Lombok has been long overshadowed by its world-famous Island of Gods, Bali. Actually, Lombok also possess many attractive destinations that surely won’t lose to their famed neighbor. From the amazing natural spots to historical landmarks, every part of Lombok shares the same heritage and awesomeness of Bali.
Located in the East of Bali and West of Sumbawa, this island is part of the Lesser Sunda Islands chain and spanned out in a total area of about 4,500-kilometer square. Most of the highland were covered in forest and largely undeveloped, while the lowlands are very fertile and highly cultivated by its inhabitants.
Since Lombok possess a similarity with Bali in terms of natural scenery and geographical conditions, the island has been developing and relying on tourism as its main source of income. The development is still not balanced yet, though. The western part of the island received better development in terms of tourism facilities compared to the eastern part, and most of them are centered around the Senggigi area.
However, progress has been made and Lombok is certainly growing and flourishing in the tourism sector at the moment more than ever. There are several high-class resorts in this island, not to mention the transportation method to and from the island has been improved as well. If you ever got the chance to go to Lombok, be mindful to certainly visit these places. Here is it Lombok attractions, Indonesia.
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Natural Attractions
The main factors of tourist attractions in Lombok are their natural beauty and resident’s hospitality. Retaining their charms as the untainted alternative to Bali, Lombok is experiencing a dramatic increase in numbers of visitors coming here to relax and enjoy a slice of paradise.
1. Mount Rinjani
Things to do in Lombok Indonesia? As the second highest volcano in Indonesia, Mount Rinjani has been a primary tourist destination in Lombok since a very long time ago. Very popular among climbers and trekkers, this active volcano represents an important natural reserve area. It is also home to the endemic fauna Rinjani owl, which was discovered in 2003 and has been studied and researched ever since. If you plan on climbing this mountain, it is best not to do it in the rainy season. From April to November is a generally favorable time to climb this mountain.
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2. Selong Belanak Beach
Considered as the most prestigious beach by Lombok tourism, the claim will be proven right by the time you hit the sands on this curvy-shaped beach. Long, sparkling white sand with shiny azure-blue waters spattered with medium-sized waves, this beach is truly the best destination for many seaside activities. You can sunbathe and relax on the shore while enjoying the calm, serene view, or get out to the water and learn to ride the waves. Yes, this beach is very popular as one of the best beaches to practice surfing due to its wave size and beach slope.
3. Sendang Gile Waterfall
There are several waterfalls inside the Mount Rinjani National Park area, and one of them is the famous Sendang Gile waterfall. It is the nearest waterfall from your starting point at the entrance. The journey to this waterfall would take about 15 minutes by foot, and you can enjoy many beautiful sceneries along the paved track until you’re finally reached the Sendang Gile falls. The trail itself is an easy trek for tourists, so this waterfall is more popular to those who didn’t want to get dirty and wet. This cascade is surrounded by gorgeous green scenery and the thunderous sound of water, you’ll easily fall in love with this beauty. Too bad they don’t allow visitors to swim in here, so you’ll probably only taking pictures and enjoying the view.
4. Tiu Kelep Waterfall
Also located at the foot of the Mount Rinjani, this unique and beautiful waterfall is dubbed as one of the best waterfalls in Southeast Asia. It is a longer hike from the entrance than the Sendang Gile, not to mention the path is more arduous and challenging for normal tourists, but the reward is so worth it.
In order to get here, you have to ford some shallow streams with pretty cold but clear waters, just be mindful as the stones can be quite slippery. As you arrived at the Tiu Kelep Falls, you’ll be greeted with a majestic view of a falling water, it is one large stream of water accompanied with several smaller ones cascading through the rocks. The best part is you can actually swim here although the water is a little bit freezing.
5. Segara Anak Lake
A crater lake located inside the Mount Rinjani National Park, the name, which means child of the sea, derives from the deep blue color of the lake that is pretty similar to the sea. At the height of 2,008 meters above sea level this lake is the highest caldera lake in the world and as such, be worthy of a visit. Most of the climbers will rest and camp here during their journey to the peak of Mount Rinjani. There is an old tree near the camping grounds that is considered sacred by the locals. Legend said it could grant wishes to those who pray near it.
