The Offsite Guide to Eating, Surfing and Coliving in Lombok, Indonesia
Lombok, Indonesia has recently earned a reputation as the quieter, more unspoiled version of Bali... and it's easy to see why.
This beautiful island, located just east of Bali in Indonesia, offers stunning beaches, world-class surfing spots and a laid-back atmosphere that’s perfect for digital nomads and remote workers. That said, there's not a whole heap of information on coliving or coworking in Lombok.
Until now.
In this guide, we pull back the curtain on living in Lombok and share our top tips for eating, surfing and making the most out of your time on this hidden gem of an island.
The fastest and easiest way to reach Lombok, Indonesia
Getting to Lombok can be as fast and easy or as drawn out and complicated as you want it to be.
For those coming from Bali, the easiest way to reach Lombok is by taking a 30-minute flight from Denpasar International Airport (DPS) to Lombok International Airport (LOP), located only 20 minutes from Kuta or a €12 taxi transfer. Flights depart multiple times a day and can range from around €40 to €60 for a one-way ticket.
You can also take a public ferry from Bali to Lombok, which takes around 4-5 hours but is significantly cheaper at around $2-$10 depending on the class of ticket. However, keep in mind that these ferries are slow and crowded with an arrival port that’s 2 hours drive from Kuta, Lombok, meaning they may not be the most comfortable option.
After that there's the fast boat option from Bali, which takes roughly 1.5-2 hours and costs around $40-$50 for a one-way ticket. This is a popular choice for longboard surfers looking to bring their boards over to Lombok (since you can't bring a longboard surfboard on flights to Lombok).
Lombok as a coworking/coliving location
What makes Lombok our pick for the best coworking and coliving location in Indonesia?
Besides the fact that it's one of the most serene places on earth, there's a rapidly growing digital nomad community and plenty of affordable coworking and coliving options. Here are a few other reasons why we love Lombok as a remote work destination.
Tropical weather, ya'll
It almost goes without saying, but Lombok has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round.
The two seasons, wet and dry, each offer different experiences on the island. The wet season, from November to April, brings lush green landscapes and occasional downpours. The dry season, from May to October, offers clean waves and clear skies.
Indonesia, but not Bali
If you want an authentic taste of Indonesia, Lombok is arguably more culturally rich and less touristy than Bali.
Like the rest of Indonesia, Lombok is a predominantly Muslim island. It's also an island where myth, history and tradition sit just below the surface of everyday life, giving it a certain ethereal charm.
Waves, waves and more waves
While it doesn't get as much press as Bali's iconic breaks, Lombok still holds its own when it comes to world-class surfing.
From the beginner-friendly Selong Belanak to the challenging Desert Point, there's a surf spot for every level on this island. And with fewer crowds than Bali, you'll have more room to catch those epic waves.
Won't hurt your wallet
Compared to its popular neighbour Bali, Lombok is significantly cheaper when it comes to accommodation, food and transportation.
You can easily find a comfortable homestay, AirBnB or apartment for around €300 to €400 per month, and meals at local warungs (small family-run restaurants) are incredibly affordable.
Vibrant Sasak culture
The Sasak people are the indigenous inhabitants of Lombok, and their culture is a unique blend of local lore and Islamic influences.
Traditional dances, like the Peresean stick fighting dance and Sasak wedding ceremonies, are a must-see for anyone interested in immersing themselves in the local culture.
Unspoiled nature
From waterfalls to palm tree-lined beaches, remote mountaintops to hidden caves, Lombok is a nature lover's paradise.
It's also home to the majestic Mount Rinjani, an active volcano and the second-highest mountain in Indonesia. For anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, Lombok is the antidote to a hectic world.
A quick breakdown of our favourite Lombok spots…
Sunset spots: Bukit Merese or Bukit Seger
Beach: Selong Belanak
Place to meet new people: Surfers Bar, Rasta Bar
Surf break: Gerupuk (insides) and Ekas
Place to treat yourself: Milky Wave (sushi)
Where to surf in Lombok
Surf season: All-year round
Crowd levels: Moderate
Wave types: Beachbreaks, reefbreaks and pointbreaks
Abilities: Never surfed before to professional
Lombok is one of those rare surf destinations that has waves all-year round.
