Wondering where to stay in Lombok? Then you’re in for a treat.
Lombok is what many people think Bali will be: laid-back, less developed, with stunning natural beauty and a lot fewer crowds.
It’s the kind of place where you can still ride a scooter for an hour without hitting traffic, swim in crystal-clear waters without bumping into tour groups, and end the day with grilled fish on the beach as the sun dips behind Mount Rinjani.
If you’re coming to Lombok expecting nightlife and shopping malls, you’ll be disappointed.
But if you’re chasing waterfalls, remote beaches, epic hikes, and authentic village life, you’re in the right place.
Choosing where to stay in Lombok depends on what kind of experience you want.
Senggigi is a good base if you want beach vibes with some convenience.
Kuta (in the south) is the island’s surf hub—raw, evolving fast, and full of cafes and barefoot energy.
The Gili Islands are technically part of Lombok too, offering three wildly different personalities – from party central on Gili Trawangan to complete calm on Gili Meno.
And if you want to escape the tourist trail altogether, spots like Tetebatu or Senaru will throw you straight into rice fields, jungle, and the shadow of Rinjani.
I’ve explored Lombok by scooter, on foot, by boat, and even by accident (wrong turn near Sembalun, totally worth it).
What struck me most is that it still feels real.
Tourism hasn’t overrun it yet.
So if you’re wondering where to stay in Lombok, this guide will break it down, based on firsthand experience – not sponsored hype.
The best areas to stay in Lombok are Senggigi, the Gili Islands, Kuta (Lombok), Mataram, Bangsal, Senaru, and Sembalun.
Senggigi offers a laid-back beach town vibe with easy access to sunsets, snorkeling spots, and day trips along Lombok’s scenic west coast, while Kuta (Lombok) is the go-to hub for surfers, digital nomads, and beach lovers wanting raw landscapes and trendy cafes.
The Gili Islands are perfect for island-hopping – each one with its own personality – while Mataram is ideal for travelers who want a local city experience and convenient access to transport, malls, and authentic street food; Bangsal serves as the main port to the Gilis and is worth considering for ultra-short stays before or after a boat transfer.
Senaru and Sembalun, tucked into the foothills of Mount Rinjani, are your gateways to jungle treks, waterfalls, and multi-day hikes, with cooler air and panoramic views that feel a world away from the beach.
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1. Senggigi: Senggigi is the most popular tourist destination in Lombok, known for its beautiful beaches, a wide range of accommodations, restaurants, and vibrant nightlife. It’s a great base for exploring nearby attractions like the Gili Islands and Mount Rinjani.
2. Gili Islands: Comprising Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, and Gili Meno, the Gili Islands are famous for their crystal-clear waters, snorkeling, diving, and laid-back atmosphere. Each island has its unique charm, making it a perfect destination for beach lovers and those seeking relaxation.
3. Kuta (Lombok): Not to be confused with Kuta in Bali, Kuta Lombok offers a more serene and less crowded experience. It’s a surfer’s paradise with stunning beaches, such as Tanjung Aan and Selong Belanak, and it’s a great starting point for exploring the southern part of the island.
4. Mataram: Mataram is Lombok’s largest city and serves as the administrative center. While it may not have pristine beaches, it offers a glimpse into the local culture, markets, and historical sites. It’s a good option for those seeking a more authentic Lombok experience.
5. Bangsal: If you’re planning to visit the Gili Islands, Bangsal is the gateway to these islands. While there isn’t much to do in Bangsal itself, it’s a convenient location to catch boats to the Gilis and explore the northern part of Lombok.
6. Senaru: Located near the base of Mount Rinjani, Senaru is the perfect place to stay if you plan to trek up the volcano. The area offers stunning views, waterfalls, and a glimpse into the local Sasak culture.
7. Sembalun: Another excellent base for Mount Rinjani treks, Sembalun is on the eastern side of the volcano. The area is known for its picturesque landscapes and vast agricultural fields.
If it’s your first time in Lombok and you want a bit of everything – beaches, sunsets, restaurants, and easy day trips – Senggigi is the best place to base yourself.
It’s not the flashiest spot on the island, but that’s exactly why it works.
Located along the west coast, Senggigi offers a comfortable mix of natural beauty and tourist-friendly convenience without feeling overdeveloped.
You get long stretches of quiet beach, mellow waves for swimming or kayaking, and some of the best sunset views on the island—especially from the clifftop viewpoints just north of town.
When I stayed in Senggigi, I found it incredibly easy to settle in.
There’s a decent range of accommodations – from budget guesthouses tucked into leafy side streets to beach resorts with pools and sunset bars.
The main street has enough restaurants, shops, and scooter rentals to keep things easy, but it never feels chaotic.
And the best part?
You’re in the perfect position for day trips.
From Senggigi, it’s a short drive north to the Gili Islands via Bangsal port, a scenic coastal ride to waterfalls near Senaru, or an easy loop down to Kuta if you’re planning to explore the south.
It’s also one of the few places in Lombok where you can end a beach day with a cold beer and live music at a beach bar – or just take a quiet walk along the water without being hassled.
For travelers who want comfort and convenience without giving up natural beauty, Senggigi strikes the right balance.
It’s not as trendy as Kuta or as remote as Sembalun, but it’s the most well-rounded base for exploring Lombok at your own pace.
If you’re coming to Lombok for beach time, the Gili Islands are a no-brainer.
Although technically part of Lombok, these three small islands each offer a totally different vibe just a short boat ride away.