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6. Kuta Beach
You’ve probably known Kuta as the world-famous beach in Bali, but Lombok actually has another Kuta of their own. In Lombok, Kuta refers to a coastal town in the southern part of the island. It also has a beach of the same name, which has a pristine white sand and transparent blue-green water. Kuta beaches are known as one of the best surfing spots in the world, surfers from around the world regularly visit here just to ride the waves. Most of the lodgings and accommodations in Kuta town is located near this beach, so visitors of this area normally hangs around this beach for relaxing and mingling with others.
7. Mawun Beach
A secluded crescent shaped beach with pristine white sands in Kuta area, this beach is the perfect spot to relax and sunbathe while enjoying a few drinks.
Swimmers should be aware that the centre part of the beach has stronger currents as well as steeper slopes. If you want to engage in swimming activity, we recommend you do it on the either side of the beach, as there are no lifeguards around here.
8. Seger Beach
Large waves and strong currents are the characteristics of this beach. Located about 3.5 km from Kuta beach, this surfer’s paradise is one of the major tourist attraction in Kuta area.
Surfers from around the world really enjoy the thrill and the adrenaline rush gained from riding the big waves in this beach. If you’re not into surfing, you can opt to sunbathe and enjoy some drinks from the stalls in the shore. Swimming is not recommended due to the strong currents, and there are other beaches more suitable for that.
9. Gili Trawangan Island
Northwest of Lombok there is a group of three islands called the Gili Islands which have garnered massive popularity during the past ten years among tourists. As the largest island of the three, Gili Trawangan is the most sophisticated and more developed towards tourism. As there are no motorized vehicles, bicycles is the most favorite transportation method around here. Reputed as the best place to get “high” in Indonesia, many incidents related to drugs happened here almost every year. While we are not supporting such law-breaking behavior, hallucinogenic mushrooms are sold freely on this island. Just a reminder, Indonesian law against drug are extremely harsh, so visitors should act responsibly.
10. Gili Meno Beach
Smallest of the three island, the Gili Meno is located in the middle between Gili Trawangan and Gili Air. There is a lot of coconut plantation in this area, and also a small lake that is used for salt production during the dry season. Although it is the least popular among the three Gili’s, visitors who came to enjoy tranquility and serene atmosphere prefer this island rather than its noisy neighbor.
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11. Gili Air Island
The closest island to Lombok mainland, this major diving spot is very popular among divers and snorkelers. Also popular among couples seeking some tranquil retreat, this island offers a lot of recreational activities such as kitesurfing and paddleboarding. Some turtles often are seen in the eastern part of the island, and the coral reefs in this area provide an excellent spot for diving and snorkeling. Many tourists depart to Komodo Island using traditional sailing boats from here.
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12. Senggigi Beach
The main tourist destination in Lombok long before the other destination spot in Lombok is known by the majority of tourist. A very popular choice to view the sunset because this beach is facing towards the west. There are plenty of high-end resort and hotels around this area, considering this is the part of Lombok that has been developed towards tourism the longest. This is truly a must visit place if you come to Lombok.
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13. Tanjung Aan Beach
Yet another beautiful beach located in the Kuta area, Tanjung Aan beach offers the tourist a number of recreational activities from snorkeling to sunbathing. The white sandy beach is perfect for those who opt to relax at the shore and do some sunbathing, while the waters are pretty clear for some snorkeling activity. During the afternoon when the currents get stronger, surfing became a favorite activity to do around here, and if you want you can also enjoy sightseeing from the hills surrounding this beach.
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14. Benang Kelambu Waterfall
Another waterfall that is quite popular in Lombok is the Benang Kelambu Waterfall. Kelambu roughly translates to a thin curtain to drive away mosquitos, and this waterfall gets its name from the shape of the cascade that looked just like a kelambu. There are two options to reach this waterfall, one is by walking through a 30 minutes trek, or a 10 minutes bike riding.
15. Tanjung Ringgit
Providing the same breathtaking view as the Uluwatu in Bali, this promontory is quite a popular spot for taking pictures and sightseeing. However, the access to this area is rather restricted due to badly damaged roads.
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16. Benang Stokel Waterfall
Located near the Benang Kelambu Waterfall, this popular tourist attraction offers you an amazing view of a twin stream of waterfalls in one area. The pool under the waterfall is deep enough for visitors to swim here.
