Lombok is a big island, and where you stay decides what you can see easily. There are four main bases, and the right one depends on whether you want the Gilis, the waterfalls, the beaches or a bit of everything.
Senggigi and the west coast
This is the traditional resort strip, about ten kilometers of coast road with beaches, a seaside temple and good sunsets. It is a relaxed base for the Gilis, since the road continues north to Bangsal harbor, and the waterfalls near Senaru are a long day trip. Sudamala Suites and Villas Senggigi in Mangsit is the refined choice, with spacious suites, pool villas and a sunset restaurant. Holiday Resort Lombok, also on the Mangsit coast, is the budget-friendly beachfront option, with two pools and family rooms. Sheraton Senggigi Beach Resort sits in the middle of the strip, a short walk from the beach and the art market, with a waterslide pool and tennis courts that suit families. Both are best with a driver or taxi for evenings in town, and the airport is about an hour away by car.
The northwest at Tanjung
For quiet, luxury and quick access to the Gilis, Hotel Tugu Lombok on Sire Beach is the standout. It is close to Bangsal harbor, has its own boat trips to the islands and is filled with Indonesian art and antiques, with suites, villas and bungalows on a private beach. It is secluded, so most guests eat on site, which suits couples and families who want a retreat rather than a town. A little further along the same coast, The Oberoi Beach Resort on Medana Beach is the other luxury choice, with private-pool villas, a quiet beach and Bangsal harbor about seventeen minutes away. Tugu is the more theatrical of the two and the Oberoi the more serene, and both suit honeymoons and special occasions.
The south coast: Kuta and Mandalika
This is the place for beaches, surf and a different pace, with wide bays, cafes and rolling hills. Novotel Lombok Resort and Villas in the Mandalika zone is the practical family choice, with a private beach, three pools, villas and a drive of about eight minutes to Kuta and about eighteen to Tanjung Aan. Pullman Lombok Merujani Mandalika Beach Resort is the larger, more upscale alternative in the same zone, with villas, a spa and a drive of about six minutes to the circuit. It is also about half an hour from the airport, which makes it handy for a first or last night. Staying here puts a surf lesson at Selong Belanak, Sade village and the Pink Beach boat trip within easy reach, though the waterfalls and Rinjani are far away. Race weekends at the Mandalika circuit can mean noise and higher prices, so check the calendar.
Gili Trawangan
If the islands are the point of your trip, sleep on one. Gili Trawangan is the largest and liveliest, with restaurants, bars and the best choice of places to stay. Vila Ombak is a classic beachfront hotel on the promenade, with two pools, villas, huts and a spa, a minute from the sand and a short walk from the harbor. The front of the hotel is lively, so ask for a quieter room if you sleep lightly. Gili Air is calmer and more village-like, and Gili Meno is the quietest, and both are good if you prefer a slower pace. Cars and motorbikes are banned, so you walk, cycle or take a horse cart.
Splitting your stay
Many travelers combine two bases, such as three nights on a Gili island and three on the south coast, or the west coast followed by Kuta. Allow a full travel day between the two sides of the island, because the drive from the north to the south is long.
Choosing quickly
Choose Tugu or the Oberoi for luxury and the Gilis, Sudamala for a refined west coast stay, Sheraton for a full-service Senggigi resort, Holiday Resort Lombok for value, Novotel or Pullman for the south coast, and Vila Ombak for a stay on Gili Trawangan. Book early for the dry season and race weekends, and check what breakfast and transfers are included in your rate.
