After 3 Weeks in Lombok I Show You Where To Stay and Avoid + MAP 2026

If I had to choose just one place to stay in Lombok, it would be Kuta. It's the most tourist-friendly area of the island and, therefore, where you'll find the most variety of activities, entertainment, and restaurants.

From coworking spaces, surf schools, gyms that look like they're straight out of a movie, to restaurants for all tastes and budgets.

Whether you're traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, Kuta is the best option. That said, I'm going to help you choose exactly which part of Kuta fits you best.

North Kuta Zone: Private Pool Villas

The northern area of Kuta is developing very fast with massive investment in private villas with pools. Although you can find these in other parts of the island, most are located here.

PROS

• Honestly, many times I felt more like staying in the villa with the pool and garden reading or chatting than going out to the beach.
• It's a quieter area, without the noise of bikes, music, etc.
• Prices aren't exaggeratedly high (for now). You can find very nice and fully equipped villas for $60 a night.

CONS

• Since it's a new area, many roads are dirt tracks.
• Unless you want to walk 30 mins every day to the beach or tourist bars under the sun, you'll need a scooter.
• Being an undeveloped area, you might find construction sites nearby. They don't make much noise, but keep it in mind.

Ideal for: Couples looking for something more intimate, quiet, and who don't mind driving a scooter.

Here is a list of villas with private pools in the North Kuta area. I stayed at one called Akuta Residences and I recommend it because the quality is very high, although if you find another with good ratings and a better price, that works too.

Kuta Center: Hotels, restaurants, and fun

In Kuta Center, you'll find plenty of bars, restaurants, and cafes to work on your laptop for a few hours. There are also cheaper hotels with simple rooms and small luxury resorts with bungalow-style cabins.

Since regardless of where you stay, you'll likely pass through here, here is a list of restaurants, cafes, and leisure spots.

Restaurants I really liked:

1. Guru: Breakfasts.
2. Sonya's seafood: Dinner or lunch.
3. Curfew Restaurant and Beer Garden: Cafe.
4. Elamu Lombok: Dinner and Sunday parties.

Other leisure spots:

• XENO Fit: Killer gym (almost open-air).
• La Reunión Padel Club: Yes, Lombok has padel courts haha.

Now, let me tell you the pros and cons I see in the center.

PROS

• If you're scared of riding a bike, you're 10 minutes walking distance from any bar, cafe, or restaurant.
• Most meet-ups happen around here.
• The party, bars, and atmosphere are in this zone.

CONS

• Noisier (bikes, trucks, cars).
• It's hard to find private villas, as every square meter is used in the center.

Ideal for: Solo travelers, digital nomads, and groups of friends, as it will be easier to meet people and go out for a drink.

Here is a list of accommodations with great value for money in the center.

If you are looking for the best hotel in Kuta Center and with budget-friendly prices, take a look at Sima Hotel. INCREDIBLE!

East Kuta: Bungalows and Beaches

In East Kuta, you'll find very quiet resorts and bungalow complexes at a super-cheap price.

Right next to Mandalika Beach and less than 5 minutes by bike from Kuta Center, for me, it's one of the best options if you come with family or as a couple.

Now, let me tell you a bit about the pros and cons I see in the east zone.

PROS

• Quieter than any other area. Even more than the north.
• Prices are still cheap (although little by little this area is growing and prices will rise).
• Mandalika beach is 3 minutes away by bike.

CONS

• You definitely need a scooter to move around.

Here are the bungalows where I stayed and the value for money is amazing.

Ideal for: I recommend East Kuta to couples and families with kids looking for something quiet, near the beach, and at a cheap price.

Kuta - Mandalika: Luxury Resort Zone

This area is one of the most luxurious in Lombok. It has two resorts focused on families and couples looking for a mix between luxury vacations and local experiences.

If your budget allows it, I recommend booking one of these two, as you'll be blown away by the facilities and proximity to the beach.

Right next to Mandalika Beach and less than 5 minutes by bike from Kuta Center, for me, it is one of the best options if you are looking for quality and comfort.

PROS

• Beachfront. You take one step and touch the sand.
• Very high quality services.
• Pools, sunbeds, beach... basically, a 10/10.

CONS

• Few cons I see... well, they have a higher price than the rest of the hotels I mentioned haha.

Recommended: See Novotel Lombok Resort.

⛔ Senggigi: It's past its prime

It was the first tourist area in Lombok, but today it feels faded. There is less atmosphere, many places are closed, and beaches that for me are less beautiful. What does beat other areas is that due to its location (West Lombok) you can see a beautiful sunset.

🧘 Gili Gede: Zen Mode

If you come in zen mode and want real calm, tranquility, and more expensive beachfront hotels, the west area of Lombok along with Gili Gede is your best option.

That said, don't expect many services beyond the hotel.

The good thing about this area is nature, sea activities, and the tranquility of being in a less saturated area of Lombok. Although if you stay in Lombok, it is relatively easy to reach this area.

Take a look here at hotels in Gili Gede and surroundings.

🐢 Gili Islands: Best for snorkeling

If you are organizing a trip to Lombok and are doubting whether to include the Gili Islands or stay only on the mainland, my personal advice: if you have the time, take advantage and spend a day in Gili Islands.

But if you go with children, with limited time, or prefer vacation resorts, basing yourself in Lombok (for example in Kuta-Mandalika) also works very well. Since in those areas you can also surf, snorkel, and do water activities.