Lombok with kids: Better than Bali for Family Travel?
Welcome to Lombok- the place with extraordinary snorkeling experiences, awe-inspiring natural beauty, warm hospitality, serene beaches, surf spots…something for everyone and the major bonus? Access all of this without the crowds, a perfect fit for family travel.
We have travelled to Lombok with kids 3 times, and every time, we wished we had stayed longer. Bali is often the go to for families travelling in Indonesia but we had a really good think about it, and decided visiting Lombok with kids might be one of our favourite destinations.
So, read on to read our top tips on making the most of your visit to Lombok with kids.
Where is Lombok?
Lombok, often overshadowed by its noisy neighbour Bali, is an Indonesian island located in Southeast Asia. Situated to the east of Bali and west of Sumbawa. It’s part of the Lesser Sunda Islands, known for its stunning beaches, lush landscapes and vibrant culture.
Why Travel To Lombok With Kids
Bali is the celebrity of Indonesia but Lombok Island is nestled just to the east of Bali. It’s a bit smaller than Bali in terms of land size and much quieter. If you’re looking for a laid-back and beautiful travel spot, it’s time to look at Lombok.
This place is like a dream with its gorgeous white-sand beaches, awesome surfing spots, lush forests, and cool hiking trails through tobacco and rice fields. Lombok is basically a tropical paradise! And there’s more to it – you’ll also discover Indonesia’s second-highest volcano, Gunung Rinjani, hot springs, and a crater lake.
Things to know before visiting Lombok with kids
Low key Lombok, often referred to as ‘Bali before the tourists’ or ‘Bali 15 years ago’, is a lesser-known neighbouring island to the east of Bali. But whilst Bali seems to be on everyone’s radar and it’s easy to make comparisons between them, Lombok well and truly deserves it’s own spotlight, and that is what we will do here.
But is Lombok better than Bali?
In general Lombok is low-key and is a great destination for families. We loved exploring Lombok with kids. Here is our tried and tested Lombok travel guide so you can get booking that adventure holiday with the kids!
Lombok is sometimes known as ‘The Island of a Thousand Mosques’ and the majority of residents are muslim. Respect local culture by dressing respectively when away from the beach. Alcohol is available to buy in most places.
I’d seriously weigh up visiting in ramadhan, especially if you are a light sleeper. It can be quite difficult to escape the call to prayer and many places will be closed for food (local owned restaurants).
Best Ways To Travel To Lombok With Kids
Lombok is easily accessible and you can reach it either by Air or by boat (from Bali).
Flying to Lombok
This is the most convenient, cheapest, and fastest way to reach Lombok. Lombok has an international airport with direct flights coming in from Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia.
Fast Boat to Lombok
There are lots of fast boat services operating between Bali and Lombok. Find the departure harbour that is the most convenient to your location (usually Sanur), book online and you are ready to go! The boats fill up quick and take about 40 minutes.
Going in the morning should give you a smoother ride (no guarantees though!) The seas can get rough and the boat ride can be very bumpy, take sea sickness tablets and a fan if you get queasy.
Best Ways To Travel In And Around Lombok
There are two main ways people choose to get around Lombok as they explore – Car/Motorbike and Taxi.
Car & Motorbike
You will find rentals in whichever town you go to. Scooters in Kuta cost around 8GBP for a short term rental. Taxi’s and Grab are the easiest ways to get around. Grab only runs in the bigger towns.
Hiring a car with a driver is a sensible and popular option, as you won’t be liable for any damage. If you decide not to hire a driver, make sure you carry an International Driving License with you as required by Indonesian traffic laws and like all driving, take your time, follow the rules and make sure you have insurance to cover you!
Taxi
Taxi’s and Grab are the easiest ways to get around. Grab or GoJek only runs in the bigger towns. Taxis are readily available in many parts of Lombok and are cheap and convenient to use.
All taxis use a meter so there is no need to negotiate a fare before you set off. You can use taxis to take you to any destination in Lombok. The most popular and reputable is Bluebird Taxis (+62 370 627 000).
What to do in Lombok with kids
Beaches & Water Activities
- Selong Belanak Beach – Shallow waters, soft sand, and gentle waves for kids to play or try beginner-friendly surfing.
- Tanjung Aan Beach – Calm waters, shaded areas, and unique peppercorn-like sand.
- Pink Beach – A bit remote, but great for snorkeling with its clear waters and colorful fish.
- Gili Islands Snorkeling – Take a boat to Gili Air or Gili Meno for kid-friendly snorkeling with turtles and vibrant reefs.
- Waterfalls (Sendang Gile & Tiu Kelep) – A short hike through the jungle to two stunning waterfalls, with shallow areas for kids to splash around.
Outdoor Adventures
- Bukit Selong Viewpoint – A short, easy walk to a scenic viewpoint overlooking rice fields.
- Rinjani National Park (Short Hikes) – Opt for easy trails around Senaru instead of the full summit hike if you have little legs with you.
