When it comes to planning your holiday in Lombok, there are three key regions travellers choose to stay. That is, Sengiggi, Kuta and the Gili Islands.
While Lombok is still a quiet island in comparison to Bali, depending on the holiday style you are looking for; this will help determine the best location for you to spend your holiday.
Starting in the north with Senggigi, this is the primary location where most travellers arrive by boat. Senggigi is considered to be the busiest part of the island and home to gorgeous bays overlooking the west coast. Every afternoon, watch Lombok’s incredible sunset from one of the many beachfront bars and restaurants lining the coastline.
This area is very developed and brings a choice of nightlife and restaurant options. Nearby in the surrounding regions, opt to stay at one of the beautiful resorts or accommodation options depending on your budget. Senggigi is a great place to base yourself to explore the many attractions nearby, like Mount Rinjani or the Gili Islands. In town, you will also have access to a choice of supermarkets, ATMs and travel agents.
The next town that is a hotspot for travellers to stay in is Kuta, set on the south coast of Lombok. It is a popular choice for surfers, with incredible surf breaks all along the coastline. The accommodation options are diverse and work well for a variety of budgets. Kuta is a beautiful seaside retreat and each day you will be able to explore a new beach, go snorkelling, learn to surf or swim. In the area, there is a mix of restaurants, warungs and bars to enjoy. Nearby, Seger Beach and Tanjung Aan are famous beaches for travellers to enjoy, and all along the coastline, there are quiet coves to explore.
After enjoying Lombok, you couldn’t possibly leave without staying for a night or two on the Gili Islands. Each island brings a unique charm and atmosphere. Depending on the type of holiday you are after, there is an island to suit you. On the Gili Islands, motorised transport is not allowed, therefore walking, riding or travelling by horse and cart is the only way to move around.
Gili Trawangan is the largest and busiest of the three. Across the island, accommodation options are varied and suitable to all types of budgets, from backpacking to luxury options. Goodheart and North Beach are where the action happens on Gili Trawangan with incredible snorkelling and beautiful beaches. Gili Trawangan is known for its nightlife, so you can spend your days watching the sunset over a cocktail until late into the evening.
Next, Gili Air is a balance between lively and quiet, and it is the chosen location for honeymooners or travellers looking for quiet, yet still with a few bars to enjoy. Just like Gili Trawangan, on Gili Air accommodation options vary to suit different budgets, and it provides a mix of restaurants and beach bars to keep you occupied.
Finally, the quietest of the three islands, Gili Meno, is a stunning, chilled out paradise. This island provides more local feel with some international cuisine to enjoy too. Just like the other islands, Gili Meno still adapts well to most budgets when it comes to accommodation.