You know when people say “This place is what Bali was like 10 years ago”… I’m going to say it again. Lombok is like Bali was 10 years ago!
Lombok is an island in Indonesia situated right next to Bali. It has the same food, culture, surf and magnificent landscapes that Bali boasts but without the crowds of tourists. If you’re looking for an untouched, Indonesian paradise – head to Lombok.
Whether you’re up for hiking Mount Rangjini (go you!), surfing with turtles or relaxing and eating incredible food; you can do it all in Lombok.
However, if you do not know the island, knowing where to stay in Lombok can be a bit confusing. There are loads of different areas that cater to different types of travellers – you’ll want to choose the area that best suits YOU.
To help you out, I’ve put together this guide on where to stay in Lombok. You’ll find the best areas on the island, categorised by interest or budget. Not only that but you’ll discover the top places to stay and things to do in each area.
You’ll be an expert on the areas of Lombok in no time!
So, let’s find where in Lombok is best for you.
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- Where is the Best Place to Stay in Lombok?
- Lombok Neighborhood Guide – Best Places to Stay in Lombok
- Lombok’s Five Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
- FAQ about Finding a Place to Stay in Lombok
- What To Pack For Lombok
- Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Lombok
- Final Thoughts On Where to Stay in Lombok
- Buy Us a Coffee!
In a hurry? These are my top picks for accommodation in Lombok.
Sikara Lombok Hotel | Best Budget Hotel in Lombok
Sikara Lombok Hotel is a budget hotel located in Kuta, one of the main hubs of the island. It offers stylish and comfortable rooms for an affordable price, featuring a private bathroom, air conditioning and a flat-screen TV. Rooms have a view over either the mountains, the garden, or the sea.
Golden Palace Hotel Lombok | Best Hotel in Lombok
Golden Palace Hotel Lombok sits in the heart of Mataram’s city centre. The rooms are modern and elegant and have an ensuite bathroom. The hotel also features an outdoor pool, a wellness centre, and free Wifi.
Dewi Sri Guesthouse | Best Hostel in Lombok
This traditional guesthouse offers private and shared rooms, free wifi, and an onsite swimming pool. The hostels in Lombok are wonderful. It’s close to the city centre and a short drive from the beaches, so you’ll be in a great position to explore the island.
Beautiful Bungalow near the Beach | Best Airbnb in Lombok
This tropical bungalow is an ideal base for exploring Lombok. You can rent a scooter from the owners, and there is a ferry nearby that stops at the Gili Islands. It’s also a short walk from Sengiggi Beach – THE place to go for nightlife.
Kuta
Kuta is located in the south of Lombok and is one of the more popular areas in Lombok. In Kuta, the sand is white, the water is clear and the surf is good. There you have it! The main activities in Kuta are enjoying the beach and the sun, and taking advantage of some of the best waves you will find in Indonesia.
Mataram
While Mataram is actually the largest city on the island of Lombok, not so many tourists actually stop there longer than an hour or two. As a consequence, accommodation tends to be cheaper here than other touristy spots on the island.
Senggigi
Senggigi is the most popular area for tourists in Lombok. Located in the north-west of the island, it is just a short ride away from the main city of Mataram, yet offers a much different scenery.
Gili Air
Gili Air is a small island off the coast of Lombok. It takes 15 minutes to reach the island by boat from Lombok. Visitors who love walking can hike around the island in approximately 2.5 hours.
Tanjung
Tanjung is a resort village located in the north of the Lombok island, facing the Gili islands. It is one of the more upscale areas of Lombok and, apart from a few resorts here and there, the neighbourhood remains largely unspoiled.
Lombok is often overlooked as a destination, with many travellers choosing to visit Bali instead. However, this stunning island has a lot to offer. It’s the same size as its sister island and has been spared by mass tourism, so many of its areas have remained untouched.
Lombok offers some epic scenery, pristine beaches, and great surfing spots. It’s also a cheaper alternative to Bali.
