If you’re looking for an incredible Indonesian island escape, spend some time staying in Lombok, Bali’s lesser-visited neighbor. With pristine beaches, lush jungles, and the towering active volcano Mount Rinjani, Lombok attracts a calmer, adventurous crowd. Meanwhile, it still offers a great tourist infrastructure, natural beauty, and a vibrant social scene.
And when it comes to where to stay in Lombok, there are always options for every budget. But as a backpacker on a backpacker’s budget, it’s only on occasion that I’ll make a major splurge (like that time I got an infinity pool in Atres Sari in northern Bali). But, the best part about Indonesia and all of Southeast Asia is how cheap everything is, even for people on a tight budget.
Whether you’re looking for accommodation in Lombok’s beach, nature, or city, check out which areas to stay on your Lombok itinerary. Then keep reading for our fan-favorite picks for the best value, unique, or just the most affordable places to stay in Lombok’s best areas!
Tips About Hotels in Indonesia
Tip #1: Online Hotel Pricing in Indonesia
Usually, it is cheaper to book in person, but Indonesia may be one of the few places where it isn’t. Booking online can sometimes save you 50% off the in-person asking price and the hassle of running out of cash. (You can usually only take $100 out of the ATM at a time)
In trendy tourist areas like Kuta and Gili Trawangan, the best-seller accommodations may be sold out a few days beforehand, so it is best to reserve before arriving.
Tip #2: The Cheapest Option is to Book on Agoda
In many countries, booking.com is the hotel booking website of choice, but Agoda.com is the way to go in Asia.
Agoda offers the absolute best prices and hands out so many discounts I can’t keep track (Genius, Platinum, VIP, Mega Sale, etc).
Note: Because booking.com is more active worldwide, it’s still the best place to check for the most recent reviews, especially after the COVID travel slowdown. Sometimes Agoda will include reviews from booking.com as well.
Tip #3: Hotels (Usually) All-Service
Hotel owners have strings in all facets of tourism. Ask reception for information about the most popular tours, transport, rentals, laundry, etc. They will most likely have “someone they can call” if they don’t provide the service themselves.
Typically, services provided from the accommodation will have a convenience premium compared to stepping outside to find an independent vendor.
Beach Areas to Stay in Lombok
Lombok may best be known for its fantastic surf and sunny beaches. Tourists flock to three main beach areas in Lombok: Gili Islands, Sengiggi, and Kuta Beach – all of which give off a different character and appeal.
Gili Islands – Where to Stay in Lombok for Island Relaxation and All-Night Partying
The Gili Islands are a group of three small islands located off the northwest coast of Lombok: Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, and Gili Meno. The islands are well known for their white sand beaches, clear turquoise water, and laid-back vibe. The Gili Islands are a great place to visit if you’re looking for an island escape where you can relax on the beach, snorkel with turtles, or party all night long.
Note: No motorized vehicles are allowed on these islands, so most opt to rent a bike to get around or explore on foot.
Where to Stay in Gili Trawangan
Gili Trawangan is the party capital of Lombok. Young backpackers who make their way to Gili Trawangan do so to pull all-nighters and have magical experiences with new friends.
With lots of clubs open until the early hours of the morning and the community feel, it’s as if you’re attending a massive music festival.
BEST PARTY HOSTEL – Mad Monkey Gili Trawangan
Starting Price: ~7$ USD
For those looking to party, look no further than Mad Monkey Gili Trawangan. With a young crowd party social scene, Mad Monkey arranges near-daily events and activities to get everyone into the party mood.
Coupled with a sweet outdoor swimming pool right in front of the beach with a perfect sunset view, Mad Monkey is the place to go for those looking to go hard and still enjoy excellent amenities.
Extra Cool: Unlike hostels with only dorm rooms, Mad Monkey also offers tent-shaped hut private rooms that are more glamping than anything else.
Tip: Since Mad Monkey is on the west side of the beach, the community is extra strong as most will turn to the on-site facilities. Usually, everyone will go as a group to the other side of the island, where most of the bars and nightclubs are.
CHEAPEST HOSTEL – La Boheme or La Boheme Mini
Starting Price: ~$4.50 USD
Many accommodations may be more expensive in Gili Trawangan than you may be used to in the rest of Indonesia. So, it’s great the sister hostels, La Boheme and La Boheme Mini, still provide beds at a super low price; think starting at around $5 USD (if you book online)!
Both hostels offer basic accommodation, optional air conditioning, and an endless banana pancakes breakfast.
