Lombok, the quieter island neighbour of Bali, has been drawing a steady stream of expatriates for decades. Whether you have come for the pearling industry, the surf, the slower pace, or simply the chance to be somewhere still genuinely off the beaten track, here is what you need to know about life on the ground.
Expatriates in Lombok are living here for a number of reasons and may be involved in hotels, agriculture, pearling, education, restaurants, travel, surfing, diving, mining, arts and crafts businesses, and more. Many other expats retire here and enjoy the slower pace Lombok offers, or base their families here and work off island. Australian, British, New Zealand, German, Belgian, Korean, Dutch, Italian, French, Norwegian and other Europeans, North Americans and others are all well represented in the expat community and meet socially for a variety of activities. Newcomers have always been warmly welcomed.
In recent years the community has also grown to include a younger generation of digital nomads and remote workers, drawn in part by Indonesia’s Digital Nomad Visa (the E33G visa, introduced in April 2024), which allows qualifying remote workers to live in Indonesia for up to one year. For more information on visa options, see our visa and immigration pages.
The expat community is small and everybody knows everybody. It is easy to find your place in the Sasak community as the people are friendly and welcoming. If you just adapt a little, life is uncomplicated on Lombok. The population of Lombok (approximately 5.3 million according to the 2020 census) is predominantly Muslim, but getting along with people is no problem at all. Especially in the Senggigi area, the local people are used to western people and their sometimes “strange behaviour”. Just ask the expats over here what they think and they will confirm this is the place to be for a relaxed life together with the local people. Working with the government is the same as everywhere in this country.
Schools
The main international school serving the expat community in Lombok is Sekolah Nusa Alam (SNA), located at a purpose-built campus in Mataram. Established in 2000, the school moved to its current dedicated facility in 2018. SNA is the only school in Lombok licensed to teach both the Cambridge International Curriculum and the Indonesian National Curriculum, and is an accredited Cambridge IGCSE testing centre. It educates children from playgroup age (3 years) through to Year 13 (18 years), with lessons delivered in English.
Sekolah Nusa Alam (SNA)
Perum Grand Natura, Jl. Terusan Bung Hatta, Karang Baru, Mataram, Lombok Tel: +62 370 647510 [email protected] www.nusaalam.sch.id
For families based in the south of the island, a second international option has been established in recent years. Mandalika Intercultural School (MIS) opened its current purpose-built campus in central Kuta on 18 October 2022. MIS follows the Cambridge curriculum from Early Years through to IGCSE and is aimed particularly at the growing expat community in the Kuta and Mandalika area. The campus spans 10,000 square metres and was built to EDGE environmental standards with Sasak architectural influences.
Mandalika Intercultural School (MIS)
Jl. Merendeng, Kuta, Pujut, Central Lombok Tel: +62 813 5357 8345 [email protected] www.mandalikaschool.org
There are also a number of well-regarded national schools in Mataram operating under Indonesia’s national accreditation system. Your HR department or the wider expat community will be well placed to advise on current options suited to your family’s needs.
The Expat Social Scene
The expats residing in Lombok primarily meet each other in the restaurants and bars, especially the Office Bar and the Beach Club, both in Senggigi. The Senggigi social scene has evolved considerably over the years and the area now has a wider range of beachfront options, from relaxed beach bars to more polished sunset venues, but these two long-standing venues remain firm fixtures on the expat social calendar.
There is also an active Rotary Club on the island, which does considerable charity work locally including building water supplies and supporting children with cleft palate surgeries.
Shopping
Shopping has improved considerably in Mataram over the past decade and continues to develop. Note that the HERO Supermarket that formerly anchored Mataram Mall closed at the end of 2019.
Lombok Epicentrum Mall (LEM)
Jl. Sriwijaya No. 333, Punia, Mataram Tel: (0370) 6172999
The island’s largest and most modern shopping centre, with four floors of retail. Anchor stores include a Hypermart supermarket (the best option in the city for imported and Western groceries), Matahari department store and Cinema XXI. International brands include H&M, UNIQLO, Adidas, Birkenstock, Billabong, Ace Hardware and Informa furniture. Food and beverage options include Burger King, KFC, McDonald’s, Starbucks, J.Co and more. Recently expanded and currently at near-full occupancy.
Mataram Mall
Jl. Pejanggik, Cilinaya, Cakranegara, Mataram Tel: 0817 5757 595
Lombok’s original mall, still operating and home to McDonald’s, KFC and a range of local retailers and fashion outlets. A solid option for day-to-day shopping in central Mataram.
Transmart Carrefour Mataram
Jl. Selaparang No. 60, Mayura, Cakranegara, Mataram
A large-format hypermarket with a wide range of imported goods, household items, clothing and electronics. A good alternative to LEM for bulk shopping and imported groceries.