The town of Kuta Lombok is where most first-time visitors choose to stay. It’s packed with awesome villas set against great landscapes made of rugged cliffs and small mountains. With so much happening, it’s the best place to get a feel for the island.
The town of Senggigi is the main tourist hub on the island. It is a lively area filled with bars, restaurants and nightclubs. Its popularity comes partly from the presence of the Rinjani volcano, but it’s also a pretty wild party spot.
Photo: Samantha Shea
Mataram is in North Lombok and the best place to stay if you’re backpacking Indonesia on a budget. Accommodation is cheaper here, and there are loads of activity options that won’t break the bank.
Just a short boat ride away from the main island is the Gili Air. These boast paradise-like beaches with white sand, as well as great snorkelling and diving opportunities.
For a more exclusive experience, visitors will head to Tanjung, where 5-star resorts, private beaches, and golf courses dominate the landscape. It’s also full of family-friendly accommodation on the south coast.
Still not sure where to stay in Lombok? Fear not, my friend – I’ve got lots more information on each area below.
Lombok’s Five Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
Now, let’s take a look at each of these areas in more detail. I’ve included my top activity and accommodation picks in each, so you know exactly what to expect.
1. Kuta Lombok – Where to Stay in Lombok for Your First Time
Kuta Lombok is located in the south and is perhaps the most popular area on the island. Here, the sand is white, the water is clear, and the surf is popping. It’s perfect for taking advantage of some of the best waves you will find in Indonesia.
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
There are many surf schools around the main village, and several surfing spots are located around the area. Some breaks are located a bit further away from the beach, but it is easy to catch a boat ride to reach them.
If surfing isn’t your thing, you’ll still be spoilt with stuff to do. The landscapes are absolutely stunning here and are preserved from mass tourism. Expect rugged cliffs dramatically falling into the sea, mountains behind, and crystal clear waters – a real postcard!
Friends Beach Hotel | Best Budget Hotel in Kuta Lombok
This quaint hotel offers stylish accommodation for a super affordable price. Rooms are traditional and feature tiled floors and air conditioning to keep things comfortable. Guests can enjoy sea and mountain views, as well as activities including horse riding and snorkelling.
There’s loads to explore nearby, including Kuta’s white sand beach and plenty of restaurants.
Segara Anak Hotel | Best Hotel in Kuta Lombok
With its gorgeous pool, beachside location, and resort-style amenities – this is one of the bougiest (and affordable) hotels in Lombok. Rooms are decorated in a tropical style, with tiled floors to keep things cool. A stunning breakfast is included and served at the onsite restaurant, and the bar will provide you with cocktails throughout the day!
Pipes Hostel | Best Hostel in Kuta Lombok
Pipes Hostel is a fun backpackers retreat in Kuta Lombok with heaps of things to keep you entertained. The outdoor area includes a terrace with bean bags to relax in, a cafe, a garden, and a swimming pool. And, there’s a skate bowl!
There’s also a communal kitchen which is bomb for budget backpackers and the dorms are all mixed.
Trendy Home in the Heart of Kuta | Best Airbnb in Kuta Lombok
This villa sits in a quiet area in the middle of Kuta. It’s very spacious and ideal for long-term travellers who want the privacy of private villas, or digital nomads. There’s a kitchen where you can cook your own meals, and and a private pool for the ultimate refreshment.
The hub of Kuta Lombok is just a five-minute walk away.
Things to See and Do in Kuta Beach
Photo: @amandaadraper
- Laze the day away on one of the best beaches in Lombok.
- Get some surfing lessons on some of the best waves in the country.
- Catch the sunset on Bukit Merese.
- Take a trip to Bangkang Cave, just ten minutes from Kuta’s main strip.
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View on Osprey View on REI2. Mataram – Best Place to Stay in Lombok on a Budget
While Mataram is actually the largest city on the island, not many tourists actually stop there longer than an hour or two. As a consequence, accommodation tends to be cheaper here than other tourist spots on the island.
Photo: Samantha Shea
Mataram is also a great place to stay to experience authentic local life, there are lots of things to see and do in Lombok. Streets buzz with motorbike traffic and roads are lined with market stalls.
