The amount of Lombok tourist attractions are plenty and can fill up your vacation quite easily, no matter what the length it is. Lombok is an island just east of Bali and has its own unique tourist attractions to entice any traveller.
From cities to beaches to temples, Lombok has its own special world to explore. Hope, this travel guide would help you to decide about the places to visit in Lombok.
1. Mataram City, Lombok
Mataram is the capital of Lombok, making it a key tourist attraction. While Mataram, located on the west coast of Lombok, has beautiful beaches, it also handles the daily needs of the island including government and education. Experiencing Mataram means experiences the local culture of Lombok.
2. The city of Senggigi
Further north on the west coast of Lombok is the city of Senggigi. While the city is known for its lush beaches and prime surfing spots, there are many things to do in the city itself. If you’re looking for shopping of any kind, then Senggigi will have it. There are plenty of malls that sell everything from name brand clothing to local artisan crafts. This is a great place to pick up any souvenirs.
3. The Gili Islands
While Lombok itself is an island, it is also surrounded by other, smaller islands. One of the most popular tourist attractions is Gili Trawangan, as it offers stunning beaches and exciting nightlife. You can relax by the water during the day and then hit up local bars at night to get the most out of your island experience.
4. Rinjani Mountain
One of the most famous volcanoes in the Lombok region is Gunung Rinjani. You can climb up to the crater lake that has formed on the top of the volcano and experience stunning views. There is a rich culture history surrounding the volcano as both Muslim and Hindu cultures on Lombok refer to is as a home of the gods.
Once you visit the volcano you can then explore nearby Senaru, which is a village that offers stunning views of the volcano. There are waterfalls, jungles, rice terraces and tobacco and cashew plantations.
5. Taman Narmada
If hiking just isn’t your thing, come to Taman Narmada which offers a replica of the summit of Rinjani and the crater lake found there. It is east of the city Mataram and there is also a temple, Pura Kalasa that is still in use.
6. Kuta Beach, Lombok
On the south coast of Lombok you can find Kuta Beach, one of the most beautiful on the island. There are miles of white sand next to a deep blue sea. Kuta Beach is home to many surfing spots. It is very popular, so expect a lot of people to be camped out on the beach.
7. Mawun Beach
West of the town of Kuta you can find Mawun beach which has soft white sand and clear blue water. It is a bit quieter than other tourist beaches, and nice if you’re looking to relax. There is a strong current at this beach so while the water is great for surfing, take caution if you want to swim.
8. Selong Belanak Beach
Another long, white sandy beach on Lombok Island is SelongBelanak. Shaped like a crescent is has high hills that offer spectacular views. While you can relax at the beach, part of it is home to local fisherman so you can also get a taste of the local culture. This makes it a nice blend of opportunities.
9. Senggigi Beach
Yet another must visit place in Lombok Island is Senggigi Beach, just north of Ampenan and a 20 minute drive from Lombok International Airport. Senggigi is home to one of the oldest resort areas on Lombok and the beach has many bars and restaurants to relax at. There are shops were you can find local souvenirs. If you’re still at the beach at night, settle in at a restaurant and enjoy the amazing sunset.
10. Pink Beach
Situated on the southeast coast of Lombok, Pink Beach gets its name from the vivid color of its sand. Instead of the typical white sand, this beach is pink because of all of the nearby coral. It is not as popular as other beaches because it is fairly isolated, but if you can make the trek to Pink Beach you won’t be disappointed.
11. Sade Sasak Traditional Village
The indigenous people of Lombok are called the Sasak and migrated to Indonesia from mainland Asia. About 85% of Lombok’s population identifies as Sasak. Sasak who live in the village of Sade have tried to maintain their culture and live in traditional row houses made of grass.
12. Pusuk Monkey Forest
On the way to the town of Bangsal you can find a forest filled with monkeys. The monkeys may be wild, be they have come to except food whenever they see humans cross their path. You can feed them, but be careful that they don’t take any of your belongings in return.
13. Pura Lingsar
Lombok is home to many temples, both Hindu and Muslim. One of the best temples to visit is Pura Lingsar, just east of the city of Mataram. The temple complex was built in 1714 and combines Balinese Hindu and the indigenous Wektu Telu religions together.
14. Pura Meru
Another grand temple on Lombok is Pura Meru, built in 1720. This Hindu temple is dedicated to the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva and was built to unite the diverse people of Lombok. During full moon ceremonies you can hear drum calls from the courtyard.
15. Museum Negeri Nusa Tenggara Barat
In the city of Mataram you can learn more about the history and culture of Lombok in this museum. It has a collection of daggers, known as ofkris, silver or gold threaded cloth, known as songket, and traditional wooden masks.
The tourist attractions of Lombok are varied which means that there is something for any traveller. From surfing to shopping from eating to relaxing, you can find whatever you need in this tiny slice of paradise.
