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Lombok

Lombok travel guide

Capital and largest city of West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia

Things to do12 experiences
Best time to visitAugust
Nearest airportAMI · 2 mi from centre
Time zoneUTC+8
Population408,900

About Lombok

Mataram is a capital city of the Indonesian province of West Nusa Tenggara. The city is surrounded on all the landward sides by West Lombok Regency and lies on the western side of the island of Lombok, Indonesia. It is also the largest city of the province, and had a population of 402,843 at the 2010 Census and 429,651 at the 2020 Census; the official estimate as of mid 2025 was 448,780 . The city is an economic, cultural, and education center of the province. It hosts all public universities in the province, the main airport, and also main government offices. Greater Mataram Area or sometimes also called Gumi Rinjani Metropolitan Area is a metropolitan area surrounding the city with a total population of around 3 million people as of 2015, making it one of the largest metropolitan areas in the Lesser Sunda Islands along with the Denpasar metropolitan area in Bali.

Places to visit in Lombok

  1. Mount Rinjani

    Nature · 26 mi from centre

    An active volcano and Indonesia's second-highest, with a crater lake popular with trekkers. Most hikes take two to three days and require a licensed guide, so book with a reputable operator.

  2. Gili Islands

    Gili Islands

    Beach · 17 mi from centre

    Three small car-free islands off the northwest coast known for coral reefs, sea turtles and white sand. Fast boats leave from Bangsal and Teluk Nara, and Gili Air offers a quieter stay.

  3. Kuta, Lombok

    Kuta, Lombok

    Beach · 26 mi from centre

    A small surf town on the south coast surrounded by dramatic bays and beaches. Rent a scooter to reach nearby spots like Tanjung Aan and Selong Belanak, and ask locals about road conditions.

  4. Sendang Gile Waterfall

    Nature

    A tall waterfall on the slopes of Rinjani near Senaru, reached by a short jungle trail. Continue on to the nearby Tiu Kelep falls with a local guide for an easy half-day outing.

  5. Senggigi

    Senggigi

    Beach · 7 mi from centre

    The island's original resort area on the west coast, with beaches facing Bali's Mount Agung. Drive the coastal road north at sunset for scenic stops and cliffside views.

  6. Sade Village

    Neighborhood

    A traditional Sasak village with thatched homes and floors polished with buffalo dung. A local guide will show you around for a tip, and the weavings sold there make good souvenirs.

  7. Pink Beach

    Beach

    A remote beach on the island's southeastern tip with sand tinged pink by crushed coral. The road is rough, so many visitors arrive by boat and combine it with snorkeling stops.

Things to do in Lombok by type

12 tours, tickets and experiences across 2 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.

How long
  • Over 6 hours 7
  • 3-6 hours 1
Good for
  • Adult only 1
  • Senior 1
  • Families with kids 1
  • Youth 1
  • Couples 1
Ways to go
  • Private 7
  • Small group 4
Browse all things to do in Lombok

Top experiences in Lombok

Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays.

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Where to stay in Lombok

Popular hotels in Lombok, out of 446 properties you can book.

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Best time to visit Lombok

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Lombok is August, when average daytime highs are around 88°F and rain falls on about 6 days a month.

MonthTemperature (°F)Rain days
Jan 75° – 85° 27
Feb 75° – 86° 23
Mar 75° – 87° 26
Apr 75° – 88° 22
May 75° – 88° 19
Jun 74° – 87° 14
Jul 73° – 87° 11
Aug 72° – 88° 6
Sep 73° – 89° 15
Oct 75° – 90° 19
Nov 74° – 88° 26
Dec 75° – 86° 29

Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.

Lombok weather forecast

  • Wed 21 Oct 91° 76° 2%
  • Thu 22 Oct 90° 71° 51%
  • Fri 23 Oct 91° 74° 90%
  • Sat 24 Oct 90° 75° 93%
  • Sun 25 Oct 89° 74° 91%
  • Mon 26 Oct 89° 73° 90%

Know before you go

Currency
Indonesian rupiah (IDR)1 US dollar ≈ Rp18,055
Language
Indonesian
Calling code
+62
Driving
On the left
Time zone
Asia/MakassarUTC+8
Capital
Jakarta

Upcoming public holidays in Indonesia

  • Christmas DayHari Raya Natal
  • New Year's DayTahun Baru Masehi
  • Good FridayWafat Isa Almasih
  • Easter SundayPaskah
  • Labour DayHari Buruh Internasional
  • Ascension DayKenaikan Isa Almasih

Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.

Getting to Lombok

These are the airports closest to central Lombok. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.

  • AMI Selaparang Airport2 mi (4 km) from the city centre
  • LOP Zainuddin Abdul Madjid International Airport16 mi (26 km) from the city centre
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Getting around Lombok

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By bemo

Bemos run many set routes in and around Mataram, Ampenan and Cakranegara. They may be flagged down anywhere on the streets of Mataram. Bemo can sometimes be crowded and may stop and start frequently to pick up and set down passengers or to tout for business. Sometimes trips can get a bit drawn out. Beware of pickpockets as they often prey on passengers especially around the Cakranegara routes. These pickpockets can be persistent even if their activities are detected.

By ojek

Prices are negotiable but a rule of thumb is Rp5,000-10,000 for a short trip with a local motorbike rider if the destination is nearby, longer distances will require some informed negotiation.

By horsecart

Horse carts known as cidomo remain a common means of transport in Mataram and they are often found operating throughout the congested streets near a pasar or produce market. Public bemos and metered taxis are more commonly used for transport in and around Mataram.

Lombok travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Lombok?

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Lombok is August, when average daytime highs are around 88°F and rain falls on about 6 days a month.

What is the weather like in Lombok?

October is usually the warmest month in Lombok, with average highs of 90°F (32°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 75°F (24°C). The wettest month is typically January, with about 305 mm of rain.

Which airport is closest to Lombok?

Selaparang Airport (AMI) is the closest airport, about 2 miles (4 km) from the centre of Lombok. Other nearby airports include Zainuddin Abdul Madjid International Airport (LOP, 16 mi).

What currency is used in Lombok?

Lombok uses the Indonesian rupiah (IDR). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ Rp18,055.

What time zone is Lombok in?

Lombok uses the Asia/Makassar time zone (currently UTC+8). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.

How do I get around Lombok?

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What are the best places to visit in Lombok?

Top sights in Lombok include Mount Rinjani, Gili Islands, Kuta, Lombok and Sendang Gile Waterfall. An active volcano and Indonesia's second-highest, with a crater lake popular with trekkers. Most hikes take two to three days and require a licensed guide, so book with a reputable operator.

What are the top things to do in Lombok?

Popular experiences you can book in Lombok include Gili Nanggu Snorkeling Trip, Gili Trawangan Tour and Kuta and South Lombok Tour. Destina Holidays offers 12 tours and activities here.

What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Lombok?

The most popular types of experiences in Lombok are day trips & excursions (5), outdoor activities & adventure (4), art & culture (1) and transport & rentals (1). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.

Where should I stay in Lombok?

Popular areas for hotels in Lombok include Mataram, Mangsit Beach and Gili Trawangan Island. Well-reviewed options include Aston Inn Mataram and Qunci Villas Senggigi Lombok.

How many hotels can I book in Lombok?

Destina Holidays currently lists 446 properties in and around Lombok, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.