Diving & Travel Guide to Lombok & the Gili Islands
Regional Overview
Lombok and the Gili Islands represent a stunning alternative to Bali's crowded dive scene, offering pristine reefs, dramatic volcanic landscapes, and encounters with large pelagic species in a more relaxed and uncrowded setting. The three Gili Islands – Trawangan, Meno, and Air – sit in the Lombok Strait and benefit from powerful tidal flows that nourish vibrant coral gardens and attract reef sharks, turtles, and seasonal manta rays. Below the surface, divers discover a mosaic of healthy hard and soft corals, schooling fish, and fascinating macro critters on the black volcanic sand slopes. South Lombok's Belongas Bay is a world-renowned destination for experienced divers, featuring deep pinnacles hammered by currents where hammerhead sharks, oceanic whitetips, and the occasional thresher shark patrol the blue. The Sekotong peninsula in the southwest offers untouched reefs and secret dive sites accessible to few, while the north coast provides calm conditions ideal for training and exploration. Combined with Lombok's dramatic Mount Rinjani volcano, pristine waterfalls, and authentic Sasak culture, this region delivers an all-encompassing adventure that goes far beyond its underwater treasures.
Getting There
Lombok International Airport (LOP) receives domestic flights from Bali, Jakarta, and Surabaya, as well as some international connections. From Bali, fast boats to the Gili Islands depart from Padang Bai and Amed, taking 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the departure point and sea conditions. The public ferry from Padang Bai to Lembar in Lombok takes approximately 4 to 5 hours and operates around the clock. For those based in Bali, the Gili Islands are easily accessible as a day-trip or extended stay destination, with multiple fast boat companies providing reliable daily service throughout the year.
Food & Drink
Lombok's culinary scene is defined by its authentic Sasak cuisine, which features bold, spicy flavors and generous use of local chilies and aromatic spices. The Gili Islands have developed a cosmopolitan dining culture to match their international diving crowd, with beachfront restaurants serving everything from fresh grilled seafood to Italian and Mexican fare. On mainland Lombok, do not miss the chance to try Ayam Taliwang, the island's signature spicy grilled chicken, and Plecing Kangkung, a refreshing water spinach salad with a fiery chili dressing. The nightly seafood markets in Senggigi and the Gili Islands offer some of the freshest and most affordable lobster, snapper, and mahi-mahi you will find anywhere in Indonesia.
Diving Stats
Where to Base
Topside Adventures
Trek to the summit of Mount Rinjani (3,726m) for sunrise
Visit the traditional Sasak villages of Sade and Ende
Explore the stunning Tiu Kelep and Sendang Gile waterfalls
Relax on the pristine pink-hued beaches of south Lombok
Visit the Meru Temple complex in Mataram
Surf the world-class breaks at Desert Point (southwest Lombok)