After our recent visit and endless conversations with both locals and travellers, we’ve pulled together this Lombok accommodation guide to help you find your perfect base.
Here we explore the island’s different areas, highlight some hidden gems, and share practical tips that’ll make your holiday run smoothly. Fancy waking up to mosque calls before taking a scooter to hidden beaches?
Or perhaps you’d prefer sipping cocktails by your private pool as the sun sets? Either way, we’ve got you covered.
Why Lombok Should Be Your Next Island Escape
I love Bali, but Lombok is just as beautiful. The landscapes are stunning, but prices are noticeably gentler on your wallet. Expect to pay between £8-£240 per night for accommodation, which is really good value compared to similar standards across the water.
We spent a week exploring the island – and experienced empty roads, friendly waves from locals, and an authentic, untouched vibe that’s increasingly rare in Southeast Asia.
For families, the island feels safer and more manageable than Bali. The roads have improved dramatically (though still expect the odd pothole), and most resorts now have decent Wi-Fi – a godsend when the kids need entertaining or you need to check in with home.
One of the biggest changes in 2025 is how many properties have embraced sustainability. Solar power is becoming standard, plastic bottles are increasingly rare, and many resorts now grow their own organic produce.
Whether you’re seeking adventure (the surfing is great), relaxation (beachside massages for £5!), or cultural immersion, Lombok delivers.
Best Areas to Stay in Lombok
Senggigi (Northwest Coast)
If it’s your first time in Lombok, Senggigi makes an ideal base. This stretch along the northwest coast offers perfect sunsets that seem to set the entire sky on fire. We spent five nights here at the beginning of our last trip and loved it.
The beachfront resorts range from budget-friendly to luxurious, and you’re only a 20-minute boat ride from the Gili Islands (see our guide to Gili Air here). Restaurants serve everything from Indonesian classics to amazing Italian dishes – don’t miss the seafood at Nuf Said right on Sengiggi beach, with a laid back feel and live music.
One afternoon, we hired a driver and explored the local area. We drove along the coast stopping to admire the impressive views towards the Gili Islands, had lunch on Nipah beach after snorkelling with the turtles and then headed into the mountains to along Puncak Pusuk pass to see the monkeys and admire the jungle scenery. Finally we visited nearby Pura Batu Bolong temple which is perched dramatically on a rocky outcrop, it’s stunning at sunset, with far fewer tourists than you’d find at similar spots in Bali. Just remember to bring a sarong to cover your legs – I had to buy one at the entrance when I forgot mine.
Families tend to love Senggigi for its pools and spas, while couples appreciate the romantic beachfront dining options. The nightlife is quieter than Bali’s hotspots, but that’s the point of choosing Lombok.
Kuta Lombok (South Coast)
Don’t confuse this with Kuta Bali – they’re worlds apart in atmosphere. Kuta Lombok is a surfer’s dream with a laid-back, slightly bohemian feel that reminds me of what Canggu was like a decade ago.
The beaches here are properly stunning – think powdery white sand and crystal clear water. Tanjung Aan is my favourite, a crescent-shaped bay with gentle waves on one side and more challenging surf on the other. Perfect if your group includes both swimmers and surfers.
The food scene here is amazing. You can still find simple warungs serving Ayam Taliwang (Lombok’s famous spicy grilled chicken) for a few pounds, but there’s also an increasing number of trendy cafés offering avocado toast and smoothie bowls. El Bazar does fabulous Middle Eastern food – their hummus is worth the trip alone.
The downsides? Some of the roads remain unpaved and dusty, especially after the dry season. And yes, the mosque calls are more prominent here – something to consider if you’re a light sleeper. Personally, I quickly got used to them and started to enjoy the ritual.
If you are staying in the Kuta area then a trip to Pink Beach – named for its blush-coloured sand created by crushed red coral mixing with white sand is a must. The drive was bumpy but absolutely worth it for the untouched beauty and excellent snorkelling.
North Lombok/Senaru
If you’re after cooler temperatures and stunning natural scenery, head north. This area sits in the shadow of Mount Rinjani and offers a completely different Lombok experience.
Waking up to a view over terraced rice fields with a cup of local coffee is the perfect way to start your day. The climate here is noticeably fresher and we found it a great break from the heat.
The area’s main draw is Rinjani itself. While the full summit trek is a serious undertaking (2-3 days and not for the faint-hearted), there are gentler options. The trek to Tiu Kelep waterfall nearly broke me with its 300+ steps, but standing under that powerful cascade made it worth it.
The downsides? You’re far from the beaches here, and the accommodation options are more limited. But what they lack in luxury, they make up for in character and breathtaking scenery.
