sekotong

Since this regency is a little tucked away. To save money on transport, I’d recommend staying in this largely unexplored part of Lombok Indonesia for a couple of nights to check out all the best things to do. Here are my top picks for budget accommodation.

  • Cocotinos Sekotong Lombok – The property overlooks the incredible secret Gilli islands, has a large outdoor beachfront pool, a wellness center, and has its very own digital nomad video editing room. A great choice for those wanting a quiet location.
  • Krisna Bungalows and Restaurant – located in Pelangan, not too far from Sekotong harbor. Each double room is equipped with a fan and bathroom and is conveniently located in a quiet area. You’ll also get a free breakfast.
  • Silver Fern Beach Retreat if you’re looking for a place in Lombok Indonesia to escape the crowds, meet some great people and unwind by the swimming pool, then this is it. Breakfast is included and the owners can organize loads of tours and activities in Lombok
Resort in Sekotong, Lombok

MORE EPIC SECRET GILI ISLANDS PHOTOS

Looking for more Lombok island travel inspiration? Here are some more photos from my trip to Gili Kedis and the Secret Gili Islands!

GILI NANGGU SNORKELING
GILI NANGGU SNORKELING
GILI NANGGU SNORKELING
GILI KEDIS ISLAND CAMPING LOMBOK
GILI SUDAK SUNSET
SEKOTONG FISHERMEN IN LOMBOK
GILI NANGGU LOMBOK
GILI KEDIS LOMBOK, ISLAND HOPPING SEKOTONG
GILI NANGGU ISLAND LOMBOK
GILI KEDIS CAMPING TRIP FEEL LOMBOK

BEFORE YOU GO: DON’T MISS THE COMPLETE LOMBOK TRAVEL GUIDE

MORE LOMBOK TRAVEL GUIDES

PIN IT FOR LATER

secret gili islands. Island hopping and camping.

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Sembalun Travel Guide: 6 Epic Things to Do in Sembalun, North Lombok https://www.weseektravel.com/things-to-do-in-sembalun-village-lombok/ https://www.weseektravel.com/things-to-do-in-sembalun-village-lombok/#comments Tue, 04 May 2021 00:39:00 +0000 https://www.weseektravel.com/?p=5675 A complete traveler’s guide to visiting Sembalun Lombok. Includes up-to-date …

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A complete traveler’s guide to visiting Sembalun Lombok. Includes up-to-date information on the best things to do in this sleepy mountain region of Northern Lombok.

Sembalun Village Lombok is a quiet mountain town located in the northern mountain regions of Lombok Island, Indonesia. While not many tourists tend to visit Sembalun, it’s surprisingly one of the best adventure destinations in Lombok.

From epic waterfall missions to incredible day hikes, here’s a list of things to do in Sembalun that will convince you to skip the Kuta crowds.

How to Get to Sembalun Village Lombok

There is no public transport system on Lombok that runs to Sembalun. As a result, you will have to organize your own transport or ride here yourself.

If you’re coming from the airport, then your best option is to book a private car transfer from Lombok International Airport for less than $34.

Another popular option for those planning to hike Rinjani is to organize your transport with your tour company. If you’re hiking form Senaru, it should only take about 40 minutes to reach Sembalun, which won’t cost more than 100 000 IDR per car.

MOTORBIKE IN SEMBALUN VILLAGE LOMBOK

READ ABOUT THE REST OF LOMBOK – COMPLETE LOMBOK TRAVEL GUIDE

Epic Things to do in Sembalun Village Lombok

With that out of the way, let’s get straight into the list of best things to do in Sembalun and the surrounding region of North Lombok.

1. Pergasingan Hill Hike

If it’s not a Rinjani summit trek, by far the most popular thing to do in Sembalun is to hike Pergasingan Hill.

Pergasingan Hill is a large hill that sits above the ricefield valleys of Sembalun. Its highest point is around 1750 meters, which means you’ll be climbing roughly 600 meters of altitude. It takes about 1.5 hours to reach the top, where you’ll be rewarded with some of the best views in Lombok.

If you do decide to climb Pergasingan Hill, I’d recommend making it a sunrise hike, or alternatively, booking a combined trekking and camping trip to spend a night at the top.

DRONE VIEW FROM PERGASINGAN HILL SEMBALUN, LOMBOK HIKE

READ MORE: PERGASINGAN HILL HIKE WITHOUT A GUIDE – SEMBALUN LOMBOK

2. Mangku Sakti Waterfall (Air Terjun Mangku Sakti)

Looking for a real off-the-beaten-path waterfall adventure? Mangku Sakti waterfall is one of my favorite falls in Lombok, and flows hard even in the dry season.

To get here, it takes approximately 20 minutes by motorbike until you reach a dirt road. From here, it’s a 30-minute off-road adventure down some dirt roads through dense jungle followed by a 15-minute walk.

If you don’t have your own bike, you can still book a tour to Mangku Sakti Waterfall, which includes lunch and transport. Click here to check the updated price.

Mangku Sakti waterfall is a large 20-meter waterfall with powerful flowing rapids down-river. My favorite part about this waterfall is that you can climb inside it and watch the powerful flow from behind the waterfall!

MANGKU SAKTI WATERFALL NEAR SEMBALUN, LOMBOK, SEMBALUN VILLAGE

FULL BLOG: MANGKU SAKTI WATERFALL, COMPLETE GUIDE – SEMBALUN

3. Bukit Selong Ricefield Viewpoint

Sembalun Village Lombok even has some pretty epic sunset and sunrise viewpoints. One of the best you’ll find is Bukit Selong, located behind a river at the edge of the village.

This one doesn’t require a long hike to reach but still rewards you with incredible views of the patchwork Sembalun ricefields. On the other side, you’ll get a wider view of Sembalun Village as you listen to the Mosque prayers as they echo around the mountain landscape.

There’s been extensive damage in this part of the village, so the owners of the land charge a 5000 rupiah entry price to visit the Bukit Selong ricefield viewpoint. This goes a long way to help the local community rebuild following the earthquakes.

BUKIT SELONG VIEWPOINT

FULL GUIDE: BUKIT SELONG RICE FIELD VIEWPOINT (SELONG HILL) – SEMBALUN, LOMBOK

4. Taman Wisata Pusuk Viewpoint

Taman Wisata Pusuk Viewpoint is another incredible mountain viewpoint at the top of Sembalun. Unlike Pergasingan Hill, you won’t need to hike to the top, since the viewpoint is actually located on the side of the road atop the mountain pass.

This is a great viewpoint to get expansive views of the Sembalun valley and the massive volcanic hills. You’ll also see the small porcelain houses resting below Pergasinghan Hill and Rinjani’s crater.

There is a small bamboo viewing platform that stretches out over the edge that makes for some cool, albeit little corny photos.

TAMAN WISATA PUSUK VIEWPOINT SEMBALUN LOMBOK
TAMAN WISATA PUSUK VIEWPOINT – SEMBALUN

To help you find Taman Wisata Pusuk viewpoint, I’ve pinned it on the Google map below. However, you can’t really get it wrong. Just follow the road all the way up the mountain road until you reach the top, where you’ll find Taman Wisata Pusuk Viewpoint.

Looking for more off-the-beaten path adventures in Lombok? Don’t miss: 5 Best Things to Do in Sekotong LOMBOK.

5. Mount Rinjani Trekking

Mount Rinjani is the tallest point on Lombok and the second tallest volcano in Indonesia! Rinjani trekking is the reason why a lot of people visit North Lombok, and I don’t blame them! Trekking and camping on the edge of the crater was one of my favorite experiences in Lombok.

MOUNT RINJANI CRATER RIM AND ANAK LAKE

Did you know that all Rinjani summit treks depart from Sembalun? Although summit trekking is mostly closed, it’s still possible to arrange a Rinjani Crater Rim hike from Sembalun.

Officials are currently reevaluating and rebuilding the Mount Rinjani summit trails. This means that full-scale summit expeditions should be in full swing very shortly! Another reason to visit Sembalun Village Lombok!

VOLCANO MOUNT RINJANI

RINJANI GUIDE: MOUNT RINJANI CRATER RIM HIKE 2019 – EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

6. Ride Through the Strawberry Fields

Another one of the more unexpected things to do in Sembalun was to check out the strawberry fields. If you have a motorbike and a little bit of time, you can take the same road that leads up to Taman Wisata Pusuk Viewpoint through some spectacular strawberry farms.

You’ll notice local villagers selling their freshly grown mountain strawberries on the side of the road. Many also allow you to pick fresh strawberries on their farm for only a 20 000 rupiah donation!

SEMBALUN VILLAGE LOMBOK STRAWBERRY FIELDS

Staying in Sembalun Village Lombok – Accommodation Guide

Where to Stay in Sembalun

Sembalun village isn’t exactly the most touristy location on Lombok. However, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t any great guest houses or hotels available.

