Where to Stay in Lombok: Best Areas & Accommodation in Kuta and Beyond
Welcome to Lombok, Indonesia!
This beautiful island, located beside Bali, is well known for being home to the incredible Mount Rinjani. But there is so much more to discover beyond this one wonder. From rice terraces and towering waterfalls to hidden Gili islands and epic surf, Lombok should be high on your Indonesia travel list.
With so much to explore, choosing where to stay can make a huge difference in your experience. After living here for over a year, I have uncovered the best places to stay during your time here. Whether you are coming for adventure, relaxation, or both, this guide will help you find the best places to stay in Lombok!
Oh & as always practice sustainable tourism while traveling please :)
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Where to stay in Lombok
Views of Mount Rinjani from Gili Asahan in Lombok.
How To Choose The Best Area To Stay
Choosing the best area to stay in Lombok is actually pretty simple—it all depends on what you want to do and how long you plan to stay.
If you stay long-term and want to be around expats, gyms, cafés, and coworking spaces, Kuta is the spot for you. It is also the best place if your main goal is to surf, whether you are a beginner or an experienced surfer.
If scuba diving or freediving is your focus, head to the Gili Islands. For a more secluded island vibe with sunbathing, diving, and snorkeling, Gili Meno or Gili Asahan are great options.
If you are looking for a nature escape, Tetebatu is surrounded by rice terraces and waterfalls.
And if you are planning to trek Mount Rinjani or explore smaller hills, Sembalun is the perfect base.
Or perhaps, you want a little bit of everything? You can either base yourself in Kuta and do some day trips or hop around and stay in each of these places for a few nights! I created the perfect 7-10 day itinerary covering all of these places—you can find it here!
I will dive into each place further below to help you decide which is best for you!
Kuta: Expat & Surfer Haven
The main road in Kuta, Lombok.
A surfer at Selong Belanak, one of the best beaches for new surfers in Kuta, Lombok.
Kuta, Lombok is a small fishing village on the southern coast of the island that has become a popular spot for expats and Westerners. There are many gyms, amazing beaches, surf spots, western and local cafes for working, etc. all located in this one area. You can easily use Kuta as your base while exploring if you prefer to have one place to go back to. Many day trips to places like Tetebatu, Sembalun, Rinjani, etc. will leave from Kuta and its surrounding areas.
The downtown/main area in Kuta is quite small, following along two roads that intersect with one another. Along them, you will find everything you need from places to eat and a grocery store to gyms and padel. This is the area of Lombok that most closely resembles places in Bali like Uluwatu, however, it is much less busy and Westernized.
Some people prefer to stay slightly outside of Kuta in places like Selong Belanak and Serangan to be closer to the popular surf spots. Keep in mind these places are a 25-40 minute drive from the main area for food, gyms, etc. Although both do have a couple of restaurants nearby and are becoming more popular recently.
Best Accommodation Options For Every Traveler: Kuta
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Backpacker/Hostel Option: Botchan Hostel (Dorm) or Ebucu (Private Room)
Best Low-Budget: Yuli’s or Mengalung Bungalow
Best Mid-Budget: Twiny's or El Tropico Boutique Hotel
Best High-End Budget: Mana Eco Retreat (Yummy restaurant and yoga shala attached) or Rascals Hotel
Best Luxury Budget: Lina Boutique Villas and Spa or Jivana Resort (Great massages)
You can also find hotel deals at Agoda and Hostel World!
Craving the best food in Kuta? Check out my top recommendations here!
Gili Islands: Diver’s Paradise
Gili Air.
A view of the Gili Islands from Lombok Island.
The Gili Islands, Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, and Gili Meno are three popular islands on the northwest side of Lombok. They are popular amongst divers due to the flourishing marine life surrounding them. The three islands, however, offer very different atmospheres. If you are looking for a party and a lively atmosphere, Gili T is the place to be, with plenty of day clubs and bars. It is also a great spot to be more long-term since there are more expats, cafes, gyms, dive shops, etc. Couples often gravitate toward Gili Meno, a smaller, less developed island, while Gili Air offers a balanced option—fewer crowds but not as intimate as Meno. Hopping between the three islands is quick, usually taking 15-30 minutes, so you can always try out one and hop over to the next easily. Some travelers prefer to stay in Senggigi, the coastal town closest to the three Gili islands, but I have never stayed there myself. I have always stayed right on the Gili islands!