Beyond the malls, Mataram, Cakranegara and Sweta are filled with shops, markets and independent stores where you can find almost anything you need. Several large hardware and home renovation stores have opened in recent years. Indomaret and Alfamart convenience stores are now found throughout the city and across the island, useful for everyday essentials. More and more boutiques are opening each year as Lombok’s profile continues to grow.
Eating Out
Mataram, Cakranegara, Sweta and the Senggigi area are well served by restaurants of every kind and price point. The list below covers the most reliable options for the expat community, though as always with restaurant listings it is worth checking current status before your first visit, as the dining scene continues to evolve. Prices are approximate per person for a main meal without drinks.
Many hotels also have good dining options, and the Gili Islands (Trawangan and Air in particular) have a strong concentration of Western restaurants.
Local and Indonesian
- Seafood and Grilled Fish 99 — Fresh grilled seafood; fish, crab, prawns and clams cooked to order. One of the most recommended local seafood spots in the city. Budget to mid-range (IDR 50,000-150,000). Jl. Subak III No. 10, Cilinaya, Cakranegara, Mataram. Tel: +62 819 3313 8188
- Warung Menega (New Menega) — Beachside seafood warung serving grilled fish, lobster, squid and clams priced by weight from the day’s catch. A Senggigi institution. Budget to mid-range (IDR 60,000-200,000+). Batu Layar, Senggigi.
- Aroma Restaurant — Local Indonesian and seafood; popular with expat and local diners alike. Budget to mid-range. Mataram. (Verify current address and hours before visiting.)
- Ayam Taliwang (multiple outlets) — Lombok’s signature dish: spicy grilled or fried chicken with plecing kangkung. Available throughout Cakranegara. The legendary Warung Taliwang Khas Pak Udin is a reliable starting point. Budget (IDR 30,000-80,000). Jl. Gelatik No. 2B, Cakranegara.
- Ramayana Restaurant — Indonesian and local Lombok dishes, including the much-praised Rawon (Javanese black beef soup). Budget to mid-range. Jl. Saleh Sungkar, Bintaro, Ampenan, Mataram. (Verify current status before visiting.)
- Warung Sate Rembiga Utama — Sate Rembiga, the local Lombok satay speciality: small beef skewers marinated in sweet soy and spice. A true local institution near the old Selaparang airport. Budget (IDR 25,000-60,000). Jl. Dr. Wahidin No. 5, Rembiga, Mataram.
- XO Suki & Cuisine — Chinese-Indonesian hot pot and suki; popular with families and well suited to groups. Mid-range (IDR 80,000-180,000). Cakranegara, Mataram.
Western and International
- Spice Lounge Bar & Restaurant — European, Asian, fusion and vegan options; beachfront setting with cocktails at sunset. Mid-range (IDR 100,000-250,000). Senggigi.
- Square Restaurant — Fine dining; Indonesian and Western cuisine in a stylish setting. Gluten-free and vegetarian options. One of Senggigi’s best for a special occasion. Mid to upper range (IDR 150,000-350,000+). Jl. Raya Senggigi KM. 8, Senggigi Square, Senggigi. Tel: 0818 0360 7231
- Asmara Restaurant — Indonesian and international; romantic garden setting with twinkling lights. Known for fresh herbs and quality cooking. Mid-range (IDR 120,000-280,000). Jl. Raya Senggigi, Senggigi.
- Taman Restaurant — Indonesian and international; a long-standing Senggigi favourite. Mid-range. Senggigi. (Verify current status before visiting.)
Healthcare
Healthcare on Lombok has improved significantly over the past decade and the island now has international-standard hospital care available for the first time.
The most important development for the expat community has been the opening of Siloam Hospitals Mataram in 2020. Part of Indonesia’s largest private hospital network, Siloam Mataram offers a comprehensive range of services including 24-hour emergency care, CT scan, digital X-ray, laboratory, cardiology, neurology and a range of specialist outpatient clinics. It has experience serving international patients and accepts a number of international insurance providers. For current contact details and appointment booking, see www.siloamhospitals.com.
The two other established private hospitals in Mataram are also worth knowing:
RS Harapan Keluarga
Jl. Ahmad Yani, Selagalas, Mataram Tel: +62 370 673666 A modern private facility with polyclinic, ICU, operating theatres, CT and MRI, hemodialysis, ultrasound, endoscopy and fluoroscopy. Emergency room, ambulance, pharmacy and radiology available 24 hours. Please verify current contact details before attending.
Rumah Sakit Risa Centra Medika
Jl. Pejanggik No. 115, Cakranegara, Mataram Tel: +62 370 625560 Please verify current contact details before attending.
