Where to Stay in Lombok (2023 • COOLEST Areas!)

In a hurry? These are our top picks for accommodation in Lombok.

Unlock Our GREATEST Travel Secrets!

Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox.

Please leave this field empty.


Please leave this field empty.


Please leave this field empty.

Name*

Email*

I consent to my personal information being processed in accordance with The Broke Backpackers Privacy Policy (Required)

Sign Me Up!

Δ

Best Airbnb in Lombok: Beautiful Bungalow near the Beach

This tropical bungalow is an ideal base for exploring Lombok. You can rent a scooter from the owners, and there is a ferry nearby that stops at the Gili Islands. It’s also a short walk from Sengiggi Beach – THE place to go for nightlife.

Best Hostel in Lombok: Dewi Sri Guesthouse

This traditional guesthouse offers private and shared rooms, free wifi, and an onsite pool. It’s close to the city center and a short drive from the beaches, so you’ll be in a great position to explore the island.

Best Budget Hotel in Lombok: Sikara Lombok Hotel

Sikara Lombok Hotel is a budget hotel located in Kuta, one of the main hubs of the island. It offers stylish and comfortable rooms for an affordable price, featuring a private bathroom, air conditioning and a flat-screen TV. Rooms have a view over either the mountains, the garden, or the sea.

Best Mid-Range Hotel in Lombok: Golden Palace Hotel Lombok

Golden Palace Hotel Lombok sits in the heart of Mataram’s city centre. The rooms are modern and elegant and have an ensuite bathroom. The hotel also features an outdoor pool, a wellness centre, and free Wifi.

FIRST TIME IN LOMBOK

FIRST TIME IN LOMBOK

Kuta

Kuta is located in the south of Lombok and is one of the more popular areas in Lombok. In Kuta, the sand is white, the water is clear and the surf is good. There you have it! The main activities in Kuta are enjoying the beach and the sun, and taking advantage of some of the best waves you will find in Indonesia.

CHECK TOP HOTEL

ON A BUDGET

ON A BUDGET

Mataram

While Mataram is actually the largest city on the island of Lombok, not so many tourists actually stop there longer than an hour or two. As a consequence, accommodation tends to be cheaper here than other touristy spots on the island.

CHECK TOP HOSTEL CHECK TOP HOTEL

NIGHTLIFE

NIGHTLIFE

Senggigi

Senggigi is the most popular area for tourists in Lombok. Located in the north-west of the island, it is just a short ride away from the main city of Mataram, yet offers a much different scenery.

CHECK TOP AIRBNB CHECK TOP HOSTEL CHECK TOP HOTEL

COOLEST PLACE TO STAY

COOLEST PLACE TO STAY

Gili Air

Gili Air is a small island off the coast of Lombok. It takes 15 minutes to reach the island by boat from Lombok. Visitors who love walking can hike around the island in approximately 2.5 hours.

CHECK TOP AIRBNB CHECK TOP HOSTEL CHECK TOP HOTEL

FOR FAMILIES

FOR FAMILIES

Tanjung

Tanjung is a resort village located in the north of the Lombok island, facing the Gili islands. It is one of the more upscale areas of Lombok and, apart from a few resorts here and there, the neighbourhood remains largely unspoiled.

CHECK TOP AIRBNB CHECK TOP HOTEL

Lombok is often overlooked as a destination, with many travelers choosing to visit Bali instead. However, this stunning island has a lot to offer. It’s the same size as its sister island and has been spared by mass tourism, so many of its areas have remained untouched.

Lombok offers some epic scenery, pristine beaches, and great surfing spots. It’s also a cheaper alternative to Bali (although the cost of living is pretty low in both).

The town of Kuta Lombok is where most first-time visitors choose to stay. It is a lively area with great landscapes made of rugged cliffs and small mountains. With so much happening, it’s the best place to get a feel for the island.

Mataram is the best place to stay if you’re backpacking Indonesia on a budget. Accommodation is cheaper here, and there are loads of activity options that won’t break the bank.

The town of Senggigi is the main tourist hub on the island. It is a lively area filled with bars, restaurants and nightclubs. Its popularity comes partly from the presence of the Rinjani volcano, but it’s also a pretty wild party spot.

Just a short boat-ride away from the main island is the Gili Air. These boast paradise-like beaches with white sand, as well as great snorkeling and diving opportunities.