  • Bukit Tiga Lima Boutique Hotel – the location is hard to beat with impeccable views over the surrounding rice fields. The 3-star hotel features triangular rooms with BBQ facilities and an included breakfast. Perfect for couples wanting to relax away from the bustling center.
  • Radiya Guesthouse – one of the best-value accommodation options in Sembalun. The rooms are small, but very clean and have everything you need. There’s unlimited free coffee and tea, as well as a free breakfast included.
  • Sembalun Kita Cottage – set among the mountains the Sembulan Kita Cottage offers its guests incredible views from its rooms, hot water, free breakfasts, and the option of sleeping in a 100-year-old traditional Indonesian house.
Sembalun accommodation

Over to You

So, that wraps up this Sembalun travel guide. If you enjoyed this list of the best things to do in Sembalun, make sure to read my other articles that cover all of the other popular regions in Lombok.

Have you got any other epic adventures that I missed on my trip to Sembalun? Let me know below!

TAMAN WISATA PUSUK VIEWPOINT SEMBALUN LOMBOK
DRONE VIEW FROM PERGASINGAN HILL SENARU, LOMBOK HIKE
SENARU RICE FIELDS AND PERGASINGAN HILL, LOMBOK
DRONE VIEW FROM PERGASINGAN HILL SEMBULAN, LOMBOK HIKE

MORE EPIC LOMBOK ADVENTURES

6 EPIC THINGS TO DO IN SEMBALUN – NORTH LOMBOK

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Kuta Lombok Bat Cave – Bangkang Cave (Complete Guide) https://www.weseektravel.com/kuta-lombok-bat-cave/ https://www.weseektravel.com/kuta-lombok-bat-cave/#comments Mon, 01 Feb 2021 18:58:00 +0000 https://www.weseektravel.com/?p=5991 The Kuta Lombok Bat Cave, also known as Bangkang Cave, …

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The Kuta Lombok Bat Cave, also known as Bangkang Cave, is a small system of caves on the hillside behind Kuta Lombok. Although it’s not the most popular tourist destination in Kuta Lombok, Bangkang Cave is still a cool spot to check out, especially if you’re on the way to the beaches up the coast.

In this blog post, I’ll go through how to get to the Lombok Bat Cave, what to expect, and some photos from my trip.

Featured in: Things to do in Lombok Indonesia

Kuta Lombok Bat Cave Location

Kuta Lombok Cave Price: 25 000 Ruipah
Motorbike Rental Price in Lombok:
50 000 Rupiah

What’s strange about the Kuta Lombok Bat Cave is that there are actually three caves claiming the same name; Bangkang Cave.

The first is called Goa Bangkang Prabu, the second is Goa Puwun (or Mystical Neverland) and the third is Goa Sumur. You’ll find them all in the same area and no matter which one you choose, you will get to see thousands of bats.

The Lombok Bat Cave which I recommend visiting is next to a building site for a new resort on the main road. The main cave system (Mystical Nervland) costs 60 000 rupiah to visit, while the Bangkang Cave I visited only costs 25 000 and includes a local guide.

From the main strip in Kuta Lombok, it’s only a quick 10-minute scooter ride up the hillside to reach the Kuta Lombok Bat Cave. The easiest way to find it is to enter “Goa Bangkang Prabu” in Google Maps. Follow the directions and keep an eye out for a small wooden sign on the left.

Tip: The best way to get around on Kuta Lombok is to rent a motorbike. Avoid haggling and get a fair deal and local price by booking online with Klook.

BANGKANG CAVE, KUTA LOMBOK BAT CAVE

What To Expect at the Kuta Lombok Bat Cave

Once you arrive, you’ll be greeted by friendly local guides who are immediately honest about the entry price. I was a little cautious and asked if the entry price included a guide, which he told me it did.

The first cavern is a tall and wide system leading into smaller, narrower tunnels. Unfortunately, these are shut off to the public. Here, you’ll see thousands of bats resting on the roof.

Careful walking under as the bats use you for target practice. There are also bugs and cockroaches everywhere on the cave floor, but what did you expect from a bat cave?

Near the entrance, your guide will lead you into a larger cavern with a rickety bamboo staircase. Here, you’ll also see thousands of bats and if you’re lucky, some incredible light rays.

CAVE ENTRANCE KUTA LOMBOK
BANGKANG CAVE, KUTA LOMBOK BAT CAVE

What’s The Best Time to Visit

Best time to see cave light rays: 4-5 PM
Best Time to see bats fly: 5:30 PM – Sunset

The best time to visit the Kuta Lombok Bat Cave will depend on what you want to see. For the location that I mentioned, the spectacular light rays tend to occur later in the afternoon, around 4-5PM. At the Mystical Nerland Cave, the best time to see light rays is around midday.

At both caves, you can watch the nightly spectacle of thousands of bats departing their caves for the hunt. It’s a pretty incredible sight as you watch the setting sunset sky temporarily turn black from the sheer number of flying creatures.

BATS IN KUTA LOMBOK

Related: Bukit Merese Hills Sunset Viewpoint


Kuta Lombok Accommodation Near Kuta Bat Cave

Where to Stay in Kuta Lombok

  • Rascals Hotel – Adults Only – the 3-star hotel features an outdoor swimming pool, restaurant, and terrace. It offers a quiet and relaxing atmosphere being an adult-only hotel. With a great location, Rascals Hotel ticks the boxes for a great place to stay. 
  • Martas Windows – boasting authentic Indonesian bungalow villa-style rooms. This is any Instagrammer’s dream place to stay. The rooms are large and the outdoor swimming pool is the perfect place to relax. Located in the heart of Kuta it really doesn’t get much better!
  • Origin Lombok  – Origin has a swimming pool with a sun terrace as well as lush gardens to relax by. This spot is centrally located and features an on-site restaurant. One of the best picks in Kuta Lombok for sure!
ORIGIN KUTA LOMBOK INDONESIA
BANGKANG CAVE, KUTA LOMBOK BAT CAVE

MORE EPIC KUTA LOMBOK ADVENTURES

Bangkang bat cave

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Mount Rinjani Crater Rim Hike – Everything You Need to Know https://www.weseektravel.com/mount-rinjani-crater-rim-hike/ https://www.weseektravel.com/mount-rinjani-crater-rim-hike/#comments Sun, 03 Jan 2021 01:35:00 +0000 https://www.weseektravel.com/?p=5496 A complete guide to the Mount Rinjani Crater Rim Hike …

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A complete guide to the Mount Rinjani Crater Rim Hike on the incredible island of Lombok. From booking a guide, thoughts on independent hiking, and what to expect from this epic adventure.

Lombok is known as Bali’s adventurous little brother— and the Mount Rinjani Crater Rim hike is one of the most adventurous things you can do in Lombok! The hike is accessible to anyone with relatively good fitness and rewards you with some of the best views in Indonesia.

In this blog post, I’ll detail everything you need to know about hiking to the Mount Rinjani crater rim on Lombok. I’ll go through what to expect on the journey, what to look for in a good guide, and some epic photos from the volcano rim!

Featured in: Amazing Things to do in Lombok Indonesia

Everything You Need to Know Before Hiking to the Mount Rinjani Crater Rim

Below are some commonly asked questions about the Mount Rinjani Crater Rim hike. This is some of the most up-to-date information you’ll find as of March 2022.

Rinjani Volcano Hiking Video

Here’s a quick video that Haylea made with some of the footage we snapped on our trek to Rinjani’s Volcanic rim.

This will give you a good idea of what to expect once you reach the crater.

Booking a Trekking Tour To the Rim

To book a trekking tour, most hikers either show up and haggle for a price in Senaru.

This is great for saving money, but can often be hit-and-miss, as you don’t really know what to expect. Furthermore, due to low tourism numbers in recent years, most operators now rely on bookings through online platforms like Viator.

If you’re looking for a reputable and high-quality tour where everything is organized for you, including transport to and from Senggigi and one-night accommodation before the trek in Senaru, you can book a 2D1N trekking trip here.

This is a great tour with tonnes of 5-star reviews. It includes:

  • Experienced trekking guide
  • Porters to carry all equipment
  • Rinjani National Park Entry Permit
  • Food and unlimited water
  • Snacks
  • Tents, sleeping bags, and sleeping mat
  • Something to cover your mouth and face with (to protect from dust)

This trekking tour I booked gave us plenty of food and water on the mountain. However, I’ve been told that some cheaper tours skimp out on food. Another important factor is whether the tours pick up and carry down plastic waste.

Book: Best Lombok Volcano Trekking Tour (best reviews and sustainable company).

SUNSET TREK FROM SENARU, MOUNT RINJANI CRATER HIKE
MOUNT RINJANI INNER VOLCANO

Where to Stay in Senaru Before The Trek

Since the best trips to the crater start from Senaru, your best bet is to spend a night here before, and after the trek. Below are my recommended options. (Note if you book the tour above, you’ll get a night accommodation included before the hike).

My Senaru Homestay: Tiu Kelep Homestay – This one is located literally across the road from Tiu Kelep and Sendang Gile waterfalls. The owner is super friendly, offers free unlimited coffee and tea, breakfast and can also organize waterfall, or Rinjani trekking tours. A double room is the cheapest in Senaru at only $7 per night.

Budget Homestay with Hot Shower:  Embun Rinjani Homestay – The second time around in Senaru I stayed at Embun Homestay, which is right around the corner from Tiu Kelep and Sendang Gile waterfalls. This one is also super good value since you get a hot shower, large rooms and free breakfast for a ridiculously good price!

EMBUN RINJANI HOMESTAY

Is Mount Rinjani Closed For trekking in 2022?