The Gili Islands (Off Northwest Coast)
Technically separate from Lombok but easily accessible, the three Gili Islands offer distinct vibes:
Gili Trawangan (or Gili T) is the party island – think beach bars, fire shows, and music into the early hours.
Gili Air strikes the perfect balance. There’s enough restaurants and bars to keep things interesting, but with quiet corners where you can escape it all. The snorkelling directly off the beach is brilliant – you can swim with turtles every day. Gili Air also has some of the nicest places to stay.
Gili Meno is the quietest of the three, perfect for honeymooners or those seeking serious peace and quiet.
What makes the Gilis special is their no-car policy, transport is by bicycle or horse-drawn cart only. There’s something magical about the absence of motor noise, replaced instead by the jingle of horse bells and the sound of waves… just watch out for those e-bikes!
Top Places to Stay in Lombok: My Personal Picks
Based on my own stays and conversations with other travellers, here are nine different places we think you should consider:
Senggigi and Mangsit (West Lombok)
Holiday Resort Lombok (Senggigi, £40-80/night)
Holiday Resort Lombok place has mastered the art of affordable luxury. Set in lush tropical gardens with a massive pool and direct beach access, it’s brilliant for families. The kids absolutely loved it here as they had multiple pools to play in and the beach was just a few steps away.
The rooms are spacious if slightly dated in some blocks, but the beachfront location more than makes up for it. Watching the sunset on a bean bag, cocktail in hand, while the kids jumped the waves is one of my favourite Lombok memories.
We stayed in the Mangsit suites which are located on the other side of the road from the main hotel but this was actually a bonus as it meant we had a lovely peaceful spot and a balcony that caught the morning sun. They have someone there to help you across the road at all times, however the road was never that busy.
We took surf lessons directly in front of the hotel and had one to one tuition for the price of a group lesson in Bali. The staff were all so helpful and even took my daughter for a ride on a buggy when she realised she had left something in our room at the end of our stay.
Check out our full video review of Holiday Resort Lombok below:
Qunci Villas Resort (Senggigi/Mangsit, £120-200/night)
If boutique luxury is more your style, Qunci Villas is properly special. The beachfront setting is stunning, and the design manages to feel both sophisticated and also fit in with the natural surroundings.
I treated myself to their spa while we were there – having a massage while listening to the waves is pretty much my definition of heaven. Not all villas have private pools, so do check when booking if that’s important to you.
One afternoon, we borrowed bikes from the resort and explored the nearby fishing villages. Returning hot and slightly sunburnt, we found the staff had prepared a cool towel and fresh coconut water for us. It’s those little touches that turn a good stay to a great one.
The food here is amazing, particularly their Lombok curry with freshly caught fish, it was so good I ordered it two nights running. Not very adventurous but it was just so good.
Sheraton Senggigi Beach Resort (Senggigi, £80-160/night)
If you prefer the reliability of an international brand with a distinctly local feel, the Sheraton hits the sweet spot. Their private beach is one of Senggigi’s best, and the swim-up bar is the perfect spot to enjoy a drink and cool down from in the afternoon.
The cooking class they offer is worth booking – you learn to make proper gado-gado a traditional Indonesian salad that I love!
Jeeva Klui Resort (Senggigi, £120-200/night)
Jeeva Klui is a boutique eco-resort which has a perfect balance of luxury and sustainability. The beachfront location is stunning, and their yoga deck overlooking the ocean could easily become my morning ritual.
The property isn’t huge, which creates an intimate atmosphere where staff quickly learn your names and give your stay that personal touch. It’s quieter than some Senggigi options, with a focus on relaxation rather than activities. Perfect for recharging after Bali or as part of a multi-destination Indonesian trip.
The resort will arrange a private boat trip to the Gilis, which is pricier than the public ferry but worth every penny for the comfort and convenience and their spa is the perfect end to the day before getting ready for dinner.
Kuta (South Lombok)
Novotel Lombok Resort & Villas (Kuta/Pujut, £65-120/night)
For surfers or those wanting to explore southern Lombok, Novotel Lombok Resort offers excellent value. Their infinity pool overlooks Kuta Beach, and the spa does brilliant post-surf massages (trust me, you’ll need one if you’re a beginner like me).
We stayed in one of their pool villas, which felt wonderfully secluded despite being part of a larger resort. My room attendant, Ferdika, went above and beyond – leaving little notes with the weather forecast and surf conditions each morning.
The resort is a bit removed from Kuta’s centre, which means blissful quiet but does require transport for exploring the town. They offer a free shuttle, though, so it’s not a problem.
