Best Places to Visit in Lombok – Mount Rinjani is the heart of Lombok for many travelers. Its dramatic crater lake, high-altitude trails, and raw volcanic landscapes make it one of Southeast Asia’s most iconic trekking destinations. However, when Mount Rinjani is closed, many visitors find themselves asking the same question: “Where should we go next?”
The good news is this: Lombok is far more than just Mount Rinjani. If you came to Lombok for nature, adventure, and authenticity, you are still in exactly the right place.
Below is a carefully curated list of the Best Places to Visit in Lombok when Mount Rinjani is closed, designed especially for foreign travelers who want meaningful experiences, beautiful landscapes, and smooth travel logistics—without long, exhausting hikes.
Best Places to Visit in Lombok When Mount Rinjani Is Closed
Confused about where to go when you can’t climb Rinjani? Save these 8 incredible places for your Lombok journey and experience the island’s beauty from a different, but equally unforgettable, perspective.
1. Tiu Kelep Waterfall
Located in Senaru Village, North Lombok. A perfect alternative for travelers who miss Rinjani’s cool mountain atmosphere.
Reaching Senaru takes approximately 2–3 hours from Lombok’s main city areas. Once you arrive, you will pay a small entrance fee (around IDR 10,000 per person, subject to change). From there, a 30-minute trek through tropical forest and shallow rivers leads you to the waterfall.
The journey itself is part of the experience. You walk beneath tall trees, cross gentle streams, and feel the temperature drop as you approach the falls. When Tiu Kelep finally appears, it feels almost unreal. Powerful water cascading into a wide natural pool, surrounded by steep green cliffs.
For travelers who planned to trek Rinjani, Tiu Kelep offers a similar sense of reward: effort followed by awe.
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Read also: What Is the Alternative to Mount Rinjani? Try These 5 Comparable Peaks
2. Nipah Beach
Situated in the Senggigi area, Nipah Beach is a quiet coastal escape for those dreaming of calm waves and endless shades of blue.
Nipah Beach is a hidden gem in northern Lombok, known for its clear water, soft white sand, and lush green hills framing the coastline. Located approximately 11 km from downtown Senggigi, it is easy to reach by motorbike or car, yet still feels peaceful and uncrowded.
Unlike beaches with strong currents, Nipah offers relatively gentle waves. Ideal for swimming, relaxing, or simply sitting by the shore while watching fishing boats glide across the horizon.
3. Bukit Selong
If you were hoping to see Mount Rinjani from a different angle, Bukit Selong or Selong Hill in Sembalun, North Lombok, should be at the top of your list.
Bukit Selong overlooks vast rice fields and local farms, with Mount Rinjani standing majestically in the background. The best time to visit is early morning, ideally between 6:00 and 7:00 AM, when the sunrise casts soft golden light over the valley.
The hike itself is incredibly easy—only about 5 minutes uphill, making it accessible for all fitness levels. This is also the only hill in Sembalun that does not require serious effort, which makes it perfect if you still want panoramic views without a strenuous climb.
Entrance is usually around IDR 10,000 per person (if unchanged). While sunset is also beautiful, the morning light remains the most magical moment to experience Bukit Selong.
4. Tetebatu Rice Fields
Located in East Lombok. If you are in Indonesia, Tetebatu should not be skipped. Endless rice fields stretch across rolling hills, framed by forested mountains and traditional villages. Walking paths wind through the paddies, connecting small cafés and local food stalls where you can enjoy simple but delicious Indonesian dishes.
Tetebatu gained international recognition when UNWTO named it one of the Best Tourism Villages in 2021, and it truly lives up to the title. The atmosphere here is calm, welcoming, and deeply connected to nature. Making it an excellent place to relax after long travel or intense adventure plans.
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Read also: Is Mount Rinjani Closed Now? Take Note of the Reopening Date!
5. Mawun Beach
Only 25 minutes from Kuta Lombok, Mawun Beach is one of the most stunning beaches on Lombok’s southern coast.
This crescent-shaped bay is known for its clean white sand, turquoise-blue water, and green hills embracing both sides of the beach. Mawun offers a peaceful escape, even during peak travel seasons.
The water near the hills is shallow and relatively calm—perfect for swimming and light snorkeling. Toward the center of the bay, the water becomes deeper with stronger waves, making it visually dramatic and ideal for experienced swimmers.
What surprises many visitors is how uncrowded Mawun Beach remains, despite its beauty. The color of the sea alone makes it one of the Best Places to Visit in Lombok, especially when Rinjani is closed.
6. Benang Kelambu Waterfall
Located about 40 minutes from Tetebatu, Benang Kelambu is one of Lombok’s most unique waterfalls—both visually and geologically.
Unlike typical waterfalls that plunge from rivers over rocky cliffs, Benang Kelambu emerges from an aquifer layer fault, a geological formation that stores rainwater over long periods. As a result, water flows gently through layers of moss-covered vegetation, creating a “curtain” effect that feels almost mystical.
Benang Kelambu is also among the most accessible waterfalls in Lombok. It is approximately 30 minutes from Mataram city, 40 minutes from Lombok International Airport, and just 10 minutes by motorbike taxi from the Benang Stokel parking area.
This makes it an excellent destination for travelers who want natural beauty without difficult logistics.
7. Bukit Merese
If you are searching for the best sunset spot in Lombok, Bukit Merese is the answer. Located in the Mandalika area, only 15–20 minutes from Kuta Lombok, Bukit Merese offers sweeping views of clear blue ocean, rolling green hills, and dramatic coastal curves.
As the sun sets, the sky transforms into layers of orange, pink, and purple, creating a truly unforgettable moment.
8. Best Places to Visit in Lombok “Gili Asahan”
Part of the Secret Gilis, Gili Asahan is located just 5 minutes by boat from Lombok and is highly recommended for travelers who want something truly different.
This small island is home to only around 30 local families, living in a traditional fishing village. The beaches are clean, the sea is a deep, striking blue, and—uniquely, you may even see horses walking along the shoreline, adding to its charm.
There are no cars or motorbikes here. The only ways to get around are on foot or by boat, which creates an atmosphere of total peace and simplicity. If you are visiting Lombok, spending a few days on Gili Asahan can be a deeply refreshing experience.
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Read also: Mount Rinjani Tips for Safely Crossing the ‘Letter E’ Section
Need More Details About Best Places to Visit in Lombok? Contact Us
hikingmountrinjani.com is a Mount Rinjani trekking organizer that specializes in assisting international hikers. Beyond trekking, we also provide in-depth local knowledge about Lombok and its surrounding destinations.
While Mount Rinjani remains closed until early April, we are happy to guide you, arrange transportation, and create the best itinerary to explore Lombok’s most beautiful places safely and comfortably.
Want help planning your trip?
👉 Contact us via WhatsApp below, and let us help you experience the best of Lombok—even when Rinjani is closed.
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