Mount Rinjani trekking is definitely not closed. While the trail to the Mount Rinjani peak (summit) was closed for a considerable time, it has now been repaired and is open for hiking.

However, the new track is currently more dangerous than the previous route. This has caused the price to hike to Rinjani’s peak to skyrocket.

Therefore, most people tend to just book a trekking trip to the crater rim instead from either Tete Batu or Senaru.

Update 2022: I first hiked the Rinjani crater rim in 2019. For a few years (2018-2020) many of the Rinjani trails were closed. I keep this article updated so that you can use it as a reliable guide for hiking on Lombok!

Mount Rinjani Trekking After the Earthquake

As you could probably imagine, trekking routes on Mount Rinjani were seriously damaged during the earthquakes.

As a result, the families that had their houses destroyed also lost their income. This, coupled with the devastating pandemic and recent flooding means that the people of Lombok really need your help.

Tourism still hasn’t fully recovered but is slowly on the rise again. If you’ve been planning a trip to Lombok or a trek to Mount Rinjani’s volcano rim, then this is definitely the time to do it before the crowds come back!

Can I Hike Mount Rinjani Without a Guide?

Technically, it is possible to trek to the crater rim of Mount Rinjani without a guide. However, you’ll need to carry your own food, water, tents and supplies with you. I wouldn’t recommend hiking Mount Rinjani without a guide for a few reasons.

  • Local families rely on trekking tours for income
  • You’ll have to pay a 15 000 rupiah National Park Fee per person anyway
  • You will miss out on local knowledge and epic mountain-cooked food
  • You’ll have to carry your own supplies

What do I need to Bring?

Your guides and porters will carry all necessary supplies for camping and cooking. However, you’ll need to be responsible for bringing the following in a small day-size bag.

  • Warm clothes for the top
  • Good shoes or boots
  • Camera or GoPro
  • Toiletries
  • Sunblock
  • Change of Clothes
MOUNT RINJANI CRATER RIM AND ANAK LAKE

ANOTHER EPIC LOMBOK HIKE: PERGASINGAN HILL HIKING GUIDE, SEMBALUN LOMBOK

Mount Rinjani Crater Rim Hiking Guide

Here’s a full Mount Rinjani Crater Rim hiking guide that should answer all your questions about the trek.

Most guided tours to the crater rim run for 2 Days and 1 night. This gives you the opportunity to reach the rim by sunset, spend the night then descend again after an epic volcano sunrise breakfast.

Price to Hike Rinjani’s Crater in 2022

Depending on the quality of your trekking tour, prices to the Rinjani Crater Rim from Senaru vary between 1.8 Million to 3.5 million rupiah. If you have a larger group, you can also negotiate a cheaper price.

For those interested in trekking from Tete Batu, expect to pay a little more since this side has less hiking infrastructure.

I have been told that some smaller trekking groups based in Sembalun will charge less to either the summit or the crater. However, this will heavily depend on how experienced they believe you to be, the size of the group and of course, the trekking company’s reputation and professionalism.

Mount Rinjani Trek Difficulty

Trekking to the crater rim requires no technical climbing abilities.

A generally fit person will be able to reach the rim from Senaru in one day of hiking. Although dusty, the path is well-worn and easy to follow. On the way down, however, it can get a little slippery as you sand-skate down the mountain.

Rinjani Altitude and Elevation

Mount Rinjani’s summit sits at 3726 meters (12,224 feet) above sea level, which makes it the second tallest volcano in Indonesia.

However, Rinjani’s rim is considerably lower at 2639m (8,658 feet).

The starting point, Senaru, sits at around 650 meters, which means you’ll climb nearly 2000 meters of elevation in one day. It’s a leg burner, but the views are worth it!

Related: Sendang Gile & Tiu Kelep Waterfalls (nearby)

What to Expect on the Mount Rinjani Crater Rim Hike

The day begins nice and early with your trekking guides driving you to the National Park entrance.

Here, you’ll sign your names on a register and your guides will pay for your entry permit, which should always be included in your tour. Ahead of you is a steep 7-hour ascent to reach the crater rim.

MOUNT RINJANI SUNSET

The Ascent

Along the way, there are three main stops where trekkers can rest their legs. The first stretch is mostly in dense jungle, where you can spot the famous black monkeys. Depending on your pace, your guides and porters will most likely stop at POS 2 to make a cooked lunch, typically rice and vegetables.

After POS 2 and shortly before POS 3, roughly 5 hours into the trek, you’ll break out of the jungle and into a savannah-like landscape. It can get pretty hot in this section, and the dust is a killer.

The final section is the steepest, but soon you’ll reach the crater rim where you’ll get incredible views of Lake Anak and the entire volcanic crater.

MOUNT RINJANI CRATER RIM TREKKING

Camping on the Mount Rinjani Crater Rim

While you get busy snapping photos, your guides and porters will set up your campsite. Our guides seemed to have claimed the best spot, right on the edge of the Mount Rinjani Crater Rim.

You’ll get some of the best views by walking around to the communications antenna just over to the right of the path. Here, there are no trees that block the view.

Sunset is arguably better than sunrise on Mount Rinjani, as the sun positions itself perfectly to light up the volcanic lake and torch the cotton-candy clouds below you.

DRONE SHOT OF MOUNT RINJANI CAMPING
TENTS ON THE RINJANI CRATER RIM

The Descent Back to Senaru

After falling asleep under the galactic night sky, you’ll wake up probably a little sore, but undoubtedly still stoked about catching the sunrise. Soon after, we indulged in a banana pancake breakfast before making the tiring descent back to Senaru. Expect about 4 hours for the entire descent.

While not as tiring, the descent is much harder since you’ll undoubtedly be slipping and falling on the loose sandy ground. I found it easier to just make an improvised light run down to avoid falling over.

Before you arrive back at the National Park entrance, your guides will cook you another jungle lunch at one of the rest spots. This was the last time we saw our porters, who quickly darted down the mountain eager to see their families.

MOUNT RINJANI CRATER RIM HIKE

More Photos from the Mount Rinjani Crater Rim Hike

Here are a few more photos that I snapped during my time on the trek. I sent the drone up and got some of my favorite drone shots of the year so far!

MOUNT RINJANI FROM SENARU
RINJANI VOLCANO SUNSET ABOVE THE CLOUDS
SENARU TREKKING MOUNT RINJANI
MOUNT RINJANI SUNSET
RINJANI VOLCANO SUNSET ABOVE THE CLOUDS
MOUNT RINJANI VIEWS FROM THE CRATER RIM
MOUNT RINJANI VOLCANO AND CRATER
VOLCANO ON MOUNT RINJANI
MOUNT RINJANI CRATER SUNSET PANORAMA

More Lombok Travel guides

Did you end up doing the Mount Rinjani Crater Rim hike? Did you fork out the cash for the summit?

I’d love to hear about your experience, let me know below. Otherwise, check out some of my other useful guides to traveling in Lombok, Indonesia!

MY CAMERA AND PHOTOGRAPHY EQUIPMENT

For a list of all my recommended photography gear (including what I use and why) check out my guide to camera gear for travel.

If you’d like to use any of the photographs on this website, please visit my licensing page to find out how. I also sell professional fine-art prints, visit my Print Store or contact me directly for customs prints of any images on We Seek Travel.

Mount Rinjani Crater Rim Pinterest Pin

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Traditional Sasak Coffee Making Practices in Ampenan, Lombok https://www.weseektravel.com/lombok-coffee/ https://www.weseektravel.com/lombok-coffee/#respond Mon, 04 Nov 2019 04:48:13 +0000 https://www.weseektravel.com/?p=8204 Today, coffee is the most consumed beverage in the world. …

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Today, coffee is the most consumed beverage in the world. In fact, it’s estimated that over 400 billion cups of coffee are drunk each year. Considering that in 2019, the earth is home to roughly 7.7 billion humans, it’s fair to say that the coffee tree has so far done very well in terms of evolutionary dominance.

But how did a fruit-bearing tree so successfully intertwine its evolutionary survival with ours? Coffee shares a similar tale with many of our other photosynthetic partners. Our demand for the fruit infatuates us to plant and protect its offspring at all costs, often to the detriment of its less fortunate cousins.

Still, that doesn’t answer the question of how coffee has become so powerful. The answer is that it’s latched onto more than just our shortlived desire for a dark roast espresso – it’s weaved itself into our cultural web.

In the west, our morphing coffee culture has given birth to newfangled concoctions that are far distant from our coffee-drinking ancestral roots. While a Starbucks sugar-free caramel latte macchiato might cause most traditionalists to wince, these examples offer a distinct window into the melting pot that is western culture.

To explore deeper, and in attempts to simplify the relationship between coffee and humans, we’ll need to delve into a place where coffee consumption is much more akin to the days of old. One such place is Lombok. Located in the equatorial archipelago of Indonesia, coffee here is much more of a traditional element of daily human life.

AMPENAN COFFEE LOMBOK

Indonesian Coffee

Currently, Indonesia is the fourth-largest producer of coffee in the world. You might have heard the term “java” as a pseudonym for coffee blends. This name originates from the Dutch colonial era, whereby the Dutch East India Company planted and exported coffee from Java, now the world’s most populous island.

