Lombok Indonesia – Top-10 Tourist Attractions Not to Miss

Just as there are a moderately intimidating amount of things to do in Lombok, the list of things to see will not bring you much comfort. In fact, it may indeed exacerbate your wanderlust, complicate your itinerary and make you wonder why you haven’t left for the island yet. The way we see it, this is all good news.

East of Bali and the concentration of Buddhists, the populations are predominantly Muslim. This means that there is a whole new spectrum of temples for you to explore! Yes to people, their culture, and the things that come from it.

1. The Mayura Water Palace

The Mayura Water Palace makes for a great couple of hours out and about. Mangosteen trees, cultivated gardens, and an open palace adorned with fanciful carvings all create a peaceful ambience. The palace floats on an artificial lake – an example of Balinese floating architecture. The palace is more than just a visual feast however, it is also a place of great historical significance, serving as the battleground for conflicts between the Dutch colonists and the local people. You will even find some of the Dutch canons on the property! It probably doesn’t need saying that this temple makes for some pretty special photos. Slip on your flowy dress, make sure your camera battery is charged, your sunscreen lathered and your money packed – you’ll need to pay a small fee for a tour of the palace.

2. Pura Meru

Pura Meru is the biggest of all the temples in Lombok. The temple is stunning. Its faded paint and dilapidated thatching leave one with a striking feeling that you are one of millions of people who have stood where you are, who have taken in what you are, who have thought the same and different things to you. The temple is a very holy place for the locals of Lombok and, as such, should be treated with respect. It’s important that women cover up their shoulders with a sarong and that everyone who attends does so in a polite manner. There are a couple other great temples that could compliment your trip here. Pura Lingsar, Pura Narmada and Pura Suranadi. All the temples are so very unique and worth your time in their own right. Most of the temples are located around either Mataram or Senggigi. To explore the temples in the most authentic fashion, get there are soon as you can. Toward the early hours of the afternoon things can get a little busy.

3. Learning about the Sasak people

The Sasak people make up around 85% of the Lombok people. They have a way of life that is as fascinating as it is unique. Learning about the Sasak people was something that we valued so highly. While not every tourist will be a fan of museums, cultural architecture and cultural paraphernalia, this tour may appeal to almost everybody. The tour is the perfect combination of information, excitement and powerful interactions. There are a couple of companies who offer amazing tours that take you into rural villages, into interactions with locals and into the Mayura Water Palace. You’ll also check out local pottery factories, take in the scenes of daily life as you explore rural villages and their traditional rice barn style houses. It really is a day to remember, and is one that you’ll want to bring your camera along for. With your mind open and backpack full with water and a couple of snacks, you’re ready to take it all in.

4. The Ampenan market

The Ampenan market, also known as the Kebon Reok traditional market is almost certainly the most well-known of all those on Lombok. The market is located in the heart of Ampenan old town and is the centre of much trade, excitement and intoxicating smells. The market is no doubt best visited come nightfall when all the traders are vying for your attention, sounds are filling your eardrums and the consortium of colours is squashing its way into your pupils. Besides going there just to see and experience the market, you can of course pick up all the fresh fruit and vegetables you could want, some meat, prepared meals, and even a bunch of local crafts that’ll be cheaper here than anywhere else on the island. Souvenir shopping? Check.

5. Ampenan Old Town

Ampenan Old Town is full of cultural gems that’ll have the right person gawking as they walk on by. There are several Old Dutch colonial buildings that can be visited in-between stops for street side fried bananas and chilled watermelon. Bring your good shoes for your exploration of the area as you’re sure to do a good bit of walking.

6. Gili islands

Just off the mainland of Lombok are the famous, and at points infamous, Gili islands. The islands sit in stark contrast to the daily life of both locals and travellers on the mainland. They are highly westernised, busy and noisy. For some, this is exactly what you’re after! The beaches are beautiful, and the snorkelling impressive.

7. Lombok Viewpoints

Having the incredible landscapes and natural wonders that it does, Lombok has a fair few world-class viewpoints. One of the lesser known of these is that which looks over the Bukit Selong Rice Fields. You can view the patchwork of rice fields from various points in the surrounding mountains. The best of the lot is right at the very top of the designated path. You’ll even get a cool wooden star to stand on for a picture!

8. Sunrise in Senaru

Sunrise in Senaru – you’ve just got to get yourself there. In the same area as the incredible waterfalls of Tiu Kelep and company are rolling hills of rice fields with palm trees that stick out above them. Beat the sun to a great spot and sit slowly as the rays brush up against and illuminate the fields below.

9. Semeti Beach

Semeti Beach is on the western ends of the island. There are a bunch of surf spots here - outnumbered only by the amount of scenic viewpoints and deserted beaches. There are very view tourists here, many coves and islets, and an entire ocean of warm blue sea that seems to plead you to jump on in to it. Mawi beach is just another one that should be on your list.

Evenings should be spent soaking in the sunset at one of the nearly deserted beaches. Alternatively, you can capture and create some magical portraits at sunset with the pools of water at Bumbang beach that will reflect the sky above them. Tough choice.

10. Pearl farm

Far from common knowledge, and in no way a sign ignorance if you didn’t know but, Lombok is pretty well known for its pearl farms. It is a big business on the island that supports a large percentage of the local GDP. The business is so big and so successful, that Lombok actually provide some of the highest quality pearls in the world.

A popular place to see the mysterious process is Autore Pearl Farm. The farm offers tours of the entire farm where a knowledgeable guide can let you in on the know. It’s actually a really fascinating process that won’t be spoiled here. Suffice to say, it’s well worth spending the time to check one of the farms out. It also wouldn’t be a terrible place to take your significant other, if you know what we mean.