Things To Do
in Lembok

Lembok is a quiet coastal region on Lombok Island in Indonesia. It combines pristine beaches, rugged landscapes, and volcanic landscapes with a welcoming Sasak community. The area offers both relaxed beach days and access to standout trekking and snorkeling spots.

Visitors can expect warm hospitality, scenic sunsets, and a pace of life that invites slow exploration.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Sunrise Trek to Mount Rinjani Crater Lake
morning
:

Begin your day before dawn with a guided trek up Mount Rinjani to catch the breathtaking sunrise over the crater lake. Feel the crisp mountain air as the sky transforms with hues of orange and pink, illuminating the volcanic landscape. Take time to appreciate the unique flora and fauna native to this majestic national park.

afternoon
:

After descending, relax at the hot springs near the base of Rinjani, soothing your muscles in the natural thermal waters. Enjoy a packed lunch surrounded by lush greenery while recounting the morning’s adventure. Visit a local village nearby to learn about the Sasak culture and traditional crafts.

evening
:

Return to your accommodation and unwind with a traditional Sasak dinner featuring locally sourced spices and fresh ingredients. Stroll along the beach under a starlit sky, listening to the gentle waves of the Lombok Sea. Reflect on the day’s incredible natural and cultural experiences.

day 2
Exploring the Gili Islands by Boat
morning
:

Set sail early to the famous Gili Islands, renowned for their crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs. Spend the morning snorkeling among tropical fish, sea turtles, and colorful coral gardens in the warm turquoise sea. Enjoy panoramic views of Mount Rinjani from the deck as you island-hop between Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air.

afternoon
:

Relax on the white sandy beaches, savoring fresh seafood lunches served by local beach shacks. Rent a bicycle or walk around the islands to discover hidden bays and quaint local villages. Engage with friendly locals and perhaps join a beach volleyball game or yoga session.

evening
:

Experience the magical sunset from Gili Trawangan’s beachfront bars, where fire dancers and live music create a festive atmosphere. Dine under the stars with the sound of gentle waves and lantern-lit pathways. End your evening with a moonlit snorkel or a quiet walk along the shore.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant$3-6
🍺Beer at a bar$2-4
🚕Short taxi ride$3-6
Coffee in cafe$1-3
🏨Mid-range hotel per night$25-60

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Affordable costs and excellent value for money
  • Diverse landscapes from beaches to mountains
  • Developing tourism infrastructure in some areas
  • Limited nightlife compared with Bali and Bali-adjacent destinations
  • "Halo" - Hello
  • "Terima kasih" - Thank you
  • "Berapa harganya?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Di mana kamar mandi?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "Tolong" - Please / Help
  • "Selamat pagi" - Good morning

Places to Visit in Lembok

Visit one of these nice places.

Sindang Gile Waterfall (Senaru)

A lush, multi-tiered waterfall surrounded by rainforest—great for long exposure shots.

Tiu Kelep Waterfall

A powerful waterfall accessible by a short rainforest hike; dramatic spray and jungle settings.

Bukit Merese Viewpoint (Kuta Lombok)

Cliffs with sweeping views over turquoise bays and pristine beaches at sunset.

Malimbu Cliff

Spectacular cliff-top vantage with dramatic seascapes and golden hour skies.

Senggigi Beach Sunset

Long sandy shore with palm silhouettes and fishing boats at dusk.

Culinary Guide

Food in Lembok

Lombok’s cuisine blends seafood, coconut milk, chilies, and fresh herbs; you’ll find simple warungs, bustling markets, and coastal grills serving bold flavors.

Lembok Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Ayam Taliwang

A spicy grilled chicken, a Lombok classic, best enjoyed at warungs and local eateries.

Must-Try!

Plecing Kangkung

Fresh water spinach with a fiery tomato-chili sauce; a staple Lombok side dish.

Sate Pusut

Tiny skewers of minced fish or meat with aromatic spices, often found at seaside stalls.

Nasi Balap Pujut

A hearty Lombok rice dish served with chicken, vegetables, and sambal.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mataram Market (Pasar Pagi)

Bustling morning market with fresh produce, fragrant herbs, and street bites.

Senggigi Street Food Stalls

Evening stalls offering grilled seafood, satay, and spicy sambals.