Through delivering the infectious beverage to Java, the Dutch set forward a sweeping wave that would once again, carve its way through ancient cultures and customs throughout the archipelago.

Though delayed in terms of a historical standpoint, especially in contrast to Africa and the Middle East, coffee in Indonesia is now regarded as Indonesian as Nasi Goreng. Yet, in Indonesia, coffee has spread itself deeper again, with distinct flavors, preparation methods, and coffee customs becoming unique to individual islands and their peoples.

TRADITIONAL COFFEE IN LOMBOK INDONESIA

The Sasak People of Lombok

The Sasak of Lombok are a testament to indigenous perseverance. While many native populations in Asia and throughout the world have experienced segregation, the Sasak today still make up a strong 85 percent majority of Lombok’s inhabitants.

Nevertheless, it’s not to say that the local peoples of Lombok haven’t experienced historical hardships. Imperial western influence has cast the burden of several decades of foreign occupation, both by the Dutch and subsequently, the Japanese.

Though history hasn’t played nice, traditional Sasak culture, from vibrant celebrations to traditional clothes and food has remained steadfast. Perhaps it’s therefore why many locals prefer traditional means over corporatized western ideals, even when it comes to something as simple as a cup of coffee.

One such example of tradition is the inspiring story of Mamiq and his son Gunter.

KOPI RACHIK

Traditional Lombok Coffee

Mamiq, known also as “Henry” holds an inspiring story of local entrepreneurship. Growing up in Ampenan, the old port capital of Lombok, he was forced to make ends meet at a very young age.

Mamiq’s father was a tobacco salesman, who had crafted a unique spice mixture that he sold to local Chinese businessmen and Dutch soldiers on the busy port streets of the then central capital; Ampenan. One day, with what could be considered a stroke of child inquisitive ingenuity, Mamiq decided to test his father’s special spice mix in a cup of local Lombok coffee.

He recalls that first sip as a significant moment in his life. Immediately, he was determined to offer his new invention to his family and friends, and after seeing their surprised nods of approval, Mamiq’s entrepreneurial spark set him out on a mission to spread his creation with the world.

Pulling out his handcrafted wooden stool and bench, Mamiq set out the following morning to sell cups of his spiced coffee. He waited, yet the initial attempt was fruitless. Nevertheless, as as we are well aware of in the west, the wall of hesitance towards the unfamiliar requires a little creative marketing nudge to fell.

Unsatisfied but unwavering, before setting off to try again, Mamiq gathered a piece of scrap wood the following morning and scribbled; “Free Coffee”.

It was a hit.

From that day, Mamiq’s “Kopi Rachick” was born. To this day, his spicy twist on traditional Lombok coffee continues to be a favorite amongst villagers and politicians alike.

KOPI RACHK MAMIQ

The Traditional Coffee-Making Process

The Sasak people of Lombok are extremely proud of their strain, which they refer to unanimously as simply “Lombok Kopi”. These unique beans are grown on the volcanic slopes of Lombok’s Mt. Rinjani and are named “Robusta”, a strain particularly resistant to disease and known for its high caffeine content.

Just as Mamiq’s special spice mix has remained unchanged for generations, so has the coffee roasting and preparation. The importance of tradition and culture in the craft is clear from the get-go.

From the inception, the coffee-making methods follow the traditions of old. Picked fresh from Rinjani, raw beans are mixed with fine sand in a large, metal wok, which is heated by a wood fire in the village barn. The roaster takes meticulous care to stir the beans, ensuring a well-rounded and smokey roasting.

Once steaming and glistening, the roaster separates the sand from the beans using a large wooden sieve. Then, after being allowed to cool, the roasted beans are ground to fine powder in a traditional stone mortar and pestle.

Finally, Mamiq adds his secret spices, of which he’d never reveal the entire recipe. Although, being a firm believer in herbal medicine and traditional healing methods he does hint at a few spices now proven to have tangible health benefits. He claims that this had always been ancient knowledge, far before the findings of modern science. To this day, he swears by his coffee for helping him never needing to visit a western doctor.

TRADITIONAL COFFEE ROASTING WITH SAND IN LOMBOK INDONESIA

Kopi Rachick isn’t a global brand or multi-million dollar company. Its success lies in a more humble feat. Mamiq and his son Gunter share their coffee with regular visitors and passers-by at their family-run food stall daily.

People of all race, culture, and religion are drawn to their modest warung not for a quick caffeine fix, but for a warm welcoming and to share stories. In Mamiq’s warung, both the powerful and the poor are equal. Here, police and politicians share the same plastic stools and sip the same glass cups as local villagers.

Culture in a Cup

It’s said that life starts after coffee. Wall-street professionals, Israeli soldiers, Nordic fishermen, Mexican farmers, extremist jihadists, climate strikers and Australian farmers – they all begin their day by sharing a cup of coffee. From a macro perspective; if we truly zoom out and observe humanity through a global lens, we’d be hard-pressed to identify a more unifying, centripetal human quality, despite the overwhelming individual differences.

Perhaps then, that these seemingly novel but deeply-rooted folkways and customs that we all experience can be the building blocks for getting over our differences. But perhaps we need just a little local spice to help bridge the gap.

Kopi Lombok Video

Below is a short video that tells the story of Mamiq’s coffee. Today, Kopi Rachick’s future remains strong through the next generation; Gunter, who continues to grow his father’s legacy of making great spiced coffee.

AMPENAN COFFEE LOMBOK
TRADITIONAL SASAK FIGHTING
AMPENAN COFFEE LOMBOK

Interested in traveling to Lombok? Don’t miss my complete list of things to do in Lombok guide.

We Seek More – An Introduction

If you’re a regular reader of We Seek Travel, you may have noticed that this article differs considerably both in terms of content and writing style.

While travel is a deep passion and the supportive foundations of this blog, I have long been an admirer of independent journalism and cultural storytelling. Truth be told, unique insights into cultural, historical, and earthly narratives of both people and planet inspires greater fascination for me as a writer and photographer.

Consequently, I have decided to build a branch of We Seek Travel dedicated to articles that take a more journalistic approach in thought and purpose. Entitled We Seek More, I seek to evoke in the reader’s mind a more profound understanding of humanity through dispersed yet interconnected stories.

Moreover, We Seek More will be the home for another fascination I share with many; the pursuit to overcome physical trials through self-imposed challenges. To gain more insight into these ill-disposed undertakings, I hope to delve deeper into the world both through the stories of others, and through my own challenges.

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Pink Beach Lombok – Everything You Need to Know in 2023 https://www.weseektravel.com/pink-beach-lombok/ https://www.weseektravel.com/pink-beach-lombok/#comments Sun, 13 Oct 2019 16:18:00 +0000 https://www.weseektravel.com/?p=7962 Complete travel guide to visiting Lombok’s famous Pink Beach, including …

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Complete travel guide to visiting Lombok’s famous Pink Beach, including how to get here, what to expect, & photos to inspire your visit!

Located on the southeast corner of Lombok is a natural phenomenon known as Pink Beach, or Tangsi Beach. Apparently, there are only a handful (the exact number seems a little sporadic) of pink sand beaches in the world, a few of which are in Indonesia.

Pink Beach on Lombok gets its pink tint from a natural mix of crushed, dead coral and white sand. Yes, the beach really is pink, and it’s worth checking out if you’re up for an adventure to Lombok’s remote east coast.

Where is Pink Beach Lombok?

As I mentioned, Pink Beach is a little far from the regular tourist beaches of Kuta Lombok. In fact, you'll find it tucked away in the small village locale of Sekaroh on the Ekas Peninsula.

Due to the remote location, getting here is a bit of a mission, but definitely possible on a DIY Lombok itinerary or through an organized tour.

Girl at Pink Beach, Lombok

Pink Beach Lombok Map

Below I've pinned the exact location to help you find the Pink Beach on Lombok Island.

Lombok Pink Beach Map

Lombok Pink Beach Day Trip (Tour)

Of course, if you're in a group or you just don't want to drive the long road to the beach, then you can also book a full-day boat tour that visits the "Secret" South East Gili Islands and Pink Beach on the same trip.

This is a small group tour visiting some of the lesser-known islets off the southeast coast of Lombok.

How To Get to Pink Beach From Kuta Lombok (Self-Drive)

Since most people visiting the south coast choose to stay in Kuta Lombok, I'll include a brief guide from here.

In total, expect roughly 1.5 hours on the motorbike over a 55-kilometer stretch of both sealed and dirt road to get to the Pink Beach from Kuta Lombok. You can rent a motorbike pretty much anywhere in the tourist area for between 50,000 to 100,000 Rupia per day.

However, make sure you get a bike that can hold for the long journey.

Aerial perspective of Lombok Pink Beach

Self-Drive Directions

Google Maps has updated and correct navigation instructions for the trip from Kuta Lombok to Pink Beach. The correct location is pinned as "Pink Beach" NOT "Pantai Pink".

Furthermore, I'd advise downloading the route beforehand since service is spotty on the way.

Begin the long ride by heading east on Jl. Senkol, the same road which leads to both Taanjung Aan Beach and the epic Bukit Marese sunset viewpoint. Instead of turning, you'll continue on this road for roughly one hour to and around the coast of Awang Bay.

Eventually, you'll reach a long, rocky road through the Peninsula of Ekas. Continue on the same bumpy road without making any turns until you finally reach Lombok's famous Pink Beach.

