Island in West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
Lombok
Bali's quieter neighbor: Mount Rinjani treks, surf at Kuta and Selong Belanak, and empty beaches. Suits independent travelers; it is more conservative, services are thin and a scooter or driver is essential.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$727–1,230Comfortable, one person · Rp13M–22MDetails
- Value for money86/100Better value than 85% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMay–SepWarmest: Oct, 32°CDetails
- Internet51 MbpsFixed broadband, Indonesia medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or refill-station water; tap water is not safe.Details
- LGBTQ+2/5HostileDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$11–28Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundGrabYou'll need transportDetails
- Cash or cardMostly cashCards at hotels and some restaurants; cash for warungs, markets, drivers and village stays.Details
Where to stay in Lombok
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Kuta Lombok | Surfers and backpackers: cheap guesthouses, beach, cafés |
| Senggigi | Older resort strip, restaurants, ferry access |
| Selong Belanak | Quiet beach, surf and villas |
| Sembalun | Rinjani base: mountain trekking and cool air |
Apps that work in Lombok
Ride-hailing
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Bluebird: Reliable metered taxis booked by app
- Traveloka: Domestic flights, trains and hotels
- Love Bali: Paying the Bali tourist levy
- Taxis: Apps work in Mataram and parts of Senggigi but rarely in the south; arrange a driver by WhatsApp from your guesthouse.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Indonesia.
- Mostly cash Cards at hotels and some restaurants; cash for warungs, markets, drivers and village stays. ATMs thin out in the south.
- Currency: Rupiah (IDR). US$1 ≈ Rp17,883.05 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Use ATMs inside banks or malls (skimming happens in Bali); limits often 2.5–3 million IDR; some banks add fees.
- Tipping: Not expected; restaurants often add service charge and 10% tax ('++'). Tip drivers, guides and spa staff for good service.
- Paying by phone: QRIS codes everywhere; some Asian banking apps scan them. Cards and phone wallets work in Bali and Jakarta.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Complete the free All Indonesia arrival declaration (immigration, customs, health) online or in its app within 3 days before arrival.
- Nationalities eligible for a visa on arrival can buy the e-VOA in advance on the official immigration e-visa site.
- Bali charges foreign visitors a one-time tourist levy, payable online through the official Love Bali site or app.
Emergency numbers
Police 110 · Ambulance 118 · Fire 113 · All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type C, F · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Airport counters sell tourist SIMs at a mark-up; city outlets are cheaper. Passport needed for registration. Telkomsel has the widest coverage. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Indonesia
Going to Lombok solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Lombok meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.