Lombok, often overshadowed by its neighbor Bali, is an island ofIndonesia With its authentic charm and breathtaking landscapes, this popular destination, renowned for its pristine beaches, surf spots, and Mount Rinjani, still raises the question of safety for travelers.

Indeed, as in any tourist destination, it is important to know the areas to avoid in Lombok and the best places to stay to fully enjoy your stay in peace and quiet.

Is Lombok a safe island?

The overall level of crime in Lombok is low, with a crime index of 48 out of 100, which is below the Indonesian national average.

Violent crime is extremely rare; only petty offenses (pickpocketing, theft) occur. Tourists are generally safe during the day, but they are advised not to walk alone at night in deserted areas.

Compared to other tourist cities in Indonesia, Lombok is considered safer than Kutawhere petty crime is more frequent and much safer than in large cities like Jakarta

Tourists can therefore feel safe in Lombok provided they respect basic precautions and avoid certain areas (see below).

Neighborhoods and areas to avoid in Lombok

• Mataram, the capital of Lombok, has a similar level of crime to other Indonesian urban areas in certain neighborhoods such as Rumah Pak Awang and its surroundingsThis area is described as the most dangerous in Lombok, particularly due to crime and violence.
• Tanjung Aan and its surrounding roads They present risks related to petty crime, including theft or assault, especially outside of daytime hours.
• The road to Pink Beach and nearby areas Some roads near the south are riskier if you are travelling alone or at night, due to unsafe roads and an increased risk of theft or assault.
• Awang in the south and some remote rural areas Their isolation and the low number of foreigners passing through these areas make them places where extreme vigilance is required, particularly with regard to crime and road safety.

3 best areas to stay in for tourists

• Kuta Lombok beach and south coast (localisation google mapsThe Koeta/Baturiti area is the island's main tourist center, ideally located for accessing the most beautiful beaches such as Tanjung Aan, Selong Belanak, and Mawun. It offers numerous services, activities, restaurants, and luxury hotels and secure resorts.
• Senaru and Tetebatu (North and Center) (Google Maps location: More rural areas with a very welcoming local population. Petty crime is very low, but isolation can be a risk. This is the starting point for Mount Rinjani and the Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep waterfalls (Senaru). Cultural immersion and rice paddy landscapes (Tetebatu).
• The Gili Islands (Trawangan, Meno, Air): These islands, part of Lombok, are very popular for their relaxed atmosphere and beautiful beaches. They are generally safe (see my article on security in the Gili Islands).

Which hotel is best for a tourist stay in Lombok?

For a stay in Kuta Lombok, with an ideal location to enjoy the beaches, comfortable accommodation and a safe environment, I recommend staying at Puri Rinjani Bungalows.

Safe excursions from Lombok

The advantage of staying in Kuta Lombok is that it's the starting point for all excursions and organized tours to discover the whole island and its surroundings:

• Private cultural tour of Sasak villages : Immersion in the local culture and discovery of the beaches of Kuta and Tanjung Aan. Book
• Excursion to Gili Layar, Gili Rengit and Gili Gede Exclusive exploration of the islands of southwest Lombok, snorkeling and secluded beaches. Book
• Private excursion to Gili Nanggu, Sudak and Kedis : Discover three paradise islands, snorkeling and relaxation. Book
• Snorkeling in the Gili Islands : Snorkeling tour in the archipelago with equipment provided and underwater exploration. Book
• Private Excursion to Pink Beach : Visit to Lombok's two Pink Beaches and snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters. Book
• Free day trip in Bali : Transfer by speedboat to Bali and free time to explore the island. Book
• Private speedboat excursion to Gili Air : Full tour of Gili Air, beaches and snorkeling. Book