Where to stay in Lombok in 2025
Post contents
Introduction
I have visited Lombok two times now; in 2014 and 2024. It’s such a beautiful island and I highly recommend you to visit it if you go to Indonesia. During my trips, I’ve explored different areas of the island, from popular tourist areas like Kuta and Senaru, to nearby islands like Gili Trawangan.
In this guide I’ve collected a full list of where to stay in Lombok based on my own experience and based on recommendations from other travellers I’ve met and from research online. In the end of the guide I’ll also share where to stay in Lombok if you’re a beginner surfer.
South Lombok - Best for surfing & beaches
1. Kuta
Vibe: Social and trendy
Type of crowd: Surfers, digital nomads, backpackers
Overview: Kuta is the heart of tourism in South Lombok, offering a mix of great restaurants, boutique shops, and a social scene. It’s a lot more laid-back and relaxed than popular areas in Bali though, so expect a more chill vibe than Bali. It’s a perfect base for exploring nearby surf spots and beaches. There are so many nice accommodations in Kuta- during my stay here I stayed at Tiu Oasis Lombok which is a place I highly recommend.
2. Gerupuk
Vibe: Laid-back, rustic, surf-focused
Type of crowd: Surfers (all levels), long-term travellers
Overview: Gerupuk is a small fishing village close to Kuta with simple accommodations. Gerupuk is all about surfing. The area has some of Lombok’s best boat-accessible waves, making it a great spot for those who want to surf every day without distractions. Beginners with some experience can surf at Gerupuk Inside Right, Kids Point and Don Don. They are all located in Gerupuk Bay and are accessible by boat from Gerupuk Beach.
3. Selong Belanak
Vibe: Relaxed, picturesque, beginner-friendly surf
Type of crowd: Beginner surfers, families, couples
Overview: Known for its stunning bay and gentle waves, Selong Belanak is a perfect destination for those wanting to learn how to surf or simply enjoy a peaceful beach retreat. Water buffalos walking along the beach add to its charm. If you have never surfed before, this is the best spot in Lombok to practice surfing. However, if you are past surfing white water this spot might be a bit boring.
4. Ekas
Vibe: Remote, off-the-grid, adventurous
Type of crowd: Surfers, adventurous travellers
Overview: Ekas is typically not a common area for beginner surfers to stay, but there are two beginner-friendly surf spots here: Pantai Rungkang and Ekas Inside. It’s not always easy to catch good conditions at these spots, and getting to Ekas can be a bit tricky. You’ll need to do your research on the wind, swell direction, and tides to make sure everything lines up. But when it does, it can be really great! Keep in mind that Ekas Inside can get crowded even if this is a remote area, as surf schools from Kuta sometimes bring their students here.
Southwest Lombok - Hidden beach paradises & island hopping
5. Sekotong
Vibe: Quiet, untouched, secluded
Type of crowd: Couples, nature lovers, off-the-beaten-path travelers
Overview: This peaceful area is perfect for snorkeling, diving, and exploring empty beaches. With few tourists, it’s a great place for those looking for a relaxing island experience without the crowds.
6. Gili Gede
Vibe: Remote and serene
Type of crowd: Couples, divers
Overview: Gili Gede offers beautiful coral reefs, crystal-clear waters, and no motorbikes- just quiet island life. It’s perfect if you’re seeking a secluded getaway with luxurious yet rustic accommodations.
7. Gili Asahan
Vibe: Tranquil, nature-focused, romantic
Type of crowd: Couples, divers, wellness travellers
Overview: With only a few resorts and no real roads, Gili Asahan is an off-grid paradise. It’s an amazing place to unwind, go snorkeling with vibrant marine life, and enjoy a peaceful beach retreat.
West Lombok - Convenient for city life & tourist amenities
8. Mataram
Vibe: Bustling, cultural, local
Type of crowd: Culture seekers
Overview: Lombok’s capital is not a beach town but a great stop for experiencing local markets, temples, and authentic Sasak cuisine. It’s ideal for those looking to explore Lombok’s cultural side.
9. Senggigi
Vibe: Relaxed, tourist-friendly, convenient
Type of crowd: Families, resort travellers, older tourists
Overview: Senggigi is a former tourist hotspot with a mix of mid-range and upscale resorts. It’s a good place for those wanting a quieter alternative to the Gili Islands while still having restaurants, bars, and easy access to island-hopping tours.
North Lombok - Luxury resorts & adventure near Mount Rinjani
10. Tanjung
Vibe: Peaceful, upscale, nature-oriented
Type of crowd: Luxury travelers, wellness tourists, honeymooners
Overview: Home to some of Lombok’s best luxury resorts, Tanjung is perfect for a relaxing getaway. It’s close to golf courses, spa retreats, and offers beautiful mountain and ocean views.
11. Gangga
Vibe: Hidden gem, local, cultural
Type of crowd: Off-the-beaten-path travelers, cultural enthusiasts
Overview: Gangga is a lesser-known spot with stunning waterfalls and small villages. It’s a great place to experience authentic Sasak life and explore the untouched beauty of North Lombok.
