4 Great Areas + Top Beach Hotels

This Indonesian island is the ultimate holiday spot for beach lovers! Let’s start this guide on where to stay in Lombok and find your dream location!

I’ve done a thorough research and found the 4 top areas in Lombok for tourists, for which I included a short list of hotels for all budgets!

In short, Kuta Lombok Beach is the best area to stay in Lombok as that’s where you’ll find the main attractions but definitely check the other 3. 

Lombok is Bali’s neighbor island, it gets lots of visitors, so I’d recommend booking your hotels here in advance! 

Quick Picks for Your Stay

If you just want to quickly book your accommodation, check out the best hotels where to stay in Lombok, divided by budget:

Here’s a map that will help you visualize some of the best places to stay in Lombok, that I’ll talk about in this post:

1. Kuta Beach – where to stay in Lombok for the first time

Located on the South part of Lombok, the stunning Kuta Beach is a long stretch of white sand and crystal clear waters, surrounded by lush landscapes, green hills, and dramatic cliffs!

This is by far the perfect place for first timers who want to experience the magic feel of the island! 

Along with Sengiggi and the Gili Islands, Kuta Beach is one of the most frequented areas by tourists in Lombok. 

Since the beach stretches pretty far, you’ll easily find some spots that are more secluded, where you can enjoy some tranquility.

Lots of people come here to surf too as the waters are perfect for that. If you don’t know how to surf but you want to learn, definitely check out the schools near Kuta Lombok Beach, there are tons, like the Heartbeach Lombok Surf Academy (map).

But if surfing is not for you, here, you can also go exploring the other beautiful beaches on the south of Lombok and try delicious food in the many cafes and restaurants. Markisa (map) is a great one!

Once the sun sets you can head to one of the bars, to enjoy some drinks and mingle with other backpackers and tourists of Lombok! Surfers Bar Kuta is a great place to start the night. 

Another plus of the area is that you’ll have easy access to Lombok’s International Airport (map) located within a 30-minute drive away. You can also use this airport if you’re coming from Bali, although lots of tourists choose the ferry as well. 

When it comes to transport, most travelers prefer to use taxis, motorbikes, cars (you can also hire one with a driver) and public transport which ranges from buses to minibusses and cidomos (mostly found on the Gili Islands). 

Other accommodation options in Kuta Lombok Beach

Things to do in Kuta Lombok Beach

• Learn how to surf with Heartbeach Lombok Surf Academy
• Enjoy a relaxing day at Kuta Beach
• Catch an amazing sunset from Bukit Merese hill (map)
• Explore Benang Stokel and Benang Kelambu Waterfalls on a tour
• Grab a bite at Lombok at Kenza Café (map)
• Dance and grab some cocktails at Surfers Bar Kuta (map)

2. Senggigi – the best area in Lombok for nightlife

Chill on the beach and surf during the day, party at night? If that’s your motto during your Lombok holiday then you’ll love staying in Senggigi. 

This is one of the most popular areas in Lombok, located in the Northwest of the island, around 1h 30 min by car from Kuta Beach. 

Here you can spend your day sunbathing on the beach, admiring the most stunning sunsets in the evenings from one of the many beachside bars, and finish your lazy day with a delicious dinner.

And when the sun goes down, get ready to dance the night away and have some crazy fun in all the bars! Cabana Beach Club (map) and Nooq Trattoria & Sunset Bar (map) are some great places to start the night!

Senggigi is one of the main tourist places in Lombok and there are lots of fast boat connections to Bali and the Gili islands from here. 

If you are already seeing yourself there, you’ll be happy to know that here you’ll find many hotels and guesthouses at very affordable prices. Check out the best ones here below!l be happy to know that here you’ll find many hotels and guesthouses at very affordable prices. Check out the best ones here below!

