Lombok Hotels

Whether you’re scuba diving off the coast of Lombok’s Gili Islands, trekking on the mighty volcano Gunung Rinjani, hanging out down on Kuta Beach, or letting go with a luxurious traditional massage on the beaches at Senggigi, when you are in Lombok you will truly be a Lord (or Lady) of leisure!

Lombok’s Top 10

Lombok History

• Pura Lingsar – Built in 1714, this is a large temple complex and the holiest place in the town.
• Pura Meru – The largest temple in the area, it contains a hall full of wooden drums used to call people to ceremonies.
• Mayura Water Palace – The palace is a pleasant retreat that contains a pavilion, artificial lake and many footpaths.
• Pura Batu Bolong – A small temple situated along the volcanic outcrops that stretch over the sea.
• Bayan Old Mosque – This mosque was built when travellers from Islam arrived some time in the 16th century.

Lombok Art & Culture

• Museum Negeri Nusa Tenggara Barat – Learn about the history, geology and culture of Lombock at this museum.
• Sukarare – Visit this village to learn about the local weaving and handicraft process.
• Banyumulek Village – Learn how to make the clay pots that are used in daily life.
• Rambitan – A traditional sasak village that shows the unique way of life followed by the natives.
• Senaru Traditional Village – A village that shows life in the mountain tribe.

Lombok Shopping

• Asmara collection – A store that contains furniture, tribal art and weavings.
• Bertais Market – The largest daily market that sells vegetables, fresh fruit, rice, herbs, fish and local artefacts.
• Mataram Mall – A shopping mall with clothes stores, electrical goods, food stalls and a supermarket.
• Lombok Handicraft Centre – Offers a range of crafts from the surrounding area and eastern Indonesia.
• Selamat Riady – A store that offers ikat, traditional Indonesian weaving and other textiles from Sumba, Flores and Lombok.

Gay & Lesbian Lombok

• Magellan Resorts – Gay-managed resort that hand-selects accommodations based on each individual’s requirements.
• New Marina Bar – The clientele each night is normally 40 percent gay.
• Bumbu Café – Gay-owned and very gay-friendly café that has excellent food and drag shows on Friday night.
• De Quake – Gay-managed lounge and restaurant with stunning views.
• Quinci Villas – Gay-friendly and gay-managed complex that contains 20 different villas.

Lombok's Events

February sees a firecracker of a party for Chinese New Year.

Lombok’s most famous and fascinating ritual, the Bau Nyale Festival, takes place in March when thousands of colourful sea worms are washed ashore. More fun than it sounds…

Like Eurovision on a very small and less gaudy scale, April’s Gendang Beleq Festival sees each village send a traditional musical troupe to compete.

The ever-popular annual Stick Fighting Festival in Senggigi is when the strongest and most agile of Lombok’s men compete with… sticks. Don’t try this at home!

A uniquely Lombok event, the Takbir Parade in October celebrates the end of Ramadan.

When To Go

Lombok is hot and humid all year round, with the best weather coinciding with peak tourist season from May to August. Funny that!

To miss the crowds, late-August and September is the time to go. The weather is still nice, and the beaches are all yours!

Lombok’s rainy season lasts from October to April. However, the island is far drier than neighbouring Bali during this time.

Getting Around

Lombok has a plethora of travel options, but the main means of transit is the bemo (which is basically a converted minivan).

Taxis are common and relatively cheap. For a thrill ride, hop on the back of an ojek (motorbike taxi).

Looking for a more laid back, scenic trip? Nothing better than a classic horse and cart ride!

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