Lombok Holidays

There’s so much to see and do on a holiday to Lombok. This island is famous for its surfing, and the gentle swell on the south coast is particularly good for beginners – so, if you’ve always wanted to try it, this is the place to learn. And a snorkelling trip is a must-do, as Lombok’s clear, tropical waters are filled with corals and exotic marine life. We’d recommend taking a boat to the untouched Sekotong Islands. Dotted around the southwest coast, these pristine isles serve up pure-white sands and rich coral reefs – and they’re much quieter than Lombok’s more famous snorkelling spots.

If you’d rather don a pair of trainers than a pair of flippers, why not go hiking around Mount Rinjani? Surrounded by rich forest and jaw-dropping views, this active volcano is the second-highest in Indonesia. After your hike, you can enjoy a relaxing soak in the nearby Air Kalak Hot Springs – you’ll certainly have earned it.

Lombok’s best beaches are generally in two clusters. The first is in the northwest, where you’ll find a variety of sandy swathes. Laidback Mangsit Beach is a great place to learn to surf, while Sengiggi Beach has everything from first-class restaurants to coconut stalls. But if you want to spend your time swimming, make tracks for Nipah Beach. You can go for a dip in the crystal-clear waters, then feast on a plate of grilled fish in one of the local bamboo bars. Or you could head further north to palm-backed Sire Beach, where the calm waters are ideal for kayaking, snorkelling and swimming.

The second cluster of premium beaches lies on Lombok’s south coast. Popular Kuta Beach – not to be confused with Kuta in Bali – boasts pearly sands and great snorkelling. Further along the coast, bustling Selong Belanak is a hive of activity on land, but the turquoise waters are perfect for swimming and watersports. If you’d prefer somewhere quieter, though, head to peaceful Mawun Beach. You can pack a picnic and spend a day relaxing in this white-sand bay – you’ll probably be the only people there.

Conveniently close to Bali and the Gili Islands, Lombok offers a variety of island-hopping opportunities. You could book some exciting day trips or, if you want to discover Indonesia in more depth, you could even divide your time between multiple islands.

Floating off Lombok’s northwest corner, the beautiful Gili Islands are certainly worth a visit. This tropical trio – Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air – are just a 35-minute boat ride from Lombok, and each island has its own unique appeal. The largest and liveliest, Gili Trawangan is all about dive sites and beach bars, which are often filled with carefree backpackers. Romantic Gili Meno is very chilled-out, and offers some fantastic snorkelling, while laidback Gili Air oozes rustic charm. Whichever one you visit, though, you can expect to find picture-perfect beaches and endless coral reefs.

Alternatively, why not split your Lombok trip in half and spend some time in popular Bali? A four-hour ferry ride takes you to Indonesia’s most popular island, famous for its sweeping beaches, rich landscapes and luxury resorts.

Thanks to its tropical climate, Lombok is warm all year round, with temperatures rarely dropping below 22°C. To make the most of the beaches, though, try to plan your holiday during the dry season, which lasts from April to October. This is the best time for snorkelling and sunbathing, as rain is minimal and temperatures average 30°C.

Indonesia’s monsoon season runs from November to March so, if you want guaranteed sunshine, it’s best to avoid visiting Lombok at this time of year. The humidity levels are uncomfortably high and the rain can be very heavy. There’s still a decent amount of sunshine, though, so if you don’t mind taking a gamble, you could consider going to Lombok during this time – the beaches will certainly be quieter, and you’ll find that prices are much lower.