Best Accommodation Options For Every Traveler
Backpacker/Hostel Option:
The House Hostel (Gili T)
Tipsea Turtle or Begadang (Gili Air)
Villas Ganjor (Gili Meno) I stayed here and enjoyed my stay!
Best Low-Budget:
Mango Tree House or Havana Hideaway (Gili T)
Kaluku Gili Resort (Gili Air)
Meno Dream Resort (Gili Meno)
Best Mid-Budget:
Martas Hotel (Gili T)
Jago Gili Air (Gili Air)
Les Villas Ottalia Yoga & Diving (Gili Meno)
Best High-End Budget:
Ponte Villas or Kardia Resort (Gili T)
The Koho Air Hotel or Hani Hideaway (Gili Air)
Gili Meno Escape - Adults Only (Gili Meno)
Best Luxury Budget:
PinkCoco Gili Air - Adults Only or Villa Tokay (Gili Air)
BASK (Gili Meno)
Tetebatu: Nature, Waterfalls & Rice Terraces
Some of the Tetebatu Rice Terraces in Lombok.
If you prefer to be in nature with lush green rice terraces and jungles, then Tetebatu is your haven. This small centrally located village is covered in rice fields and farmland, making it a serene escape from other areas of Lombok. There are a few restaurants around Tetebatu, but not too much else aside from them. It is not as popular among expats yet, although I imagine in years to come it will be the next Ubud. For now, it is a peaceful getaway for those looking to get more in touch with nature and enjoy Lombok’s natural landscapes.
Best Accommodation Options For Every Traveler
Backpacker/Hostel Option: Tetebatu Hostel (Dorm) or Satu Lingkung (Private Room)
Best Low-Budget: Kembang Kuning Cottages
Best Mid-Budget: Novia Guest House Lombok-Tetebatu or Bunga Maliq Bungalow Lombok
Best High-End Budget: Les Rizieres Lombok or MyHome
Sembalun: Mount Rinjani Views
Sembalun Village near Mount Rinjani in Lombok--the best place to stay in Lombok for trekking.
Sembalun Village is perfect for those who want to enjoy some trekking and Lombok’s more volcanic landscape. It is a smaller village located right near Mount Rinjani and is the location where most of the Volcano treks begin. Aside from Rinjani, there are many other hikes you can take advantage of like Pergasingan Hill. Again, this area is not as busy or popular as Kuta, Lombok, with people most often only visiting for a night or two to trek Rinjani and then continue on. Therefore, there are only a few local restaurants, a few accommodations, and not many “amentities” if you will aside from the beautiful landscape around you. It really is the perfect getaway for those who love the volcanos and mountains.
Best Accommodation Options For Every Traveler
Backpacker/Hostel Option: Radiya Guesthouse or Rinjani Family Homestay
Best Low-Budget: Bale Gantar
Best Mid-Budget: Rautani Sembalun (I stayed here, amazing location!)
Best High-End Budget: Rinjani Lodge (Out of Sembalun)
Gili Asahan: Secluded Island Vibes
A view of the beautiful waters and palm trees along Gili Asahan in Lombok.
Gili Asahan’s beautiful ombre blue waters along its coastline.
Gili Asahan is the perfect island to spend a few nights getaway, exploring its multicolored blue waters from above and below. It is more developed and larger than the islands on the secret Gili’s day trip but is still quite small with only 3 or 4 accommodation options. Here, you can find a horse rescue, a Pearl Farm, Kayaking tours to the uninhabited Gilis nearby, scuba diving, snorkeling from shore, and so much more! Although this Gili is bigger, you can walk around the entire island during low tide in just under 2 hours.
