1. Mount Rinjani — Indonesia’s Second-Highest Volcano

Mount Rinjani (3,726 m) is the towering centrepiece of Lombok and one of Indonesia’s most spectacular trekking destinations. The volcano dominates the northern half of the island, its summit visible from Bali on clear days. A Rinjani trek is a serious multi-day adventure that takes you through dense tropical forest, across volcanic savannah, to the rim of the massive caldera — 6 km wide — which contains the stunning turquoise crater lake, Segara Anak. From the summit, you can see Bali, Sumbawa, and even Mount Agung on the clearest of mornings.

Location: Northern Lombok. The main trailheads are Senaru (western approach) and Sembalun (eastern approach). Both are about 2–3 hours from Mataram, Lombok’s capital.

History: Rinjani’s caldera was formed by a massive volcanic eruption approximately 30,000–50,000 years ago — one of the largest in recorded geological history. The volcano is sacred to both the Sasak and Balinese people, who make pilgrimages to the crater lake to make offerings and bathe in the hot springs. Rinjani last erupted in 2016, causing temporary closures.

Highlights:

• Summit sunrise at 3,726 m — one of the most magnificent views in Indonesia
• Segara Anak — the turquoise crater lake, 2,000 m below the rim
• Natural hot springs on the lake shore — soak tired trekking muscles
• Gunung Barujari — the active secondary cone inside the caldera
• Diverse ecosystems from tropical rainforest to alpine volcanic desert
• Excellent camping with views of the Milky Way at altitude

2. Gili Trawangan — The Party Island

Gili Trawangan, known simply as Gili T, is the largest and most developed of the three Gili Islands. It is famous for its vibrant nightlife, beach bars, and social atmosphere, but it offers much more than parties. The island has a relaxed daytime vibe with excellent snorkelling right off the beach, world-class sunsets from the western side, and a completely car-free environment — the only transport is by bicycle or horse-drawn cart (cidomo). The vibe shifts as the sun goes down, with beachfront bars offering everything from acoustic sets to full-moon parties.

Location: Northwest of Lombok, about 30 minutes by fast boat from Bali or 15 minutes from the Lombok coast.

History: Originally a small fishing settlement, Gili T began attracting backpackers in the 1980s and developed into a major tourist destination by the 2000s. The island’s no-motorised-vehicle policy was established to preserve its peaceful character — though the nightlife has since grown significantly, the ban on cars and scooters remains strictly enforced.

Highlights:

• World-class sunsets at the west coast beach bars
• Snorkelling with sea turtles at Turtle Point (just offshore)
• Bicycle exploration — you can cycle around the entire island in about 45 minutes
• Nightlife at Gili T’s east side — everything from quiet cocktail bars to dance clubs
• Excellent dining from cheap local warungs to upscale international restaurants
• Diving at Shark Point — frequent sightings of white-tip and black-tip reef sharks

3. Gili Meno — The Honeymoon Island

Gili Meno is the smallest and quietest of the three Gili Islands — the perfect escape from the noise and crowds of modern life. With only a few hundred residents and a handful of resorts, Gili Meno is where you come to do nothing at all: read in a hammock, swim in impossibly clear water, and watch the sun set over the ocean in perfect silence. The island has a unique, sleepy charm and is a favourite among couples and solo travellers seeking genuine peace.

Location: Between Gili Trawangan and Gili Air, about 15 minutes by boat from either.

History: The least developed of the three islands, Gili Meno has maintained its traditional character far more than Gili T. A significant portion of the island is covered by a saltwater lake in the centre, and the small community lives a simple, unhurried life centred around fishing and subsistence farming.

Highlights:

• Secluded, uncrowded beaches with powdery white sand
• The Turtle Sanctuary — a conservation project for sea turtles
• The island’s saltwater lake in the centre — a unique ecosystem
• Excellent snorkelling directly from the beach (calm, clear water)
• Romantic atmosphere with the least light pollution for stargazing

4. Gili Air — The Perfect Middle Ground

Gili Air strikes the ideal balance between Gili T’s social scene and Gili Meno’s solitude. This small island has a laid-back, friendly atmosphere with enough restaurants and bars to keep things interesting, yet quiet enough to find your own piece of paradise. The island is encircled by a sandy path that takes about an hour to cycle, and the local Sasak community gives Gili Air a stronger sense of authentic Indonesian island culture than its neighbours.

Location: Closest of the three Gilis to Lombok — just 15 minutes by public boat from Bangsal Harbour on the Lombok mainland.

Highlights:

• Friendly, village-like atmosphere with genuine Sasak character
• Excellent selection of restaurants and cafes without the party crowd
• Good snorkelling on the eastern and northern sides of the island
• Quieter beaches with easy access to Lombok views
• Beautiful sunrise views from the eastern side toward Rinjani
• Yoga classes, massage, and wellness activities

5. Kuta Lombok — Surf, Hills & Laid-Back Vibes

Do not confuse Kuta Lombok with its Bali namesake. Kuta Lombok is a completely different beast — a laid-back surf town set on a stunning crescent of white sand, surrounded by rolling green hills, traditional Sasak villages, and some of the best surf breaks in Indonesia. The town has developed into a thriving hub for surfers, yogis, and travellers seeking a more authentic coastal experience than Bali’s south can now offer. The beaches around Kuta Lombok are beautiful, uncrowded, and backed by dramatic headlands and turquoise bays.

