With a year-round warm climate, sweeping tropical jungles, picturesque rice terraces, friendly locals and a choice of unspoilt white-sand beaches, the tranquil island of Lombok offers couples a quiet honeymoon on an island somewhat reminiscent of Bali 20 years ago.
Lombok’s best beaches lie along the south and west coast and host several accommodation options to suit honeymoon couples.
Relax on the sweeping expanse of white-sand beaches at Senggigi and Kuta or snorkel and dive the nearby pristine Gili Islands.
Lying beneath lush jungle-clad hillsides and facing a shimmering blue bay on the east coast, Senggigi Beach stretches for 30km along a coastline punctuated by picturesque rocky headlands.
Here you can discover a series of palm-fringed golden-sand beaches backed by quiet seafood restaurants, low-key nightlife and a choice of accommodation that dots the beach in splendid seclusion.
North Senggigi Beach, which includes Tanjung and Mangsit beaches, is probably the most attractive part of the coast, with great views across to Bali and magical sunsets over Gunung Agung.
This coastal region is home to many luxury beachside resorts including the five-star Sheraton Senggigi Beach Resort and the luxurious Oberoi Lombok, the most expensive hotel in Lombok.
Central Senggigi Beach offers more bars, restaurants and shopping, while south Senggigi Beach near Batu Bolong offers a few upmarket resorts including the Kila Senggigi Beach Lombok and is closer to the airport and the island’s capital, Mataram.
Go beach hopping by inexpensive bemos (private cars) or metered taxis that operate along the entire stretch of coast from early morning to late at night.
For a magical sunset over neighbouring Bali, climb to the Balinese temple of Pura Batu Bolong. The temple clings to a rocky volcanic outcrop that juts into the sea about 2km south of central Senggigi – its small pagodas are orientated towards Gunung Agung, Bali's holiest mountain.
Unwind on the soft white sand of this magnificent wide beach that shelves into the turquoise waters of a pretty bay framed by jungle-clad rocky promontories and backed by lush green hillsides.
Sunbathe on the beach, surf the world-class waves or rent a motorcycle and explore the local village and dramatic secluded coves with pretty beaches nearby, including Tanjung Aan, famous for its unusual sand that resembles grains of pepper.
Kuta is considered a surfing hot spot, with world-class shore, reef and point breaks along the coast. Popular surf breaks include: Seger Reef, a heavy right hander; Gerupuk, probably the most popular break in Kuta, with wave breaks both left and right; and Outside Gerupuk, a right-hander just a short boat ride away from Kuta Beach.
Located on the south coast, sleepy Kuta Beach is also renowned for its Nyale Fishing Festival held annually in February or March.
A range of accommodation options lie along the beach, including the five-star Novotel Lombok.
These laid-back tropical paradises are a trio of tiny coral-fringed islands that float on a calm turquoise sea teeming with colourful reef fish, just a short 20-minute boat ride from Lombok.
Choose from Gili Air, Gili Meno and Gili Trawangan (photo), and take a relaxing day trip to a white-sand beach backed by tiny seafood cafes. Or staying longer, with a choice of accommodation that includes luxury villas and chic Balinese-style bungalows.
Stroll around the traffic-free islands, explore by cidomo (pony and cart), snorkel and swim with green and hawksbill turtles or scuba dive through an underwater paradise to see colourful parrotfish and mantas, among other marine life.
Sign up for a PADI diving course or pick up a wave on Gili Trawangan – this is the best of the three for surfing waves, especially during the wet season from January to June, with swells up to 2m.
Gili Trawangan is also the busiest of the three islands, with a good choice of restaurants, nightlife and accommodation, including the charming Hotel Vila Ombak.
Gili Meno has no nightlife and a limited choice of accommodation, while Gili Air offers a mix of hotels and cafes along the south coast.
Lombok provides all the ingredients you need for a perfect island honeymoon. Relax on the sweeping expanse of white-sand beaches at Senggigi and Kuta or snorkel and dive the nearby pristine Gili Islands.
Hike to enchanting waterfalls in Rinjani National Park, take a challenging two-day guided trek to the crater rim of Mount Rinjani (photo) at 2600m high and be rewarded with panoramic vistas overlooking Lombok.
Savour the quiet rural charm of Tetebatu and Sapit, two picturesque villages that nestle on the slopes of the volcano Gunung Rinjani.
Ride a horse-drawn cart along scenic country lanes, interact with the friendly Hindu Balinese minority and learn more about the indigenous Sasak people, who still maintain animist traditions within their unique culture – a blend of Hindu and Muslim beliefs.
Sights not to be missed include the following…
Said to be the home of the Goddess Anjani, Gunung Rinjani represents a sacred link to the Sasak people of Lombok and its range of bare summits and densely forested slopes physically dominates the entire island.
Take a challenging two-day guided trek to the crater rim at 2600m high and be rewarded with panoramic vistas overlooking Lombok. Then climb down steep slopes to the spectacular emerald green lake of Segara Anak, which lies hidden within the 4km-wide caldera.
