Places to stay in Lombok, Indonesia
Now we start with the best areas in Lombok to establish your base:
💡 When choosing a place to stay in Lombok, make sure that the hotel is not too close to a mosque, as it sounds (and quite loud) around 4:30 am. In any case, I recommend bringing ear plugs.
1. Kuta, the best area to stay in Lombok
Kuta, or “Kuta Lombok” to avoid confusion with the one in Bali, is a lovely coastal town on the southern coast of Lombok. It’s been developing quickly over the last few years and has really become the main tourist spot on the island.
While it’s not as bustling or developed as places like Canggu or Ubud, Kuta offers a decent selection of restaurants, cafés, shops, and places to stay. The best part? It doesn’t feel overcrowded or chaotic like those Bali hotspots, although I can’t help but think that might change soon.
So, why has Kuta Lombok become such a popular destination? Besides the growing food scene and cozy accommodations, staying in Kuta puts you close to some of Lombok’s most stunning beaches. Tanjung Aan Beach is only about 15 minutes away, and Selong Belanak Beach is around 30 minutes. Plus, you can explore nearby attractions like Sade Village and Bukit Merese, which is a fantastic spot for watching the sunset.
In Kuta Lombok, you’ll find all the essentials for a great stay. There are massage centers, laundries, nightlife spots, supermarkets, motorcycle rentals, and tour agencies. Basically, it has everything a tourist might need.
We stayed at Cewin’s Homestay, and it was such a nice experience! The location was perfect, the cabins were super charming, and the staff made us feel right at home.
Recommended hotels in Kuta Lombok
These are some of the hotels I recommend:
- $: Cewin’s Homestay. As I mentioned, this was our hotel during our stay in Kuta and we really liked it. The rooms, the staff, the coffee they made… We felt very comfortable and I highly recommend it if you’re looking for something affordable and good.
- $$: Sikara Lombok Hotel. We went to their restaurant for lunch one day and I thought it looked like a really cool place to stay. It’s a 4-star hotel located on a quiet street, with double rooms and a three-bedroom suite. The garden area is beautiful and there’s a pool too.
- $$: El Tropico Boutique Hotel. This 4-star hotel is located very close to Kuta’s main street. Both the building and the facilities have a really attractive style and décor. There are several types of double rooms, as well as a bar, restaurant, and pool.
- $$$: Jivana Resort. We got to know this hotel when we went to their spa for a massage and it’s gorgeous. It has a large, lovely garden area and offers various suites and villas with private pools. There’s also a big shared pool, a bar, and a restaurant.
2. Senaru, to visit the north of the island.
In my opinion, the north of Lombok has places that you cannot miss if you land on this Indonesian island. From Kuta, there are excursions that take you to the main attractions of the area; however, my opinion is that it is well worth staying overnight to visit more places and with more tranquility and enjoy even more of the magic of this part of Lombok.
Mount Rinjani, the highest peak in Lombok, is located in the north of the island. You can make a very interesting trek of several days that takes you to the top. We could not do it because from January to March it is closed (rainy season). In the surroundings, you cannot miss the Tiu Kelep waterfall and the viewpoint of Bukit Selong.
To visit the north, my recommendation is to stay in Senaru, a small village located at the foot of Mount Rinjani. The treks to Mount Rinjani start from a point very close to this town, and, in addition, you will be next to the Tiu Kelep and Sendang Gile waterfalls.
Senaru is a very small town with just enough services. Keep this in mind. We stayed in a very humble place with incredible views.
We stayed at Pondok Guru Bakti Cottage and enjoyed it very much. It is a very humble accommodation but has a swimming pool and amazing views of Mount Rinjani. The staff is very friendly, and they have a small local restaurant with very tasty dishes.
Recommended hotels in Senaru
These are some of the hotels I recommend:
- $: Pondok Guru Bakti Cottage. As I mentioned earlier, this was the option we went for. What really caught our attention was how affordable it was, especially considering the outdoor area and the views. Honestly, it’s totally worth it. The rooms are simple, but the place itself is truly special. There’s a restaurant and breakfast is served.
- $$: Rinjani Lighthouse. This accommodation consists of several double and family bungalows. The outdoor spaces and surroundings are filled with lush vegetation. There’s a restaurant and a terrace. Breakfast is available at the hotel.
- $$$: Rinjani Lodge. If you’re looking for a more comfortable stay in northern Lombok, this is a great place to sleep. They offer double, triple, and quadruple rooms. There’s a restaurant where breakfast is served, and an outdoor pool with stunning views.
