Guest blog written by Kelsey Wessels @theworldonmap
When we decided to travel to Lombok, the lesser-known sister of Bali, after our Bali trip, we didn’t quite know what to expect. What we found? Peace, adventure, and surprisingly many child-friendly gems. Think white beaches without crowds, rice fields you can walk through with a guide, spotting monkeys in the forest, and warungs where kids eat with their feet in the sand. Lombok with kids turned out to be an amazing adventure. This island stole our hearts – and our children’s too.
Why Lombok with kids?
Lombok is Bali’s green, quiet sister. No busy streets or crowds of scooters, but authentic villages, peaceful beaches, and a welcoming culture. Especially for families, it’s a breath of fresh air. Everything moves just a bit slower here – exactly what you want when traveling with children. Lombok still feels authentic and unspoiled.
Lombok Facts
Lombok belongs to the province of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB)
Most residents are Sasak and practice Islam
The local language is Bahasa Indonesia, but Sasak is also widely spoken
Lombok has its own coffee variety: Kopi Lombok
‘Gili’ simply means ‘small island’ in Sasak
Mount Rinjani, at 3,726 meters, is one of the highest volcanoes in Indonesia
How to get to Lombok with kids?
Although Lombok has its own airport (Praya Airport), there are no direct flights from the Netherlands. These are the most convenient routes for traveling to Lombok with kids:
Via Bali:
Fast boat from Padangbai to Lombok or the Gili Islands (2 to 2.5 hours)
Domestic flight from Bali to Lombok (30 minutes)
Ferry from Padangbai (budget-friendly, about 5 hours)
Via Kuala Lumpur or Jakarta:
Direct flight to Praya (LOP) with AirAsia or Lion Air
These routes are often affordable if you book flexibly.
Tip: When you arrive in Lombok, head straight to immigration. Waiting times can be long, especially if you need a visa on arrival.
The Culture of Lombok
Lombok is mainly inhabited by the Sasak people, an ethnic group with a rich culture, their own language, and traditions. You can see this reflected in local villages, colorful markets, and festivals.
Most people on Lombok are Muslim, and you will often hear the call to prayer from the mosques. Keep this in mind by dressing respectfully (covering your shoulders when visiting villages) and being mindful when taking photos.
A unique tradition on Lombok is Peresean, a traditional stick-fighting dance with shields made of buffalo hide. During festivals or ceremonies, you might get the chance to see it live.
The Best Time to Visit Lombok with Kids
Lombok has a tropical climate and is warm all year round (around 30°C), but the driest and most pleasant period is from May to October. July and August are especially popular, so it’s wise to book your accommodations early. If you prefer traveling outside the peak season, May, June, and September are perfect: sunny, quieter, and a bit more affordable.
During the rainy season (November to April), you can expect heavy but often short rain showers. The advantage? Nature is at its greenest, the island is wonderfully quiet, and prices are much lower. Ideal if you want to explore Lombok with kids away from the crowds.
Tip: In February or March, the colorful Bau Nyale Festival takes place, where locals collect sea worms early in the morning on the beach. A special, colorful event to experience with children.
Other holidays to be aware of:
Ramadan & Lebaran (Eid al-Fitr): expected closures but also vibrant markets
Perang Topat (Nov/Dec): a rice cake battle at Lingsar Temple, symbolizing fertility
Maulid Nabi: the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad, celebrated with parades and singing
🚗 Scooter Riding in Lombok
One of the most fun ways to explore Lombok with kids is by scooter. The roads are often quiet, giving you the freedom to discover hidden beaches, viewpoints, and villages at your own pace. Renting a scooter costs around 60,000 IDR per day (about €4).
Tips for riding a scooter with kids:
Rent from reliable rental companies
Make sure you have a good child seat and helmets for everyone
Ride only during the day and avoid long distances in the dark
Google Maps or Maps.me work perfectly for navigation
Ask your accommodation if you can store your luggage there when going on multi-day trips
Mount Rinjani: High-Altitude Adventure
The impressive Mount Rinjani is the second-highest volcano in Indonesia and literally towers over the island. The multi-day trek to the crater rim or summit is challenging but spectacular, offering views over Segara Anak Lake and the surrounding islands.
What you need to know:
Choose a certified guide
Wear good hiking shoes and bring warm clothes (it gets cold at the top!)
There are different routes: from Senaru or Sembalun
The trek takes 2 to 4 days and includes overnight camping in tents
Note: The trek is not suitable for young children. For younger kids, visiting the base of Rinjani and the waterfalls in Senaru is a great alternative. This way, you can still experience Lombok’s nature with kids. If you want to do a multi-day trek, then this trek is recommended.
Our Favorite Places in Lombok with Kids
🌊 Kuta Lombok: Surfing, Swimming, and Smoothies
Kuta is the perfect base in the south. Here you’ll find kid-friendly restaurants with playgrounds, beautiful beaches within scooter distance, and plenty of surf schools for beginners.