Pink Beach, Lombok Island

Pink Beach Lombok Entry Fee

As soon as you arrive, you'll notice an old plastic tourism banner and a local fee collector eager to collect your entry money.

Currently, the Pink Beach Lombok entry fee is 50 000 Rupiah per person.

I thought this was a little too steep just to visit a beach. However, after the long trip, I wasn't going to turn around.

LOMBOK COASTLINE NEAR PINK BEACH
South Lombok Coastline

What to Expect at Pink Beach Lombok

After we arrived, we paid the entrance fee and continued down the rocky slope, where we caught our first glimpse of the Pink Beach.

The beach itself is quite small and forms a horseshoe bend of pink and aqua contrasts. The water here is incredibly clear, even at low tide.

However, unless you're planning to spend an entire day here, I'd suggest visiting the beach during high tide. During this time, the beach is actually pinker, and the water is deeper for swimming and snorkeling.

Swinging on a wooden swing at Lombok's Pink Beach
Swimming at Pink Beach

Exploring Epic Eroded Cliffs

After relaxing after the long ride, we decided to check out the surrounding coastline cliffs. This was one of my favorite parts of visiting Pink Beach, and it reminded me more of Lagos in Portugal than anything I'd seen in Indonesia before.

I'd recommend walking around both sides to get a better view of the famous Lombok Pink Beach and for some amazing views of the nearby islands.

On the right side of the beach, you can walk all the way around to a hidden cave, which is hard to reach and involves a bit of swimming. There are also some small but epic jump spots into deep, clear water all around this side of the bay.

JAGGED CLIFFS AT PINK BEACH LOMBOK
Tangsi Beach

The Surrounding Islands

Immediately after climbing the left headland, I was filled with regret that I didn't take a boat trip around this area of Lombok. This coast is scattered with amazing islands that left me drooling when I caught a glimpse of them from the drone.

EKAS ISLANDS OFF THE COAST OF PINK BEACH, LOMBOK
ISLANDS OPPOSITE PINK BEACH
Motorbike on Lombok

Best Travel Insurance for Lombok

Safeguard yourself from unforeseen travel mishaps like accidents, cancellations, delays, and loss of your personal items. SafetyWing offers peace of mind travel insurance for Lombok at super affordable rates.

Why is the Lombok Pink Beach "Pink"?

Like me, you might be wondering, "Why is Pink Beach Lombok Pink?" According to Rove.me, the pink tones on Tangsi Beach are caused by unique microscopic organisms in coral named Foraminifera.

When the coral breaks down, these red organisms mix with the white sand, which causes the beach to have a pink tint.

The extent of how "pink" the sand actually is will depend on the angle of the sun and how wet the sand is. For this reason, it's better to visit during high tide when the waves caress the shores.

Pink Sand Beach, Tangsi Beach

So, is it Worth Visiting Lombok's Pink Beach?

If you're down for an adventure day trip and want to see a unique phenomenon that is only present in some parts of the world, then the answer is YES.

Admittedly, the road to Pink Beach Lombok is a little long and bumpy, I enjoyed the coastal road and seeing this other incredible side of Lombok that I probably wouldn't have otherwise.

Pink Sand Beach on Lombok

Where to Stay in Kuta Lombok

  • Rascals Hotel - Adults Only - the 3-star hotel features an outdoor swimming pool, restaurant, and terrace. It offers a quiet and relaxing atmosphere being an adult-only hotel. With a great location, Rascals Hotel ticks the boxes for a great place to stay. 
  • Martas Windows - boasting authentic Indonesian bungalow villa-style rooms. This is any Instagrammer's dream place to stay. The rooms are large and the outdoor swimming pool is the perfect place to relax. Located in the heart of Kuta it really doesn’t get much better!
  • Origin Lombok  - Origin has a swimming pool with a sun terrace as well as lush gardens to relax by. This spot is centrally located and features an on-site restaurant. One of the best picks in Kuta Lombok for sure!
ORIGIN KUTA LOMBOK INDONESIA
HIDDEN CAVE ON THE EKAS COASTLINE LOMBOK
PINK BEACH LOMBOK COASTLINE
PINK BEACH BACKFLIP COAST, KUTA LOMBOK SOUTH COAST
Southeast Coast of Lombok Island
Coastal Islets of Lombok

More Lombok Beach, Travel, & Adventure Guides

I hope you've enjoyed this updated travel guide to visiting the famous Pink Beach on Lombok Island, Indonesia! While you're here, make sure to check out some of my other travel guides below for more inspiration!

PINK BEACH LOMBOK – COMPLETE BEACH GUIDE

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12 Best Beaches Near Kuta Lombok – The Complete Guide to the Best South Lombok Beaches https://www.weseektravel.com/beaches-near-kuta-lombok/ https://www.weseektravel.com/beaches-near-kuta-lombok/#respond Sat, 12 Oct 2019 18:40:42 +0000 https://www.weseektravel.com/?p=5861 South Lombok is the tourist capital of the small Indonesian …

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South Lombok is the tourist capital of the small Indonesian island and visiting the incredible beaches near Kuta Lombok is easily one of the best things to do here.

During my time in Kuta Lombok, we spent days exploring the southern region by motorbike. We found that some of the beaches near Kuta Lombok were easily some of the best on the island! Whether you’re into surfing or just chilling on empty tropical beaches, this list of the best beaches in South Lombok has you covered.

How to Get Around to All the Epic Kuta Lombok Beaches

By far the best way to get around in Kuta Lombok is to get yourself a set of two wheels. You can rent a motorbike pretty much anywhere in Kuta Lombok. If you stay at Banana Homestay as I did, then the owner will organize a good motorbike for 50 000 Rupiah per day.

Besides a handful, all the main beaches near Kuta Lombok have sealed roads. However, you’ll have to bomb some hills so make sure you’re prepared for that.

Guided Beach Tour Option

Although it’s definitely possible to explore all of the Kuta Lombok beaches by yourself, if you’d prefer a private beach tour, then you could book a Kuta Lombok Culture and Beaches Tour online in advance. After doing some research, this is one of the best-rated guided tours around Kuta Lombok.

Alternatively, if you’re traveling in a group, you could also rent a car to explore the entire island of Lombok yourself. Click here to find a good car rental deal in Lombok. With a car, you’ll easily be able to reach all of the main beaches near Kuta Lombok.

TIP: If you’re arriving from the airport, I’d recommend booking a pre-arranged private transfer to town. This will save you from having to pay ridiculous prices coming out of the gate.

COMPARE THE CHEAPEST FLIGHT DEALS TO AND FROM KUTA LOMBOK HERE

Kuta Lombok Beaches Map

Here is a map that pins all of the best beaches near Kuta Lombok. You’ll notice that the pins stretch over the entire south coast of Lombok!

Best Beaches Near Kuta Lombok

With that out of the way, let’s get right into my list of the 12 Most Epic Beaches Near Kuta Lombok Indonesia!

1. Kuta Beach

Clearly, a list of all the best beaches near Kuta Lombok would be incomplete without the main beach in town; Kuta Lombok Beach! Before we get into some of the better ones, let’s talk about Kuta Beach.

If you’re staying in town, you’ll have no problem finding this one. It’s a long stretch of white sand with shallow reef stretching far out into the bay. Along the main esplanade, you’ll see stalls selling everything from coconuts to sarongs.

If we’re being honest, Kuta Beach isn’t my favorite beach in Kuta Lombok for a few reasons. Firstly, the plastic pollution here is absolutely atrocious. In fact, when we stopped by for a swim, we were reluctant to even enter the water. We instead tried doing our part by collecting as much as we could and disposed of it.

The second reason is that it just doesn’t have the tropical vibes that some of the other beaches near Kuta Lombok share. Regardless, don’t let my pessimism discourage you from visiting. While you might not want to swim here, the nightly vibe is lively and makes a good spot to watch the sunset.

BUKIT SEGER, KUTA LOMBOK BEACHES

2. Seger Beach

If you’d prefer to skip Kuta Beach but still want to discover one of the best beaches close to Kuta Lombok, then Seger Beach is a good bet.

Seger Beach, or Pantai Seger, is a small beach located on the southeast headland of Kuta Lombok Beach. You can ride here on a motorbike in less than 5 minutes from the main street in Kuta Lombok. If you’d prefer to walk, expect about 20 minutes.

Once you arrive, you’ll need to pay a 10 000 Rupiah motorbike fee, which you’ll find is standard across all of the beaches near Kuta Lombok.

Seger Beach is a tiny sandy beach with adjacent mangroves. There’s not much here besides a local coconut stall and a small hill (Bukit Seger), which you can climb for great views of Kuta Lombok beach.

Seger Beach definitely isn’t a surfing beach. Instead, it’s a great spot to relax and cool off in the hot Indonesian weather.

BUKIT SEGER, KUTA LOMBOK

3. Serenting Beach

For those that make the trip to Seger Beach, I’d recommend walking or riding around to the other side of Bukit Seger to find an abandoned beach known as Pantai Serenting. It’s clear that there used to be a large resort that occupied this entire stretch of beach. Now, you’ll find it is an isolated pocket of white sand and clear water not more than 5 minutes away from the tourist beat of Kuta Lombok.

