Why Go to Lombok – The Island of Snorkeling

Many travelers plan to go to Lombok on their next trip to Indonesia to enjoy the archipelago's beautiful underwater scenery without covering huge distances. To be fair, Raja Ampat in Papua or Bunaken in Sulawesi are extraordinary spots with barely any competition in the country given the richness of their biodiversity, but getting there involves real logistical challenges and a significant cost. The Gili Islands off the coast of Lombok, on the other hand, are easy to reach, boast modern and comfortable tourist facilities, and offer some fantastic scenery to explore. The southern coastline isn't bad either, especially for surfers. The region as a whole also offers a wealth of interesting landscapes to explore, from the steep trails of Mount Rinjani to the lush rice terraces of Tetebatu.

Snorkeling in the Gili Islands

The Gili Islands are a cluster of small islands with an irresistible charm. They can be reached by boat from the port of Padang Bai and Sanur in Bali, or from Bangsal and Senggigi in Lombok. They're entirely car-free, although it's possible to get around by horse-drawn cart. Gili Air and Gili Trawangan are the places to go to meet people, party, and spot sea turtles. Gili Meno is a bit quieter and more low-key, making it ideal for a honeymoon. It's known for housing the famous underwater statues by British sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor. For an even deeper sense of escape, head further south to the Secret Gilis. Much less visited than the northern Gilis, they offer a genuine feeling of getting away from it all, though sadly some of them are completely polluted with plastic. The cleanest spots in the area are the tiny islands of Nanggu, Sudak, and Kedis, whose isolation has helped preserve their shoreline. We're happy to recommend the best accommodation and dive centers for this destination, so don't hesitate to reach out. Also be very careful when swimming around the Gilis, as the current can be extremely strong and can sweep you out to sea in no time.

Surfing in Kuta Lombok

Unlike the Gili Islands described above, the town of Kuta Lombok is thoroughly modern and developing at breakneck speed. A major surfing hub in Indonesia, it has a laid-back, easygoing vibe. Cafés playing reggae music line the fine sandy beaches, while surf instructors teach beginners the basics as more experienced riders pull off tricks on the bigger waves. The best spots to catch a wave are Selong Beach and Mawun Beach. Another perk of Kuta Lombok compared to the rest of the island is that the internet connection is reliable, and ride-hailing apps are available around the clock, so you can get around freely or order food whenever you like.

Hiking Mount Rinjani

Standing 3,726 meters tall, Mount Rinjani is Indonesia's second-highest volcano. It's a stunning sight, but it's not for everyone. The climb can be treacherous, following winding trails that turn slippery in places. Following the recent accident involving a Brazilian tourist, who died on the volcano in June 2025 after two successive falls, authorities have tightened safety protocols. Hiring a certified guide, already mandatory since the park reopened in 2020, remains more essential than ever. It generally takes several days to conquer this fiery giant. On the first day, the goal is to climb up to Senaru, a stage manageable even for less experienced hikers. On the second day, hikers walk through the night to catch the sunrise over Lake Segara Anak before heading back to camp. On the third day, the boldest hikers tackle the summit itself, and that's where things get genuinely challenging. This feat isn't out of reach either, with good training and the support of a quality operator, but it's important to be aware of the risks before setting out.

Walking Through the Tetebatu Rice Terraces

Entering Mount Rinjani from the eastern side, you'll come across the vast rice terraces of Tetebatu, perched between 500 and 800 meters in altitude. You can explore them on foot or by bike, in a soothing natural setting that's good for both body and mind. Vanilla and cocoa plantations, along with spectacular waterfalls, can be found along the same route. The most impressive are those of Budung and Benang Kelambu. The other big draw in the area is the monkey forest, where you'll get to spot wild macaques in their natural habitat.

Meeting the Sasak People

Indonesia's ancestral people, the Sasak have lived in Lombok for centuries and have been deeply shaped by the religions of their successive conquerors. For a long time they were Hindu, following Bali's lengthy domination of their island. Today the vast majority are Muslim, though they've carefully preserved some of their older beliefs. They're exceptional craftspeople who excel in a wide range of fields, notably the songket and ikat weaving techniques that can be discovered in the village of Sukarara, as well as pottery, shaped in the town of Banyumulek. They live in bamboo houses built on stilts to withstand earthquakes.

The Downsides of Lombok

On paper, Lombok looks a lot like Bali. You'll find rice terraces, temples, a towering volcano, and stunning underwater scenery. In reality, though, the island differs in a few important ways worth knowing before you choose it. First, the dominant religion is Islam, and local rules can seem a bit stricter than the notable freedom found in Bali. Second, some parts of the island are still fairly basic, and internet access isn't consistent across every province. Something to keep in mind when booking rides through the Grab and Gojek apps, which aren't available everywhere.