In a nutshell
- Planning a trip to Lombok and not sure where to stay? No worries — we’ve got you covered!
- The most popular area with great tourist facilities is Kuta in the south. It’s the best place to stay in Lombok for surfing. Our hotel tip: El Tropico Boutique Hotel.
- If you’re looking for something a bit quieter but still want access to beautiful beaches, head to Senggigi. Our hotel tip: Sammy Cottage Senggigi
- For a real Caribbean vibe, check out the Gili Islands, perfect for snorkeling and relaxing. They’re among the best places to stay in Lombok for island life. Our hotel tip: The Koho Air Hotel on Gili Air.
The Best Areas to Stay on Lombok
We’ll start with a quick overview of the best places to stay in Lombok before diving into the details.
- Kuta: great if you’re after a lively beach town with lots going on.
- Senggigi: ideal if you want a quieter vibe and easy access to the beach.
- Gili Islands: perfect for snorkeling and relaxing on white sand beaches with turquoise water.
- Rinjani: the small mountain villages near the Rinjani volcano are great bases for hiking and exploring waterfalls.
An overview of the places in Lombok on a map
To help you get your bearings, we’ve marked the best areas to stay in Lombok on a map.
Where to Stay in Kuta
Kuta is the best place to stay on Lombok for surfing and if you want a cool, lively place with lots of restaurants.
For many travelers, Kuta is the first stop on the island. It has the best tourist setup — plenty of restaurants, hotels, and tour operators, both local and international.
The area around Kuta is also home to some stunning beaches, perfect for snorkeling and surfing. It has a laid-back surfer town vibe with trendy cafés and a relaxed feel.
One more plus: Kuta is close to Lombok Airport.
Pros of accommodation in Kuta:
- Plenty of accommodation options for every budget
- Lots of great places to eat
- Beautiful beaches nearby for snorkeling and surfing
- Short drive from the airport
Cons of accommodation in Kuta:
- Very touristy
- Far from the main sights in the north (like Rinjani and the Gili Islands)
Best places to stay in Kuta
El Tropico is one of the most beautiful boutique hotels on Lombok. It’s right in the center of Kuta and the rooms are super stylish. There are also a few pools to chill out and unwind.
Where to Stay in Senggigi
Senggigi Beach is ideal if you want to stay right by the water in a peaceful setting and explore more of Lombok.
Senggigi itself is a small beachside village on the main coastal road. But when people talk about Senggigi, they usually mean the whole coastal stretch north of Mataram.
Most of the accommodation in Senggigi sits along the main road that winds past beautiful beaches and scenic viewpoints.
There’s no large town in the area, which makes it a calm and relaxing spot — one of the best areas to stay in Lombok if you’re after a quiet vibe.
Pros of accommodation in Senggigi:
- Plenty of beautiful beaches nearby
- Peaceful surroundings and lots of authentic spots
- Great base for exploring the rest of the island
Cons of accommodation in Senggigi:
- No real town center
- Limited choice of restaurants and bars
Best places to stay at Senggigi Beach
We stayed at Sammy Cottage and the value for money was excellent. If you’re after more comfort and a beachfront location, check out the Sudamala Resort.
Where to Stay on the Gili Islands
The Gili Islands are perfect if you love snorkeling and want to be surrounded by turquoise water and white sand.
“Gili” means “small island,” and technically all the islets around Lombok are Gili Islands. But usually it refers to the three most famous ones: Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air.
What they all have in common are gorgeous beaches, crystal-clear water, and amazing snorkeling. You’ll find a wide range of places to stay on each island, from budget to boutique.
The largest and liveliest is Gili Trawangan, known for its nightlife. Gili Meno is the most peaceful and great for couples. Gili Air offers a bit of both worlds.
Pros of accommodation on the Gili Islands:
- Stunning beaches and top snorkeling spots
- Plenty of restaurants and bars
- Relaxed island vibes with no cars
- Easy ferry access from Bali
Cons of accommodation on the Gili Islands:
- Not much to do besides the beach
- Very popular with tourists
Best places to stay on Gili Trawangan
Best places to stay on Gili Meno
Best places to stay on Gili Air
Where to Stay at Rinjani Volcano
If you’re planning to hike Mount Rinjani or visit some of Lombok’s best waterfalls, it’s worth staying in a nearby village.
For a break from the beach, the Rinjani area is a great option. The two best-known villages are Tetebatu and Senaru.
Senaru is the classic base for the Rinjani trek. It’s also home to one of the top sights in Lombok: the stunning Tiu Kelep Waterfall.
Tetebatu lies to the south of the volcano and is known for its waterfalls and the popular Monkey Forest.
Pros of accommodation at Rinjani Volcano:
- Fantastic mountain views
- Ideal base for volcano hikes and waterfall visits
- Lots of budget-friendly places to stay
- Very authentic and peaceful atmosphere
Cons of accommodation at the Rinjani volcano:
- Mostly simple and basic guesthouses
- Far from the main tourist areas
Best places to stay at Mount Rinjani
We stayed at the Ila Homestay in Senaru — the hosts were amazing and even arranged our Rinjani trek. The rooms were clean and very affordable.
These were the best places to stay on Lombok
Where did you stay on Lombok? What was your favorite place? Tell us in the comments — we’d love to hear from you!