Pullman Lombok Merujani Mandalika (Kuta, £80-160/night)
One of the newer additions to Lombok’s luxury scene, the Pullman brings international standards to the developing Mandalika area. The design is sleek and contemporary – a contrast to the more traditional styles found elsewhere on the island.
Their extensive breakfast buffet, which catered brilliantly to both Western and Asian preferences is a definite highlight. After a week of local food (however delicious), sometimes you just fancy a proper slice of toast with butter.
Do be aware there’s still some construction in the Mandalika area as it develops into a major tourism hub. The resort itself is complete and functioning beautifully, but you might encounter some noise during daytime hours.
Selong Selo Resort and Residences (South Lombok, £160-320/night)
Perched on a hillside with panoramic views of Selong Belanak Beach, Selong Selo‘s luxury villas offer privacy and scenery in equal measure. Each comes with its own infinity pool that seems to merge with the ocean beyond – Instagram gold!
The villas are immaculately designed, blending indoor and outdoor living. You can spend your evenings on the terrace, watching fishing boats return to shore as the sun set behind the hills.
It’s fairly isolated, which is either a pro or con depending on what you’re after. For me, I always love a quiet and tranquil spot. They offer a shuttle service to the beach, and the on-site restaurant is great so you don’t feel the need to venture out much anyway.
North Lombok
The Oberoi Beach Resort (Medana Bay/North, £160-240/night)
If you’re celebrating something special or just fancy a proper splurge, The Oberoi is breathtaking. Their private beach fronting Medana Bay offers views of the Gili Islands that made my jaw literally drop when I first arrived.
The pavilion-style suites are enormous and beautifully designed with local materials. I loved the evening cultural performances – traditional music and dance that made me feel connected to Lombok’s heritage.
Yes, it’s expensive by Lombok standards, but the exclusivity and attention to detail justify the price tag. When I mentioned in passing that I loved mangosteen, a bowl appeared in my room each day – that level of personalized service is rare even in luxury properties.
Lombok Private Villa Estate (Gondang, £240+/night)
For the ultimate splurge, this exclusive coastal estate offers next-level luxury. I haven’t actually stayed at Lombok Private Villa Estate myself (dreams for the next milestone birthday, perhaps), but I toured the property while researching this article and was properly blown away.
With a private chef and butler service, it’s the kind of place where your every need is anticipated before you realize you have it. The design seamlessly blends traditional Indonesian elements with modern luxury, and the clifftop location offers spectacular coastal views.
This is celebrity-level accommodation, with a price tag to match. But for a special celebration or if budget isn’t a concern, it offers an unparalleled Lombok experience.
Practical Tips for Your Lombok Stay
Getting Around
Renting a scooter gives you the most freedom (around £4-5 per day), but do make sure you’re confident riding one – Lombok’s roads can be challenging. For longer journeys or if scooters aren’t your thing, hiring a driver is surprisingly affordable (£20-30 for a full day).
The rainy season (November-March) can make travel more difficult, with occasional flooding on rural roads. I learned this the hard way when what should have been a 30-minute journey took nearly two hours after a particularly heavy downpour.
Money Matters
Budget around £40-80 per day including accommodation if you’re watching pennies. Eating local will save you loads – a plate of nasi goreng (fried rice) or mie goreng (fried noodles) rarely costs more than £2-3 in a warung.
ATMs are available in major areas, but don’t count on them working reliably. I carry a mix of cards and cash, and always have a backup stash in case of emergencies. We found the ATM on Gili Air regularly runs out of cash but most places do take card.
Cultural Considerations
The call to prayer from local mosques is part of daily life in Lombok. It’s beautiful once you adjust to it, but light sleepers might want earplugs for the early morning call.
Dress modestly away from beach areas – shoulders covered and no short shorts, especially when visiting villages or markets. I always carry a light scarf in my bag that can double as a shoulder cover when needed.
Packing Essentials
A portable charger is non-negotiable, even with improved infrastructure, power outages do happen. Reef-safe sunscreen is essential if you’re planning to snorkel (and you should!), and strong mosquito repellent will be your best friend, especially during the rainy season.
Final Thoughts
Lombok offers a slice of paradise without the crowds that have changed parts of Bali forever. From beachfront luxury to jungle hideaways, there are plenty of options whatever your budget.
My perfect Lombok trip? I’d start with three nights in Senggigi to ease in, move south to Kuta for some beach-hopping and perhaps a surf lesson, spend a night or two in the north to trek waterfalls, then finish with a few days of pure bliss on Gili Air.
Whatever you choose, book ahead for the best deals – Lombok’s popularity is growing with each passing year, and those hidden gems won’t stay hidden forever. This magical island is worth discovering before everyone else does.