Here you can also witness bubbling hot springs, tumbling waterfalls and native birdlife. Or combine this with a climb to the summit on a four-night hiking adventure – just make sure you pack warm and windproof clothes as the temperature drops to 5°C on the summit.
At 3726m in height, Mount Rinjani is the second-highest volcano in Indonesia, second only to Java's Mount Semeru.
Hike to the lower slopes of Gunung Rinjani for magnificent views and the chance to stroll around the traditional mountain village of Senaru.
An easy walk leads to Sendanggile waterfall, considered by many to be the purest water in Indonesia. Nearby sits Tiu Kelep waterfall where you can take a refreshing swim in the nature-sculpted rock pool formed by the falls.
(Mataram) – Learn more about the history and culture of Lombok at this fascinating museum, which features an amazing collection of kris (daggers), songket (silver or gold-threaded cloth), basketware and traditional wooden masks.
Explore the holiest place on Lombok, a large temple complex built in 1714 that combines the Balinese Hindu and the indigenous Wektu Telu religions in one complex.
Discover the largest temple in Lombok, dedicated to the Hindu trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva and built in 1720 by Balinese Prince Anak Agung Made Karang in an attempt to unite Lombok.
Admire a series of tiered shrines inside the inner courtyard and listen out for drum calls during the full moon ceremonies.
(Summer Garden Palace) – Stroll through this miniature replica of the summit of Gunung Rinjani and its crater lake of Segara Anak, then discover the temple of Pura Kalasa, used daily and during the annual Balinese Pujawali celebration.
(Mataram) – Stroll around the Bale Kambang, a large floating pavilion accessible by a causeway over a large artificial lake, at this tranquil complex. Built in 1744, the palace was once part of the Balinese kingdom's royal court in Lombok.
Lombok's distinctive decorative pottery, woodenware, baskets and woven textiles are famous throughout Indonesia and make the best buys. Sasak pottery is considered a high art form in Indonesia – Kediri in West Lombok is the best place to watch the pottery process.
Elsewhere, visit Sengkol, Sukarare and Puyung for exquisitely woven and embroidered kebaya head scarves and sarongs.
While less-crowded (and boisterous) than neighbouring Bali, Lombok offers honeymoon couples a good range of resort accommodation, including the luxurious Oberoi Lombok, set in 9ha of manicured gardens and overlooking the idyllic and private Medana Beach on the northwest coast.
The Lombok Lodge
Location: Medana, Tanjung
Rating: 5-star
Prices: from AUD731 per room
Description: The Lombok Lodge is a 15-minute boat ride from the Gili Islands. It features an outdoor pool, restaurant and air-conditioned suite with a 32-inch flat-screen TV. Free internet and parking are provided. The elegant suites at Lodge Lombok have modern interiors and let in plenty of natural light. Each is well equipped with a sofa sitting area, DVD player and iPod docking station. A bathtub and toiletries are in the bathroom. Guests can relax with a soothing massage at the spa, or take private cooking lessons. Guests can enjoy breakfast from menu and 5-course fine dining dinner at the resort's restaurant, which serves a fine selection of Indonesian and international dishes. Refreshing cocktails are available at the bar. Lombok Lodge is a 15-minute boat ride from the Lombok Kosaido Golf Club and a 90-minute drive from Lombok International Airport.
The Oberoi, Lombok
Location: Medana Beach, Tanjung
Rating: 5-star
Prices: from AUD449 per room
Description: This beachfront luxury hotel offers a choice of thatched-roof villas and terraced pavilions scattered among 24 acres of tropical gardens facing a private beach. The villas and pavilions have expansive, shaded terraces and the spacious guestrooms open to balconies with ocean or garden views. Amenities include deep soaking bathtubs, premium satellite television and DVD players. The Oberoi features free parking, free Wi-Fi in public areas and a fitness center with an outdoor swimming pool overlooking the sea. All rooms and villas at The Oberoi feature a marble sunken garden bathtub and come equipped with satellite TV with DVD player and minibar. 24-hour room service is provided. uests looking to recharge can work out with a game of tennis or with a massage at the spa. Mountain bikes are also available to rent. Water sports such as scuba diving and windsurfing are available at Oberoi's Beach Club. Lumbung and Sunbird Cafe serves Asian and Continental cuisine. Themed Indonesian buffets with performances of traditional dance are available at The Amphitheater. A 10-minute drive across the bay leads to a golf course at Kosaido. Lombok International Airport is a 1 hour, 45-minute drive away. Facilities incl.: 3 restaurants, bar, outdoor pool, health club, full-service spa, marina, high-speed Internet, room service, tennis courts and watersports.
