7 Epic Beaches in Lombok You Must Visit: A Family Guide
Lombok – ever heard of it? No?
Well, that’s probably because it’s still flying under the radar compared to its busier neighbour, Bali.
But for families, that’s a massive bonus. You’ve got unspoiled beaches, crystal-clear water, and a relaxed pace of life – a perfect escape.
Whether you’ve got little ones who just want to splash about or teenagers keen on trying out surfing, the beaches in Lombok deliver. We love Lombok, and it’s easy to see why once you experience its beauty firsthand. Here’s a peek at our top family-friendly picks.
If you’re wondering whether the beaches in Lombok live up to the hype or how they compare to Bali’s, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. From perfect spots for swimming with the kids to peaceful retreats for relaxing, Lombok has it all.
Does Lombok Have Nice Beaches?
Short answer: Yes! Lombok is home to some of the most stunning beaches in Indonesia, many of which are still relatively untouched by the tourist masses (and they even make it onto our top beaches in our travels list).
You have the soft white sands of Selong Belanak or the unique pink-tinged shores of Pink Beach, (you might need to squint a bit to see the pink), beaches in Lombok won’t disappoint. They’re perfect for families, whether you’re traveling with little ones or teens.
Are the Beaches Better Than Bali’s in Lombok?
It’s not really about better or worse—it’s about what you’re after. Bali’s beaches are famous, but they’re also crowded and commercialized.
No dodging tour groups, no vendors trying to sell you stuff every two minutes.
Lombok offers a quieter, less touristy experience. The beaches here are often more pristine and less crowded, which makes them ideal for families looking for a more relaxed vibe. Plus, the landscapes are absolutely breathtaking—some might say even more so than Bali’s (us included).
Is Lombok Good for Swimming?
Definitely. Lombok is great for swimming, with many beaches offering calm, shallow waters that are perfect for families.
Beaches like Selong Belanak and Tanjung Aan are particularly kid-friendly, thanks to their gentle waves and clear, clean water.
Just keep an eye on the tides, as conditions can change throughout the day.
When is the Best Time to Visit Lombok Beaches?
The best time to hit the beaches in Lombok is during the dry season, which runs from April to October. You’ll get sunny days, clear skies, and calm seas—perfect for all your beach activities.
If you happen to visit during Ramadan, you’ll find the island a bit quieter and more laid-back, which can be a nice change of pace.
How to Get Around Lombok
Getting around Lombok to explore all these amazing beaches is part of the adventure. Here’s how to do it:
Scooter Rental
Feeling brave? It’s a fun way to explore, especially for older kids, but be honest about your comfort level – the roads can be a bit unpredictable. This is our favourite mode of transport for exploring but it’s not for everyone.
Car Rental with a Driver
My top tip for families (if you don’t fancy the scooter). You get to sit back, relax, and let someone else deal with the driving.
It offers the flexibility to visit multiple beaches in one day without the stress of navigating unfamiliar roads or dealing with traffic (and Lombok’s occasionally chaotic roads).
Taxis and Ride-Sharing Apps
Handy in a pinch but not the best for hopping between beaches. Stick to short journeys with these. While taxis and ride-sharing apps like Grab and GoJek are available, they are less prevalent than in Bali. They’re useful for short trips, but for beach hopping, a rental car or scooter is more practical.
The Best Beaches in Lombok: Family-Friendly Categories
Here’s a breakdown of the top beaches in Lombok, each perfect for a different type of family day out.
1. Best Beach for Families with Young Kids: Selong Belanak Beach
Selong Belanak is a top pick for families with young kids. The soft white sand and gentle waves create a safe and fun environment for children to play and swim.
Surf lessons are available for beginners, making it a great spot for kids to try surfing in a safe setting. It was the first place our kids tried surfing.
And since then have surfed in Sri Lanka and Morocco (which was much colder!)
2. Best Beach for Swimming and Snorkeling: Tanjung Aan Beach
Tanjung Aan Beach is a family favorite for swimming and snorkeling. The calm, turquoise waters are perfect for safe swimming, and the nearby hills offer stunning panoramic views. Don’t miss out on renting snorkeling gear to explore the underwater world right off the beach.
When the tide goes out, head to the rock pools for some exploring.
3. Best Beach for Seclusion: Mawun Beach
If you’re after a peaceful escape, Mawun Beach is your spot. Tucked between two hills, this secluded beach offers a serene atmosphere and stunning views.
The shallow waters near the shore are great for young swimmers, and the lack of nearby amenities means fewer crowds—just remember to pack your own snacks and drinks.
