There was a time when arriving in Lombok felt like arriving somewhere slightly off the map.
You would land, collect your bag, find your driver and head out into an island that seemed to move at its own pace. The roads opened up, the beaches felt far away from the crowds, and there was usually a little more space between you and the next tourist. Then, how many people are visiting Lombok? We will guide you to explore the latest passenger figures and what they reveal about tourism on the island.
These days, there are simply more people making that journey.
Between January and June 2026, 1,073,564 passengers passed through Zainuddin Abdul Madjid International Airport, Lombok’s main gateway (source: Zainuddin Abdul Madjid International Airport, 20260. That is 18 percent more than the 908,586 passengers recorded during the comparable period in 2025. The airport expects passenger traffic to grow another 2 percent over the course of 2026.
It is a big number, although it is worth remembering that airport passenger figures include both arrivals and departures, as well as domestic and international travellers.
Still, it gives you an idea of how much movement there is around the island.
A Growing Stream of Travellers
Walk through Lombok Airport on any given day and the people arriving are coming from all sorts of places.
Some have flown in from Jakarta or Surabaya. Others have come across from Bali. There are travellers arriving from Yogyakarta and other Indonesian cities, too.
The airport currently connects Lombok with 12 domestic routes and two international routes, with Kuala Lumpur and Singapore providing its international links.
Jakarta is the busiest domestic connection. From January to June 2026, 229,565 passengers departed from Lombok to Jakarta, making it the airport’s top domestic route.
For some, Lombok still means a few slow days around the Gili Islands.
For others, it means surfing in the south, climbing Mount Rinjani or discovering the beaches around Kuta and Senggigi. And increasingly, the island is attracting visitors interested in sports, helped by the development of the Mandalika Special Economic Zone and its MotoGP circuit. Here are 15 place you need to visit while you are in Lombok.
From sun-soaked beaches to lush hills and mountain landscapes, Lombok has no shortage of places worth exploring. If you’re planning a trip, don’t stay in one spot—add these places to your Lombok itinerary.
1. Mount Rinjani National Park
Home to Indonesia’s second-highest volcano, Mount Rinjani rises to 3,726 metres and is one of Lombok’s biggest attractions. Trekkers can climb via Senaru or Sembalun for spectacular mountain views.
2. Segara Anak Lake
Hidden inside Rinjani’s caldera, this turquoise volcanic lake sits around 2,000 metres above sea level. Camp beneath the stars, visit the nearby hot springs, and take in views of Mount Barujari.
3. Mangku Sakti Waterfall
Tucked into the Sembalun area, Mangku Sakti is a dramatic 30-metre waterfall surrounded by jungle and rocky cliffs. Its turquoise pool makes it a refreshing stop after exploring the area.
4. Benang Kelambu Waterfall
In Central Lombok, Benang Kelambu is known for its curtain-like streams flowing through dense greenery. It’s an easy choice for a peaceful escape into nature.
5. Bukit Pergasingan
Located near Sembalun, Bukit Pergasingan offers sweeping views of Rinjani and the patchwork fields below. The hike is much shorter than climbing Rinjani, making it a popular sunrise spot.
6. Taman Narmada
Built in the 18th century, Narmada Park offers a glimpse into Lombok’s royal past. The historic gardens, temples, bathing pools and sacred springs make it a peaceful cultural stop.
7. Pink Beach
Yes, the sand really is pink. Located in East Lombok, Pantai Tangsi gets its rosy colour from crushed red coral mixed with white sand. It’s a beautiful spot for swimming, relaxing and taking in the scenery.
8. Semeti Beach
Near Selong Belanak, Semeti Beach is known for its dramatic volcanic rocks and natural tide pools. Visit around low tide to see the coastline at its best.
9. Penyisok Beach
Wild and remote, Penyisok combines rolling grasslands with dramatic cliffs overlooking the ocean. It’s one of those places that feels far removed from the usual tourist trail.
10. Nambung Beach
On Lombok’s southwest coast, Nambung is famous for its natural “saltwater waterfall.” When waves hit the reef, seawater spills over the rocks like a cascade. Timing is everything, as the spectacle depends on the tide and waves.
11. Mandalika
Mandalika has become one of South Lombok’s biggest tourism hubs, combining beaches, surf breaks, hills and resorts. Spend time around Kuta Mandalika and head up Merese Hill for sunset views.
12. Senggigi Beach
One of Lombok’s classic beach destinations, Senggigi offers a relaxed mix of coastline, cafés, sunsets and clear waters. It’s also conveniently located near Mataram.
13. Gili Trawangan
The liveliest of the three Gili Islands, Gili Trawangan is known for beach bars, snorkeling and its laid-back island atmosphere. There are no motorized vehicles, so bicycles are the way to get around.
14. Gili Meno
For a quieter island escape, head to Gili Meno. Its calm waters, turtle-filled seas and relaxed atmosphere make it a favourite for couples and travellers looking to slow down.
15. Gili Air
Gili Air strikes a balance between the lively atmosphere of Gili Trawangan and the quiet of Gili Meno. Spend the day snorkeling, swimming or simply enjoying the island at a slower pace.
That variety is part of what makes Lombok interesting right now.
The island has the destinations people already know, but it also has plenty of places that are only beginning to appear on travellers’ itineraries.
And as the number of people arriving continues to rise, those lesser-known corners are likely to become part of the story too.
So, How Many People Are Visiting Lombok?
There is no simple answer to that question from airport traffic alone.
The 1.07 million figure is passenger traffic, not a count of unique tourists visiting Lombok. It includes people arriving and departing, as well as domestic passengers and international travellers.
But it is still a useful window into the scale of travel happening around the island.
More than a million passenger movements in just six months. New and growing international markets. More connections to major cities. And an airport expecting further growth this year.
Lombok may still have plenty of quiet roads and empty beaches.
But the island is no longer a secret.
And the numbers are beginning to make that increasingly difficult to ignore.
Read also about How to Get Around Lombok: Easy Transport Guide
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