For anything requiring specialist treatment beyond what is available locally, many expats continue to travel to Bali. International SOS maintains a medical clinic in Bali for members:
International SOS Medical Clinic
Jalan By Pass Ngurah Rai 505X, Kuta, Bali Tel: +62 361 710505 www.internationalsos.com
Dental care in Mataram has improved considerably and several modern dental clinics now operate in the city offering good-quality care in clean, well-equipped facilities.
As always when living abroad, comprehensive international health insurance is strongly recommended. See our health and medical pages for further information.
Sports and Recreation
Golf
Lombok Golf Kosaido Country Club (also known as Sire Beach Golf Club) 18 holes, par 72.
Designed by Peter Thompson, Michael Wolveridge and Perret. Beachfront holes on the front nine overlook Sire Bay and the Gili Islands; the back nine offer mountain views toward Rinjani. Caddies available. Clubhouse, restaurant and pro shop on site. Jl. Raya Tanjung, Sire Bay, North Lombok www.sirebeachgolfclub.com
GEC Rinjani Golf & Resort 18 holes, par 72.
Designed by Jack Nicklaus. Set 500 metres above sea level in Narmada with cooler temperatures and dramatic volcanic scenery. Villas, swimming pool, restaurant and pro shop on site. Female caddies trained in English and Japanese available. Jl. Lapangan Golf, Desa Golong, Kecamatan Narmada, West Lombok Tel: +62 370 617 1775 www.lombok-golf.com
Padel
Padel has arrived on Lombok in a serious way. The island now has several established venues catering to all levels, from casual drop-in games to organised tournaments.
La Reunion Padel Club
Lombok’s premier padel facility. Six covered professional-standard courts with floodlighting for evening play. Coaching, clinics, regular tournaments including the annual Open Lombok, an active social community via WhatsApp, and a well-regarded Mediterranean restaurant on site. Racket and ball hire available. Bookings via the Playtomic app. Open daily 9am-9pm. Kuta, Pujut, Central Lombok (83573) Tel: +62 822 3534 3979 [email protected] www.lareunionpadelclub.com
Tampah Hills Sports Centre
Two padel courts and one tennis court set within a luxury hillside villa resort in south Lombok, surrounded by palm trees with ocean views. Courts are well maintained and open to non-guests by arrangement. Racket and ball hire available. Beach volleyball court also on site. Bookable via Playtomic. Desa Mekar Sari, Praya Barat, Central Lombok (83572) www.tampahhills.com
Hiking and Running
Hash House Harriers Lombok
An active chapter with regular runs across the island. A welcoming social group and a great way to meet both the expat and local community. Lombok hosted the 38th Pan Indo Hash in 2024, a sign of the chapter’s health and standing. Find them on Instagram and Facebook: @lombokhashhouseharriers
Mount Rinjani
The island’s defining natural landmark and one of the great trekking experiences in Southeast Asia. At 3,726 metres, Rinjani is Indonesia’s second highest volcano. Licensed guides and camping gear hire are available through operators in Senggigi, Mataram and Sembalun. Two, three and four-day routes are available, with the crater rim and the crater lake (Segara Anak) as the main destinations. The temperature at the summit can drop to close to 0 degrees Celsius, so appropriate clothing and equipment are essential. Always check current permit and access requirements through the Rinjani Trek Management Board before your trek, as these can change seasonally.
Fitness and Other Activities
The island has seen strong growth in its broader fitness and outdoor community in recent years. Yoga studios, CrossFit gyms, cycling groups and surf clubs are now active across Senggigi, Mataram and the south coast. Several hotels also offer tennis courts to non-guests for a fee. The Mandalika SEZ in South Lombok has three international-standard padel courts under construction near the circuit at Bale Seccha, expected to open in late 2025, further expanding the island’s sporting options. Lombok and especially the Gili Islands are famous for diving, snorkelling and surfing. Bangko Bangko in the southwest is the place to be for serious surfers. Gili Trawangan, Meno and Air are renowned for diving and snorkelling, with Trawangan carrying a well-earned reputation as the social hub of the three.
Lombok’s best beaches are well worth exploring as a resident rather than merely as a visitor. Selong Belanak is a wide, calm bay perfect for families, picnics and a romantic sunset drink. Mawun is a quieter crescent ideal for a picnic. Tanjung Aan, with its famous peppercorn-grain sand, is one of the most beautiful small bays in the country.
The Mandalika Development and South Lombok
Perhaps the most transformative change to Lombok in the past decade has been the development of the Mandalika Special Economic Zone (SEZ) on the island’s south coast. The centrepiece is the Pertamina Mandalika International Street Circuit, a 4.3km FIM Grade A motorsport track that hosted its first World Superbike Championship round in November 2021 and welcomed MotoGP back to Indonesia for the first time in 25 years when it hosted the Indonesian Grand Prix in March 2022. The circuit continues to host major international motorsport events each year and has put Lombok firmly on the global sporting map.