- Benang Stokel & Benang Kelambu Waterfalls – Less touristy waterfalls with natural pools safe for kids to swim.
- Mangrove Forest in Gili Sulat – Take a boat tour through the mangroves to spot birds and sea creatures.
- Biking through Tetebatu – Family-friendly cycling tours through rice paddies and local villages.
Cultural & Educational Experiences
- Sasak Village Visit – Learn about Lombok’s indigenous culture and traditional weaving.
- Pura Batu Bolong Temple – A small, scenic temple overlooking the ocean, ideal for a short stop.
- Traditional Pottery Village (Banyumulek) – Hands-on pottery-making experience in a local village.
- Pearl Farm Tour (Sekotong) – Educational tour showing how pearls are farmed and harvested.
Relaxed Activities
- Gili Meno Turtle Sanctuary – A small conservation center where kids can learn about sea turtle protection.
- Sade or Ende Village – Visit a traditional Sasak village to see local crafts and architecture.
- Fishing Trip – Book a local fishing boat for a little trip out to sea.
- Sunset at Malimbu Hill – A great spot for a relaxed evening with panoramic sunset views.
- Beach Horse Riding (Kuta Lombok) – Guided horse rides along the beach at sunset.
Best Places To Stay In Lombok With Kids
Lombok is a place where you’ll soak up a uniquely local vibe no matter where you decide to stay.
When it comes to places to stay, Lombok’s got the whole spectrum covered, from budget-friendly to luxury.
From lounging in a private boutique villa or a beachfront paradise, or travelling true backpacker style, there is something for everyone.
In typical budget travel fashion, the Boston’s took full advantage of homestays and met the most beautiful families making our trip to Lombok even more special.
No matter your accommodation style, you’re in for a warm welcome because Lombok’s local folks, the ‘Sasaknese,’ know how to make you feel like part of the family.
Where to stay in lombok with kids
Lombok with kids: Where to go?
South Coast with kids
The southern coast of Lombok is an absolute gem. We loved each and everyone of the beaches (maybe not Kuta as much but everywhere else).
Notably you won’t find many upscale resorts that have overtaken some other tourist destinations. Instead, the south coast of Lombok offers loads of affordable lodges and homestays.
This has attracted a particular kind of traveler – easy-going and low-maintenance – and has infused the region with a pretty chilled and relaxed atmosphere.
There is an emergence of trendier accommodation. I say trendy because I’m old and not cool and not sure what else to call them…bohemian? I don’t know but lots of white and wicker.
This is a great place to surf – the combination of Indian Ocean swells, consistent trade winds, and warm, clear waters make Lombok an all-year-round surfing haven. Even during peak seasons, you’re more likely to share the beach with village goats or buffalo than with fellow surfers.
Kuta, centrally located along the south coast and just a quick 20-minute drive from the airport, makes for an ideal base to explore.
Don’t worry though; Lombok’s Kuta bears little resemblance to its more famous counterpart in Bali.
However, it is probably the busiest place in the South for tourists. It offers a good selection of budget to mid-range accommodations, numerous dining options, local eateries (warungs), surfboard and scooter rentals, as well as other essential tourist services. We use Kuta as a base and travel around the beaches in the south.
7 Epic Beaches in Lombok You Must Visit: A Family GuideEast of Kuta, you’ll find Putri Nyale Beach and Segara Beach, while a bit further along, the rocky cape of Tanjung A’an showcases postcard-perfect sandy. This could be one of our favourite beaches. Clear water, swimming, rockpools and an amazing breeze!
Heading west from Kuta, nestled within a sheltered bay, Mawun Beach offers clear, calm waters perfect for both kids and snorkeling. Further along, Mawi Beach and Selong Belanak are renowned for producing impressive waves that attract surfers from near and far.
We visited in September and the waves were perfect for beginner surfers or for the kids to play in the shallows. Overall, the southern coast of Lombok is an absolute treasure trove of beautiful beaches and hidden coves (I’m not going to commit to my answer 100% but I’d probably rate them with Sri Lankan beaches).
Central Lombok with kids
Head up to the slightly cooler climates of central Lombok with a mix of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and outdoor activities.
It’s definitely quieter here than the beaches and islands but that is where the charm is. Most people will head to the village of Tetebatu, and 90 minute taxi from Kuta (400,000IDR) and we stayed in a small village just west of there.
We had such a special stay at Tereng Willis Bungalow that I want to mention it specifically. This homestay was so welcoming, our kids were incredibly sad to leave. Set right by the rice paddies, with Mt Rinjani in the background, this is the place to reset in nature, kick back and relax. It’s rustic!
Our host Edy took us to find the local waterfalls, the kids foraged jungle fern for dinner and we spotted the rare black monkey (the Javan Lutong/Ebony Leaf monkey).
We also visited the local bamboo weaving village, pottery village and the sarong village. The first were ok, the kids enjoyed playing with the clay but it was clearly more of a shopping experience but the sarong village was fascinating.
