Lombok is one of Indonesia’s premier tourist destinations. The attractions in Lombok boast captivating natural beauty that makes our holiday moments even more enjoyable and memorable.
Located in the West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) province of Indonesia, Lombok is situated to the east of Bali and to the west of Sumbawa. It is part of the larger Lesser Sunda Islands. Lombok is known for its natural beauty, including pristine beaches, lush rainforests, waterfalls, and the towering Mount Rinjani, an active volcano and the second-highest peak in Indonesia.
Lombok is rich in tourist potential in nearly every corner of its region, including West Lombok. West Lombok offers a variety of attractions, from pristine beaches to vibrant local cultures and stunning landscapes.
Here’s an overview of what makes West Lombok a significant part of the island’s tourism industry
1. Senggigi Beach
Located on the northern side of Mataram City, specifically in Batulayar District, West Lombok, NTB, Senggigi Beach is a well-known tourist destination recognized internationally. This beach is an ideal spot to enjoy beautiful views of the sea and hills, stunning sunsets, clear waters, snorkeling, diving, and surfing.
Senggigi Beach also hosts the Senggigi Festival, an annual celebration of Lombok’s culture, art, and tourism, featuring a range of activities, including traditional dance performances, music shows, local art exhibitions, culinary showcases, and cultural workshops.
The beach is lined with resorts, restaurants, and bars, creating a lively atmosphere for visitors. Additionally, Senggigi serves as a gateway to nearby attractions, including the Gili Islands and Mount Rinjani.
- Location
Pantai Senggigi, Batu Layar, Kabupaten Lombok Barat, Nusa Tenggara Barat. 83355
- Routes and Accessibility
- Private Vehicle
Once we arrive in Mataram City or arrive at Selaparang Mataram Airport, the trip to this beach will take between 30-50 minutes.
2. Public Transportation
We can choose to use a car rental service, public transportation, rent a motorbike, or taxi.
If we take public transportation from Mataram, we must take the Sweta – Ampenan route. Once we arrive in Ampenan, continue by taking another public transportation with the Ampenan – Senggigi route.
If we are traveling from Bali, we can also reach Senggigi Beach by crossing the Lombok Strait from Padang Bai using the Bali – Senggigi fast boat.
2. Gili Sudak
Gili Sudak is perfect for tourists who want to enjoy a comfortable, quiet beach, and away from the noise. The clear sea water like glass and the white sand that stretches around the beach are a special attraction for tourists. In addition to offering such a beautiful panorama, Gili Sudak is even more special because it is more natural.
Gili with an area of about 30 Ha is still relatively new among tourists. The location is really quiet, calm, and there is not a single motorized vehicle passing through Gili.
- Location
Gili Sudak, Sekotong Tengah, Kabupaten Lombok Barat, Nusa Tenggara Barat
- Routes and Accessibility
Route to Gili Sudak, the first destination is Mataram City on Lombok Island, the capital of West Nusa Tenggara Province. From Mataram City, it only takes about an hour to get to Sekotong District. Once you arrive at Medang Village to Gili Sudak, you need to spend about a few minutes crossing the sea by traditional boat.
3. Penimbungan Waterfall, Rinjani
Penimbungan Waterfall, with a height of 100 meters, is the highest waterfall in Lombok. Located on the Mount Rinjani hiking trail through Dusun Torean (Torean Hamlet), this waterfall offers exotic views and the roar of water falling from a height.
The source of this waterfall comes from Lake Segara Anak, which is located in the middle of the former eruption of Mount Rinjani and Mount Samalas. The large and fast water discharge adds to the natural beauty of this waterfall, making it a favorite destination for climbers.
Air Terjun Penimbung (Penimbung Waterfall) in Lombok is very popular among photographers due to its stunning natural beauty. It features breathtaking scenery, surrounded by lush greenery and rocky landscapes.
- Location
Sajang, Kec. Sembalun, Kabupaten Lombok Timur, Nusa Tenggara Bar. 83656
- Routes and Accessibility
From Mataram City
Head to Pasar Anyar in Bilok Petung Village, Sembalun District. This trip takes about 3-4 hours. Arriving Pasar Anyar, continue the journey by taking a motorcycle taxi to Dusun Torean. This trip takes about 1 hour. From Dusun Torean, we have to walk about 4-5 hours on foot. Along the way up, we will be treated to extraordinary natural scenery, with steep cliffs and lush green vegetation.
4. Aik Nyet
Aik Nyet is located in the Sesaot Protected Forest (Hutan Lindung Sesaot) in Sesaot Village. Hutan Lindung Sesaot is a forest tourism destination located in the village of Sesaot, about 5 km north of Surana in the Narmada District of West Lombok, NTB.
The name Aik Nyet comes from the Sasak language which means cold water because it has a very cold water temperature. Swimming in this river is a must, as the water is crystal clear and refreshing. After a swim, we can enjoy Lombok’s local specialty, Sate Bulayak, at the nearby food stalls.
- Location:
Dusun Aik Nyet, Desa Sesaot, Kecamatan Narmada, Kabupaten Lombok Barat Nusa Tenggara Barat.
- Routes and Accessibility
From Mataram
We can use private vehicles to get to Aik Nyet from Mataram City by taking about 40 minutes or about 24 kilometers (km). From Mataram City we head towards Narmada. After arriving at Narmada, we have to turn towards Jalan Sesaot at Taman Narmada. Then, we turn east at the SMAN 1 Narmada intersection and then follow the main route to Wisata Taman Sesaot on Jalan Raya Suranadi until we meet a gate with the words “Wisata Taman Sesaot” written on it. After meeting the gate, we just have to follow the available route until we find directions that say Aik Nyet.
