FRANCE
EUROPE
AFRICA
MIDDLE EAST
NORTH AMERICA
SOUTH AMERICA
ASIA
CARIBBEAN
OCEANIA
East of Bali, Lombok reveals an island with a slower rhythm — a mix of pale beaches, quiet villages, and steep mountains. Daily life plays out to the sound of markets and scooters, but also in the stillness of wet rice fields. The overall feeling is of a place that is both simple and full of variety.
The massive Mount Rinjani dominates the island, its crater often wrapped in mist. Trails lead to lakes, waterfalls, and sometimes sweeping viewpoints. The effort of the climb quickly fades in the face of such powerful scenery.
In the south, Kuta Beach draws visitors with its gentle curves, cliffs dotted with coves, and waves that call to surfers. Farther out, the Gili Islands complete the picture, reachable by boat, each with its own pace. Lombok lingers in memory as a mosaic of scenes — contrasting yet harmonious.
Top 5 Guided Tours
Places to Visit
In the south of Lombok, Merese Hills rise as a series of gentle slopes dropping toward the ocean. Short grass mixes with scattered stones, and improvised paths lead to high points where the sea seems endless. The wind blows strong here, loud enough to drown out voices.
From the ridges, you can see Tanjung Aan Beach — twin bays divided by a rocky point. The water shifts color with the hours, pale blue in the morning, nearly turquoise under the midday sun. The contrast stays with you long after.
To the west, the coastline keeps unfolding into more coves — some empty, others with just a few fishermen. Farther on, Kuta holds its beach-town rhythm, with cafés lined up and scooters parked in front of the sand. The shift from quiet to lively happens in just a few kilometers.
Senggigi Beach stretches in a long crescent of sand lined with coconut palms and fishing boats. The sea shifts in color — silvery in the morning, darker as the sun drops lower. You walk slowly, feet in the warm water.
From the shore, you can make out the silhouette of Mount Agung in Bali, especially on clear days. The contrast between the volcanic horizon and the softness of the beach gives the place a unique feel. You often stop without needing a reason.
A little farther north, the Gili Islands lure travelers with their slower rhythm, reachable by boat from the nearby port. To the south, Kuta offers a wilder setting, with cliffs and bays where surfers chase the waves. Senggigi feels like a natural starting point for exploring the coast.
In the hills of northern Lombok, Tiu Kelep Waterfall appears after a walk through rice fields and shaded paths. The jungle closes in, the air grows heavier, and suddenly water cascades down a fern-covered wall. The scene feels enclosed, like a natural amphitheater.
The water falls in a powerful sheet, sending a cool mist through the air. The rocks glisten, the ground seems to tremble, and the pool below stays icy, making you hesitate before stepping in. The sense of raw force is immediate, unfiltered.
A little lower down, Sendang Gile Waterfall is easier to approach — its flow softer, more even. The two sites complement each other, one calming, the other intense. You carry this balance with you, as if it were part of the experience.
In the background, the silhouette of Mount Rinjani towers, sometimes hidden by clouds. Tiu Kelep feels tied to this massif, to the mountain shaping the entire surrounding landscape. A stop that stays with you — in the body as much as in the mind.
In the heart of the island, the Tetebatu rice fields form a patchwork of green spreading out at the foot of Mount Rinjani. The trails wind between the irrigated plots, passing through small hamlets like Kokok Pedek and Kokok Bebak, where locals greet visitors with warmth.
Following the narrow embankments, you walk alongside the streams that feed the fields, passing coffee and cacao plantations along the way. In the morning, mist clings to the palm trees, creating an almost dreamlike scene. You can continue on to the Jeruk Manis Waterfall in Rinjani National Park, reached by a shaded trail.
Higher up, the views open wide over the volcano’s slopes and the surrounding valley. Tetebatu is also a perfect starting point to explore traditional Sasak villages, where craftsmanship and local culture remain very much alive. It’s an ideal stop for combining gentle hikes with a true immersion in rural life.
At the very south of the island, Pink Beach stretches out with sand tinted a soft rose — a mix of pale grains and fragments of coral. The sea stays clear, shifting from green to turquoise with the light. People often sit here quietly, struck by the gentleness of the place.
Walking through the nearby hills, you find hidden trails leading to the Benang Stokel and Benang Kelambu waterfalls. Water falls in multiple streams, surrounded by dense greenery. The coolness is a sharp contrast to the dry coastal heat.
Not far away, the village of Sekaroh reveals a more human side. Workshops open to display colorful weaving, still-warm pottery, and carefully crafted jewelry. You stop as much to watch as to talk.