We spent 5 hrs there with the kids and staff playing chess, learning magic tricks and making friendship bracelets. The weaving was ridiculously intricate and time consuming and the whole process was fascinating. Such an interesting experience but for us it opened up a conversation with the girls about opportunities. As a girl in this village, this is your destiny, to become a weaver. It was an eye opening experience.
I also said I wouldn’t do the whole comparison with Lombok’s neighbour but if you are looking for those amazing rice terraces then this is where you find them but without the 700 other people all looking for the perfect instagrammable spot! But shh, keep it quiet or it won’t stay quiet!
West Lombok with kids
This is the jumping off point for the Gili Islands and it is closely followed by the slightly tired town of Sengiggi. The original high end resorts can be found here and most of these survived the 2018 Earthquake and then closures from covid 19.
It was really clear on our visit in 2024 that many of the small, locally owned businesses hadn’t survived. It’s not a bad little stop off with plenty of activities and restaurants.
We don’t often do shoutouts for the places we stay, they are such a personal experience, but I have to recommend the place we stayed at in Sengiggi. The Country House was the perfect escape. The owner Jim is possibly one of the most interesting people I have ever met. This property has been beautifully designed, with the most attentive staff and a calming atmosphere. It felt very much like we were staying with a family friend.
Looking to go to the Gili islands? Check out our guide here
East Lombok with kids
Looking to escape everyone and everything? Then head to East Lombok. Much less travelled but with all the best bits of Lombok. Beautiful beaches, amazing nature and friendly locals.
When is the best time to travel to Lombok?
Throughout the year, daytime temperatures in Lombok normally remain around 30°C but there are two distinct seasons
High/Peak Season: From April to September, it is the dry season on Lombok Island. May – June is considered to be the best time to visit Lombok as the skies are clear, and it’s sunny and less humid so it’s perfect for enjoying snorkelling with clear visibility.
This is also the best time for trekking and enjoying the beaches in Lombok while the greenery is lush after the rainy season has given it a boost.
At the end of the dry season and before the rainy season starts in October, you can expect Lombok to be very dry and less lush.
Low Season/Off-Peak Season: From October to March, it is the rainy season in Lombok so expect more rain and higher humidity. The upside is that Lombok will be even quieter than it already is and you may get better rates at some hotels. We hear the surf conditions are pretty good still during this period.
Family-friendly Lombok Travel Tips:
- Bring earplugs (for early morning cockerels or if you are near a mosque and are a light sleeper).
- Depending on where you stay you may want to bring your own snorkelling equipment (especially kids’ sizes and life jackets).
- Phones and Sim cards – Sim cards are easily picked up with the most recommended network being Telkomsel. Prices start around 10,000Rp
- Electricity– Mostly two rounded pins. 220-240V
- Internet– Free wifi is common in most tourist areas. Cheapest rate will be through a local sim or esim.
- Laundry– Most accommodation will have a laundry service or will be able to direct you to a nearby service.
- Culture and Religion– Lombok and the Gili islands are predominantly Muslim. This means you should dress conservatively away from the beach. Be prepared to hear the call to prayer throughout your stay in Lombok. Alcohol is available in most places be again, be mindful of the local culture.
We had such a fantastic trip visiting Lombok with kids and would not hesitate in recommending a visit here to enjoy the amazing snorkelling, the delicious Indonesian food and to experience Lombok’s unspoilt beauty where adventure waits!
FAQ about Lombok
What language is spoken in Lombok?
Indonesian is spoken although English is widely spoken especially in more touristy areas
Can you drink Tap water in lombok
No, not recommended. Drink filtered or bottled water.
What Currency is Used and is there ATM access?
Rupiah (Rp) is the currency. Often prices will be displayed without the zero’s (ie, 55k). Word of warning if changing money or using the ATM, check the amount of zero’s you use! ATMs are easy to find and you can access cash easily.
Most places will accept cards except small local establishments. Some will charge additional fees. Always check if they accept card payment if this is your only method.
Our Favourite family planning tools
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site with the widest selection of budget accommodation. It’s easy to filter and sort into price and availability.
- Skyscanner– This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss.
- Kiwi– We use Kiwi for our destination inspiration, and to help find those routes which are a little cheaper. It has a very flexible search option for finding flights.
- GetYourGuide– Get Your Guide is the place to go for tours and excursions offered all around the world including everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
- SafetyWing – A great travel insurance option that offers load of flexibility.
- Genki – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel, gap years and digital nomads (including those who have already left home).
- Wise– Our go to for all international spending and transfers. Get a fee free transfer of 500GBP with our link
- ESim– We always set up an esim for arrival into a country to help navigate our way around.
- Discover Cars– Our go to for rentals, internationally. We always find the best deals here
- 12go– Our go to for booking buses, trains, coaches and boats
- TravelSpend– Helps us to keep track of our budget