The wet season, which runs from November to April, sees smaller waves but generally more favourable winds that are great for longboarders. The dry season, on the other hand, offers bigger swells that favour more experienced shortboarders. Either way, you're almost guaranteed to get waves.
That said, we're not going to tell you it's an uncrowded surf destination. The truth is that there are more and more people flocking to Lombok for its surf breaks. Compared to Bali though it's practically deserted.
The good news is you can easily find a spot all to yourself with just a short drive or boat ride. Book a local surf guide who has experience showing people of your abilities around or join a surf camp if you're looking for more of an immersive experience.
Gerupuk
Take a scenic scooter ride east of Kuta and you’ll find Gerupuk, an expansive bay littered with quality reefbreaks that cater to surfers of all levels and experiences.
Like big a-frames that will test your abilities? Gentle lefts and rights that are perfect for longboarders? Beginner waves that break over deep reef? Gerupuk has it all with both an inside and outside wave in addition to a number of other highly surfable pockets of reef.
Unfortunately, its awesomeness is also its biggest downfall. It's one of the busier spots in Lombok, so be prepared to share the waves.
Tanjung Aan
One of the most loveable surf spots on the island, Tanjung Aan is THE spot for a cruisy surf followed by a refreshing drink and sunset session at Turtle Bar.
If you're seeking a forgiving righthander that runs into a deep water channel, this is the place to be. It's probably as chilled as it gets for a reefbreak, which means it does tend to attract the crowds.
Come early if you want to avoid the rush, but don't expect to surf it alone. Perfect for beginners and early intermediates, Tanjung Aan is quite simply *chef kiss*.
Ekas
Ekas refers to the southeast corner of Lombok and encompasses a village and a popular surf spot. There are two waves here: Ekas Outside and Ekas Inside.
The former is a left that breaks over shallow reef, while the latter is a more mellow a-frame wave (single peak that splits left and right) that works on all tides and is great for beginners or those looking for a more relaxed session.
Desert Point
The crowning jewel of surfing in Lombok, Desert Point is a legendary wave only suitable for experienced surfers.
Fast and powerful, this left-hand barrel can reach up to 300 metres in length on perfect days. It's not uncommon to see pro surfers here so don't expect to pluck the best wave of the session.
Most likely you'll be on the shoulder watching them get the shack of their life.
Selong Belanak
Quite possibly the prettiest beginner-level wave not just in Lombok but in the whole of Indonesia.
Selong Belanak is a beautiful sandy beach break that offers long, mellow rides perfect for learning to surf or just cruising on a longboard. Located near the popular Kuta area, it can get busy. Our tip is to hit it early on the mid-tide for a more peaceful and relaxed session.
Honourable mentions: Seger Beach, Mawi (be careful on the road), Tampah, Air Guling
Where to eat in Lombok
Whether sampling local delicacies like ayam taliwang (spicy grilled chicken) or indulging in international cuisine, Lombok has something for every foodie.
TBH, we were pretty blown away by the sheer number and variety of eateries on the island. What's even more impressive though is that literally everything is delicious. From fresh baked bread to zingy tacos, piping hot pizza and organic smoothie bowls, you won't be disappointed.
Here are a few of our favourite spots to grab a bite.
Cantina Mexicana / Mexican-inspired street food
The Breakery / Cafe and bakery
Kenza / Breakfast, lunch and dinner restaurant
Kayu Cafe / Beachfront cafe
Milk Espresso / Australian-style cafe
Mama Pizza / Vibey pizzeria
Knalpot / Asian fusion restaurant and bar
KRNK / Mellow bar and bistro
The Mexican In Town / Authentic Mexican with outdoor area
Where to cowork in Lombok
More and more people are seeing Lombok as a viable work and play destination, and it makes perfect sense.
