Lombok (Mataram)
Save31 hand-picked places in 9 lists. Tick the categories you want to see on the map.
Only have a day? See 2 ready-made day plans ↓Show on the map
Tips
10 places on the map
Nature
- 1
Active volcano with a crater lake and popular multi-day treks
3 tips
- Book a licensed guide
- Check the trail season
- Bring warm layers
📷 Photos
- 2
Powerful waterfall beyond Sendang Gile near Senaru
3 tips
- Wear grip shoes
- Hire a guide
- Bring swimwear
📷 Photos
- 3
Waterfall at Senaru reached by a short forest walk
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Wear grip shoes
- Bring small cash
📷 Photos
- 4
Twin bays with soft white sand and clear water
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Bring shade
- Climb Bukit Merese nearby
📷 Photos
- 5
Wide gentle bay good for beginner surfers
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Rent a board
- Go at sunset
- Bring water
📷 Photos
- 6
South-coast surf town with a crescent beach
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Rent a scooter
- Surf lessons available
📷 Photos
- 7
Quietest Gili island with turtle sites
3 tips
- Take the public boat
- Bring cash
- Snorkel with turtles
📷 Photos
- 8
Grassy hill with sweeping views over the south coast
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Go at sunset
- Short climb
- Bring water
📷 Photos
- 9
Black-sand city beach popular at sunset
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Go at sunset
- Try street snacks
- Do not swim far
📷 Photos
- 10
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Before you go: Lombok (Mataram) tips
Transportation
- Use ride-hailing apps: Grab and Gojek work in Mataram and around the airport, often cheaper than negotiating with drivers.
- Hire a driver or scooter: Lombok's attractions are spread out; renting a scooter or hiring a driver is the easiest way to explore.
- Book boats carefully: Fast boats and public boats to the Gili Islands leave from Bangsal and Teluk Nare; buy tickets at official counters.
Security
- Avoid Bangsal touts: At Bangsal harbour, ignore people offering tickets or porter services and go to the official ticket office.
- Ride carefully: Roads can be busy and uneven; wear a helmet, carry your licence and avoid riding at night.
- Know earthquake safety: Lombok is seismically active; learn exits at your accommodation and follow official guidance if a quake hits.
Saving
- Eat at warungs: Try local dishes like ayam taliwang and plecing kangkung at simple eateries for much less than tourist restaurants.
- Take public boats: Slow public boats to the Gilis are much cheaper than fast boats, though they leave when full.
- Negotiate prices: For drivers and markets, agree on prices beforehand and bargain politely.
Weather/Clothing
- Plan for the wet season: From about November to March, heavy rain is common; bring a rain jacket and waterproof bag.
- Expect dry season sunshine: From about April to October, days are sunny and hot; pack sunscreen, a hat and light clothes.
- Pack warm gear for Rinjani: Nights on Mount Rinjani are cold; bring a warm jacket, hat and gloves if you plan to trek.
Cultural
- Dress modestly: Lombok is predominantly Muslim; cover shoulders and knees away from beaches, especially in villages and mosques.
- Visit Sasak villages: Learn about Sasak culture in villages like Sade, and buy weaving directly from local artisans.
- Respect prayer times: Lombok is called the island of a thousand mosques; expect calls to prayer and be respectful near mosques.
Local Hacks
- Book Rinjani with licensed guides: Trekking requires registered guides; book with reputable operators and check the trail is open.
- Explore the south coast: Head to Kuta Lombok and nearby beaches like Selong Belanak for surf and quieter sands.
- Carry cash outside town: ATMs are scarce in rural areas and on smaller islands, so withdraw cash in Mataram first.
1-day itineraries in Lombok (Mataram)
Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.