For a more exclusive experience, visitors will head to Tanjung, where 5-star resorts, private beaches, and golf courses dominate the landscape. It’s also full of family-friendly accommodation.

Still not sure where to stay in Lombok? Fear not, my friend – we’ve got lots more information on each area below.

Now, let’s take a look at each of these areas in more detail. We’ve included our top activity and accommodation picks in each, so you know exactly what to expect.

1. Kuta – Where to Stay in Lombok for your First Visit

Kuta is located in the south of Lombok and is one of the more popular areas on the island. Here, the sand is white, the water is clear, and the surf is popping. It’s perfect for taking advantage of some of the best waves you will find in Indonesia.

There are many surf schools around the main village, and several surfing spots are located around the area. Some breaks are located a bit further away from the beach, but it is easy to catch a boat ride to reach them.

If surfing isn’t your thing, you’ll still be spoilt with stuff to do. The landscapes are absolutely stunning here, and are preserved from mass tourism. Expect rugged cliffs dramatically falling into the sea, mountains behind, and crystal clear waters. A real postcard!

Best Hostel in Kuta: The Living Room Hostel

The Living Room Hostel is a cosy backpackers retreat in Kuta Lombok. The outdoor area includes a terrace with bean bags to relax in, a bar, a garden, and a swimming pool. Private and dorm rooms are available, which feature comfortable beds and free wifi.

Best Budget Hotel in Kuta: Friends Beach Hotel

This quaint hotel offers stylish accommodation for a super affordable price. Rooms are traditional and feature tiled floors and air conditioning to keep things comfortable. Guests can enjoy sea and mountain views, as well as activities including horse-riding and snorkelling. There’s loads to explore nearby, including Kuta’s white sand beach and plenty of restaurants.

Best Mid-Range Hotel in Kuta: Segara Anak Hotel

With its gorgeous pool, beachside location, and resort-style amenities – this is one of the bougiest (and affordable) hotels in Lombok. Rooms are decorated in a tropical style, with tiled floors to keep things cool. A stunning breakfast is included and served at the onsite restaurant, and the bar will provide you with cocktails throughout the day!

Best Airbnb in Kuta: Trendy Home in the heart of Kuta

This room sits in a quiet area in the middle of Kuta. It’s very spacious, and ideal for long-term travelers or digital nomads. There’s a kitchen where you can cook your own meals, and the hosts provide banana pancakes and fresh fruit for breakfast. A scooter is available to borrow, which will have you at the beach in just two minutes.

Things to See and Do in Kuta

1. Laze the day away on the beach.
2. Get some surfing lessons on some of the best waves in the country.
3. Catch the sunset on Bukit Merese.
4. Taste some of the best food in Lombok at Kenza Café.
5. Take a trip to Bangkang Cave, just ten minutes from Kuta’s main strip.

Is This the Best Backpack EVER???

We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

View on Osprey View on REI

2. Mataram – Where to Stay in Lombok on a Budget

While Mataram is actually the largest city on the island, not many tourists actually stop there longer than an hour or two. As a consequence, accommodation tends to be cheaper here than other tourist spots on the island.

Mataram is also a great place to stay in if you want to experience authentic local life. Streets buzz with motorbike traffic and roads are lined with market stalls.

Mataram has a couple of nice temples to visit. The Hindu temple of Pura Meru is the largest in Lombok and dates back to 1720. There, you can see three multi-tiered shrines made of teak wood.

Best Hostel in Mataram: Dewi Sri Guesthouse

Dewi Sri is a traditional house that’s been converted into a guesthouse. Choose from a cozy private room or a traditional dorm and enjoy a free breakfast, free wifi, and on-site pool. The hostel is close to the city center and a short drive from the beaches.

Best Budget Hotel in Mataram: Hotel Orizatha

Hotel Orizatha provides modern accommodation for a great price. The rooms are fitted with a private bathroom, air conditioning, a terrace, and a view over the city or the hotel garden. A good breakfast is served each morning.

Best Mid-Range Hotel in Mataram: Golden Palace Hotel Lombok

Golden Palace Hotel Lombok is located in the heart of Mataram’s city centre. The rooms there are modern and elegant and feature a private bathroom with a bathtub, air conditioning, and a flat screen TV. The hotel also features an outdoor swimming pool, a wellness centre, and free Wifi.

