East Lombok Travel Guide: What to See, Do, and Explore

You know, East of Lombok is quietly rising as destination to go. While much of the island remains natural, it’s exactly this untouched charm that draws in those seeking something raw, real, and rarely seen.

Tucked between Bali and Komodo Island, East Lombok holds its own secret symphony — from the majestic slopes of Mount Rinjani, Indonesia’s third-highest peak, to the dramatic coastlines shaped by time and wind.

What we can tell is, East Lombok geography tells a story of limestone cliffs, lush hills, hidden coves, and beaches where nature still speaks louder than noise. So if you’re yearning to go where maps fade and magic begins, here are ten East Lombok treasures waiting to be found.


1. Kaliantan Beach – Where the Sky Kisses a Two-Kilometer Shoreline

East Lombok Travel Guide

In Pemongkong village, the long stretch of Kaliantan Beach welcomes you with soft white sand and a tranquil sea that shimmers under the midday sun. While it may feel scorching at times, the underwater world beneath is refreshingly stunning. With calm waters perfect for snorkeling, it’s the kind of place where silence becomes a sound.


2. Gili Sunut – A Sandbar Pathway to Another World

East Lombok Travel Guide

Connected to mainland Lombok by a sliver of sand, Gili Sunut is a tiny coral island that feels like a secret whisper. Home to just over a hundred families, it’s a quiet retreat with shallow waters so clear you can admire marine life without dipping your head beneath the surface. Remote, serene, and worth every step it takes to get there.


3. Tanjung Ringgit – The Crocodile Head Cape

East Lombok Travel Guide

Named for its resemblance to a crocodile’s head, Tanjung Ringgit is a headland in Jerowaru, laced with cliffside drama and historical echoes. Explore a weathered Dutch cannon, seek out the secret caves, and take in the layered hues of green and blue stretching endlessly across the ocean. It’s a place where the earth ends — and the view begins.


4. Tanjung Bloam – Where Rock Meets Reverie

East Lombok Travel Guide

A wild outcrop of moss-covered rock juts into the sea at Tanjung Bloam, flanked by high cliffs and rugged terrain. Locals call it a natural 3D painting — and they’re not wrong. This beach is not only a turtle conservation site, but also a rugged masterpiece crafted by salt, time, and wind.


5. Surga Beach – The Hidden U-Shaped Heaven

East Lombok Travel Guide

“Pantai Surga” means Heaven Beach, and the name is no exaggeration. Nestled between two towering cliffs in a perfect U-curve, this secluded bay invites you to snorkel, climb, and linger. With no facilities around, bring your own supplies — and in return, you’ll get solitude in its purest form. Just 50 km from Selong, but a world away from crowds.


6. Gili Bagek (a.k.a. Gili Kondo) – A Deserted Slice of Peace

East Lombok Travel Guide

Found in the calm waters of Sambelia, this uninhabited island offers nothing but raw beauty. White sand, turquoise waters, and absolute silence — Gili Bagek is ideal for anyone wanting to slip away from the world for a while. Reached in just 25 minutes by boat from Pantai Transat, but feels like arriving on another planet.


7. Gili Sulat & Gili Lawang – Twin Isles of Mangroves and Mystery

East Lombok Travel Guide

Gili Sulat, stretching 5.2 kilometers long, remains beautifully preserved. Wander the mangrove boardwalks, snorkel in quiet corners, and enjoy the whisper of nature untouched. Just 500 meters away lies Gili Lawang, a traditional stop for fishermen, now quietly becoming a favorite for mindful travelers seeking stillness.


8. Lembah Hijau – The Green Valley of Peace

East Lombok Travel Guide

Nestled in Ijobalit, Lembah Hijau (Green Valley) lives up to its name — leafy trees, vibrant blooms, and clear ponds welcome visitors to unwind beneath the shade. Carefully placed gazebos and manicured paths make this valley a perfect day escape for rest and gentle reflection.


9. Sembalun – The Heartbeat of Rinjani

East Lombok Travel Guide
Photo by Diz Daily on Pexels.com

A highland village that dances in the shadow of Mount Rinjani, Sembalun is where rice paddies, old irrigation traditions, and mountain air blend into poetry. With cool breezes, misty mornings, and views that steal your breath, it’s not just a place to visit — it’s a place to feel.


10. Air Terjun Aiq Temer – The Jungle’s Whisper

East Lombok Travel Guide

Hidden deep in Rinjani’s embrace, Aiq Temer is a waterfall draped in wild forest and echoing birdsong. Locals call it a hidden paradise, and rightly so. Mingle with monkeys in the canopy above and let the crisp waterfall mist cleanse your senses. Getting here requires effort — but it rewards the soul.


Final Takes

East Lombok isn’t about ticking boxes — it’s about slowing down, tuning in, and letting nature do the talking. These ten places may not yet be in the guidebooks, but they’re already in the hearts of those who wander with wonder.

Read also: Alang-Alang Beach and Its Mesmerising Natural Sea Pools

2 responses to “East Lombok Travel Guide: What to See, Do, and Explore”

  1. […] Read also: East Lombok Travel Guide: What to See, Do, and Explore […]

    Like

  2. […] Looking for more wild beaches and hidden gems in East Lombok? Check out our East Lombok Travel Guide: What to See, Do, and Explore […]

    Like