Lombok

3 stories · 1 publicationRSS

Digest

See. Pantai Mawi↗ Surf this beach for an excellent tropical escape on a budget. Gunung Rinjani↗ Climb this mountain for breathtaking views from the summit, a crater lake, and natural hot springs. Gili Trawangan↗ Get PADI certified here; often less expensive than other locations.

Eat. ayam taliwang Try this well-known local dish, often chicken with a rich red sauce. nasi campur Enjoy this complete meal of rice and vegetables, often with tofu, tempeh, or chicken.

Stay. Gili Islands↗ Visit these islands off the coast of Lombok for a peaceful, motor vehicle-free escape.

Lonely PlanetJul 17, 2026

The best tropical vacation destinations on a budget

Plan an excellent tropical escape without spending a fortune at one of these budget-friendly warm-weather destinations.

22 things in this story

Gunung RinjaniTrailmulti-day adventure climbing Indonesia's second-highest volcano
Pantai MawiSightworld-class surf breaks in southern Lombok
Air Terjun Sindang GilaSightspectacular waterfalls in Lombok's jungle interior
Gili IslandsNeighborhoodfree from motorized transport, includes Gili Trawangan, Meno, Air
Elsewhere
Providencia IslandSightProvidencia, Colombiaremote Caribbean island with footprint-free golden sand beaches
Playa BlancaSightCartagena, Colombiaoffers beach huts, bars, and hammocks for overnight stays
Vanua LevuSightSuva, FijiFiji's second-largest island with pristine beaches and waterfalls
Zanzibar IslandSightZanzibar City, TanzaniaTanzania's jewel with cinematic coral reefs and soft sand beaches
KendwaSightZanzibar City, Tanzaniawidest beach on Zanzibar, swimmable with soft sand
PongweSightZanzibar City, Tanzaniacrowd-free coastline with sublime shades of turquoise on east coast
JambianiSightZanzibar City, Tanzanialaid-back tropical place on Zanzibar's southeast coast
PalawanHotelPuerto Princesa, Philippinesarchipelagic province with islands, waterfalls, caves, and wrecks
Green IslandSightCairns, Australiacoral cay near Cairns for reef trips
KurandaNeighborhoodCairns, Australianearby village with artsy, hippie markets
Rusty'sMarketCairns, Australiamarket filled with tropical fruits
Trinity BeachParkCairns, AustraliaIn the 2021 census, Trinity Beach had a population of 6,594 people.
BarbadosSightBridgetown, Barbadosaffordable Caribbean destination with public sugar-sand beaches
Brownes BeachSightBridgetown, Barbadossnorkel with seahorses, turtles, and rays
BathshebaSightBridgetown, Barbadosepic surfing on the wild Atlantic-facing east coast
Rainbow ReefSightSuva, Fiji
Namena Marine ReserveSightSuva, Fiji
Clifton BeachSightCairns, Australia

Read the full piece at Lonely Planet →

Lonely PlanetJul 13

The best time to visit the Gili Islands

From celebrating local holidays to avoiding the crowds, find the best months to visit Indonesia

5 things in this story

Gili TrawanganRestaurantthe place to be for nightlife and parties
Gili MenoAttractionextremely quiet honeymoon island, perfect to unplug
Gili AirHotelmore relaxed party scene with great beach bars
Indonesia's Independence DayFestivalpublic holiday with traditional games and competitions
Gili FestivalFestivalfeatures Sasak performances, music, art, and food

Read the full piece at Lonely Planet →

Lonely PlanetJul 8

A guide to diving and snorkeling in Indonesia

In Indonesia, the marvels below the waves are as remarkable as life on land. Capitalize on this excellent diving and snorkeling destination with these tips.

23 things in this story

Gili TrawanganSightget PADI certified
Gili Matra Marine Protected AreaSightarea with 25 dive sites
Elsewhere
Nusa PenidaNeighborhoodBali, Indonesiasnorkel with manta rays
Lembeh StraitSightSulawesi, Indonesiadive for bizarre macro critters
Bunaken National Marine ParkSightBunaken, Indonesiaspectacular surroundings for diving and snorkeling
Raja Ampat IslandsSightPapua, Indonesiaastonishing array of marine life, top place to dive
Komodo National ParkSightFlores, Indonesiabest explored on liveaboard boat diving trips
Pulau BunakenSightBunaken, Indonesiadive or snorkel in spectacular surroundings
Pulau WehSightSumatra, Indonesiathronged by mantas and devil rays even in wet months
Komodo dragonsSightFlores, Indonesiasee them on the islands of Komodo National Park
Karang MakassarSightFlores, Indonesiatop site for manta rays in Komodo National Park
Castle RockSightFlores, Indonesiasite for grey, whitetip and blacktip reef sharks
Raja Ampat AdventuresPlacePapua, Indonesiabudget liveaboard boat packages in Raja Ampat
Calico JackPlacePapua, Indonesiaoffers snorkeling experiences aboard a wooden pinisi boat
Pantai JungutbatuSightNusa Lembongan, Indonesiabeach where you can snorkel over a coral reef
TulambenSightBali, Indonesiahas the legendary wreck of the US cargo ship Liberty
SanurNeighborhoodBali, Indonesia
Batu BolongSightFlores, Indonesia
Sabolan KecilSightFlores, Indonesia
PinditoPlacePapua, Indonesia
Dewi NusantaraPlacePapua, Indonesia
AmedSightBali, Indonesia
PemuteranSightBali, Indonesia

Read the full piece at Lonely Planet →

Ask AI · Lombok

AI answers grounded in the 3 recent stories about Lombok shown on this page. It can be wrong — the linked articles are the source of truth.

↑↓ to navigate · Enter to open · Esc to close