Mataram has a couple of nice temples to visit. The Hindu temple of Pura Meru is the largest in Lombok and dates back to 1720. There, you can see three multi-tiered shrines made of teak wood.
Hotel Orizatha | Best Budget Hotel in Mataram
Hotel Orizatha provides modern accommodation for a great price. The rooms are fitted with a private bathroom, air conditioning, a terrace, and a view over the city or the hotel garden. A good breakfast is served each morning.
Golden Palace Hotel Lombok | Best Hotel in Mataram
Golden Palace Hotel Lombok is located in the heart of Mataram’s city centre. The rooms there are modern and elegant and feature a private bathroom with a bathtub, air conditioning, and a flat-screen TV. The hotel also features a swimming pool, a wellness centre, and free Wifi.
Dewi Sri Guesthouse | Best Hostel in Mataram
Dewi Sri is a traditional house that’s been converted into a guesthouse. Choose from a cosy private room or a traditional dorm and enjoy a free breakfast, free wifi, and an on-site private pool. The hostel is close to the city centre and a short drive from the beaches.
Tiny House at Dewi Sri Guesthouse | Best Airbnb in Mataram
This sweet tiny house is the antithesis of the private villas that are normally on offer throughout Southern Lombok. With multiple common areas and a shared swimming pool, you’ll be in your own private retreat while still having the amenities of the shared guesthouse. You’ll be sleeping soundly in a queen bed, knowing you don’t have to lift a finger to self-cater, the street food is out the gate.
Things to See and Do in Mataram
- Experience the local life in Lombok’s biggest city
- Try to find the remainders of the Dutch-colonial era at the port in Ampenan
- Visit the Hindu temple of Pura Meru
- Discover Indonesia’s Islamic culture at the Islamic Centre, a green and gold mosque which opened in 2016. Here, you can climb to the top of the tallest minaret, culminating at 114 metres.
3. Senggigi – Best Area to Stay in Lombok For Nightlife
Senggigi is the most popular area for tourists in Lombok. Located in the northwest of the island, it is just a short ride away from the main city of Mataram, yet offers very different scenery.
Photo: Samantha Shea
The beach is the main attraction here. The sand here is black due to the nearby volcanic activity of Mount Rinjani. While you can get your tan on during the day, make sure not to miss the stunning sunsets in the evenings.
Senggigi is nothing compared to Bali in terms of touristic development, but hotels and guesthouses still line up the streets here. Restaurants serve local food for a bargain, and there are bars and clubs galore. If you want to experience some serious nightlife in Lombok, Sengiggi is where you’ll find it.
Jazz Senggigi Hotel | Best Budget Hotel in Senggigi
The Jazz Senggigi Hotel offers great budget accommodation in Lombok. Private rooms and dorm beds are available in rooms fitted with air conditioning, a bathroom, and a terrace. A continental breakfast is served each morning, one of the best hotels in North Lombok, alright.
And that swimming pool!
RedDoorz Premium Hotel | Best Hotel in Senggigi
One of the best hotels, the Taman Unique Hotel offers a great Indonesian experience in Lombok. The spacious rooms are fitted with an ensuite bathroom, air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, and a tea and coffee maker. Some rooms have a view over the garden.
The hotel restaurant serves pizza, barbecue specialities, and international cuisine.
Indah Homestay | Best Guesthouse in Senggigi
If you’ve been to Indonesia before, you know exactly what you’re getting yourself into by the picture of this guesthouse. It’s kind of hostel vibes, but private rooms in a peaceful garden with a yummy restaurant on site. They do a cooking class too if you love the food so much that you want to learn how to make it.
Beautiful Bungalow near the Beach | Best Airbnb in Senggigi
This tropical villa is super close to the beach, almost a beachfront bungalow and a short scooter ride from the town and ferry terminal. It’s beautifully furnished with all the amenities you’ll need for a comfortable stay, including free wifi and a full kitchen. Enjoy your time in North Lombok and find yourself a private beach
Things to See and Do in Senggigi
Photo: @audyscala
- Go scuba diving to meet some turtles and exotic fish.