The broader Mandalika development has brought a wave of new international hotel brands, upgraded coastal road infrastructure and a significant increase in investment and international tourism to the island’s south coast. The area around Kuta in South Lombok — formerly a quiet surf village — has grown substantially as a result, and now has its own small but active expat community, several coworking spaces, beachfront restaurants and the Mandalika Intercultural School (see Schools section above).
For expats considering where to base themselves, the south coast now offers a genuine alternative to Mataram and Senggigi, with a more relaxed, nature-focused character and a growing range of amenities.
Getting to and from Lombok
Lombok is served by Zainuddin Abdul Madjid Lombok International Airport (LOP) at Praya, approximately 30 to 40 minutes south of Mataram. The airport handles direct connections to Jakarta, Bali, Surabaya, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and — as of April 2025 — Darwin, Australia, a route that significantly improves direct access for Australian expats and their visiting families. Fast boat services to the Gili Islands depart from Bangsal in the north, while the Lembar ferry terminal in the south runs regular services to Padangbai in Bali for both passengers and vehicles.
Electricity and Utilities
Electricity supply across Lombok has improved significantly over the years. PLN (the national utility) has expanded generation capacity on the island and outages are far less frequent than they once were, though occasional interruptions do still occur, particularly in more rural areas and during periods of high demand. Many expat households keep a small backup generator or UPS unit for critical equipment. Internet connectivity has also improved markedly, with fibre broadband options now available in Mataram and 4G/LTE mobile coverage reaching most populated areas of the island.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lombok safe for expats to live in?
Generally, yes. Lombok has a low crime rate relative to many Western cities and the local Sasak community is well known for being friendly and welcoming to foreigners. Petty theft occurs as in any tourist destination and standard precautions apply, but most long-term expats report feeling very comfortable and safe on the island. The Senggigi area in particular is well accustomed to a Western presence. As with anywhere in Indonesia, having a good relationship with your local neighbourhood (RT/RW) helps considerably.
What is the cost of living in Lombok for expats?
Lombok is generally more affordable than Bali and significantly cheaper than most Western countries. A basic lifestyle — local food, scooter transport, modest rented accommodation — can be lived very comfortably for well under USD 1,000 per month. For expats seeking a more comfortable standard with imported groceries, air-conditioning, international school fees and private health insurance, a more realistic monthly budget would be in the range of USD 2,500 to USD 4,000 or more depending on family size and lifestyle. Rents for a furnished two-bedroom house or villa in Mataram or Senggigi typically range from IDR 15 to 40 million per month, though the market moves frequently and prices should be verified locally.
Are there good international schools in Lombok?
Yes. Sekolah Nusa Alam (SNA) in Mataram is the island’s established Cambridge curriculum international school, catering to children from age 3 to 18. Mandalika Intercultural School (MIS) in Kuta is a newer option serving the south coast community with a similar age range. Options are more limited than in Bali or Jakarta, and some families with older secondary-age children choose to commute to Bali or board elsewhere for the final years of high school.
What is the best area to live in Lombok as an expat?
It depends on your lifestyle and priorities. Mataram offers the most urban conveniences — the best hospitals, shopping, schools and banking are all concentrated here. Senggigi is the traditional expat heartland, with a beachfront setting, established restaurants and bars, and a relaxed community feel. The south coast around Kuta and Mandalika is growing rapidly and suits expats who want to be closer to the surf, the MotoGP circuit and the newer resort developments. The Gili Islands are popular with younger expats and those in the dive industry.
Does Lombok have good hospitals?
Healthcare has improved substantially. Siloam Hospitals Mataram, which opened in 2020, is the island’s first international-standard private hospital and can handle a wide range of medical needs including emergencies, surgery and specialist consultations. For routine care, RS Harapan Keluarga and Risa Centra Medika are established private options. For complex or specialist treatment, many expats still travel to Bali. Comprehensive international health insurance is strongly recommended.
Is Lombok more relaxed than Bali for expats?
Most expats who have experience of both say yes. Lombok has a smaller, more close-knit expat community, lower levels of tourist congestion in most areas, considerably less traffic, and a noticeably slower pace of daily life. The trade-off is fewer amenities, a more limited dining and entertainment scene outside Senggigi and Kuta, and less developed specialist services. For expats who find Bali overstimulating or overdeveloped, Lombok is frequently the preferred alternative.
Information on this page has been contributed by expatriates resident in Lombok and is updated periodically. While every effort is made to keep listings current, details for individual businesses, schools and medical facilities should always be verified directly before you rely on them. If you have corrections or updates to suggest, please contact the site editors.
See also: Bali | Practical Information for Expats in Indonesia | Visa and Immigration
