Lombok Guide: Surf, Waterfalls and Rinjani

Lombok is what Bali was 10–15 years ago. Calmer, wilder and more authentic – without the traffic chaos, the constant hassle and the long queues at the most popular attractions. But that doesn’t mean anything is missing. World-class surfing, dramatic waterfalls, Indonesia’s second-highest volcano and a food scene in Kuta that will surprise you. Here’s everything you need to know about Lombok from a team that has spent a lot of time on the island.

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Lombok vs Bali – what’s the difference?

The best way to describe Lombok is that it’s what Bali was 10–15 years ago. Its charm lies precisely in what’s missing – no traffic jams, no tourist crowds on every corner and no constant offers of taxis and massages along the beach. The roads are wide and well maintained, which makes scooter trips a completely different experience from Bali.

Outside Kuta it’s quiet – very quiet. It’s perfect if you want real peace and nature without compromising on comfort. But be aware of one thing: there are many mosques, and if you’re a light sleeper you should choose accommodation a little outside the centre or check how close it is to a mosque before you book – the 5 am call to prayer is hard to ignore.

Surfing on Lombok – lagoons and a boat out to the break

Lombok is a surfers’ paradise with one clear advantage over Bali: small boats take you out to the break. You skip the long paddle out to the waves, which leaves you more energy for the surfing itself. Around Kuta you’ll find a number of lagoons with different conditions to suit every level.

Our favourite lagoon is Pantai Mawun – a crescent-shaped lagoon with turquoise water and waves that suit both beginners and improvers. Check the surf conditions from day to day and choose your lagoon to match your level. Local surf guides can help you find the right spot.

Other popular surf spots around Kuta include Selong Belanak (perfect for beginners and families), Are Guling and Grupuk Bay, where you can take a boat out to several different breaks depending on the size and direction of the swell.

Vegard’s tip: Take a boat out to Grupuk Bay early in the morning – conditions are best before the wind picks up around 10–11 am. Local fishermen will take you out for next to nothing.

Sunsets – the “Teletubby hills” and Bukit Ansas

Around Kuta there are a number of hills and ridges that locals call the Teletubby hills – green, rounded tops with panoramic views over the lagoons and the Indian Ocean. They all make a fantastic setting for sunset, but our favourite is Bukit Ansas.

Ride your scooter up in good time before sunset, find a spot in the grass and watch the sun sink into the sea with one of the lagoons below you. It’s one of the most beautiful sunset experiences in all of Indonesia – with no queues and no entrance fee.

A scooter trip north – waterfalls and landscapes

One of the best things you can do on Lombok is get on a scooter and ride north from Kuta. The roads are good and the landscape changes dramatically – from dry hills in the south to lush jungle and rice fields in the north. Plan a full day and take your time.

These waterfalls are worth the trip:

Air Terjun Benang Stokel and Benang Kelambu – two waterfalls close to each other, surrounded by lush vegetation. Benang Kelambu has a unique “curtain” of water falling from the cliff that forms a natural shower. Both are relatively easy to reach.

Tetebatu Waterfall – in the village of Tetebatu on the slopes of Rinjani. The area is known for its rice fields, black monkeys and coffee plantations. Combine the waterfall with a walk through the rice fields.

Air Terjun Segenter – less well known and therefore quieter. A nice walk through the jungle to get there.

Tiu Kelep Waterfall – one of Lombok’s most beautiful waterfalls, with a natural pool where you can swim. It’s near Senaru in the north and a popular start and end point for Rinjani treks.

Mt. Rinjani – Lombok’s volcano

Mt. Rinjani (3,726 m) is Indonesia’s second-highest volcano and one of Southeast Asia’s most spectacular treks. A full Rinjani trek takes 2–4 days depending on the route and your ambitions. It’s demanding – it’s steep, it’s long and it can be cold at night – but the reward is unbeatable: the crater lake Segara Anak, hot springs in the crater and views over Lombok, Bali and Sumbawa.

Consider Rinjani if you have at least 3 extra days and are in good physical shape. All treks should be done with a local guide – on some routes it’s actually mandatory.

Restaurants in Kuta, Lombok

Kuta has a surprisingly good food scene for the size of the place. Here are our recommendations:

Cantina Mexicana – tequila and tacos in Kuta. A good atmosphere and a regular stop for most visitors. Not Mexico’s best food, but more than good enough for another round.

KRNK Bar & Restaurant – in our opinion Lombok’s best burger. A casual atmosphere, good music and a burger that delivers. Drop in for lunch.

Kenza Cafe – our favourite for breakfast and lunch. A relaxed atmosphere, good coffee and a menu that works for every meal. A natural meeting point in Kuta.

El Bazar Cafe & Restaurant – the closest you’ll get to fine dining in Kuta. Slightly more elegant surroundings and a more ambitious menu. Good for a special evening out.

Ramen Otaku – surprisingly good ramen in the middle of Kuta. Perfect after a long day on the scooter or in the waves.

Curfew Restaurant and Beer Garden – a big selection of beers, board games, cornhole and a relaxed garden restaurant. Perfect for a sociable evening with friends. Always a good atmosphere.

Mia Mia’s Kitchen – local food at local prices. Authentic and simple, but good. Drop in to taste what Lombok actually eats.

Mama Pizza – good pizza in Kuta. Not fancy, but reliable and tasty. A good option when you’re tired of Asian food.

Treehouse Restaurant & Bar – drinks and good food in unique surroundings. The place has character and is worth a visit for the atmosphere alone.

Rasta Bar Reborn – cheap drinks and beer pong on the days they’re open. Check whether they’re open the day you’re there. A sociable, informal atmosphere.

Training and active holidays on Lombok

There are good options for CrossFit and training near Kuta. Combine training with surfing, hikes to waterfalls and scooter trips in the mountains. Lombok is a good choice if you want an active holiday without paying Bali prices for the activities.

Where to stay on Lombok

A good tip is to stay 15–20 minutes outside the centre by scooter. In the hills around Kuta you’ll find beautiful villas with fantastic views at a fraction of what the equivalent would cost in Bali. Villa Teraum is one of our favourites, with great views and quiet surroundings.

If you’d rather stay more centrally and on a budget, Bungalow and Restaurant Anda is a good option in the middle of Kuta with a simple, good standard.

Remember to check how close you are to a mosque before you book – the 5 am call to prayer is loud and close. It’s easy to avoid with a little planning.

Getting around Lombok

A scooter is the best way to get around Lombok if you’re an experienced rider with the right licence. The roads are good and the traffic is far calmer than in Bali. Renting a scooter is cheap and gives you complete freedom to explore on your own.

GoJek and Grab exist, but they’re not as easy to get as in Bali – especially at certain times of day and outside the centre. Always have a plan B and don’t count on always finding a driver quickly.

Who is Lombok for?

Lombok suits absolutely everyone – families with small children, solo travellers, backpackers, couples and surf enthusiasts. It suits best those who want something calmer than Bali, with fewer tourists and more nature. You give up a little of the convenience and the huge choice of restaurants you’ll find in Seminyak or Canggu, but you gain authenticity, peace and lower prices.

Lombok	Bali
Calmer and more authentic	More choice and convenience
Good roads, little traffic	Heavy traffic in tourist areas
Surfing with a boat out to the break	Surfing often means a long paddle
Lower prices	Higher prices in tourist areas
GoJek/Grab less available	GoJek/Grab almost always available
Suits all travellers	Suits all travellers

Want to combine Lombok with Bali? Our multi-day trip takes you from Bali to Lombok and the Gili Islands with private transport, accommodation and personal service included.
See the Lombok and Gili trip from $599 →