Other accommodation options in Senggigi

Things to do in Senggigi

• Relax and admire a scenic sunset on Senggigi Beach
• Catch some great waves at Nemo surf point (map)
• Try a delicious meal at Nooq Trattoria & Sunset Bar 
• Have a fun night out at Metropolis club & karaoke (map)
• Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Bale Heading Cafe (map)

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3. Gili Islands – where to stay in Lombok for nature lovers

Located about a 90 minutes fast boat ride away from Bali or a 10-minute fast boat ride from Lombok, these islands are pretty small but perfect for those of you who just want to spend some quiet time near the ocean and relax.

You won’t find any cars here, which reduces all the noise considerably! The only ways to get around are on foot, bicycle or cidomo (a small donkey-drawn carriage).

Just like in Lombok, most activities here sum up to swimming, kayaking, diving and snorkeling! So if you’re a water sport lover, you’ll have a blast here! 

Still, if you want to do something on dry land, you can join some yoga classes, cooking lessons, relaxing at a spa and taking boat trips!

Honestly, there’s never a dull moment here, but if you just want to relax, then you’ll definitely find the right spots here!

The Gili islands are pretty close to one another so you can easily catch some boat trips!

Each island has its own unique character though, that’s why I listed them below separately along with a short list of hotels. So definitely have a look and see which one you’d prefer. 

3.1 Gili Trawangan

The biggest out of the Gili island, this place has it all! You’ll probably arrive at the Gili Trawangan Harbour and from there you can start exploring the white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, swaying palm trees, and lively beach bars! Make sure you also check out the Trawangan Night Market (map) and try all the yummy local food!

NOTE: The sunsets here are so great that to watch them at most of the bars along the sunset strip, you’ll need to pay IDR 150,000 (about US$10) on top of your drinks/food. I know, paying for sunset is crazy, but you won’t be disappointed!

• Luxury: Hotel Lumi Gili Trawangan – These cottages set right on the beach offer rooms with a little patio where you can enjoy your coffee in the morning, an outdoor swimming pool and a bar. 
• Mid-range: Paradesa Living – Spacious villas with a balcony, garden views and access to a swimming pool 
• Budget: Dili Gili – This accommodation offers rooms with balconies and a free airport shuttle 

3.2 Gili Air

Perfect for those seeking a tranquil getaway, or for families who’d prefer a quiet spot Gili Air (the closest island to the mainland) offers tons of activities from hiking, to diving and snorkeling with turtles.

You’ll find countless restaurants that serve yummy food on the island, spa centers, yoga studios and boutique accommodations. If you’re looking for some cool places to grab a bite, try  PokeGiliAir Fresh & Healthy Food (map) or Ra Healing Food (map).

• Luxury: Atoll Haven Villas – Enjoy breakfast by the pool of this amazing accommodation that has a spacious and cozy room with a garden view, a patio and a mini-bar. 
• Mid-range: Akasia Villas – Super spacious villas that have a kitchen, air-conditioning and access to an outdoor pool.
• Budget: Lelah Lalok Homestay – An affordable villa that has a private bathroom, a terrace and a garden view. 

3.3 Gili Meno

Gili Meno is a great place for couples who are looking for a more remote and chill spot where they can enjoy some beautiful moments together! Just like the other islands, this one offers all sorts of water sports, restaurants and just so much natural beauty!

• Luxury: Meno House – Get one of the beachfront villas and wake-up to a stunning view of the ocean each morning! This accommodation also has an outdoor swimming pool, a restaurant and a bar. 
• Mid-range: Gili Meno Escape – You’re going to love this bungalow that has a patio and pool access 
• Budget: Divine Divers Gili Meno – A great hotel with rooms that overlook the pool, a restaurant and a bar

Things to do in Gili Islands

• Check out the Turtle Shore Wildlife Refuge (map)
• Relax on Gili Beach (map)
• Grab a drink from Coffee & Thyme Gili Trawangan (map)
• Catch a sunset on Gili Meno Beach (map)
• Explore Gili Gede island 
• Have a fun day at Turtle Beach (map) on Gili Meno Island 
• Enjoy a day of pampering at Slow Spa (map)
• Grab a bite at Ra Healing Food (map)

4. Tanjung – where to stay in Lombok for luxury

If you want to splurge a little during your holiday, or to have an exclusive getaway with your special one, then Tanjung is the place for you!