Gili Trawangan (aka Gili T) is the most popular, known for its beach parties, snorkeling tours, and backpacker scene. It’s lively but still charming, with no motorbikes, just bicycles and horse carts.
Gili Air is a more balanced choice: a bit of buzz, but you can also find peace and quiet, especially on the east side.
Gili Meno is the slowest of them all – ideal for couples or travelers who just want to disconnect.
The snorkeling off all three islands is fantastic – turtles are practically guaranteed – and the sunsets over Bali’s Mount Agung can be surreal.
I recommend spending at least a night or two here if your schedule allows.
You can hop over from Lombok via Bangsal, Teluk Nare, or even from Senggigi with fast boats.
Don’t expect massive infrastructure, there are no cars, limited Wi-Fi, and power cuts happen.
But that’s part of the charm.
If your idea of paradise involves hammocks, beach bonfires, and eating grilled fish with your toes in the sand, the Gilis will be your happy place.
Kuta Lombok isn’t trying to be Bali’s Kuta, and thank goodness for that.
This southern surf town has evolved quickly in recent years, but it’s still got that raw, rugged charm.
The roads are smoother now, cafes are popping up everywhere, and boutique hotels are filling in the gaps, but the wild coastline remains untouched.
Beaches like Tanjung Aan, Selong Belanak, and Mawi are just a short scooter ride away, each one more jaw-dropping than the last.
Whether you’re into surfing, swimming, or just soaking up the sun in a near-empty bay, Kuta makes it happen.
The town itself is compact but full of personality.
There’s a solid mix of budget and mid-range stays, smoothie bowls and nasi campur, yoga classes and reggae bars.
When I stayed here, I loved the blend of surfer vibes and local life, kids herding buffalo, expats opening taco shops, and travelers comparing sunset spots over beers.
It’s also a good base for exploring southern Lombok’s less-touristy gems.
Just be ready for scooter rides, distances can be longer than they seem, and mobile signal can vanish quickly.
But if you want adventure, beaches, and the feeling of being somewhere that’s changing fast (but still very real), Kuta is it.
Mataram isn’t glamorous, and it’s definitely not beachy, but it’s the heartbeat of Lombok.
It’s where locals actually live, work, and shop, and for travelers who want to see the “real” side of the island, it’s worth a stop.
When I visited Mataram, I was struck by how few tourists were around, and how great the street food was.
Night markets like Cakranegara and Kebon Roek are packed with satay stalls, grilled fish, and local sweets you won’t find on the beach.
Accommodation is more business-traveler than backpacker, but that comes with perks: cheaper rates, air conditioning, and easy transport options.
You’re close to the airport, the ferry terminal, and it’s an easy drive to Senggigi or Kuta.
Mataram is also a great place to see Lombok’s religious and cultural diversity up close.
You’ll pass mosques, Hindu temples, and even a few Chinese shrines all within walking distance.
It’s not for everyone, if you’re dreaming of cocktails and sunsets, head elsewhere, but for travelers who like to dig a little deeper, Mataram offers something different.
Bangsal is more of a jumping-off point than a destination, but if you’re headed to the Gilis, you’ll probably pass through here.
It’s the main public port for Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, and Gili Meno, and while it’s not exactly pretty, it’s functional.
That said, it’s worth knowing what to expect.
The area around the port can feel a bit chaotic, especially with porters and ticket hawkers competing for your attention.
When I stayed overnight in Bangsal before an early boat, I was surprised by how peaceful it was once you stepped away from the dock.
There are a few quiet homestays, small warungs, and views of the Gilis from the coastline that make it a decent one-night stopover.
It’s not somewhere to base your whole trip, but if your timing’s tight, staying nearby can take the stress out of catching early boats.
Pro tip: book your boat tickets ahead if you’re traveling in high season, and bring cash – ATMs here aren’t always reliable.
Treat Bangsal as a necessary pit stop, not a destination, and it’ll do its job just fine.
Senaru is where the jungle meets the mountains, and if you’re into hiking or waterfalls, this is your place.
It’s the most popular base for starting the Mount Rinjani trek, but even if you’re not planning a multi-day climb, Senaru has plenty to offer.
The two main waterfalls – Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep – are some of the most spectacular I’ve seen in Southeast Asia, and they’re both accessible with a short hike.
The village itself is quiet, surrounded by thick forest and cooled by mountain air.
There are small guesthouses and homestays that serve hearty meals and strong Lombok coffee.
When I stayed in Senaru, I loved waking up to birdsong and views of mist rolling through the trees—totally different from the beach towns down south.
It’s remote, and that’s part of the appeal.
Come here if you want nature, local hospitality, and a slower pace.
But be aware: Wi-Fi is spotty, and the roads can be rough.
Still, if you’re looking for an experience that’s more than just sun and sand, Senaru delivers big.
The last area that I recommend is Sembalun, a quiet farming village cradled by green hills on the eastern side of Mount Rinjani.
It’s another major access point for the Rinjani trek, but even if you’re not hiking, it’s worth the journey out here.
The drive alone – winding through highland valleys and past terraced fields – is stunning.
And once you arrive, the air is crisp, the views are endless, and the crowds are pretty much non-existent.
This is where you go to unplug.
The rhythm of life is slow, dictated by farming and sunrise hikes.
You can explore nearby strawberry farms, climb Pergasingan Hill for panoramic views, or just relax with a book surrounded by silence.
When I visited, I stayed in a basic bamboo hut with a porch that looked out over the fields, and I still remember the stillness, broken only by cowbells and the distant call to prayer.
If you’re craving peace, mountain air, and local flavor, Sembalun is magic.
Just bring a jacket—it gets cold at night.
