Where to Stay in Lombok (& Nearby Islands)

The paradisiac island of Lombok, located next to Bali, is a more tranquil alternative than its neighborhood, giving you access to great waves, stunning nature, and the trio of the Gili Islands (including Gili Meno, Gili Air, and Gili Trawangan).

The island is quite big, and each part of it has something different to offer, so deciding where to stay in Lombok can really make a difference on your vacation! That’s why I decided to write this guide with the top areas in Lombok. I also included 2 of the nearby Gili Islands, located a very short boat ride from Lombok in case you’re looking for something a little different.

Here you will find something for literally any kind of traveler: Kuta Lombok Beach is the best place where to stay in Lombok for first-timers, alternatively, Sengiggi is great for nightlife, Tanjung for luxury, Gili Air for families, or Gili Trawangan is the coolest island in the area!

For each one, I also included hotels for any budget, so once you decide which is best for you, make sure you book your accommodation there immediately to secure yourself a spot… This is one of the most loved islands in Indonesia and places sell out fast!

Now, let’s jump right in!

If you are in a hurry

If you just want to quickly book your accommodation, check out the best hotels where to stay in Lombok, divided by budget:

Here’s a map so you can have a visual representation of where the best areas & islands to stay in and around Lombok are located:

1. Kuta Lombok Beach – where to stay for the first time

Located in the south of Lombok, the stunning Kuta beach is a long stretch of white sand and crystal clear waters, surrounded by lush landscapes, green hills, and dramatic cliffs, the perfect place for first timers who want to experience the magic feel of the island!  

Kuta beach is also the perfect place for a surf addict like me, offering several surfing spots with some of the best waves in Indonesia and many surf schools surrounding the main village if you want to learn this incredible sport or improve your skills.

NOTE: Some surf breaks are quite far from the beach, so to reach them, you’ll just need to catch a short boat ride, but it will definitely be worth it!

But if surfing is not for you, here, you can also go exploring the other beautiful beaches on the south of Lombok and try delicious local food in the many cafes and restaurants while you gaze at breathtaking sea views.

Another plus of the area is that you’ll have easy access to the international airport, located within a 30-minute drive, and to public transport connections to the nearby towns, so you really have everything you need here!

If you agree with me, check out the following hotel options in Kuta Beach (since it is one of the most popular areas on the island, prices might be a little higher than average).

Other accommodation options in Kuta Lombok Beach

Things to do in Kuta Lombok Beach

• Learn how to surf with Kuta Lombok Surf School
• Have a lazy and relaxing day at Kuta Beach
• Catch an amazing sunset from Bukit Merese hill
• Explore Benang Stokel and Benang Kelambu Waterfalls on a tour
• Taste the most delicious food in Lombok at Kenza Café
• Have a cocktail with DJ live music sets at Surfers Bar Kuta
• See a unique rock formation at the beautiful Batu Payung Beach

2. Senggigi – the best area in Lombok for nightlife

If during your holiday you just want to chill during the day and party at night, Senggigi is the place for you, one of the most popular areas in Lombok, located in the northwest of the island.

Here you can spend your day soaking up some sun on the volcanic beach, gaze at the most stunning sunsets in the evenings from one of the many beachside bars, and finish your lazy day with a delicious dinner.

And when the sun goes down, get ready to dance the night away and have some crazy fun in the many bars and clubs of the area!

As I said, Senggigi is one of the main tourist places in Lombok, so here you’ll also find many tour sellers, travel agents, and fast boat connections to Bali and the Gili islands.

If you are already seeing yourself there, you’ll be happy to know that here you’ll find many hotels and guesthouses at very affordable prices… check out the best ones here below!

Other accommodation options in Senggigi

Things to do in Senggigi

• Go on a snorkeling day trip to the Gili Islands and swim with giant turtles
• Have a stroll on Senggigi beach and gaze at a stunning sunset
• Catch some great waves at Nemo surf point
• Try a delicious satay at La Chill Bar & Restaurant
• Have a fun night out at Metropolis club & karaoke
• Take in amazing views from the Batu Bolong Temple
• Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Bale Heading Cafe

3. Tanjung – where to stay in Lombok for luxury

If you want to splurge a little during your holiday, or to have an exclusive getaway with your special one, you will love the resort village of Tanjung, located in the north of Lombok, facing the Gili Islands.

This upscale area hosts a few luxury resorts but still preserves the natural landscapes untouched, which makes it a very special place on the island!

Here you can just enjoy some well deserved relaxation on the beautiful beach, play golf on the many courses of the area (some resorts even have their own!) or join a tour to explore the Mount Rinjani volcano, located just nearby: an experience you cannot miss in Lombok!

But that’s not all, Tanjung town hosts a traditional market which is the perfect place to experience the local culture, try some new fruit and buy super fresh fish, or stroll along its charming marina… In other words, you’ll never get bored here!

And if one day you want to explore the other Lombok towns, from here you can take public transport to most of the parts of the island… What else could you ask for?