12. Senaru
Vibe: Adventurous, nature-filled, cultural
Type of crowd: Hikers, eco-tourists, backpackers
Overview: When it comes to where to stay in Lombok if you plan to hike the famous Mount Rinjani, Senaru is the answer. Senaru is the main entry point for Mount Rinjani trekking, making it a great base for adventure travellers. Waterfalls, jungle hikes, and traditional villages make it a scenic stop even for non-hikers.
13. Sembalun
Vibe: Scenic, cool climate, quiet
Type of crowd: Hikers, photographers, solo travelers
Overview: With its breathtaking rice fields and cool mountain air, Sembalun is ideal for those wanting a nature escape. It’s one of the best places to get panoramic views of Mount Rinjani without doing a multi-day trek.
Central Lombok - Cultural & countryside retreats
14. Tetebatu
Vibe: Tranquil, artsy, nature-filled
Type of crowd: Cultural travellers, slow travellers, photographers
Overview: A quiet village surrounded by lush rice paddies, Tetebatu is known for its waterfalls, traditional crafts, and relaxed atmosphere. It’s often compared to Ubud in Bali but without the crowds.
Gili Islands - Best for beach life & diving
15. Gili Trawangan
Vibe: Lively, social, fun
Type of crowd: Party-goers, backpackers, young travellers
Overview: The biggest and most well-known of the Gilis, Gili T is famous for its nightlife, beach bars, and social atmosphere. It’s a top spot for diving and partying, with plenty of hostels and beachfront resorts.
16. Gili Meno
Vibe: Romantic, quiet, untouched
Type of crowd: Honeymooners, retreat seekers, solo travellers
Overview: Gili Meno is the most peaceful of the three islands, offering pristine beaches and the best snorkeling. It’s ideal if you’re looking to completely disconnect and enjoy nature.
17. Gili Air
Vibe: Balanced, relaxed, semi-social
Type of crowd: Couples, digital nomads, divers
Overview: Gili Air is the perfect middle ground between the party scene of Gili T and the quiet escape of Gili Meno. It has a laid-back vibe with yoga studios, cafés, and fantastic snorkeling spots.
Where to stay in Lombok for surf as a beginner
Wondering where to stay in Lombok for surf? If you’re a beginner surfer looking to surf in Lombok, you should stay in South Lombok. Exactly where in South Lombok you should stay depends a bit on your surf level and also what vibe you’re after.
Kuta - Social vibe and modern amenities, a short drive to many surf spots suited for beginners with some experience
The best place to stay if you’re looking for a more social vibe, trendy cafés and boutiques, and nice accommodation options.
When staying in Kuta you are a short drive away (10-20 minutes depending on spot) from many good beginner surf spots in Lombok, such as Gerupuk Inside Right, Tanjung Aan, and Seger Reef. However, I don’t recommend any of these spots to complete beginners who have never surfed before, because they all have reef bottom and most of them are only accessible by boat.
The only spot in Lombok that I recommend to complete beginners is Selong Belanak Beach, which is a 40 minute drive from Kuta. If you don’t mind the drive you can stay in Kuta- otherwise you might want to consider staying in Selong Belanak instead.
Gerupuk - Quiet, rustic, and very close to the best surf for beginners with some experinece
Gerupuk is located close to Kuta, but it has a more quiet and rustic vibe. If you want to be close to the surf spots in Gerupuk Bay, which are some of the best surf spots on the island, Gerupuk might be the right choice for you. Beginners with some experience can surf at Gerupuk Inside Right, Kids Point and Don Don.
Selong Belanak - Best for complete beginners who don't mind a quiet vibe
A peaceful and stunning area with a beach perfect for beginner surfers. With gentle waves and a sandy bottom, it’s the best spot to learn how to surf in South Lombok if you have never surfed before, or if you are still surfing white water. When you are past surfing white water you can move on to other surf spots in Lombok, that in my opinion are more fun to surf than Selong Belanak.
Even if Selong Belanak is a quiet area to stay in, the beach itself can get very busy, especially during peak-tourist season at the area of the beach where you surf.
Ekas - Secluded village farther from other areas, with two good surf spots for beginners with some experience
Ekas is a bit off the beaten path and further away from the other popular surf areas, making it a great choice if you’re looking for a quieter, more secluded experience. Pantai Rungkang and Ekas Inside are perfect for beginners with mellow waves, but getting there requires a bit of effort. The area is more remote, so it’s important to plan ahead and check the wind, swell, and tides to ensure the best conditions for a fun surf session.
Although the beginner surf spots in Ekas can get crowded with surf schools from Kuta bringing their students, the area still offers a more peaceful vibe compared to Kuta itself. If you’re looking for less hustle and bustle and a more relaxed surf experience, Ekas is a good option.
Discover all beginner surf spots in Lombok
If you want to discover all beginner surf spots in Lombok, you can check out this article.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this post! Whether you have suggestions for improvement, want to share what you liked, or have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below. Your feedback helps me create better content for all aspiring surfers!