If you're like us and you value peace and serenity when plugging away at the laptop, Lombok trumps Bali any day. What's more, most establishments cater to the sit-and-stare-at-a-screen crowd. The only drawback to coworking in Lombok, and one that won't keep us from going back time after time, is that outside of the main surf centre of Kuta the internet can be slightly dodgy.
You can easily counter this by picking up a sim card and tethering your device or planning ahead work-wise if you need to swap the city for the countryside. While you're in Kuta though these are the places to work.
Where to explore in Lombok
It's no stretch to say that most people come to Lombok for its waves, but to come here and only surf is like buying a car to only use it for its air conditioning.
Lombok is an incredibly diverse, culturally rich island with a deep well of one-of-a-kind birdlife, ecosystems and plans. To say there's a lot to explore beyond its surf spots is an understatement, and one that'll have you missing out on some of its more remarkable features.
We've listed a few of the more awesome places to explore and things to do below.
Gili Islands
The Gili Islands are a trio of tiny islands off Lombok's northwest coast famous for their dazzlingly clear water, pristine sand beaches and vibrant coral reefs (turtles!).
Each island, Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air, offers unique experiences ranging from lively nightlife to serene retreats, making them a must-visit destination for anyone after some R&R in a postcard perfect paradise.
Mount Rinjani
Mount Rinjani is Indonesia's second-largest volcano and the highest point in Lombok, offering adventurous hikers a chance to conquer its volcanic peak.
The trek is not for the faint of heart, but the stunning views from the summit make it all worth it. It's also home to the Segara Anak crater lake, known for its deep blue waters and natural hot springs.
Lombok Wildlife Sanctuary
Lombok sits directly east of the Wallace Line – a geographical boundary separating Indonesia's Asian and Australasian plants and animals.
As a result, it boasts an impressive diversity of flora and fauna, much of which can be found in the Lombok Wildlife Park. The park is home to over 200 species of birds, reptiles and mammals, including the critically endangered Bali starling.
Sasak Trail
The Sasak people are the predominant ethnic group of Lombok, and the Sasak Trail is a popular trekking route that winds through traditional Sasak villages, rice paddies and lush jungle.
Along the way, you'll get to experience their culture firsthand by staying in local homestays and learning about their customs and traditions. A must if you're looking for a unique and immersive cultural experience on the island.
Selong Hill
Fancy a positively epic sunrise-watching session? Selong Hill, located in the eastern part of Lombok, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
Think patchwork landscapes with colourful rice fields and palm trees, all framed by majestic mountains and beaches in the distance. The walk is nowhere near as hectic as Mount Rinjani either, so you can enjoy the scenery without sweating up a storm.
Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep waterfalls
Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep are two breathtaking waterfalls located in northern Lombok, specifically in the town of Senaru.
This town is a popular spot for trekkers preparing to hike Mount Rinjani. Tiu is the more accessible of the two, but both are worth a visit for their stunning natural beauty and refreshing swimming holes. Don't forget to pack your swimsuit or boardies!
Where to workout or yoga in Lombok
Like to keep your body in tip-top shape or simply crave a daily dose of post-workout endorphins?
While most holidaymakers prefer to surf or hike to stay active, coworkers in Lombok staying mid-to-long term will be stoked to know that the island boasts great gyms and yoga studios. Because if your goal is to work up a sweat or find inner peace and balance, Indonesia is the place to do it.
Here are the best places to sweat (like you need a gym for that!) or bend yourself into a pretzel in Lombok.
We hope this guide has given you a taste of the wonders that Lombok has to offer.
From mouth-watering meals to cosy coworking spots and exhilarating adventures, there’s so much to see and do on the island.
Stay tuned for upcoming Offsite coliving experiences where we get a taste for what makes destinations like Lombok unforgettable IRL.
Whether you join for the surf, the serenity or the cultural experiences, Lombok promises good vibes and great times under a hot tropical sun.
Check out our upcoming Lombok trips or reach out for pre-trip info!