Located on the North side of Lombok, just a 20 min drive away from Kuta Lombok Beach, Tanjung faces the Gili Islands.

Although this is an upscale area with some luxury resorts, the natural essence was preserved most places left untouched, which makes Tanjung even more magical. 

Here you can relax all day long on the beautiful beach or join a tour to explore the Mount Rinjani volcano.

There are lots of things to discover here from the Pasar Tanjung Markey (map), to the Buddhist temples like Vihara Dharmagirivanna Temple (map) and waterfalls. Tiu Saong Waterfall (map) and Waterfall Tiu Frendo (map) are definitely some spots that you should not miss out on! e island. What else could you ask for?

Other accommodation options in Tanjung

Things to do in Tanjung

• Climb Mt. Rinjani on this trekking tour
• Enjoy a relaxing Balinese massage at Lombok Spa Garden (map)
• Play golf at the beautiful Kosaido Golf Club (map)
• Take a trip to the Lombok Wildlife Park
• Spend a chill day at the beautiful Pantai Sire beach (map)

BONUS: More places where to stay on Lombok

Lombok is a pretty big island with many other areas that you can stay in and explore! I’ve only included the main ones above but if you’re looking for other spot, here are 3 more that you can check out: 

• Mataram – this is the island’s capital so it can get pretty busy but it’s a great place to stay as this is where the ferries from Bali arrive and it’s close to lots of waterfalls like Benang Kelambu & Benang Stokel waterfalls plus it has some cool attractions like the Mataram Mall (map), Lombok Epicentrum Mall (map) and Narmada Park (map)
• Tetebatu – set right near Mount Rinjani National Park, this town is perfect for a relaxing getaway while staying in a cozy accommodation that overlooks the rice paddies and has unique waterfalls nearby like Tetebatu like Air Terjun Jeruk Manis fall 
• Sembalun – another great place near Mount Rinjani National Park, where you can explore rice fields and more waterfalls 

FAQs about hotels in Lombok

📍 Which is the best area to stay in Lombok?

Kuta Lombok Beach is the best place to stay in Lombok as you’ll find lots of things to do, amazing beaches and great hotels like  the Pullman Lombok Merujan hotel. 

🗓️ How many days should I spend in Lombok?

Lombok island is quite big, so 3-5 days is the minimum amount of time to make the most out of your holiday there, but if you have more time, you should definitely stay longer.

👍 Is Lombok safe for tourists?

Yes, the tranquil island of Lombok is super safe for tourists, being one of the most-visited places in all of Indonesia!

👑 Which is the best area in Lombok for luxury? 

🤔 What is the best way to get around Lombok?

The best ways to get around Lombok are by taxis, bemos (small covered pick-up trucks), car or scooter rentals.

👪 Is Lombok suitable for family vacations?

Yes, Lombok is a great place if you’re traveling with kids as there are lots of family-friendly things to do, like trying all the water-sports, enjoying the beach and exploring the island on hikes. 

🌞 When is the best time to travel to Lombok?

May to June is one of the best times to visit Lombok, as those are the dry months, when there’s little rainfall. 

Final thoughts on where to stay in Lombok

Lombok, you’re so dreamy!

I hope that this guide on where to stay in Lombok, helped you decide which location and hotel to pick!

If you’re still not sure which hotel to pick, here are my top-rated favorite hotels, both set on Kuta Lombok Beach:

Remember that it’s important to book your hotel in advance, as all the good spots sell out early. 

Enjoy your Indonesian adventure and if you have any questions on Lombok or Bali, then definitely drop them below, I’ll answer as soon as I can.

Have an amazing holiday!

Yulia 

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