- Experience a stunning sunset from the beach in the evening.
- If you’re cruising. on a scooter, your ass can get pretty sore, swap it out for a car and create your very own private Lombok tour with a personal driver to visit your preferred attractions.
- Go surfing on the strong waves of the area.
- Enjoy local food like satay.
- Visit Narmada Summer Palace, Bayan old mosque, the Traditional Senaru Sasak village, and Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep waterfalls on this epic tour.
- Take in the views at Batu Bolong Temple.
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Grab an eSIM!4. Gili Air – Coolest Place to Stay in Lombok
Gili Air is a small island off the coast of Lombok, about 15 away by boat. Visitors who love walking can hike around the island in approximately 1-2 hours.
Gili Air is the smallest and most tranquil of the infamous Gili Islands. While Gili Meno and Gili Trawangan each have their attributes, Gili Air is my personal favourite. The nearby Gili Islands are a far cry from Lombok culture but have their own thing going on.
Photo: @monteiro.online
Snorkelling and diving are particularly popular in Gili Air, thanks to the warm crystal clear waters. If you’re inexperienced or want some help, there are plenty of diving schools around. Underwater, you will encounter coral reefs, turtles, and exotic fish. It is amazing especially if you visit Lombok in the dry season.
Although it is not as lively as some of the other Gili islands, it offers a good nightlife scene. The atmosphere is more laid-back around there, and it’s not unusual to find some fresh barbecued fish on the beach in the evening.
Gili Matiki | Best Budget Hotel in Gili Air
Gili Matiki offers budget accommodation in separate little huts on the Gili Islands. Each room is fitted with air conditioning or a fan, an ensuite bathroom, a terrace, and a view over the garden or the pool. Outside, in the garden, guests can enjoy a swimming pool.
While they’re not quite beachfront bungalows, you’re never far from the beach on the Gili Islands
Samata Village | Best Hotel in Gili Air
Samata Village offers modern rooms with wooden roofs featuring air conditioning, a coffee and tea maker, a private bathroom, and a terrace. The hotel also has a swimming pool and a sun deck. Guests can enjoy a restaurant and a free Wifi connection.
Begadang | Best Hostel in Gili Air
Labelled a “big kid paradise”, Begadang is one of the best hostels on Lombok Island! It’s got everything to keep you entertained when you’re not exploring, from a mushroom-shaped pool to volleyball and ping pong.
The hostel offers self-catering facilities but also provides amazing food at the onsite restaurant and bar. Free high-speed wifi is available, and the rooms are a steal for the price in the Gili Islands.
Stunning Private Villa | Best Villa in Gili Air
This stunning Airbnb offers individual villas with a swimming pool and garden. There are no self-catering facilities, however, rooms have a refrigerator and breakfast is included in the rate. The whole island can be walked on foot, and the harbour is just ten minutes away so you can easily explore other islands.
Things to See and Do in Gili Air
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
- Snorkel in the crystal clear waters and explore the coral reefs.
- Learn to dive while meeting turtles and exotic fish.
- Chill out in one of the bars of the island at night.
- Put on your walking shoes and take a hike around the island.
5. Tanjung – Best Neighborhood in Lombok for Families to Stay In
Tanjung is a resort village located in the north of Lombok, facing the Gili Islands. It’s one of the more upscale areas of Lombok and, apart from a few resorts here and there, the neighbourhood remains largely unspoiled.
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
Nestled here are some of the premier resorts in Lombok, ensuring a varied range of activities for your enjoyment. Options include golfing as some of the resorts boast their own golfing course, or getting a traditional Balinese massage in one of the resort spas.
Mount Rinjani, Lombok’s volcano, is located near Tanjung. Tours to climb the volcano can be organised when the seismic activity allows it. Guides will take you to the top and you can also arrange to have a proper carry your belongings. On top of the main crater, a volcanic lake boasting the same colour as the sea sits beautifully.