Note: If you’re like me and don’t book beforehand, hotels sell out fast on Gili Trawangan. La Boheme Mini was fully booked when I showed up, so they sent me to La Boheme instead.
CLOSE TO THE BARS BEACH HOTEL – My Gili Paradise
Starting Price: ~$20 USD
With treehouse vibes and a hammock in front of every balcony, chill at My Gili Paradise, watching the swaying of the nearby palm trees. Large glass doors and the open bathroom concept allow for a lot of natural light (plus, the bathroom with a minimal stone design just looks terrific).
Situated one street away from the ferry port, beach, and night market, it only takes 2 minutes to walk to the main street of Gili-T. Because My Gili Paradise is located behind a bar, expect some noise at night but not an overwhelming amount.
INSTAGRAMMABLE SUNSET BEACH VIEW – Santorini Beach Resort
Starting Price: ~$30 USD
Named for the theme colors of the famous Greek island, Santorini Beach Resort lies on the west side of Gili Trawangan – the chill, watch the beautiful sunset side. A row of two-story buildings with a balcony flanks the outdoor pool and comfy lounge areas, dubbing this resort one of the most instagrammable hotels on the island.
Clean, comfortable, and away from the crowds, Santorini Beach Resort comes with a complimentary breakfast; laundry service and bicycle rental can be arranged.
Book your stay at Santorini Beach Resort by clicking here!
Where to Stay on Gili Meno
The smallest of the Gili Islands, Gili Meno is less developed, much quieter, and the perfect place for those who want to get away from it all. Known as a “honeymoon island,” there’s not much to do except relax and soak in the sun.
The locals of Meno island are warm and welcoming to the families and laid-back couples who often visit for their clean beaches and safe environment. One can spend hours exploring and spotting turtles in the clear waters surrounding Gili Meno’s pure white beaches.
CRAZY MAZE, WACKY FUN HOUSE HOSTEL – Rabbit Tree Hostel
Starting Price: ~$5.50 USD
Enter Rabbit Tree Hostel, a hostel with secret entrances and doorways, each leading to its own unique and eccentric room. Anything but average, Rabbit Tree Hostel is a quirky, imaginative place to stay for those with a curiosity to discover its secrets.
You never know what you’ll find around the next corner in this house, from room themes ranging from Grandma’s Room to the Bamboo Forest Room to even a ballpit room.
Book your stay to discover Rabbit Tree Hostel by clicking here!
ROMANTIC BEACHFRONT RESORT – Seri Resort Gili Meno
Starting Price: ~$32 USD
Wake up for the sunrise, then snorkel with the countless amounts of sea turtles just in front of Seri Resort Gili Meno’s private beach. After that exhausting morning, cool off and relax by their beachside pool.
Seri Resort is a beautiful and serene hotel that offers one of the best affordable bungalows for a romantic getaway or for those simply wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Gili Meno Salt Lake, just a 10 minute short walk away, is also worth a visit if you wish to explore beyond the resort grounds.
Where to Stay on Gili Air
Gili Air is a happy medium between the lively nightlife of Gili T and the tranquility of Gili Meno. Although it’s still relatively small, there are a few more restaurants and cafes than in Gili Meno, as well as a few scuba diving schools.
Both islands can also be visited on a snorkel tour or a day trip as boats run regularly from here to Lombok and the other Gili Islands.
SEASIDE BUNGALOW – 7Seas Cottages
Starting Price: ~$20 USD
There are no dirt cheap options on Gili Air, so 7Seas Cottages will have to do if you count value and price. Upgrade to rooms designed with tropical beach vibes for just a few dollars more. Think Tulum, Mexico, if you have visited there.
7Seas Cottages provides cottages or bungalows with sea view balconies and a turquoise blue pool in a central location close to the beach, ATM, restaurants, and the harbor.
COOLEST POOL ON THE ISLAND – Gili Air Lagoon Resort
Starting Price: ~$36 USD! (normally can be $100+)
If you play your cards right and happen to come to Gili Air on the right dates, Gili Air Lagoon Resort can have discounts on Agoda for rooms starting $36! Insanity for what you are getting. With the pool fashioned into a giant aesthetic circular shape, lounge in front of your cottage in your own private pool dock. Aside from all the other yada yada great resort offerings and breakfast options, just go if not just for the pool.
Where to Stay on Tanjung
If you’ve come after 5pm and missed the last ferry to get to the Gili Islands, staying near the Bangsal ferry port is the easiest way to get to your destination bright and early the next day. For some reason, this area is quite pricey in terms of accommodation.