Best Accommodation Options For Every Traveler
Most accommodations offer transportation to the island.*
How To Get To Lombok
To get to Lombok, you can fly into the international airport in Praya (LOP). I suggest looking on Kiwi.com or Skyscanner.com for the best flight deals.
Pro Tip: Many foreigners traveling to Indonesia receive a 30-day Visa on Arrival upon entry for 500,000 IDR (30 USD) that can be extended an additional 30 days for an additional fee. You can find more information on which countries qualify and apply for this VOA online, here.
The airport is around 30 minutes from Kuta, and local taxis and Grab Drivers are available to bring you to your accommodation. The cost should be around 150,000 IDR (9-10 USD). Be sure to counter the local drivers' prices—they will try to get you to pay more.
There are also numerous ferries daily from various ports in Bali to either the Bangsal/Senggigi Port in North Lombok. These ferries average around 3 to 4 hours (although the one I took felt much longer). I would not recommend this option to anyone who is easily seasick. They can be choppy the entire journey. The ferry cost varies from 12-30 USD, depending on the season. I always book ahead by searching on 12GoAsia or messaging the ferry companies directly on WhatsApp. If you decide to arrive in Lombok by ferry, you must hire a taxi from the Bangsal Port to your accommodation in Kuta, Lombok. The price is usually around 350,000 - 400,000 IDR (22-25 USD) for the 2-hour ride down.
Public Ferries are an option for those who have more time and maybe want to pinch some pennies on their journey. The ferry is 4.5-6 hours long and departs from Padang Bai (Bali), sailing into Lembar (South-West Lombok). The cost is around 80,000 IDR (5 USD), and you can bring a motorbike onto the ferry with you. When you get to Padang Bai, you can ask the locals working at the ferry port where to buy a ticket for the public ferry to Lembar, and they should be able to direct you. There is no need to buy a ticket ahead of time for this option. If you do not have a motorbike with you on the ferry, you will need to hire a driver to take you from Lembar Port in Lombok to Kuta. No taxi drivers are waiting in the port and Grab rarely works.
Best Time To Visit Lombok
Rainy Season: November - March | Dry Season: April - October
The best time to visit Lombok is anytime during the dry season, however, the surf tends to be better during the wet season (less windy). If you want to see Lombok at its greenest, you can visit during the wet season or right after (in March/April) if you prefer sunny skies and green hills. If you visit towards the end of the dry season Lombok’s terrain will be drier and brown. I have been in Lombok for every season, and it did not rain too much in November / December. It was mostly short showers or one full day of rain. January and February were very rainy, and March was somewhere in the middle.
If you plan to Trek Rinjani, keep in mind the trail is closed from January 1 to March 31.
How To Get Around Lombok
The best form of transport in Lombok is by motorbike. Points of interest in Lombok, even just in Kuta, are a bit spread apart, and the area is very hilly, so quite impossible. It is also easier to cover more ground when you can move about on your own accord.
Daily motorbike rentals are usually around 75,000/80,000 IDR (per day) for a small motorbike or scoopy. If you plan to have two people and bags on one bike, renting a bigger bike with more CC is best. The bigger the bike, the more expensive it will be, but you will have an easier time climbing hills, especially near Rinjani. You will find better deals for longer-term rentals versus daily. Be sure to negotiate pricing, as some places will throw out a more expensive price to see if you will take it.
Motorbike Tips:
Be sure to wear your helmet while riding.
Some roads around Kuta are not properly paved, so watch out for potholes, etc.
Be careful of trucks, especially once you are outside of downtown Kuta—they are reckless drivers.
Be careful of dogs crossing the street while riding!!
I Prefer To Have A Driver:
Local taxis are around, and you can usually hire one from your accommodations, but they can become expensive. Grab and Gojek are not as prominent in Kuta yet.
Those who prefer private drivers between each destination in Lombok can hire a private driver for each day here. (I.e. Kuta to Tetebatu, Tetebatu to Sembalun, Sembalun to Bangsal Port). Or, many of the locals are happy to arrange a driver for the day for you as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
IS LOMBOK WORTH VISITING?