4. Best Beach for Adventure: Pink Beach
Pink Beach is as unique as it gets, with its pink-tinged sand and calm waters perfect for snorkeling.
The journey to Pink Beach is part of the adventure—rough roads lead to this hidden gem, but the stunning scenery makes it all worthwhile.
5. Best Beach for Sunset Watching: Tanjung Aan Beach
Tanjung Aan strikes again – it’s not just great for a swim, it’s also the place to catch a sunset. Head down to the beach from 5 to settle in for the evening as the sun dips into the horizon.
6. Best Beach for a Relaxed Day: Pandanan Beach
Pandanan Beach is perfect for a laid-back family day. Located just north of Senggigi, this quiet beach is great for swimming and enjoying some of the best-grilled fish on the island, cooked fresh by local vendors. Plus, the view of the Gili Islands from here is stunning.
7. Best Island Getaway for Families: Gili Meno Beach
For a peaceful island retreat, head to Gili Meno. Known for its tranquil atmosphere and excellent snorkeling spots, Gili Meno is ideal for families looking to relax and explore the underwater world without the hustle and bustle of larger tourist destinations.
More Lombok Beaches to Check Out:
- Mawi Beach: A favourite with surfers, though maybe more suited to older kids or teens. Mawi Beach is known for its strong waves and beautiful scenery. It’s a bit more rugged, making it ideal for those seeking adventure and fewer crowds.
- Semeti Beach: Just next to Mawi Beach, Semeti is renowned for its dramatic rock formations and crystal-clear waters. It’s a picturesque spot, perfect for photography and enjoying a quieter beach experience.
- Tanjung Ringgit Beach: Situated near Pink Beach, Tanjung Ringgit offers sweeping cliff views and a bit of history, thanks to the WWII-era Japanese cannons.
- Setangi Beach: Located near Senggigi, Setangi is a quieter beach with a long stretch of sand, perfect for a peaceful day by the sea. The beach is less frequented by tourists, offering a serene escape.
- Sekotong Beach: Found in West Lombok, Sekotong Beach is surrounded by small hills and offers clean white sand and calm waters, making it a great spot for families and swimming.
- Gili Air Beach: With a range of beaches, it’s a perfect spot for families seeking a mix of relaxation and adventure and just 20 mins from Lombok. A great day trip with opportunities for snorkeling, swimming, and exploring the island’s laid-back vibe.
- Tanjung Bango Beach: This hidden gem offers stunning coral views, rock cliffs, and hills, providing a secluded and picturesque beach experience.
Kuta Beach comes alive in the evening with locals, with kids playing in the parks and lots of food stalls but its not a beach I would recommend hanging out at. It’s rocky and dirty.
Tips for Visiting Lombok Beaches
- Bring Cash: Many local vendors only accept cash, and ATMs can be scarce near the more remote beaches.
- Pack Essentials: Some beaches in Lombok are quite secluded with few amenities, so it’s wise to bring your own snacks, drinks, sunscreen, and beach gear.
- Dress Modestly: Lombok is more conservative than Bali, so it’s respectful to dress modestly when you’re not on the beach.
- Respect Local Customs: If you’re visiting during Ramadan, be mindful of local customs and the quieter atmosphere, especially in rural areas.
Contributing to a Better Lombok
Lombok’s natural beauty is truly a treasure, but keeping it pristine requires community effort and dedication. Several local organizations are leading the charge in preserving and enhancing Lombok’s coastal environment.
Contact Lombok Plastic Free is on a mission to reduce plastic waste across the island. Through advocacy, community education, and clean-up initiatives, they strive to make Lombok a plastic-free paradise. You can follow their progress on Instagram and learn more about their impactful projects on Invest Islands.
SBCA Lombok (Sustainable Beach Clean-up Association) is actively involved in organizing beach clean-ups and other environmental events. Their work focuses on removing litter from Lombok’s beaches and promoting sustainable practices. Keep up with their events and volunteer opportunities on their website.
By supporting these organizations or participating in their initiatives, you can help ensure that Lombok’s beaches remain as breathtaking and unspoiled as ever.
Invest Islands champions sustainable tourism and development in Lombok. Their sustainability page highlights their commitment to preserving natural resources, supporting local communities, and promoting eco-friendly practices. They work to ensure that tourism growth benefits both the environment and the local population.
Finding Family Friendly Accommodation
Choosing the right place to stay can make or break your trip. Here are some top picks:
Where to Stay in Lombok with Kids
Lombok is a fantastic destination for families, offering a variety of accommodations that cater to all ages.
