Best trips 2026 we recommend to you. For 2026, Lombok is focusing on sustainable tourism, cultural events, and adventure travel, offering an authentic Indonesian experience that is less crowded than Bali. The best trips focus on combining nature, culture, and relaxation.
Adventure & Nature Trips
- Mount Rinjani Trekking: This remains the crown jewel of Lombok adventures. Multi-day treks to the summit or the crater rim are popular, offering spectacular views of the crater lake, Segara Anak.
- Tip: The national park reopens annually in April, so book guided tours early for the 2026 season. Options range from 2D1N to the crater rim for beginners to 4D3N expeditions.
- Northern Waterfalls & Culture Tour: Explore the lush north with visits to the beautiful Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep waterfalls near Senaru village, followed by cultural immersion in traditional Sasak villages.
- Ecotourism in Tetebatu: Often called “Lombok’s Ubud,” Tetebatu offers cool mountain air, rice paddy trekking, and coffee plantation visits. It’s a great spot for an authentic, rural experience and homestays.
- Whale Shark Encounters: Head to Saleh Bay in nearby Sumbawa for the unique experience of swimming with whale sharks. Tours often start from Lombok and can be done as a 2-day trip.
Beach & Island Hopping
- The Gili Islands Escape: Just off the northwest coast, the three Gilis offer a car-free, tropical escape.
- Gili Trawangan: Lively with many bars and social activities.
- Gili Meno: The quietest, ideal for honeymooners and relaxation.
- Gili Air: A balance of both, great for laid-back travelers and snorkeling among vibrant coral reefs and turtles.
- Southern Beaches & Surfing: The Kuta area in South Lombok is a hub for surfers, with stunning, less crowded beaches like Tanjung Aan, Selong Belanak, and Mawun Beach offering waves for all skill levels.
Tip: Hike up Bukit Merese for one of the island’s best sunset views over the dramatic coastline. - “Secret Gilis” Day Trip: Explore the secluded islands off the southwest coast, such as Gili Nanggu, Gili Sudak, and Gili Kedis, known for pristine waters and vibrant coral reefs with fewer crowds.
Cultural Immersion
- Sasak Village Tours: Visit traditional Sasak villages like Sadeor Senaru to learn about the indigenous culture, see traditional architecture, and witness local crafts such as weaving and pottery making.
- Lombok’s Pink Beach: Head to the remote Tangsi Beach (Pink Beach) in East Lombok to see its unique rose-colored sand, a result of crushed red coral fragments.
- Attend a Cultural Event: The West and East Lombok tourism offices are maximizing cultural events in 2026. Events like the ‘Perang Topat’ (rice cake war) or traditional festivals are expected to be more vibrant and frequent, offering unique cultural experiences.