YES! It absolutely is. Many people refer to Lombok as the “old Bali,” referring to when Bali was better—less busy and less developed. The beaches are beautiful, the surf is less crowded, the viewpoints are incredible, and the landscape is picturesque.
Is it better to stay in Lombok or Gili Islands?
Both are great areas to stay in Lombok and I think it is worth exploring both. However, if you only have time for one I would suggest reflecting on what you want to do on your trip. If scuba diving is your focus then the Gili Islands are your best bet. For surfers, Kuta is your better option. If you want a place that is more walkable in terms of food or walking right out onto the beach, then maybe the Gilis are better for you!
IS LOMBOK BETTER THAN BALI?
Everyone will respond to this question differently, but I prefer Lombok. It is less crowded, less Westernized, and has more of an authentic Indonesian feel. However, I think both are worth the visit!
What is the most beautiful part of Lombok?
My favorite parts of Lombok are Kuta, Sembalun, Tetebatu, and the Gilis. Kuta is my preferred area and is where I spent my year living.
HOW MANY DAYS DO YOU NEED IN LOMBOK?
This all depends on what you want to do. If you only want to see Kuta and catch some waves, then 1-3 days is fine. Although, most people end up staying for an entire week. If you want to trek Rinjani, visit the waterfalls, and do all the best things, then yes, 5 days is fine, but 8-10 offers a more relaxed schedule. Then again, I stayed here for over a year!
You can find the perfect 7-10 day Lombok itinerary here!
IS LOMBOK SAFE?
Lombok has always felt safe to me and I lived there for an entire year. However, I recommend staying up to date with your country’s travel advisories. Follow basic rules of safety while traveling in addition to:
Always triple-check vaccination requirements and recommendations for countries. Some potential illnesses include Typhoid and Hepatitis A.
Pack mosquito spray to protect yourself from Dengue and Malaria. There have been recent cases of Dengue in the region.
Wear your helmet when riding your motorbike. So many people do not wear helmets, which could save your life.
Be careful with the street dogs. Due to previous abuse, some tend to be afraid of humans or feel the need to warn us off to protect themselves.
DO NOT drink the tap water. Keep your mouth closed in the shower and even use bottled water for toothbrushing, especially if you have a sensitive stomach like me!
Mistakes can happen, especially when trekking and walking around slippery areas or surfing, so I recommend always having some form of travel medical insurance. Safety Wing is by far the best travel medical insurance. It has saved me numerous times by covering hospital visits when I was sick during my travels in Asia.
Get an eSIM—so you do not get lost navigating your way. I always use Airalo for my eSim.
Emergency Contact Number: Police: 110 | Fire: +62 (0)370 672013| Ambulance: 118
You can find a complete list of Lombok and Gili Island’s Emergency #’s here.
THERE ARE SO MANY STRAY DOGS IN LOMBOK, HOW CAN I HELP?
Lombok’s culture is MUCH different from Bali's, and the island is far less developed–therefore the dogs are treated very differently here.
Without getting into the nitty-gritty of what life is like for stray dogs, just know that you can make a positive impact on their lives in some of the simplest ways. This can be through something as simple as giving a street pup a meal, rice, and plain chicken is best, or something to drink like water or even coconut water! A lot of the dogs are terrified of human interaction here, especially as you get further out of downtown Kuta, so you can always place the food and water nearby to the dog and then give it some space to eat and enjoy. I promise you they will eat it once you walk away!
If you want to be more involved, you can volunteer with The Shelter for Lombok Dogs (my favorite place in the world) by helping with sterilizations, feeding the baby street pups, or helping at their shelter near Mawun Beach. If you want more information on how you can help, head here!
If you are thinking: ‘Feeding and volunteering is not for me,’ you can also donate money to their GoFundMe, donate items they need (usually collars, towels, medications, etc.), or purchase some of their merchandise from Flow or Elamu! Every donation makes a huge difference in the lives of the Lomdogs!