Since you pay the motorbike upon arriving at Seger Beach, you can actually visit Serenting Beach without paying anything at all. Once you see the small stall at Seger Beach, just follow the dirt road left around Bukit Seger until you reach Serenting Beach.

BEACHES NEAR KUTA LOMBOK,

4. Tanjung Aan Beach

In terms of the famous beaches near Kuta Lombok, or on the south coast in general, Tanjung Aan is undeniably a crowd favorite.

This incredible white-sand beach has everything you could want, from calm tropical waters to a solid surf break. It’s really the best of both worlds.

BUKIT ANTARA, KUTA LOMBOK BEACHES

To get to Tanjung Aan Beach, you’ll need to head north from the main street and follow the Jl. Sengkol right until you reach a large roundabout on a wide multi-lane road. Soon, you’ll reach a dirt road. After a few short but bumpy minutes, you’ll arrive at the Tanjung Aan Beach parking area where you’ll need to pay the 10 000 Rupiah parking ticket.

You can explore and swim pretty much anywhere along Tanjung Aan Beach. However, if you’d prefer to catch some waves, you can walk to the left side of the beach just before a small hill known as Bukit Antara. There are plenty of surf schools here that offer board rentals and that will take you out on a boat to the Tanjung Aan surf break.

It is possible to paddle out to the break, however as you’ll soon find out, it’s a pretty big stretch.

KUTA LOMBOK SURF BEACHES, TANJUNG AAN BEACH SURFING

READ THE GUIDE TO THE BEST SUNSET VIEWPOINT IN KUTA LOMBOK NEAR TANJUNG AAN BEACH.

Bukit Antara on Tanjung Aan Beach

I’m not going to pretend that I’m a respectable surfer by any means. In fact, I’d prefer snapping shots to actually catching waves myself. If you’re like me, then you can walk up the small sandy hill known as Bukit Antara to catch a better perspective of Tanjung Aan Beach. I spent a while flying my drone from Bukit Antara and snapping some photos of the surfers out on the Tanjung Aan surf break.

BUKIT ANTARA HILL ON TANJUNG AAN BEACH NEAR KUTA LOMBOK

5. Mawun Beach

Number five on the list of the best beaches near Kuta Lombok is Mawun Beach. Pantai Mawun is a quiet beach that’s only a short 15-minute hop from Kuta Lombok.

Mawun Beach is a great option if you’d prefer to chill out on a secluded beach close to Kuta Lombok. There is a small surf break here, but it’s not very popular. Instead, you’ll get to enjoy insane aqua water and a quiet, likely isolated white-sand beach.

For the full guide on how to get here and for more photos, you can read the full blog post here.

MAWUN BEACH KUTA LOMBOK INDONESIA

6. Mawi Beach

For intermediate surfers, Mawi Beach is one of the best surf beaches near Kuta Lombok. It takes a little bit of effort to get here, involving a roughly 45-minute motorbike ride from Kuta Lombok.

The best way to find it is to simply follow the directions on Google Maps, which are updated and accurate. After a smooth 30-minute ride on a sealed road up the southern Lombok coast, you’ll need to turn onto a rough, bumpy dirt road for the last 15-minute stretch.

As you might expect, there’s another 10 000 Rupiah entry ticket per motorbike that you’ll need to pay near the entry to Mawi Beach.

We spent a good deal of time chilling at the bamboo beach warung watching the surfers shred the sandy beach break. We also spoke with the owner who sells some of the most delicious roasted corn on the cob I’ve ever tried.

MAWI BEACH SURF SPOT, SURFING BEACHES KUTA LOMBOK

MORE LOMBOK BEACHES: 4 Best Beaches in Sekotong – Southwest Lombok

7. Semeti Beach

Literally around the corner from Mawi Beach is another one of the best beaches near Kuta Lombok. After leaving Mawi Beach, you can take a right turn at the fork which leads you to Pantai Semeti.

Like many of the beaches near Kuta Lombok, we spent a few hours at Semeti Beach without another tourist in sight! Swimming at Semeti Beach is definitely better at high tide, since the shallow rocky reef stretches along the entire edge of the beach.

If you make the trip, I’d highly recommend walking around the corner to Bukit Semeti, or Semeti Hills. These are epic natural rocky pyramids that are awesome for catching the sunset. There’s also a sketchy cliff jump here if you’re game enough.

SEMETI BEACH, PANTAI SEMETI, KUTA LOMBOK

READ THE FULL BLOG POST: SEMETI HILLS (BUKIT) – BEACH CLIFF VIEWPOINT NEAR KUTA LOMBOK

8. Selong Belanak Beach

I bet that you’ve already seen the classic photos of a herd of buffaloes walking down a long white-sand beach with an epic backdrop of rounded hills. Selong Belanak is another great beach near Kuta Lombok that I’d highly recommend stopping at.

If you’re a beginner surfer, then the best time to visit Selong Belanak is during high tide. There are plenty of surf schools that will rent a board for relatively cheap, and many are eager to teach you. Surfing at Selong Belanak is a small and low sandy break which makes it a great place to learn how to surf.

SELONG BELANAK BEACH, PANTAI, KUTA LOMBOK, BEACHES ON KUTA LOMBOK
SELONG Belanak BEACH AT LOW SWELL

Even if you’re not surfing, Selong Belanak is great for swimming and makes a great place to chill.

Unfortunately, we weren’t lucky enough to catch a snap of the buffaloes but decided instead to explore the beach and walked to the rocky point on the western headland. We were surprised to find a small, secluded beach and some shallow rock pools to to swim in.

SELONG BELANAK BEACH, BEACHES NEAR KUTA LOMBOK
SELONG BELANAK BEACH, PANTAI, KUTA LOMBOK, BEACHES ON KUTA LOMBOK

9. Mekaki Beach

In terms of distance, Mekaki Beach is a little far from Kuta Lombok but easily doable in a day trip. In fact, the drive itself is as much of an epic adventure as the beach itself. Since the earthquake, there is a brand new mountain road that spans the southern coast of neighboring Sekotong.

It will take around 1.5 hours to finally reach Mekaki Beach, after enjoying some of the best coastal views on Lombok.

The beach itself is another sandy beach with clear water and some small shore breaks for surfing and bodysurfing.

MEKAKI BEACH SEKOTONG SOUTH LOMBOK

READ THE FULL POST: MEKAKI BEACH LOMBOK – EPIC HIDDEN GEM IN LOMBOK

10. Torok Beach

If you’re looking for off-the-beaten-path Lombok adventures, then the next two beaches near Kuta Lombok are for you.

When I say “near”, it will still take around one hour of riding to reach Torok Beach. However, if you’ve already made a plan to visit Selong Balanak, then it’s only an extra 10 minutes from here.

I guarantee that you won’t find any other tourists at Torok Beach. Instead, you’ll probably find loads of turtles swimming freely in crystal clear water. We only stopped here for a moment on the way to the Nambung Beach waterfall, but we were glad we did.

LOMBOK CRAB, TOROK BEACH, INDONESIA

11. Nambung Beach

Talk about a hidden gem. Among locals, Nambung Beach is famous for a “beach waterfall” known as Air Terjun Pantai Nambung.

From Torok Beach, don’t make the mistake of following the dirt road around the coast. Instead, you’ll need to continue on the sealed road, up the mountain and then back around until you finally reach Nambung Village.

Nambung Beach is one of my favorite beaches near Kuta Lombok for a few reasons. You might want to bring your mask and snorkel. We spotted an insane amount of turtles swimming right near the shore! I’m not sure why they all seem to congregate here, but we assumed they were feeding. Regardless, we spent a good deal of time exploring the beach and spotting the turtles from the air.

The Nambung Beach saltwater waterfall is an attraction that is worth visiting at low tide. As strong waves break over the flat rocks on the left side of the beach, it creates the illusion of a tall waterfall that you can even stand under. Unfortunately, there isn’t much information online, so we weren’t aware that we should visit at low tide. Either way, the effect was still fairly impressive even at high-tide.

NAMBUNG BEACH WATERFALL, LOMBOK

For a full guide and more photos, check out the full blog post here.

12. Pink Beach

The famous Lombok Pink Beach. Unfortunately, this one can’t fairly be considered one of the beaches near Kuta Lombok. That is unless you’re “comfortable” taking a long and bumpy 1.5-hour ride. In saying that, it’s totally possible to do it, and in my opinion, the trip was definitely worth it.

If you’d prefer to visit Pink Beach with a guide, then it’s also possible to do a combined day trip to Pink Beach and the less-visited South East Gilis for a great price. Check the updated price here.

To find Pink Beach, start on the same road leading to Tanjung Aan Beach. Instead of turning at the large roundabout, just continue on this sealed road all the way around the coast for a good hour. Soon, the road will turn into a bumpy rocky path which you’ll need to follow for another 30 minutes.

It can get a little difficult to find. The best advice I can give is to follow the obvious dirt road and avoid making any detours or turns. If you get lost, just ask a local and they’ll point you in the right direction. Google Maps has updated and correct directions, so that will also be helpful. Just remember to download or begin the directions before you leave, since there’s little to no service near Pink Beach.

Once we finally arrived, we spotted the infamous coral-pink sand and incredible crystal water. Initially, we were a little skeptical, thinking that it might have been a tourist trap. We were glad to find out that it was far from so.