5. Teluk Belongas
Do you have the courage to dive surrounded by sharks? Put Belongas Bay on your list of adrenaline destinations to visit!
Famous for its dive sites The Magnet and The Cathedral you’ll find pristine reefs with an abundance of marine life in Belongas Bay.
To see hammerhead sharks in Belongas Bay, Lombok, you can dive at The Magnet location. Hammerheads tend to school around the Magnet end June until late October.
Hammerhead sharks are a large species of shark, but they do not threaten divers. However, you should still treat hammerhead sharks with respect and care.
The Magnet has a depth of about 80 meters and a very strong current after diving to a depth of 15 meters. You can see hammerhead sharks at a depth of 20-25 meters.
- How to Dive in The Magnet to see Hammerhead sharks:
The dive site “The Magnet” which is 1.5 hours by sea from Belongas Bay can only be entered by professional divers who already have a license. A minimum of an Advance diving license issued by PADI is required and at least 100 dives must have been made.
- Divers with professional divers have to dive when the waves are big.
- There is only one point to enter Magnet Point, which is on a large rock with a lighthouse.
- You must enter when the waves are big. After that, immediately dive in and swim down as quickly as possible. Therefore, you must dive with an instructor who is experienced and familiar with the terrain.
- It takes a fast time to enter the point. If you stay too long, you will be swept away by the current.
The underwater of Belongas Bay presents amazing underwater beauty. Most professionals do underwater exploration on this beach. The underwater current of Belongas Bay is quite strong.
- Location:
Dusun Belongas, Desa Buwun Mas, Kecamatan Sekotong, Kabupaten Lombok Barat, Nusa Tenggara Barat.
- Operating Hours
Everyday
*Best time to dive in the Belongas area are from March until mid June and the months October and November, when the water conditions are (relatively) calm.
- Cost Details
Entrance ticket: FREE
- Routes and Accessibility
Private vehicles (motorcycles or cars). There is no public transportation to get to this beach.
From Mataram City, tourists will travel 50 KM from the center of the capital of West Nusa Tenggara for 3 hours driving.
Mataram City – Lombok International Airport Bypass Road – West Lombok Bangkit Monument Roundabout – Lembar Mataram Highway – South Sheet Road – Datoq Kedaro Road – Sekotong Lembar Highway – Sekotong Highway – Central Sekotong – Buwun Mas – Belongas Beach Road – Belongas Beach
Approaching Belongas Beach can only be accessed via fairly rough roads and rocks on the hills. To get to the beach location, tourists also need to go through various small villages.
5. Taman Langit
Tired of beach destinations in Lombok?
Head up the hills to visit Taman Langit (Sky Garden). Sky Garden is a tourist spot that offers stunning views of green hills from a high vantage point. We can spend our time admiring the beautiful scenery from the hilltop.
At night, Sky Garden provides a different experience compared to the daytime. We can enjoy the twinkling lights and a star-filled sky while sipping coffee. The cool, fresh air makes it a perfect place to linger.
Sky Garden is located in Lembah Sari, Batu Layar District, West Lombok, approximately a 1-hour and 9-minute drive from Zainuddin Airport. It is open every day, Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 10 PM, and on Saturday and Sunday from 8 AM to 10 PM. The entrance fee is Rp 5,000 per person.
- Location
Lembah Sari, Kec. Batu Layar, Kabupaten Lombok Barat, Nusa Tenggara Bar. 83355
- Routes and Accessibility
The destination of this shop is only 13 KM from Mataram City and this distance can be covered using private vehicles such as motorbikes or cars in just 10 to 15 minutes.
There are 2 routes that visitors can take from Mataram City, namely the Sandik route or the Batulayar District Office route.
Sandik Route: Mataram City – Udayana – Rembige – Gunungsari Intersection – Sandik – Bengkaung – Taman Langit Lombok
Batulayar District Office Route: Mataram City – Ampenan – Kebun Roek – Meninting – Batulayar – Batulayar District Office – Bengkaung – Taman Langit Lombok
Visitors can choose the desired route, there are the Sandik route and the Batulayar route, the distance traveled only has a slightly different time interval.
Tips Before Go to West Lombok
Here are some tips for a great holiday in West Lombok:
1. Plan the Itinerary
Lombok Barat has beautiful beaches, waterfalls, and cultural sites. Popular spots include Senggigi Beach, Tiu Kelep Waterfall, and Pura Batu Bolong. Decide what we want to see and allocate time for each destination.
2. Transport Options
Rent a scooter or hire a driver for flexibility in exploring. Public transport is available, but renting a vehicle can save time and enhance your experience.
3. Best Time to Visit
The dry season, from April to October, is ideal for enjoying outdoor activities and the beaches. However, even during the rainy season, mornings can be sunny, so we should plan our excursions accordingly.
4. Local Cuisine
Don’t miss trying local dishes like Ayam Taliwang and Plecing Kangkung. Explore local warungs for authentic flavors.
5. Respect Local Culture
Dress modestly when visiting temples and respect local customs. Learning a few basic Indonesian phrases can go a long way in enhancing our interactions.
6. Stay Hydrated and Protected
The tropical climate can be hot. Drink plenty of water, wear sunscreen, and bring insect repellent, especially if you’re heading to natural areas.
7. Explore the Gili Islands
Consider a day trip to the nearby Gili Islands (Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air) for snorkeling, diving, and vibrant nightlife.
8. Bargaining
If you shop in local markets, be prepared to negotiate prices. It’s a common practice in Indonesia.
9. Safety Precautions
While Lombok is generally safe, keep an eye on your belongings and be cautious in less populated areas, especially at night.
If you’re looking for a peaceful getaway with beautiful landscapes, West Lombok has fantastic options.
Do you have some more information on activities or nearby attractions. Share your comment in the comment section below.
