Lombok and the Gilis suit families well. The beaches are gentle, the water is warm, the people are warm too and the pace is slower than in Bali. With a little planning, you can build days that children enjoy and adults find relaxing. The key is to choose the right base, keep travel days short and mix beach time with one simple outing each day.
Choose a family-friendly base
Resorts with pools, shallow water and kids' facilities make a big difference. Sheraton Senggigi Beach Resort has a pool with a waterslide, a children's pool, a playground and tennis courts, and the beach and art market are a short walk away. Novotel Lombok Resort and Villas on the south coast has three pools, a children's pool, a playground and family villas, and Pullman Lombok Merujani Mandalika Beach Resort offers a children's pool, a playground and larger villas in the same area. Hotel Tugu Lombok has connecting villas, a playground and a waterslide, and Vila Ombak on Gili Trawangan suits families who want the island experience, with two pools, a children's pool and bungalows. On the Gilis, remember that there are no cars, so you will be walking, cycling or taking a horse cart.
Easy outings for small children
The Gili Islands day trip is a good first adventure, with a glass-bottom boat that lets children see the reef without having to swim, though you should check the minimum age. The Senggigi coast is full of calm, sandy bays suitable for paddling. Lombok Wildlife Park is a simple half-day outing with animals up close and short, shaded paths, and it works well on a rainy day. Lingsar Temple is a gentle cultural stop, where feeding the sacred eels in the pond is a hit with young visitors.
Adventures for older children and teenagers
Snorkeling trips from Gili Trawangan and Gili Air are ideal for children who can swim confidently, with life jackets provided and turtles as the big prize. Surf lessons at Selong Belanak are perfect for teenagers, with the gentle bay and patient instructors, and a private lesson allows the instructor to match the pace. The Benang Kelambu waterfalls and the Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep walk are good for active families, though the paths are slippery and steep in places. Jangkok River rafting is a fun half-day for children old enough to follow instructions, but check age and weight limits first. Sade village and the weaving villages give children a chance to see how people live and work, and they can try weaving on a loom.
Safety on the water
Boats are a big part of the trip, so insist on life jackets for every child, including on short crossings. Fast boats from Bali can be rough and tiring, so travel with a plan for seasickness and choose calmer times of day if possible. Keep a close eye on children at the beach, because currents and waves can change quickly, and swim only in safe areas. On snorkeling trips, a rash vest protects against the sun, and a child-sized mask and snorkel fits better than adult gear.
Sun, heat and health
The tropical sun is strong all year, so use reef-safe sunscreen, hats and shade, and schedule outings for the morning when it is cooler. Give children plenty of bottled or filtered water, and avoid ice unless you know the source. Use insect repellent, particularly at dawn and dusk, and consider speaking to a travel doctor before you leave about vaccinations and malaria and dengue precautions. A basic first-aid kit, with plasters, antiseptic and children's medicine, is worth carrying, as pharmacies on small islands are limited.
Food for families
Indonesian food is generally child-friendly if you avoid the chili. Nasi goreng, mie goreng, grilled chicken and satay are easy favorites, and tourist restaurants in Senggigi, Kuta and on Gili Trawangan serve pizza, pasta and fruit shakes. Ask for dishes to be mild, and remember that spicy sambal usually comes on the side.
Pacing the days
Plan one main activity a day, with downtime in the middle of the day for pool time or a nap. Long drives, such as to the waterfalls in the north or Pergasingan Hill in the highlands, can be tiring, so break them up with stops. The south coast is easy for families because the beaches, Sade village and surf lessons are close together. If you are traveling with a baby or toddler, ask your hotel about cots and babysitting before you arrive.
Respect and manners
Dress modestly in villages and temples, teach children to ask before photographing people and to keep their voices low at religious sites. Children are generally welcomed warmly, and a smile and a few words of Indonesian go a long way.