Climate Guide

Weather

Lombok has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. The dry season brings sunny days and low rainfall, while the wet season brings frequent rain showers and higher humidity. Coastal winds provide relief on hot days, and seas can be rough in the wet season. Overall, expect warm, humid conditions with substantial daily temperature variation between night and day.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Dress modestly in public and religious sites

Cover shoulders and knees when visiting temples; use respectful attire in religious spaces.

Greet politely and use the right hand

Say 'Selamat pagi' or 'Selamat siang' when meeting others; avoid pointing with feet or hands.

Respect personal space and local customs

Ask before taking photos of people; don’t interrupt sacred practices.

Safety Guide

Safety

Travelers should exercise standard precautions: watch belongings in crowded areas, use reputable transport, and avoid isolated spots after dark. Water activities should consider currents and weather; respect local customs and dress codes near religious sites. Have travel insurance and stay updated on local advisories, including earthquake or tsunami alerts in coastal Lombok.

Tipping in Lembok

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; round up bills or give small tips to guides and staff for good service.

Payment Methods

Cash (IDR) is widely used; many shops and warungs are cash-only; some hotels, restaurants, and tour operators accept cards; ATMs are common in towns.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Dry Season (May-October)

Expect sunny days, low humidity, and ideal beach days; great for hiking Mount Rinjani base camps but book accommodations early.

Wet Season (November-April)

Characterized by frequent rain showers, higher humidity, and occasional storms; sea can be rough, but landscapes are lush and photography has softer light.

Nightlife Guide

Lembok at Night

Lombok's nightlife is generally low-key compared with Bali. Beach bars and small live-music venues cluster around Senggigi and the Kuta area, offering sunset cocktails, casual seafood dinners, and night markets. Expect relaxed atmospheres, fewer crowds, and a strong focus on natural settings and daytime activities rather than clubbing.

Hiking in Lembok

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Mount Rinjani Trek

A challenging multi-day hike to the crater rim and Lake Segara Anak; spectacular sunrise and panoramic views.

Senaru Waterfalls Trail

A scenic hike to Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep waterfalls through rainforest and bamboo groves.

Bukit Pergasingan Trek

An easier ridge hike near Sembalun with sweeping valley views and farm landscapes.

Airports

How to reach Lembok by plane.

Lombok International Airport (LOP)

Main gateway to Lombok, located near Praya; connects to Jakarta, Bali, Surabaya, and domestic destinations; taxis and transfers available to tourist hubs.

Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS)

Bali's main airport; many visitors fly here and transfer by short ferry or speedboat to Lombok, or fly to Lombok directly.

Getting Around

Walkability

Some towns like Mataram and Senggigi are walkable in the city center, with most attractions spread out beyond a compact core. For remote areas and beaches, scooters or car hires are common. Sidewalks and traffic conditions vary by neighborhood, so plan for occasional road-sharing with motorcycles.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Sasak people

The majority ethnic group on Lombok with a distinct culture and language.

Balinese minority

A smaller community present in some areas, contributing to religious and cultural diversity.

Tourists and expats

Growing numbers from across Indonesia and abroad influence local businesses and services.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Surfing

Kuta Lombok, Gerupuk, and Sekotong are popular surf spots with options for beginners to advanced.

Trekking

Hiking Mount Rinjani or day hikes to waterfalls around Senaru and Tetebatu.

Diving and Snorkeling

Rich reefs around the Gili Islands and Sekotong offer diverse marine life.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is moderate to light in most towns, with scooters as the dominant mode of transport. In peak tourist seasons, roads toward popular beaches can become congested. Public transport is limited; many travelers rely on private drivers or scooters, and boat schedules influence island travel.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Lembok.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Most Lombok dishes can be prepared without meat; look for vegetable curries, tofu options, and fresh vegetables; ask for no fish sauce if avoiding fish-based ingredients.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare is concentrated in Mataram and the main towns; larger clinics and hospitals offer general care and emergency services. In remote areas, expect smaller clinics with limited specialties; travel to Lombok International Airport area or Mataram for more comprehensive care. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is recommended.

Discover Indonesia

Read more in our Indonesia 2025 Travel Guide.

Indonesia Travel Guide