PINK BEACH, BEACHES IN SOUTH LOMBOK

READ THE FULL PINK BEACH BLOG POST HERE

Early in the morning, Pink Beach was almost deserted. We cooled off in some of the clearest water we’d seen in Indonesia and explored the epic surrounding cliffs.

Pink Beach in Lombok is one of the only such beaches in the world, most of which are in Indonesia. There are another few examples in the Komodo Islands too.

MY FAVORITE LOMBOK ADVENTURE: 4-DAY KOMODO BOAT TRIP FROM LOMBOK – EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

Kuta Lombok Accommodation

Where to Stay in Kuta Lombok

  • Rascals Hotel – Adults Only – the 3-star hotel features an outdoor swimming pool, restaurant, and terrace. It offers a quiet and relaxing atmosphere being an adult-only hotel. With a great location, Rascals Hotel ticks the boxes for a great place to stay. 
  • Martas Windows – boasting authentic Indonesian bungalow villa-style rooms. This is any Instagrammer’s dream place to stay. The rooms are large and the outdoor swimming pool is the perfect place to relax. Located in the heart of Kuta it really doesn’t get much better!
  • Origin Lombok  – Origin has a swimming pool with a sun terrace as well as lush gardens to relax by. This spot is centrally located and features an on-site restaurant. One of the best picks in Kuta Lombok for sure!
ORIGIN KUTA LOMBOK INDONESIA

Wrapping Up the List of Best Beaches Near Kuta Lombok – A Sad Reality

While most of the beaches near Kuta Lombok and the south coast listed here are well-worth visiting, there is grim and often unspoken truth.

Sadly, Lombok and Indonesia, in general, has a long way to go in the fight with single-use plastic pollution. Having explored many places in Asia for several years, I’m no stranger to seeing plastic waste on incredible tropical beaches. Regardless, it’s a sad reality that seems to be getting worse.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m writing about these things, not in hopes of discouraging you from visiting these incredible beaches near Kuta Lombok, but as a reminder to do your part. Do more than just picking up your own waste. Make it a habit to fill a bag or take at least three pieces of plastic for the sea. Together, let’s build a sustainable future, where tourism becomes an aiding factor in the fight for a clean future!

WANT MORE LOMBOK GUIDES? READ MY LOMBOK MEGA-GUIDE HERE

FULL PHOTO COLLECTION OF THE BEST BEACHES NEAR KUTA LOMBOK AND THE SOUTH COAST

SELONG BALANAK BEACH, PANTAI, KUTA LOMBOK, BEACHES ON KUTA LOMBOK
TANJUNG AAN BEACH, KUTA LOMBOK BEACHES
MAN AND SON ON TANJUNG AAN BEACH, PANTAI, BEACHES NEAR KUTA LOMBOK
TANJUNG AAN BEACH, KUTA LOMBOK BEACHES
PINK BEACH, BEACHES IN SOUTH LOMBOK
PINK BEACH, BEACHES IN SOUTH LOMBOK
SERENTING BEACH, BEACHES NEAR KUTA LOMBOK
EMPTY BEACH AT PANTAI MAWUN KUTA LOMBOK
MAWUN BEACH SOUTH LOMBOK, KUTA LOMBOK BEACHES
PANTAI SEMETI BEACH, KUTA LOMBOK
SWIMMING AT THE NAMBUNG BEACH ROCK POOLS SOUTH LOMBOK
MEKAKI BEACH SEKOTONG SOUTH LOMBOK

MORE KUTA LOMBOK ADVENTURES

12 Best beaches near Kuta Lombok

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Mawun Beach Kuta Lombok – COMPLETE BEACH GUIDE https://www.weseektravel.com/mawun-beach-kuta-lombok-full-beach-guide/ https://www.weseektravel.com/mawun-beach-kuta-lombok-full-beach-guide/#comments Sat, 12 Oct 2019 02:08:21 +0000 https://www.weseektravel.com/?p=7887 Mawun Beach Kuta Lombok is one of the most picturesque …

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Mawun Beach Kuta Lombok is one of the most picturesque beaches that you’ll find on the Indonesia island of Lombok. Also known as Pantai Mawun, this beach is a wide bay of white sand that drops into deep, protected turquoise waters.

For those looking for an epic beach to escape the madness of Kuta Lombok, grab your two wheels and head over to Mawun Beach Kuta Lombok!

How to Get to Mawun Beach Kuta Lombok

Mawun Beach is located approximately 20 minutes from the heart of Kuta Lombok. The best way to get here is to rent a motorbike in Kuta Lombok and ride here yourself. We paid 50 000 Rupiah per day for a good scooter from the friendly owner of our homestay.

The best way to find Mawun Beach is to simply enter “Pantai Mawun” or “Mawun Beach” in Google Maps, and let Google direct you there. For convenience, I’ve included a Mawun Beach Lombok map below.

READ MORE: 12 BEST BEACHES NEAR KUTA LOMBOK

Kuta Lombok to Mawun Beach

In terms of clear Kuta Lombok to Mawun Beach directions, you’ll just need to begin riding on Jl. Mawun, which you’ll find at the intersection next to The Living Room Hostel, on the main restaurant strip of Kuta Lombok. This sealed road is fairly well maintained with only a few potholes to avoid.

From here, continue up the windy mountain roads, passing some viewpoints stops and the Kuta Lombok bat cave (Bangkang Cave), before descending down to sea level where you’ll see a small sign pointing to Mawun Beach.

Mawun Beach Entry Ticket

Just like most of the beaches in the area, Mawun Beach Kuta Lombok does require a small entry fee of 10 000 Rupiah per motorbike. This is pretty standard across the board.

Mawun Beach Lombok Map

Although it’s fairly easy to find by yourself, I’ve pinned a Mawun Beach Lombok map to help you find the exact location of the beach.

Mawun Beach Tour and Transport

Although it’s definitely possible to explore all of the Kuta Lombok beaches by yourself, if you’d prefer a private beach tour, then you could book a Kuta Lombok Culture and Beaches Tour online in advance. This includes a full-day trip visiting some of the best South Lombok highlights including Mawun Beach.

Alternatively, if you’re traveling in a group, you could also rent a car to explore the entire island of Lombok yourself. Click here to compare all of the best car-hire deals in Lombok, straight from the airport or from Kuta Lombok.

TIP: If you’re arriving from the airport, I’d recommend booking a pre-arranged private transfer to town. This will save you having to pay ridiculous prizes coming out of the gate.

MAWUN BEACH SOUTH LOMBOK, KUTA LOMBOK BEACHES

COMPARE THE CHEAPEST FLIGHT DEALS TO AND FROM KUTA LOMBOK

What to Expect at Mawun Beach Kuta Lombok Indonesia

When you arrive, you’ll have a couple of choices of where to leave your motorbike. Find a shady spot and walk down to the sandy beach. There are a few warungs that will happily let you park your motorbike for free since you’ve already paid a 10 000 Rupiah entry fee.

Pantai Mawun is a wide bay with deep blue water that is perfect for swimming. Since the bay is quite protected by the headlands, there is little swell in the middle. However, there is still a spot for surfing on the eastern point (more on this later).

I was honestly shocked at how empty Mawun Beach was. Besides a few children selling bracelets and some older local ladies working at the warungs, I was the only soul on the beach.

In fact, I found this to be my general experience as I traveled Lombok. As soon as we got no less than 5 minutes from the main beat, the entire island opened up to a raw, local travel experience.

MAWUN BEACH KUTA LOMBOK INDONESIA
EMPTY BEACH – MAWUN BEACH

READ ABOUT MY FAVORITE BEACH IN LOMBOK: MEKAKI BEACH SOUTH LOMBOK

Indonesia Plastic Pollution

A regular site on Indonesian beaches are piles upon piles of plastic waste. It’s a universal problem that was perhaps heightened by the level of contrasting beauty of this beautiful location. Before I set out to take some snaps and fly the drone, I was inevitably approached by a 9-year-old bracelet salesman who was fluent in English, Bahasa, Spanish and Indonesian. I convinced him to help me collect two large bags of plastic, and in return, I purchased a bracelet from him for 20 000 Rupiah.

COLLECTING RUBBISH WITH LOCAL KIDS AT MAWUN BEACH, KUTA LOMBOK

READ THE COMPLETE LIST OF THINGS TO DO IN LOMBOK

Mawun Beach Surf

If you’re looking for the best surf beaches in South Lombok, Mawun probably isn’t the beach for you. In saying that, there is a Mawun Beach surf break on the eastern side near the headland. The Mawun Beach surf spot isn’t typically the best place for beginners since you’ll need to paddle out a little to a reef break. However, if you want a quiet spot, it’s worth checking out, especially if you’re already heading around to the more popular beaches of Mawi or Selong Balanak.