Other accommodation options in Tanjung

Things to do in Tanjung

4. Gili Air – where to stay in Lombok with family

Gili Air is a small green island about 15 minutes away by boat from the coast of Lombok, offering stunning beaches and a very laid-back atmosphere… the perfect place for a tranquil holiday with the family!

Here there are cool activities for people of any age, you can hike all around the island (while gazing at wonderful panoramic views), go diving in the crystal clear waters, or snorkel to explore its coral reefs and rich marine life, from turtles to colorful exotic fish!

PRO TIP: The best time of the day to spot turtles is at high tide, when the waters get full of these magical animals, so check this website to know exactly when it is the day you are there!

And after a day enjoying all the outdoor (or underwater) activities, you can end your day eating delicious, fresh barbecued fish in the many laid-back local eateries on the beach… How great does it sound?

As I said, the island is so small that you can easily walk it all in under 2 hours, otherwise, you can also hire a bicycle to get around here. There are many pathways all around the island going through stunning natural scenery.

If it sounds like the perfect place for your holiday, check out the accommodation options here below. Plus, prices are quite affordable in Gili Island, great if you are traveling on a budget!

Other accommodation options in Gili Air

Things to do in Gili Air

• Snorkel in Gili Air’s crystal clear waters and explore its coral reefs
• Learn how to dive with Scallywag Divers center and meet some turtles
• Join a yoga class at Flowers and Fire Yoga Garden Gili Air
• Dine on delicious local fare at Warung Sunny
• Spend a day outdoor and go hiking or biking around the island
• Watch the most beautiful sunsets with a cocktail in your hand at Legend Bar

5. Gili Trawangan – the coolest island near Lombok

Gili Trawangan is the biggest and the coolest of the 3 Gili islands (including Gili Meno and Gili Air), located just a 2 hour boat ride from Lombok.

This paradise offers white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, swaying palm trees, and lively beach bars throwing daily parties… so it will satisfy the tastes of literally any kind of traveler.

In Gili Trawangan you will have something to do from morning to night. During the day you can snorkel with turtles, go scuba diving with sharks, join an island hopping tour, or go explore the island by bike (here there are no cars or motorbikes).

And when the sun starts going down, make sure you catch one of the most epic sunsets of your life from the many beach bars, while you sip an ice-cold cocktail or a fresh coconut and listen to cool live music!

NOTE: Sunsets here are so great that to watch them at most of the bars along the sunset strip, you’ll need to pay IDR 150,000 (about $10) on top of your drinks/food. I know, paying for sunset is crazy, but you won’t be disappointed!

After watching this unforgettable natural spectacle, you can either have dinner in one of the many oceanfront restaurants or at the Gili T Night Market if you want to try delicious Indonesian food at super cheap prices, nestled in a buzzing local atmosphere!

And the nightlife keeps going in Trawangan, here you will find clubs and bars where you can dance the night away until the next morning! I told you… Gili Trawangan is the coolest place!

Other accommodation options in Gili Trawangan

Things to do in Gili Trawangan

• Go snorkeling on a half-day trip around the Gili Islands
• Take a photo at one of the many ocean swings scattered around the island
• Try as many local specialties as possible at Gili T Market
• See the best sunsets from Paradise Sunset Bar
• Have delicious seafood at Ego Beachfront Restaurant & Bbq
• Listen to live reggae music at Sama Sama Reggae Bar

FAQs about hotels in Lombok

📍 Which is the best area where to stay in Lombok?

The best area to stay in Lombok, especially if it’s your first time on the island, is Kuta Lombok Beach, at the luxury Pullman Lombok Merujan or at Twiny’s if you want to stay on a budget.

🗓️ How many days should I spend in Lombok?

Lombok is quite a big island, so 3-5 days is the minimum amount of time to make the most out of your holiday there, but if you have more time, you should definitely stay longer and visit the Gili Islands nearby.

👍 Is Lombok safe for tourists?

Yes, the tranquil island of Lombok is super safe for tourists, being one of the most-visited places in all of Indonesia.

👑 Which is the best area in Lombok for luxury? 

Conclusion

Here we are at the end of this useful guide about the best areas where to stay in Lombok, including something for any taste and accommodation options for any budget.

So… where will you stay during your holiday? If you are still undecided, check out my 2 absolute favorite hotels in Lombok, located in the island’s most popular area (Kuta Beach):

• Pullman Lombok Merujan Mandalika – Check out this luxury beach resort, with an on-site restaurant for delicious dinners, and an outdoor swimming pool to reax
• Anema Wellness & Resort – This resort is the perfect place for a tranquil getaway on the beach, also offering a big pool with lovely views of the bay

If you like something, make sure you book it immediately (or at least some months in advance) so you secure yourself a spot and maybe also find some good offers!

I hope you enjoyed my guide, and if you have any questions for me, please make sure you share them in the comments below, I am looking forward to clarifying your doubts!

Have an amazing holiday!

Elena

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