In the meanwhile, check out the view of the Gili Islands from one of the many black sand beaches on the mainland side of Lombok.
BEACHFRONT WITH HUGE GROUNDS – Capital O Medana Bay Marina
Paid In-Person Price: ~$23 USD
Best for a one night stay in transit, Medana Bay Marina is one of the best value hotels in Tanjung. Prices for nicer places run up in the hundreds of dollars. With spacious and clean rooms and a good view of the grounds from the second floor balcony, Medana Bay Marina has its own private beach and restaurant. Optimal since there’s not much going on in Tanjung.
Best Things to Do in Gili Islands
Snorkel with the Turtles
Eat at the Gili-T Night Market
Rager on Gili-T
Day Trip to Gili Meno and Gili Air
Take a 4 Day Boat Trip to Komodo National Park on Flores
Sengiggi – Where to Stay in Lombok for the Best Luxury Beach Experience
As the original Lombok tourist destination, you’ll find plenty of restaurants, beach bars, resorts, and tour agencies catering to visitors at Sengiggi. Sengiggi is associated more with beach clubs and luxury private villas than people slumming it in dorm room hostels.
Even with that in mind, accommodation is plentiful for all budgets in all of Lombok’s areas. And with a good deal, even the most luxurious places are sometimes affordable.
Where to Stay in Sengiggi
SPLURGE JUST FOR ONE NIGHT – Royal Avila Boutique Resort
Starting Price: ~$103 USD (can be 350$)
The Royal Avila Boutique Resort’s crazy trippy infinity pool is enough to give me goosebumps of envy. Treat your eyes to the Instagrammable Santorini vibe architecture and sea view sunsets from your balcony or any of Royal Avila’s lounge areas. I’m usually not one to splurge, but I may or may not be planning a night at Royal Avila if I catch that discount in the future.
Let loose at Royal Avila Boutique Resort by booking here!
MID-RANGE HOTEL ON BEACH – Living Asia Resort and Spa
Starting Price: ~$44 USD (can be $140)
Another accommodation offering crazy discounts if you’re lucky, Living Asia Resort and Spa is a mid-range beachfront property with an incredible infinity pool facing the ocean. This resort has a private beach where you can relax and enjoy the stunning views of the Lombok coastline. Shower in the charming open-air bathroom and bask in the sunlight streaming through the open concept hotel room. The resort also offers a variety of tour activities and games.
CHEAP PRIVATE ROOM WITH POOL – Makarma Resort Lombok
Starting Price: ~$7.50 USD
For those on a budget, we recommend staying at Makarma Resort Lombok. This hotel offers basic private rooms and has its own pool at a very affordable price for Sengiggi. You can upgrade to their deluxe bungalows for an extra cost. Although not right on the beach, Makarma Resort is in a quiet location minutes’ walk away, or you can always rent a scooter from the resort.
Best Things to Do in Sengiggi
Learn to Surf or Snorkel the Coral Reefs
Beach-hop all of Sengiggi’s Beautiful Beaches
Visit Mataram, the only city in Lombok
Kuta – Where to Stay in Lombok for Surfers and Backpackers
With a long stretch of coastline to explore, stay at least a few days exploring the dramatic hills and beaches of Kuta Lombok (not to be confused with Kuta in Bali). Learn to surf on Lombok’s fantastic surf breaks while enjoying the breathtaking natural environment backdrop. Head into a bat cave, paraglide with a view of Lancing beach; Kuta is an up-and-coming hidden gem of Indonesian tourism.
Accommodation in developed Kuta is plentiful, offering hostels and hotels catering to all budgets. Even with the recent development of the MotoGP speedway and the countless over-priced hippie restaurants serving international food, the demographic of Kuta is still mostly backpackers and surfers.
Note: Although the international airport is close, public transport to and from the nearby towns can be unreliable. The easiest option is to hire a car to Kuta instead.
Where to Stay in Kuta Lombok
AMAZINGLY AESTHETIC HOSTEL – Mad Monkey Kuta Lombok
Starting Price: ~$4.20 USD (if you stay more than 3 days, otherwise, $5)
Mad Monkey Lombok is the best hostel in Lombok and probably one of the best hostels I’ve ever stayed at for the amenities and the price. Ranging from $5 to $7 per night, I stayed for about a week, lounging by their beautiful pool and colorful chill area in central Kuta.
Only Con: For having 3 free WiFi routers, the internet connection still sucked.