MAWUN BEACH SURF BREAK LOMBOK INDONESIA
MAWUN SURF REEF BREAK ON THE EAST (LEFT) SIDE OF PANTAI MAWUN

MORE LOMBOK BEACHES: PINK BEACH LOMBOK – COMPLETE BEACH GUIDE

Kuta Lombok Accommodation

Where to Stay in Kuta Lombok

  • Rascals Hotel – Adults Only – the 3-star hotel features an outdoor swimming pool, restaurant, and terrace. It offers a quiet and relaxing atmosphere being an adult-only hotel. With a great location, Rascals Hotel ticks the boxes for a great place to stay. 
  • Martas Windows – boasting authentic Indonesian bungalow villa-style rooms. This is any Instagrammer’s dream place to stay. The rooms are large and the outdoor swimming pool is the perfect place to relax. Located in the heart of Kuta it really doesn’t get much better!
  • Origin Lombok  – Origin has a swimming pool with a sun terrace as well as lush gardens to relax by. This spot is centrally located and features an on-site restaurant. One of the best picks in Kuta Lombok for sure!
ORIGIN KUTA LOMBOK INDONESIA
EMPTY BEACH AT PANTAI MAWUN KUTA LOMBOK
MAWUN BEACH LOMBOK INDONESIA – BEACH TO OURSELVES
KUTA LOMBOK BEACHES, MAWUN BEACH SOUTH LOMBOK
MAWUN BEACH KUTA LOMBOK INDONESIA

MORE EPIC THINGS TO DO IN KUTA LOMBOK

Mawun Beach Lombok

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5 Best Things to do in Sekotong Lombok – Adventure Travel Guide https://www.weseektravel.com/best-things-to-do-in-sekotong-lombok/ https://www.weseektravel.com/best-things-to-do-in-sekotong-lombok/#comments Thu, 10 Oct 2019 17:42:44 +0000 https://www.weseektravel.com/?p=5833 Looking to get off-the-beaten path in Lombok? This guide will …

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Looking to get off-the-beaten path in Lombok? This guide will explore some of the best things to do in Sekotong Lombok for the adventure traveler.

Although only a short hop from popular Senggigi and Kuta Lombok, Sekotong is relatively untouched by tourism. As a result, those that make the trip will be rewarded with an authentic Lombok travel experience, from incredible islands to Jurassic coastlines!

Where is Sekotong?

Before we dive right into the best things to do in Sekotong Lombok, you might be asking “where is Sekotong?” Sekotong Barak is located in the southwest corner of Lombok Island, Indonesia. It makes up a large section of the southwest region and has some unique coastlines and epic islands to explore.

COMPARE THE CHEAPEST FLIGHT DEALS TO LOMBOK AND SEKOTONG

VIEW OF THE SEKOTONG COASTLINE

How to Get to Sekotong?

Getting to Sekotong is relatively easy whether you’re coming from Senggigi, Kuta Lombok, Lombok International Airport or even Bali!

However, since solid tourism infrastructure isn’t established in Sekotong yet, you’ll have to organize the transport yourself. We paid approximately $17 USD from Senggigi for a Blue Bird Taxi which we split. This is probably going to be the cheapest and easiest solution to how to get to Sekotong.

Expect roughly 1.5-2 hours for the trip to Sekotong from both Senggigi and Kuta Lombok.

If you’re arriving from Lombok Airport, I’d recommend booking a pre-arranged private transfer here. This will save you having to pay ridiculous prizes coming out of the gate.

Alternatively, if you’re traveling in a group, you could also rent a car to explore the entire island of Lombok yourself. Click here to compare all of the best car-hire deals in Lombok, straight from the airport.

DON’T MISS THE COMPLETE LIST OF THINGS TO DO ON LOMBOK ISLAND!

5 Best Things to do in Sekotong Lombok

Ready to divert off the beaten path? Let’s dive straight into the best things to do in Sekotong Lombok!

1. Gili Nanggu Sekotong Snorkeling Trip

Arguably the most popular of the things to do in Sekotong Lombok is to visit the epic Sekotong snorkeling island of Gili Nanggu. This island is only a short 20-minute hop from the small boat harbor near Lembar in Sekotong.

To get here, you can try to barter a boat price at the ferry terminal. Typically, these boats take between 6-10 people and can stop at some of the other Sekotong islands on the way.

The Gili Nanggu boat price will vary depending on the boat and where you book it. However, will generally range between 200 000 – 300 000 Rupiah per person. If you’re looking to book ahead, you can also arrange the boat trip to Gili Nanggu here.

This island is famous for its healthy coral reef and huge schools of fish. While you won’t find clubs and bars here like in Gili Trawangan, you’ll instead get to explore a quiet tropical island surrounded by epic coral reef and marine life.

GILI NANGGU ISLANDS, BEACHES IN SEKOTONG
GILI NANGGU SNORKELING

2. Sekotong Islands 3-Island Snorkeling and Camping Trip

One of my absolute favorite adventures in Sekotong and probably all of Lombok was an epic overnight island hopping and camping trip.

I booked this trip with Feel Lombok, a locally run family tourist operator. We started by snorkeling on Gili Nanggu, cruising through the Sekotong islands and finished off by spending the night on a tiny sandbar island known as Gili Kedis.

You can read more about the Sekotong island hopping trip here.

Southwest Gili Islands – Sekotong Camping Video

3. Explore the Epic Sekotong Beaches

Not only does Sekotong have 12 large “Secret Gili” islands to explore, you’ll also find some of the best beaches in Lombok in this southwestern region!

The best way to explore the beaches and coastline is to rent your own motorbike. However, this can be a little harder to organize than in places like Kuta Lombok. One of the only places I found that was willing to rent a motorbike was located next to Krisna Bungalows. The price was 60 000 Rupiah per day.

MOTORBIKE AROUND SEKOTONG, LOMBOK

Once you’ve got your two wheels, I’d suggest heading west on the northern coast to Elak Elak Beach. This is an epic, white sand beach with a small island that you can walk out to on low tide!

Another one of my favorite beaches in the area is Mekaki Beach. To get here, you’ll need to ride over the mountains through the Central Sekotong interior until you reach the southern coastline. Visiting Mekaki Beach is easily one of the best things to do in Sekotong and arguably one of Lombok’s best-kept secrets! It’s an epic beach for both surfing and just chilling out. The best part is, we had the entire stretch of beach all to ourselves.

MEKAKI BEACH SEKOTONG SOUTH LOMBOK

READ MORE: 4 BEST BEACHES IN SEKOTONG – SOUTHWEST LOMBOK

While it’s certainly possible to rent a bike in Sekotong and explore the beaches Alternatively, you could also book a cheap, private tour of all of these beaches online. 

4. Explore the New Mountain Roads By Motorbike

On the way back from Mekaki Beach, you’ll find a newly constructed road (2019) that winds its way along the hilly southern coastline of Sekotong. In my opinion, riding a motorbike through this mountain road is easily one of the best things to do in Sekotong.

The road is in incredible condition, which means you’ll be excused if you divert your eyes to enjoy the coastal views. There are plenty of opportunities to park your bikes and grab some panoramic shots from the mountains.

My advice is to take the road east after leaving Pantai Mekaki and following it all the way around before diverting North back to Lembar.

SEKOTONG VIEWPOINT, SOUTH LOMBOK THINGS TO DO
MOUNTAIN ROAD SOUTH COAST LOMBOK

5. Go Scuba Diving

Unfortunately, I didn’t have the time to go Scuba Diving in Sekotong. However, Sekotong is known as one of the best diving locations in Lombok, especially if you’re into macro life!

There are a few dive centers in Sekotong, and since the location is a little far from the main tourist beats, you’ll get a great diving deal here!

Most of the dive shops are located near Pelangan, but if you book online most shops should offer free transport from Lembar or accommodation closer to the harbor.

GILI NANGGU SNORKELING

Where to Stay in Sekotong

Since this regency is a little tucked away. To save money on transport, I’d recommend staying in this largely unexplored part of Lombok Indonesia for a couple of nights to check out all the best things to do. Here are my top picks for budget accommodation.

  • Cocotinos Sekotong Lombok – The property overlooks the incredible secret Gilli islands, has a large outdoor beachfront pool, a wellness center, and has its very own digital nomad video editing room. A great choice for those wanting a quiet location.
  • Krisna Bungalows and Restaurant – located in Pelangan, not too far from Sekotong harbor. Each double room is equipped with a fan and bathroom and is conveniently located in a quiet area. You’ll also get a free breakfast.
  • Silver Fern Beach Retreat if you’re looking for a place in Lombok Indonesia to escape the crowds, meet some great people and unwind by the swimming pool, then this is it. Breakfast is included and the owners can organize loads of tours and activities in Lombok
Resort in Sekotong, Lombok

Over to You

There we have it. That wraps up my list of the best things to do in Sekotong! Unfortunately, there were a couple of other things I wanted to check out but didn’t have the time.

If you get an opportunity to see the world-famous surfing beach known as Desert Point, then definitely let me know how it is.

More Photos of Sekotong Lombok to Inspire Your Trip

NEW MOUNTAIN ROAD IN SOUTH SEKOTONG
SEKOTONG HARBOR, BEST THINGS TO DO IN SEKOTONG
SUNSET IN SEKOTONG HARBOR, SOUTH LOMBOK THINGS TO DO,
MOSQUE VIEW FROM ELAK ELAK BEACH IN SEKOTONG
MEKAKI BEACH SEKOTONG SOUTH LOMBOK
GILI NANGGU SNORKELING
GILI NANGGU SNORKELING

MORE SOUTH LOMBOK ADVENTURES

Best things to do in Sekotong Lombok

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