17. Air Kalak Hotsprings
Located near the Segara Anak Lake in the Mount Rinjani National Park, this natural hot spring comprised of two separate pools. Many climbers and trekkers often rest here to reinvigorate their strength and vitality before continuing the journey to the top of Mount Rinjani. This hot spring also holds some spiritual significance to the local Sasak people. Many believed that submerging one’s body in the hot spring’s water could prolong the life, curing diseases, rejuvenate senses, and many other benefits. Anyway, this hot spring is definitely a must-visit whether you’re climbing the mountain or descending from the mountain.
18. Pusuk Monkey Forest
This natural conservation offers an exceptional beauty of lush greeneries and verdant foliage that shrouds this area. It is also filled with friendly wild monkeys which serve as the main tourist attraction in this area.
You can watch these funny animals as they’re interacting with tourist or other monkeys alike. Many tourists like to feed and take photos with them, but please be mindful not to give them something dangerous. If you’re on your way to Mount Rinjani, make sure you made a stop here to enjoy the scenery and playing with some monkeys first.
19. Pink Beach
What to do in Lombok Indonesia? Also known by the locals as Tangsi Beach, this unique beach has a rather unusually colored sand compared to other beaches. The sand on this beach has a rather pinkish color which may have resulted from washed up coral particles. Tou can do some water-sport activities around here like snorkeling and diving, but the best thing to do is obviously taking some pictures. The pinkish hue created by the sands really give your pictures a more distinct look, especially when taken near sunset.
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Interesting Landmarks
Not only natural attractions but Lombok also has several interesting cultural and historical landmarks as well. From the remains of the old kingdoms to beautifully constructed parks, these landmarks is truly a spot worth visiting and things to do in Lombok Indonesia.
20. Batu Bolong Temple
This small temple located near the Senggigi Beach is known as one of the best places in Senggigi to view the sunset. Batu Bolong means Hollow Stone in Indonesian. The name derives from a large rock that has a hole in the middle that is located inside the temple, Lombok attractions, Indonesia.
21. Narmada Great Temple
The name Narmada was taken from the name of a creek of Ganga river in India. This whole temple complex was originally built as a miniature version of Mount Rinjani and its surrounding features such as Segara Anak Lake. There is a temple called Pura Kalasa inside the complex, and every once in a year, Hindu people would perform a sacrificial ritual called Pujawali to express their gratitude to God. The Narmada Great Temple holds many fountains and ponds and is beautifully designed to become a major tourist attraction in Lombok. It is also known as one of the best spots to take pictures and learning history as this place has several small museums that show trinkets and other stuff from the past.
22. Pura Meru
This is the largest temple in Lombok and also the second-most important. This large temple complex comprised of three main temples dedicated to each of the Hindu Trinity, Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Not only that, each temple also symbolizes 3 great mountains in Indonesia, Brahma Temple represents Mount Agung in Bali, Shiva Temple represents Mount Rinjani in Lombok, and Vishnu Temple represents Mount Semeru in East Java. Each of these temples has a similar design with multiple tiers made from teak wood. Shiva temple has 11 tiers which made it the highest among the tree, while Brahma and Vishnu have 7 and 9 tiers, respectively. This temple complex is still used for ceremonial activities until now and has been a major tourist attraction in Lombok.
23. Mayura Park
Located near the Pura Meru, this park consisted of a large pond with a building in the middle of it called Balai Kambang. In the past, it was used as a court of justice as well as a function hall for the Karang Asem Kingdom. The architecture of this place is quite unique, as it is a blend of Hindu and Islamic style.
24. Sangkareang Park
Located in the city of Mataram, this park serves as the public square for locals to meet, hang out, loiter, or do some morning run. There is a fountain that gets illuminated by lights in the night time, and during the New Year’s Eve there’s always something interesting going on in this place.
25. West Nusa Tenggara State Museum
This is the main museum for the West Nusa Tenggara province, and as such, holds large amounts of collections that belonged to the Lombok and Sumbawa traditional arts. The local indigenous people of Lombok are the Sasak ethnic groups, and here you can see many trinkets, wedding dresses, and ceremonial items belonged to the Sasak people. You can also see some legacy from the colonial era that was left behind such as coins, cannons, etc.
Indeed, Lombok have many beautiful cultures and places. There many lists of Lombok attractions. So, it’s nearby Bali and almost similar yet they have their own awesomeness. As a result, if you plan for a holiday, then you may visit Lombok. Happy Holiday!