Favorites:
The Well: breakfast with smoothie bowls and a playground
Selong Belanak: perfect for beginner surf lessons with small waves
Amber Lombok: a luxury resort with a beach pool, also open for day guests
Extra tip: Rent a scooter or a taxi with a child seat and explore beaches like Mawun Beach, Tanjung Aan, Tampah Beach, and Seger Beach. Bring a cooler with fruit and coconut water, and you’ll have the perfect beach day.
🏖 Selong Belanak: Surfing & Relaxing
Selong Belanak is about a 30-minute drive from Kuta and might just be one of the most beautiful beaches in Lombok. The white sand gradually slopes into the sea, making it ideal for kids to play and swim safely.
You can take surf lessons with local schools like Papa’s Surf, enjoy a delicious lunch at Segara Beach, or just relax on a beanbag in the shade. For more experienced surfers, Mawi Beach is nearby, though the road there is a bit bumpy.
Sunset? The best spot is Pantai Serangan, with beanbags, cocktails, and a dreamy view.
🌾 Tetebatu: Walking through Rice Fields and Spotting Monkeys
At the foot of Mount Rinjani lies peaceful Tetebatu. Together with a guide, you can walk through the rice fields, visit waterfalls like Burung Walet or Durian Indah, and search for macaque monkeys in the Monkey Forest. This is a nice tour for 1 day.
For families, this is a wonderful place to explore nature. You can also join workshops like basket weaving or coffee roasting.
Overnight stay? Les Rizieres comes highly recommended.
🐠 The Gili Islands: Which Island Suits Your Family?
The Gili Islands are car-free, relaxed, and super child-friendly. You can easily reach them by boat from Bangsal Harbor or Padangbai (Bali).
Gili Air – our favorite!
Quiet and relaxed atmosphere
Cycling around the island
Chill Out Bar, outdoor beach cinema, and snorkeling at Turtle Point. This is a cool snorkeling experience where you’ll explore three different spots with a private boat.
Gili Meno – small and romantic
Perfect for families who love peace and quiet
Beautiful wide beaches
Snorkel at the famous underwater statues
Gili Trawangan – livelier but still family-friendly
More facilities, restaurants, and entertainment
Outdoor cinemas, night markets, and kid-friendly resorts
Great snorkeling trips straight from the beach
🏝 Secret Gili Islands: Island Hopping with a Twist
Besides the well-known Gili Islands, you can also visit the Secret Gili’s: small, uninhabited islands off the southwest coast of Lombok, like Gili Nanggu, Gili Sudak, and Gili Kedis.
You can book a day trip or even camp overnight on the beach for a unique camping experience. Expect crystal-clear waters, snorkeling among coral and fish, fresh grilled seafood, and sleeping under the stars. You can book this day trip.
Perfect for adventurous families with older kids!
🌄 Senaru: Jungle and Waterfalls
Senaru is the starting point for the Rinjani trek, but even without hiking, it’s a fantastic place to visit. Discover the spectacular Tiu Kelep and Sendang Gile waterfalls after a short jungle trek. Bring your swimwear and get ready for some splashing fun. You can book this tour.
For a special experience, you can spend a night in a homestay with a view of the jungle.
Two-Week Itinerary for Lombok with Kids
Day 1–3: Kuta Lombok
- Arrival and settling in
- Visit Tanjung Aan & Selong Belanak
- First surf lesson for the kids
Day 4–6: Selong Belanak
- Beach fun, surfing, and sunset at Serangan
- Viewpoint at Merese Hill
- Lunch at Segara Beach
Day 7–9: Tetebatu
- Guided walks through rice fields
- Spotting monkeys in the Monkey Forest
- Visit local crafts and waterfalls
Day 10–12: Senaru
- Explore waterfalls
- Visit a Sasak village
- Swim at Rinjani Lodge or take a tour to the crater rim
Day 13–14: Gili Air (option to visit Meno or Trawangan)
- Snorkeling at Turtle Point
- Relaxing and cycling around the island
- Outdoor cinema or glass-bottom boat tour
Practical Tips
Book your flights early (especially during school holidays!)
Arrange your visa online in advance for convenience
Download offline Google Maps + Grab and Gojek for transportation
Check the weather and avoid the hottest midday hours for activities
Respect local customs, such as dress codes
Finally
Lombok is not Bali – and that might just be the best part. Here, you’ll find space, peace, and adventure without overstimulation. The people are friendly, the food is delicious, and the nature is spectacular. You can combine beaches with jungles, culture with relaxation, all within an easy two-week trip.
We look back on a holiday full of quality time and unforgettable moments with our children.
Lombok is waiting for you – pack your bags, bring sunscreen and swimwear, and go on that adventure! 🌺
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