Indonesia, the world’s largest archipelagic state with over 17,000 islands being home to a population of 288.5 million people and thus forming the world’s fourth-most populous country. Of those 17,000 islands, we’re privileged enough to race on one of them – Lombok. It’s our home in Indonesia since 2022 and the Mandalika area is probably one of the most exciting up and coming areas on the island and indeed the country. We’re going to focus our efforts on Lombok itself and how you can have your Bali alternative with a fraction of the crowds and a dose of MotoGP action, all in the same trip.
Normally, we’d say that you’d probably be arriving by air and whilst Lombok has an international airport connecting not just to Bali and Jakarta but other major Asian hubs such as Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, there’s plenty of ferry options too. Boats arrive to Senggigi Port from Bali and the Gili Islands, gateway to island paradise on both fronts. They also arrive in the south too, to Lembar, connecting both Bali and Lombok for easy arrivals from Indonesia’s original go-to island.
Let’s start with Senggigi though, your first port of call on mainland Lombok. Boutique hotels in abundance and narrow, white sand beaches make this a must visit for everyone. Arriving by boat, you’re right on the edge of the rainforest which goes right up until the slither of sand. Senggigi is the island’s big sunset spot and offers perfect views of the Gili Islands whilst, on many occasion, giving you a vista of Bali’s Mount Agung.
However, the island’s best beaches are in the south and right next door to the circuit in Mandalika. A short ride away from the Mandalika resort area, you’ll find yourself in Tanjung Aan, Torok Bare or Lancing Beach, whilst Selong Belanak is arguably one of the best on the island. Mawun Beach and Mawi Beach likewise deliver the goods whilst a little further out, 2 hours from Kuta, you’ll find the untouched beauty of Pantai Melaki. Whilst many beaches (but not all) will have warungs (local for restaurant) and rustic beach bars, hotels aren’t aplenty in all so make sure to have transport and accommodation plans prior. Head out to the east of the island’s south and you’ll find numerous pink beaches, a Lombok speciality.
There’s no doubt that if you want a hub of cafes, bars, beach clubs and restaurants, then Kuta is your place. As rough and ready as it is, it blends elegance, chicness and hacienda-style villas well. International cuisine such as Mexican, Indian, Thai, Italian, Lebanese, Chinese and Spanish are intertwined with modern Indonesian and likewise traditional roadside local eateries, making it quite the treat for visitors all over the world. Then there’s the endless bars; Surfers’ is one of our favourites, right by the beach but the TGC, Ketapang and Captikus are big contenders to enjoy a quiet drink or a full throttle party. As crazy as Kuta’s main strip is, it’s got something for everyone.
If you want to escape the party vibes of Kuta but don’t want to trapse back up to Senggigi, about an hour and a half back north, then do something completely different and undiscovered: hit up the Secret Gilis. The small islands to the west of Lombok but in the south, they’re still rarely travelled. Some have only one bar or restaurant, others have one or two luxury hotels but if you want to beat the crowds, Gili Asahan, Gili Gede and Gili Sudak are where you’ll want to go.
So, whether it’s enjoying a few Bintangs by the beach or nasi gorengs in a local restaurant, exclusive cocktails and clifftops restaurants or renting some wheels and exploring into the undiscovered, Lombok really does offer a slice of everything. You can even take in the 4-day hike of Mount Rinjani, an active volcano in the north of the island for breathtaking views of… well, everything. Throw in some MotoGP and Lombok really is a special Grand Prix.