Lombok’s highlights are spread across the whole island — volcanic highlands in the north, white-sand beaches and a famous surf area in the south, waterfalls in the northwest, and the Gili Islands just off the coast. Public transport covers some of it, but having your own vehicle is what makes the difference between a flexible trip and one where you’re waiting around for a minibus. Here’s a rundown of the main destinations, with travel times from the main tourist base in the Mataram and Senggigi area.
Mount Rinjani & Sembalun
Travel time: ~2.5–3 hours from Mataram
Sembalun is the highland valley sitting at the base of Mount Rinjani — an active volcano and the second-highest peak in Indonesia. You don’t need to be a trekker to visit. The savanna landscape, cooler air, and sweeping views make it worth the drive even if you’re not heading up the mountain itself.
The road becomes winding and steep after Masbagik. A city car isn’t the right vehicle for this route — an SUV or a capable MPV like the Innova handles it considerably more comfortably. If you’d rather not deal with the driving yourself, booking a driver for this leg is a sensible call.
The Gili Islands (Trawangan, Meno, and Air)
Travel time to Bangsal Harbour: ~45–60 minutes from Senggigi
The Gili Islands are among the most visited spots in the entire region — clear water, relaxed pace, and good snorkeling accessible right from the beach. To get there, you drive to a ferry pier (usually Bangsal or Teluk Kodek) and take a short boat crossing.
Having your own car makes the pier logistics noticeably easier, especially if you’re traveling with family or a lot of luggage. Trying to coordinate bags and people on public transport to and from the pier is one of those hassles that’s easily avoided.
Pink Beach
Travel time: ~2–2.5 hours from Mataram
Located in East Lombok near Tanjung Ringgit, Pink Beach gets its distinctive colour from coral fragments mixed into the sand. It’s genuinely unusual and one of Lombok’s most striking natural spots.
The road is long and parts of it are unpaved. For a comfortable round-trip in a single day, we’d suggest going with a driver rather than driving yourself — it makes the return trip considerably less tiring after a full day out.
Mandalika & the South Coast
Travel time: ~1–1.5 hours from Mataram
The Mandalika area in Central Lombok is known internationally as a MotoGP circuit venue, but the surrounding coastline is the main draw for most visitors. Tanjung Aan, Seger Beach, and Kuta Lombok offer clear water, dramatic rock formations, and a more laid-back atmosphere than Bali’s equivalent beach areas.
The roads here are well-maintained and the area is accessible even in a city car. A full-day south coast loop is one of the most popular day trips from Mataram or Senggigi and works well as a self-drive route.
Sendang Gile & Tiu Kelep Waterfalls
Travel time: ~1.5–2 hours from Mataram
These two waterfalls in Senaru — near the northern base of Rinjani — are reached by a short walk from the parking area and are among the most accessible natural attractions on the island. Arriving early, which is easy when you have your own transport, gives you the best light and the best chance of having the falls to yourself before tour groups start rolling in.
From Senaru you can also continue further into the Rinjani highland area or along the north coast, making this a natural starting point for a longer loop if you have the time.
All of these destinations are more enjoyable with the right vehicle for the route. Browse our full fleet or check the car rental rate guide to see what fits your group and budget. Ready to book? Message us on WhatsApp and we’ll help match you to the right vehicle for your itinerary.