Hotel Tugu Lombok
Location: Sire Sire Beach, Tanjung
Rating: 5-star
Prices: from AUD406 per room
Description: The Art Deco-styled Hotel Tugu Lombok is located on the pristine white-sand beach of Sire Beach, on the northwest coast of the island. Hotel Tugu Lombok offers spacious rooms with private balconies. Overlooking the ocean and Mount Rinjani, it features a fitness center, 2 pools and free Wi-Fi. Hotel Tugu Lombok is situated next to an 18-hole golf course, green fields and palm plantations. Rooms at Tugu Lombok are furnished with a flat-screen TV, DVD player and minibar. The spacious bathroom features a bathtub and rain shower. Guests can relax at the spa or take a swim in the freshwater swimming pool. Activities such as diving, village tours and golf can be arranged. Tugu Lombok offers a unique dining concept for guests. Guests are offered a variety of dining themes to choose from. Guests can dine anywhere - in the grounds, at a private hut or even on the beach. Facilities incl.: 2 restaurants, bar, 2 swimming pools, health club, full-service spa, high-speed Internet and watersports.
Sudamala Suites & Villas Senggigi
Location: Senggigi
Rating: 5-star
Prices: from AUD290 per room
Description: A tropical retreat awaits guests at Sudamala Suites & Villas Senggigi, a beachfront resort with luxurious suites and villas overlooking the ocean or lush green courtyard. Featuring an outdoor pool, bar and a restaurant, the resort provides free WiFi in all areas. Tastefully appointed with Lombok-style interiors, each suite and villa has a private terrace or balcony, and a seating area with a sofa. In-room comforts include a flat-screen cable TV, coffee/tea maker and a safe. All en suite bathrooms come with a complete set of free toiletries. Vehicle rental, day trips and area shuttles can be arranged by staff at the tour desk, while luggage can be stored at the 24-hour front desk. Guests who wish to stay in can relax on the sun terrace by the pool or indulge in a pampering in-room massage. Indonesian and international delights are served at the restaurant. In-room dining is also possible. Sudamala Suites & Villas Senggigi is 16 km from Teluk Nara Harbour and 50 km from Lombok International Airport. Airport transfers can be arranged at a fee.
Sheraton Senggigi Beach Resort
Location: Senggigi
Rating: 5-star
Prices: from AUD166 per room
Description: Situated right on Lombok’s Senggigi Beach, Sheraton is surrounded by tropical gardens. It includes 4 dining options, an outdoor pool and a spa. Modern rooms offer a patio or balcony featuring viewsof the ocean, pool or surrounding grounds. Putri Duyung Bar is an in-pool bar where guests can order snacks and drinks, while Bawang Putih Grill offers grilled steak and seafood dishes poolside. Facing the landscaped grounds, Kebun Anggrek Restaurant serves breakfast. Drinks and light snacks are offered at the Sunset Bar. Spacious air-conditioned rooms at Sheraton Senggigi feature a flat-screen TV with a DVD player and a personal safe. Private bathrooms come with bathtub and shower facilities. Tea/coffee making essentials and a minibar are included and 24-hour room service is available. Guests can play a game of tennis, or exercise in the gym. Other facilities include a business center offering free internet access, and a tour desk. The staff at the 24-hour front desk can assist with luggage storage, currency exchange or airport shuttle services. Complimentary parking is provided. Sheraton Senggigi Beach Resort is one kilometer from Batu Bolong Temple and 12.1 km from Lembar Harbour, which connects Lombok to Bali. Lombok International Airport is 48.3 km away. Facilities incl.: 4 restaurants, 2 bars, 2 outdoor pools, health club, spa, 2 lighted tennis courts, bike rentals, high-speed Internet, 24-hour room service and watersports.
The best time to visit Lombok is during the dry season between mid-May and mid-October, when you can expect hot sunny days with little or no rain.
Lombok has a year-round hot tropical climate with an average daily temperature of 27°C (80°F).
November and December are generally the hottest months, with an average high temperature of 31°C (87°F). The coolest month is July, with an average temperature of 25°C (77°F).
The wet season lasts from early-November to mid-April, with a greater than 32% chance of any given day being a wet day. Rain showers rarely last for more than an hour. January is the wettest month.
For more climate info: Lombok Weather Guide…
The island of Lombok is located in the Lesser Sunda Islands in West Nusa Tenggara province, Indonesia.
Lombok lies around 65km (40mi) east of Bali, with the Lombok Strait separating the two islands.
The most convenient route to Lombok is by air to Zainuddin Abdul Madjid International Airport (LOP), previously known as Lombok International Airport, located around 33km (20mi) southeast of Mataram, Lombok's capital and largest city.
The airport is around 52km (32mi) from the beach resort of Senggigi.
From most international destinations this requires first flying into Jakarta's Soekarno–Hatta International Airport (CGK) or Bali’s Ngurah Rai Airport (DPS), and taking a connecting flight to Zainuddin Abdul Madjid International Airport (LOP).
By sea, a public ferry departs hourly from Bali's Padang Bai Harbour taking about 4 hours to reach Lembar in the southwest coast of Lombok.
Information on how to get to Lombok…
Latest update: Where to Honeymoon in Lombok: 14 June, 2022
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