Best Airbnb in Mataram: Clean Villa in Lombok’s capital

Keep cool in the hot summer days staying at this brand new villa. This paradise space is bright throughout and offers an awesome panoramic view of the sunset. Spend your time basking in the sun on the garden terrace, or cooling off in the pool. Breakfast is provided, as well as free wifi and tropical furnishings.

Things to See and Do in Mataram

1. Experience the local life in Lombok’s biggest city
2. Try to find the remainders of the Dutch-colonial era at the port in Ampenan
3. Visit the Hindu temple of Pura Meru
4. Discover Indonesia’s Islamic culture at the Islamic Centre, a green and gold mosque which opened in 2016. Here, you can climb to the top of the tallest minaret, culminating at 114 metres.

3. Senggigi – Best Area to Stay in Lombok for Nightlife

Senggigi is the most popular area for tourists in Lombok. Located in the north-west of the island, it is just a short ride away from the main city of Mataram, yet offers very different scenery.

The beach is the main attraction here. The sand here is black due to the nearby volcanic activity of the Mount Rinjani. While you can get your tan on during the day, make sure not to miss the stunning sunsets in the evenings.

Senggigi is nothing compared to Bali in terms of touristic development, but hotels and guesthouses still line up the streets here. Restaurants serve local food for a bargain, and there are bars and clubs galore. If you want to experience some serious nightlife in Lombok, Sengiggi is where you’ll find it.

Best Airbnb in Senggigi: Beautiful Bungalow near the Beach

This tropical villa is super close to the beach, and a short scooter ride from the town and ferry terminal. It’s beautifully furnished with all the amenities you’ll need for a comfortable stay, including free wifi and a full kitchen.

Best Hostel in Senggigi: Selasar Hostel

The Selasar Hostel is the best hostel in Senggigi. It offers private rooms with double or bunk beds. In the morning, guests can enjoy an American breakfast at the hotel. The common areas include a shared lounge and an outdoor terrace. A free wifi connection is available.

Best Budget Hotel in Senggigi: Jazz Senggigi Hotel

The Jazz Senggigi Hotel offers great budget accommodation in Lombok. Private rooms and dorm beds are available in rooms fitted with air conditioning, a bathroom, and a terrace. A continental breakfast is served each morning.

Best Mid-Range Hotel in Senggigi: RedDoorz Premium Hotel

Taman Unique Hotel offers a great Indonesian experience in Lombok. The spacious rooms are fitted with an ensuite bathroom, air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, and a tea and coffee maker. Some rooms have a view over the garden. The hotel restaurant serves pizza, barbecue specialities, and international cuisine.

Things to See and Do in Senggigi

1. Go scuba diving to meet some turtles and exotic fish.
2. Experience a stunning sunset from the beach in the evening.
3. Go surfing on the strong waves of the area.
4. Enjoy local food like satay.
5. Take in the views at Batu Bolong Temple.

The Future of the SIM Card is HERE!

A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!

An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You’re connected. It’s just that easy.

Is your phone eSIM ready? Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and ditch the plastic.

Grab an eSIM!

4. Gili Air – Coolest Place to Stay in Lombok

Gili Air is a small island off the coast of Lombok, about 15 away by boat. Visitors who love walking can hike around the island in approximately 1-2 hours.

Snorkelling and diving are particularly popular in Gili Air, thanks to the warm crystal clear waters. If you’re inexperienced or want some help, there are plenty of diving schools around. Underwater, you will encounter coral reefs, turtles, and exotic fish.

Although it is not as lively as some of the other Gili islands, Gili Air offers a good nightlife scene. The atmosphere is more laid-back around there, and it’s not unusual to find some fresh barbecued fish on the beach in the evening.

Best Airbnb in Gili Air: Stunning Private Villa

This stunning Airbnb offers individual villas with a pool and garden. There are no self-catering facilities, however rooms have a refrigerator and breakfast is included in the rate. The whole island can be walked on foot, and the harbour is just ten minutes away so you can easily explore other islands.