BEST AFFORDABLE PRIVATE ROOM HOTEL – Lombok Holiday Hotel
Starting Price: ~$14 USD
Although not something unique to write home about, Lombok Holiday Hotel is one of the best budget hotels with a private room and bathroom in Kuta. With its own pool in the center of Kuta, its proximity to downtown does make this hotel a steal. I can also attest that their complimentary breakfast is pretty decent.
NEW VOGUE TRADITION-DESIGNED – El Tropico Boutique Hotel
Starting Price: ~$37 USD
With finely detailed tasteful decor all over the place, the newly opened El Tropical Boutique Hotel boasts a traditional Indonesian-inspired design combining modern with a splash of authenticity. With its own pool and restaurant, El Tropico is an excellent option for those looking for a bit of luxury on a budget.
Where to Stay in the outskirts of Kuta Lombok
ECCENTRIC DOME ARCHITECTURE WITH VIEW – Dome Lombok
Starting Price: ~$36 USD
Suppose you were like me, who accidentally spent too much time on the eastern beaches and couldn’t make it back before nightfall. In that case, you will find it’s a bit of a hotel and amenities desert outside Kuta. Dome Lombok to the rescue!
This newly opened resort features an eccentric dome architecture with a roof perfect for the sunset and stargazing, with a view of Kuta beaches and the surrounding canopy. Dome Lombok comes with an artistically-designed pool that fits in perfectly with the architecture. It’s a bit of a trek outside of Kuta, but it is worth it if you are heading in the east Kuta direction.
Best Things to Do in Kuta Lombok
Scooter to all the best Kuta beaches (Don’t miss Tanjung Aan and Selong Belanak Beach)
Bathe in the light of the Bat Cave, then watch them all fly out at 6pm
Climb the many sunset hills: Bukit Seger, Pedau, Merese
Catch sight of Lombok’s very own Pink Beach in the mornings
Visit the Secret Gili Island (Gili Gede, Tangkong, and Rengit)
Nature Areas to Stay in Lombok
Tetebatu – Where to Stay to Enjoy Rice Terraces, Black Monkeys, and Waterfalls
Enjoy rice terraces, black monkeys, and waterfalls in Tetebatu, a small backpacker town located in the southern foothills of Mount Rinjani. Tetebatu is often called “Ubud of Lombok” because of its expansive terraced rice fields and nearby waterfalls, but that’s where the similarities end.
Unlike Ubud, do not expect any traffic by car or people, no fancy cafes or resorts, no wondrous temples. Tetebatu is quiet and serene, and if you want to compare it to somewhere in Bali, it’s more like Sideman in East Bali.
Where to Stay in Tetebatu
Tetebatu is far removed from mass tourism, so most accommodations are homestays or basic bamboo bungalows.
AMAZING RICE FIELD PRIVATE BUNGALOW – Bale Kembang Kuning
Starting Price: ~$17 USD
A modern Indonesian-style bungalow with spacious rooms, every room in Bale Kembang Kuning has a fantastic view of the rice fields. Just off the main road and around the nearby waterfalls, the staff was amicable and helpful, providing tips on where to go and giving tour options.
NICE VIEW WITH A POOL – Tetebatu Flush Harmony
Starting Price: ~$33 USD
If you want a hotel with all the bells and whistles, Tetebatu Flush Harmony is an excellent value for money. Flush Harmony’s comfortable bungalows face out to a view of Mount Rinjani and the nearby rice fields. They are also one of the only accommodations with a pool in the area and provide guests with a wonderful complimentary breakfast.
Best Things to Do in Tetebatu
Drive over to Benang Stokel and Kelambu Waterfall
Spot black monkeys in Lombok’s Monkey Forest
Walk or cycle through the many rice terraces around Tetebatu
Discover the best Tetebatu waterfalls
Hike to the second summit of Mount Rinjani via Air Berik Route
Sembulan – Where to Stay for Crazy Mountain Ridge Views and Summit Rinjani
Sembulan is a small town on the eastern edge of Mount Rinjani, bursting with incredible ridge views and strawberry fields. Sembulan is where you come to trek Rinjani, one of Indonesia’s tallest volcano landmarks and the second-tallest in all of Southeast Asia.
Still a hidden gem of Indonesia, Sembulan is a local town where you won’t find any foreigners or tourism outside trekking purposes.
Where to Stay in Sembulan
THE BEST SEMBULAN VIEW HOTEL – Terasawah Hotel
Starting Price: ~$20 USD
For some reason, the online reviews don’t