Lombok is split into a few key areas, each with its own vibe and family-friendly options. Whether you want beachfront bliss or a peaceful retreat, there’s something for everyone.
South Lombok:
The southern coast of Lombok is ideal for families who love both relaxation and adventure. We think Lombok’s best beaches run along the south coast.
Kuta, Lombok: Convenient and Family-Friendly
Kuta is the hub of southern Lombok and a great base for families. A short drive from the airport, it’s close to popular beaches like Selong Belanak and Mawun, so you can easily spend the day beach-hopping. The vibe here is laid-back, with plenty of restaurants and cafes that welcome kids.
Top Picks for Families:
Novotel Lombok Resort & Villas
A perfect mix of traditional Sasak architecture and modern comfort. It’s right on the beach, and they have activities like cooking classes and watersports to keep everyone entertained. Personally, I think the Novotel is a bit outside of the action, although it has a lot of bonuses.
A great value stay in a private villa within walking distance of the main street. Very clean and friendly and helpful staff.
A quiet resort with large gardens and an outdoor pool that’s great for kids. The on-site restaurant offers healthy, kid-friendly options, and it’s a quick drive to the best beaches.
North Lombok:
In North Lombok, you’ll find serene and family-friendly resorts nestled along the coast. Many of these accommodations offer spacious family suites and direct beach access, perfect for building sandcastles and snorkeling.
Senggigi: Easy Access and Sunset Views
Senggigi is on the west coast and a bit more developed. It’s great if you like the idea of having a few more restaurants and shops nearby but still want easy access to the beaches. The sunsets here are unreal, and it’s quieter than Bali’s hotspots although I don’t think Sengiggi beach matches up to the most beautiful beaches in the south.
Top Picks for Families:
Sheraton Senggigi Beach Resort
This place is a winner for families. Big pools, beachfront access, and kids’ activities like batik painting. The calm waters make it a great spot for little swimmers.
A luxurious beachfront resort with family villas. There’s a kid’s pool, and the gardens are great for playing or relaxing. It’s a short drive to Senggigi’s shops and restaurants.
It’s got everything a family needs: large family rooms, a pool with a waterslide, and direct access to a quiet beach. They even offer a kids’ club, so parents can sneak in some chill time.
Gili Air: Island Life, Slow and Easy
If you’re after island vibes, Gili Air is the most family-friendly of the Gilis. The pace is slow, the beaches are beautiful, and there’s no motorized transport (meaning no worries about traffic). It’s the kind of place where kids can safely roam, and the snorkeling is fantastic. You could also visit Gili Trawangan or Gili Meno.
Top Picks for Families:
A beautifully decorated accommodation with pool views and bikes to rent.
250m from the beach with a pool, family rooms available and good options for bigger families. Great reviews too.
Basic but comfortable bungalows, this is a great budget option. Centrally located and a free breakfast!
The Secret Gilis:
The ‘secret’ Gilis—Gili Gede, Gili Asahan, and Gili Layar—offer a quieter, more laid-back environment. These islands provide charming beachfront resorts with easy access to family-friendly activities like snorkeling and exploring marine life and some of the best beaches in Lombok.
A family-friendly resort with spacious villas and easy access to the beach. The snorkeling right off the coast is ideal for kids, and the staff are super welcoming to families.
Pearl Beach Resort Gili Asahan
This eco-friendly resort is all about low-key island life. They’ve got family bungalows, hammocks on the beach, and loads of outdoor activities like kayaking and snorkeling.
Recently renovated, beachfront, this place is beautiful, with great friendly staff and crystal clear water as soon as you step out of your room.
Practical Tips
- Getting to Lombok: Traveling from Singapore to Lombok is straightforward with a short flight. Check for direct flights or convenient connections.
- Private Drivers: Hiring a private driver can make your family trip to Lombok much easier, providing stress-free transportation to various attractions.
- Best Time to Visit: The dry season, from May to October, is the best time to visit Lombok, with sunny weather perfect for outdoor activities.
Should you visit Lombok?
100% yes. Lombok has the Boston Tribe Travels seal of approval.
Lombok is a fantastic destination for families, offering a variety of beach experiences that cater to everyone. Whether you’re looking for the best Lombok beach for kids, a secluded spot for relaxation, or an adventurous day out, Lombok has it all.
From the stunning pink sands of Pink Beach to the serene shores of Gili Meno, Lombok’s beaches are waiting to be explored. We love Lombok, and after your visit, we’re sure you will too.
