Lombok has often been dubbed the new Bali, but we don’t quite agree.
The island has its charms, and comparing it to its more famous neighbor does both islands a disservice.
One of the reasons we love Lombok is its pristine beaches, untouched by overdevelopment.
And although Senggigi Beach is convenient, we suggest venturing farther out to find your slice of tropical paradise.
This sweeping, crescent-shaped beach in the island’s south is known for its laid-back vibe.
With glittering white sand and clear warm waters, it’s perfect for swimming, surfing, or just relaxing by the beach.
If you’re lucky, you’ll spot a local farmer walking his herd of buffalo along the beach.
This tranquil, horseshoe-shaped beach is one of the most picturesque in Lombok.
Sloping hills on either end side create a sense of seclusion and make for some Insta-worthy shots.
The waves in the middle of the bay can get rough, so stick to the edges if you want to go for a swim.
Located on the island’s southeastern tip, Tangsi Beach – better known as Pink Beach – is famous for its salmon-hued sand.
The sand takes on its eye-popping rosé tint after mixing naturally with the crushed red coral that washes to shore.
Not surprisingly, snorkeling is a popular activity here, thanks to the abundant coral in its waters.
Tanjung Ringgit is a peninsula that juts out of the southeast corner of Lombok, looking out to a stunning coastline of limestone cliffs.
The cape is best combined with a visit to Pantai Tangsi (Pink Beach) and Pantai Segui.
With its fine white sand, Tanjung Aan isn’t exactly unknown, but there’s still a good chance you’ll have the beach to yourself.
Tanjung Aan features a two-kilometer-long coastline in southern Lombok with clean, consistent waves that make it popular among swimmers, snorkelers, and surfers alike.
Even if there are other visitors, there’s enough space for everyone, with the two isolated bays separated by an elevated plateau.
Yes, it’s called Kuta. No, it’s not anything like its Balinese counterpart.
Instead of the hustle and bustle of Bali’s Kuta, Kuta Beach on Lombok is chill and uncrowded, with a beautiful view to boot.
Kuta is convenient because of its abundance of accommodations and restaurants, but the long stretch of white sands, crystal clear waters, and shallow reefs are never out of reach – the best of both worlds.
There’s a place to catch some prime waves not far from Lombok’s Kuta, and it’s called Gerupuk.
Many shops can help you with surf lessons and boat rentals in this surfer’s paradise.
Away from the beach, there’s some good trekking and beautiful views from the surrounding hills, as well as a cottage industry for seaweed.
As such, it hasn’t gained mainstream popularity, but it has a good reputation among surfers worldwide, who dubbed it Desert Point.
Surfers come here to take on the swells that barrel and wall along the reef, but the beach is also famous among locals for recreational fishing.
Aside from large swells, Bangko-Bangko is also a good spot for diving, trekking, and eco-tourism, thanks to the nearby mangrove forests.
Nambung Beach is famous for its natural pools formed by rock formations, where you can experience a natural seawater spa.
Also famous is a saltwater ocean waterfall, formed when huge waves slam against the tall rock, creating a waterfall effect on the other side.
Turtles are another attraction, with the area home to a healthy population of green turtles.
Most Tanjung Bloom comes from the natural rock bridge that connects to a pyramid-shaped islet.
Stay overnight or depart from Mataram or Setinggi at 3 am to catch the stunning sunrise that emerges from the sea behind the islet.
Turtles live along the cliffs along the shoreline, and Tanjung Bloom is a turtle conservation area.