Rinjani Beach Eco Resort | Best Budget Hotel in Tanjung
Located just steps away from the beach, Rinjani Beach Eco Resort offers comfortable bungalows and villas in Lombok. Each room is fitted with a private bathroom, a fan and a terrace.
The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool and a restaurant serving Indonesian cuisine. A good breakfast is served in the morning.
Mina Tanjung Hotel | Best Hostel in Tanjung
This holiday park is the ideal base if you’re deciding where to stay in Southern Lombok with your family. It sits right on the beachfront and offers stunning views of the coast.
The hotel offers a lavish breakfast, as well as an onsite bar, swimming pool, and free wifi. It’s within walking distance of beaches, the harbour, and waterfalls.
Villa Sapi | Best Villa in Tanjung
This beachfront villa on the southern coast is the perfect base for a family vacation to Lombok. It sleeps 12 guests and features modern decor, with an indoor/outdoor design running throughout to get you back to the nature of Southern Lombok. There’s a swimming pool on-site, as well as a large kitchen and dining area.
Eco-living Bamboo Villa | Best Airbnb in Tanjung
Relax in this beautiful rustic home that has a creative, open floor plan. This home has a bamboo foundation with beautiful brick walls. It’s very spacious, with room for up to six guests. You’ll be in the perfect spot to appreciate the island vibes – surrounded by jungle, overlooking the mountains and sea.
Things to See and Do in Tanjung
- Get a traditional Balinese massage in one of the resorts.
- Go golfing at the Kosaido Golf Club.
- Climb the neighbouring Mount Rinjani volcano.
- Pack your beach bag and spend a day at the beach.
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Hide Yo’ Money!FAQ about Finding a Place to Stay in Lombok
Here’s what people usually ask about the areas of Lombok and where to stay.
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Find a RetreatWhat To Pack For Lombok
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
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Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
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Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
What about other Gili Islands?
The other Gili Islands (Gili Trawangan and Gili Meno) are sweet and each has their attributes… But Gili Air is the closest of the Gili Islands to Lombok Island, and I’d choose to stay there every time. Gili Trawangan is great for mushie shakes and partying, Gili Meno is the smallest and Gili Air is “just right” – the Goldilocks.
Is Kuta Lombok safe?
Kuta Lombok is pretty touristy and like the rest of Indonesia (/the rest of the world) you have to be careful of petty crime. This being said, Indonesia is generally pretty safe and full of beautiful friendly welcoming people. North Lombok is less touristy than the south coast where Kuta Lombok is so keep that in mind if you’re cautious.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Lombok
Be smart my friend, especially on Lombok Island, without good travel insurance, you could be royally fucked.
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Final Thoughts On Where to Stay in Lombok
While it’s much less popular than Bali, there are lots of things to see and do on Lombok Island. Whether you stay in southern Lombok for the surf and the social vibes or further north Lombok for traditional Lombok culture… Here, nature has mostly remained unspoilt and the beaches and the surf are some of the best in Indonesia.
If you’re still not sure where to stay, I recommend basing yourself in Kuta Beach. There’s a bit of everything on offer here, and it provides easy access to other areas mentioned in this guide. Pipes Hostel is a great choice for accommodation in Kuta Lombok.
Dewi Sri Guesthouse provides the best backpacker accommodation on the island. With an onsite pool, free wifi, and an epic location, you can’t go wrong! Here, you can enjoy the conveniences and amenities of what feels like one of the best family hotels right in the heart of Mataram.
Wherever you stay on Lombok Island, I challenge you not to fall in love, from private pools in private villas to the best hotels. From the traditional Sasak Village in southern Lombok to the swimming pool filled Gili Islands, there’s something for everyone!
Have I missed anything? Let me know in the comments!
Photo: @joemiddlehurst
- Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around Indonesia.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in Lombok.
- Planning out an itinerary for Lombok is a great way to maximise your time.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
- Our in-depth Southeast Asia backpacking guide will help you plan the rest of your adventure.
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