Location: Southern Lombok, about 1 hour from Mataram and Lombok International Airport.

History: Kuta Lombok remained a quiet fishing village until the early 2010s when the government began developing it as a ‘new Bali.’ Construction has increased, but compared to its namesake, Kuta Lombok retains a raw, undeveloped charm that is rapidly disappearing elsewhere.

Highlights:

• Mawun Beach — a stunning crescent-shaped bay with a clifftop viewpoint
• Tanjung Aan Beach — beautiful white sand, turquoise water, and coconut palms
• World-class surf breaks: Desert Point, Grupuk, Selong Belanak
• Bukit Merese — a hilltop sunrise/sunset viewpoint over the southern coast
• Traditional Sasak villages in the surrounding hills
• Excellent cafes, yoga studios, and boutique accommodation

6. Lombok’s Waterfalls — Tiu Kelep & Sendang Gile

The northern slopes of Mount Rinjani are blessed with powerful, spectacular waterfalls that cascade through lush tropical jungle. Tiu Kelep and Sendang Gile, located near the trekking village of Senaru, are two of the most impressive. Sendang Gile drops 31 metres into a wide, rocky pool, while Tiu Kelep — hidden deeper in the forest — is a massive 45-metre cascade where you can stand behind the falling water and feel the spray on your face. The combination of Rinjani views, jungle trekking, and these magnificent falls makes Senaru a destination in its own right.

Location: Senaru Village, northern Lombok, about 2 hours drive from Mataram. The trailhead is at the Rinjani Trek Centre.

Highlights:

• Tiu Kelep — a majestic 45-metre waterfall you can stand behind
• Sendang Gile — a 31-metre cascade with easy access and a wide swimming pool
• Beautiful jungle trek through lush vegetation, bamboo groves, and coffee plantations
• Cool, refreshing swimming in the plunge pools
• Nearby Benang Stokel and Benang Kelambu waterfalls in central Lombok

7. Sasak Culture — Traditional Village Life

The Sasak people are Lombok’s indigenous ethnic group, and their traditional culture is still very much alive in the island’s rural villages. Sasak villages are distinctive — houses are built from bamboo, thatch, and mud, with walls made from woven bamboo strips (gedek) and roofs of alang-alang grass. Many traditional villages, particularly in the south, still maintain the custom of giving all boys a traditional Sasak name — often based on birth order — and observe ancient rituals that blend Islamic faith with indigenous beliefs (Wetu Telu).

Location: Notable traditional Sasak villages include Sade (close to Kuta Lombok), Ende (near Praya), Segenter (north, near Senaru), and Tetebatu (east Lombok). Sade is the most visited and easiest to access.

Highlights:

• Traditional bamboo and thatch houses with distinctive architecture
• Handwoven songket and tenun ikat textiles — Lombok’s traditional crafts
• Traditional Sasak ceremonies and rituals (with advance arrangement)
• Learning about the Wektu Telu belief system — a blend of Islam and animism
• Hands-on experiences: rice planting, coconut harvesting, traditional cooking
• Less commercialised than Balinese cultural tourism

8. Senggigi — Lombok’s Original Resort Coast

Senggigi is Lombok’s original tourist strip, a scenic 10 km stretch of coastline on the island’s west coast. While it has aged somewhat compared to newer developments like Kuta Lombok, Senggigi retains a certain charm with its sunset-facing beaches, coral reefs, and proximity to the Gilis. It serves as an excellent base for exploring the western side of Lombok and offers a wide range of accommodation, restaurants, and tour operators.

Location: West coast of Lombok, about 30 minutes north of Mataram and the airport.

Highlights:

• Sunset views directly facing Bali’s Mount Agung across the Lombok Strait
• Kerandangan Beach — a quiet strip of sand in Senggigi’s southern section
• Scenic coastal road with dramatic ocean views
• Pura Batu Bolong — a small Hindu temple perched on a rocky outcrop
• Easy access to the Gili Islands (direct boats from Senggigi beach)
• Good range of restaurants, from local warungs to international dining

Best Time to Visit

The dry season (May–October) is ideal for all activities — trekking Rinjani, surfing, snorkelling, and island hopping. Rinjani is closed for trekking during the wet season (January–March). The peak season (July–August) brings larger crowds and higher prices. April, May, and October offer the best balance of weather and tranquillity. Surf season peaks June–September for consistent swell on the south coast.

Getting Between Islands

Fast boats connect Bali to the Gili Islands and Lombok daily (€25–45 one way). Public boats between the three Gili islands and Lombok’s Bangsal Harbour are very cheap (€1–3) but can be cancelled in rough seas. From Lombok, you can also take a ferry to Sumbawa for further eastward travel. Book fast boats through reputable operators; some smaller operators have a poor safety record. Always check the boat’s condition and life jacket availability.

Trekking Safety

Rinjani is a serious high-altitude trek, not a casual day hike. Ensure you’re properly prepared — good fitness, suitable footwear, warm clothing, rain gear, and a reputable guide. Altitude sickness is a real risk at the summit (3,726 m). Always hydrate well, ascend slowly, and descend immediately if you experience severe headaches, nausea, or dizziness. Rinjani National Park may close the trail due to volcanic activity or extreme weather — check current conditions.