🏥 I remind you that it is very important to have travel insurance for Indonesia if you do not have medical coverage in the destination. Without adding a lot of money to your budget, you can travel with the peace of mind that if something happens to you, your expenses will be covered and you will have a team of people to help you. I always use and recommend the company Heymondo, where I can offer you a 5% discount on your next policy.
3. Selong Belanak, for a luxurious stay
If you come to Lombok wanting to disconnect from the world and take refuge in a place that transmits peace and tranquility, this area of the south coast of the island is full of luxury hotels facing the sea, from which you will not want to leave. It is located about 35 minutes drive from Kuta, to the west.
I find it a very good idea for those in Indonesia celebrating their honeymoon or really for any couple looking for privacy and disconnection. There are many 4- and 5-star hotels, offering all kinds of services and facilities.
We went for a drink one day at the Amber Lombok Beach Resort, and it looked great. Many of these hotels let you go to their bar or restaurant to have a drink and, depending on the conditions, to use the swimming pool. Keep this in mind because it can be a good plan for one day.
Recommended hotels in Selong Belanak
These hotels look very good:
- $$: Suku Lifestyle Hotel. A lovely 3-star hotel located just a few minutes from the coast. The different areas are well-maintained and beautifully decorated. They offer double rooms and villas with private pools. There’s also an outdoor pool, garden, terrace, and a restaurant that serves breakfast.
- $$$: Amber Lombok Beach Resort. If you’re looking for a beachfront hotel to relax and enjoy yourself, this is a great place to stay in Lombok. It’s a 4-star hotel built right by the sea, offering a wide range of suites and villas. There’s also an outdoor pool, bar, restaurant, breakfast service, and massage treatments available.
- $$$: Sempiak Seaside Resort. The standout feature of this Lombok hotel is its stunning infinity pool with views of the sea and coastline. But you’ll also love the variety of villas you can stay in. The property includes a garden, fitness center, bar, restaurant, and a private beach area. Breakfast is included.
- $$$: Segara Lombok Beach Resort. This beachfront hotel is another fantastic spot to unwind for a few days. You can stay in one of their bungalows, with views of either the ocean or the garden. There’s also an outdoor pool, bar, and a restaurant that serves an exceptional breakfast.
4. Gili Islands
The Gili Islands belong to Lombok and are located in the northwest of the island. Although they could be treated as a totally independent destination to Lombok, I do not want to fail to mention them in this article.
Within the “famous Gili Islands” (because there are other gili in Lombok; “gili” means small island), we find Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air. It is convenient to choose the island according to your tastes and preferences, although any of them has many attractions if you want to enjoy the sea and spend a few days relaxing.
Gili Trawangan is the most developed of all and is considered the “party island,” as there are many places to go out at night. Gili Meno is the least developed island and the quietest of all, ideal for couples looking for relaxation. Finally, Gili Air is a mix of both islands. It offers a quiet atmosphere but is more developed than Gili Meno, and there are more services.
Recommended hotels in the Gili Islands
These are the hotels where we stayed and that I recommend in each of the islands:
- Gili Trawangan: Trawangan Dive Resort. It’s located close to what’s considered the island’s main area, but the place itself is quiet and great for a good night’s sleep. You’ll be right in front of the beach and can enjoy several outdoor pools and a really good breakfast. There’s also a bar and a restaurant.
- Gili Meno: Bungalow Cafe Gili Beach Front. What I loved most about our stay was the location. It’s right by the sea, in a very peaceful part of the island, and the sunsets are amazing. The bungalows are super cute, and there’s a pool, restaurant, and bar.
- Gili Air: PinkCoco. The hotel we stayed at doesn’t seem to be available anymore, so I’m recommending this one instead. It’s one of the most popular in the Gili Islands and always a safe bet. You’ll find super cool (and very pink) rooms, an outdoor pool, bar, restaurant, and the best sunsets from its beach.
If you want to see more recommendations, you can enter the guide I have for each island and see other accommodations that are very good.
💡 As I was saying, Lombok has other “gilis”, and one of them also has hotels. I am talking about Gili Asahan. There you will find other very cool hotels, such as Gili Asahan Eco Lodge & Restaurant and Pearl Beach Resort Gili Asahan.
Map of where to stay in Lombok
In the following map, I have marked the different areas where I recommend staying and the hotels I have mentioned throughout the article.
📲 If you want to have internet, you can buy a sim card at your destination (they sell them at the airport) or, a bit more expensive but much more convenient, you can purchase a Holafly eSIM with a discount before your trip. You can book it here 5% more affordable with the discount code “comeamaviaja”. You will have internet from the moment you land!
I hope this article on where to stay in Lombok has helped you find the best option for your trip. If you have any further questions, feel free to leave them in the comments. Enjoy your trip!