Best Hostel in Gili Air: Begadang

Labelled a “big kid paradise”, Begadang is one of the best hostels in Lombok! It’s got everything to keep you entertained when you’re not exploring, from a mushroom-shaped pool to volleyball and ping pong. The hostel offers self-catering facilities, but also provides amazing food at their onsite restaurant and bar. Free high-speed wifi is available, and the rooms are a steal for the price.

Best Budget Hotel in Gili Air: Gili Matiki

Gili Matiki offers budget accommodation in Gili Air. Each room is located in a little hut and fitted with air conditioning or a fan, an ensuite bathroom, a terrace, and a view over the garden or the pool. Outside, in the garden, guests can enjoy a swimming pool.

Best Mid-Range Hotel in Gili Air: Samata Village Gili Air

Samata Village Gili Air offers modern rooms with wooden roofs featuring air conditioning, a coffee and tea maker, a private bathroom, and a terrace. The hotel also has an outdoor swimming pool and a sun deck. Guests can enjoy a restaurant and a free Wifi connection.

Things to See and Do in Gili Air

1. Snorkel in the crystal clear waters and explore the coral reefs.
2. Learn to dive while meeting turtles and exotic fish.
3. Chill out in one the bars of the island at night.
4. Put on your walking shoes and take a hike around the island.

5. Tanjung – Best Area in Lombok for Families

Tanjung is a resort village located in the north of Lombok, facing the Gili Islands. It’s one of the more upscale areas of Lombok and, apart from a few resorts here and there, the neighbourhood remains largely unspoiled.

People mostly come here to relax and enjoy the beach. Activities include golfing as some of the resorts boast their own golfing course, or getting a traditional Balinese massage in one of the resort spas.

Mount Rinjani, Lombok’s volcano, is located near Tanjung. Tours to climb the volcano can be organised when the seismic activity allows it. Guides will take you to the top and you can also arrange to have a proper carry your belongings. On top of the main crater, a volcanic lake boasting the same colour as the sea sits beautifully.

Best Airbnb in Tanjung: Eco-living Bamboo Villa

Relax in this beautiful rustic home that has a creative, open floor plan. This home has a bamboo foundation with beautiful brick walls. It’s very spacious, with room for up to six guests. You’ll be in the perfect spot to appreciate the island vibes – surrounded by jungle, overlooking the mountains and sea.

Best Hostel in Tanjung: Mina Tanjung Hotel

This holiday park is the ideal base if you’re deciding where to stay in Lombok with your family. It sits right on the beachfront and offers stunning views of the coast. The hotel offers a lavish breakfast, as well as an onsite bar, swimming pool, and free wifi. It’s within walking distance of beaches, the harbour, and waterfalls.

Best Budget Hotel in Tanjung: Rinjani Beach Eco Resort

Located just steps away from the beach, Rinjani Beach Eco Resort offers comfortable bungalows and villas in Lombok. Each room is fitted with a private bathroom, a fan and a terrace. The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool and a restaurant serving Indonesian cuisine. A good breakfast is served in the morning.

Best Villa in Tanjung: Villa Sapi

This beachfront villa is the perfect base for a family vacation to Lombok. It sleeps 12 guests and features modern decor, with an indoor/outdoor design running throughout to get you back to nature. There’s a pool on-site, as well as a large kitchen and dining area.

Things to See and Do in Tanjung

1. Get a traditional Balinese massage in one the resorts.
2. Go golfing at the Kosaido Golf Club.
3. Climb the neighbouring Mount Rinjani volcano.
4. Pack your beach bag and spend a day at the beach.

Here’s what people usually ask us about the areas of Lombok and where to stay.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

While it’s much less popular than Bali, there are lots of things to see and do in Lombok. Here, nature has mostly remained unspoilt and the beaches and the surf are some of the best in Indonesia.

If you’re still not sure where to stay in Lombok, we recommend basing yourself in Kuta. There’s a bit of everything on offer here, and it provides easy access to other areas mentioned in this guide.

Dewi Sri Guesthouse provides the best backpacker accommodation on the island. With an onsite pool, free wifi, and an epic location, you can’t go wrong!

If you’d prefer something more upmarket, we recommend the Golden Palace Hotel. Here, you can enjoy the conveniences and amenities of a hotel right in the heart of Mataram!

Have we missed anything? Let us know in the comments!

Do you own an awesome hostel, hotel or apartment? Want to be featured in our list? Email [email protected] to find out how.

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!