Lombok with Kids: Complete Family Travel Guide (2025)

Getting to Lombok is easy, especially if you plan ahead.

We wrote a full guide about this: 👉 From Bali to Lombok with Kids. It covers all transport options and what to expect when traveling with little ones.

💡 Crew tip: Always arrange a private transfer in advance when arriving at the 👉 airport or 👉 harbor — especially if you’re carrying kids, backpacks, and a stroller. It saves time and stress.

What are the best things to do in Lombok with kids? The best things to do in Lombok with kids include calm beaches near Kuta Lombok, island hopping to the Secret Gilis, visiting waterfalls in the north, exploring the Gili Islands, and easy outdoor adventures like short hikes and beginner surf lessons.

This short but steep and slippery trail near Sembalun leads to panoramic rice field views. Older kids (6+) can hike it with help, younger ones probably need carrying. If you prefer not to arrange everything yourself, check out this guided tour.

💛 Crew Moment: We visited Bukit Selong after the waterfalls, when our kids were already napping in the car. One of us walked up while the other stayed with the sleeping kids, so we still enjoyed the view without waking them.

Tanjung Aan is great for babies and toddlers; calm, shallow water and soft sand. Selong Belanak, our personal favorite, offers more space and small waves for paddling or boogie boards.

Less known than the main Gilis, these tiny islands (like Gili Kondo, Gili Kapal, and Gili Bidara) are quiet, beautiful, and perfect for a DIY beach day. We wrote a full blog about our trip to these islands: 👉 How to visit the Secret Gilis

Interested in a day trip to the Secret Gilis with kids? Check out this tour!

There are also the Southwest Secret Gilis, which are busier and have more facilities, making them easier for families with young children. While they are very pretty, they are not as striking as the East Secret Gilis, but still a great option for a day trip with kids.

We personally found Gili Trawangan the most fun with kids. Yes, it’s the busiest of the three, but there’s also the most to do: beach cafés, bikes, boat trips, and easy access to everything. If you want something quieter, Gili Air has a more relaxed vibe with no cars and safe beaches. Gili Meno is the most peaceful, great for a short visit or if you’re really after downtime. Also check out our full guide: Gili islands with kids

💡 Crew tip: Always pack water shoes for your kids, because some beaches look soft, but broken coral can be sharp in the sand.

On Gili Meno, you can visit a small turtle sanctuary that rescues and raises baby sea turtles. If you’re lucky, you might witness (or help with) a hatchling release; a magical moment for young kids. .

Selong Belanak is one of the best beaches in Lombok for beginner surf lessons. Soft sand, gentle waves, and plenty of space make it ideal for kids around 6 and up.

Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep are jungle waterfalls near Senaru. The trail to Tiu Kelep includes river crossings and slippery stones. Doable with a toddler in a carrier, but expect to get wet. We wrote a full blog about 👉 hiking to the waterfalls with kids, including tips, what to pack, and what to expect.

Other waterfalls, like Benang Stokel and Benang Kelambu, are also very beautiful and suitable for kids (using a carrier for the youngest), but the northern waterfalls remain the most impressive and iconic.

What are the best areas to stay in Lombok with kids? Lombok offers family-friendly areas from quiet beaches in Kuta and Selong Belanak to small guesthouses near waterfalls in North Lombok and peaceful cottages near the Secret Gilis. Pools, baby cots, and easy access to kid-friendly activities make it perfect for families.

Kuta Lombok: Best base for beach time, day trips, and easy access to cafés and shops. You’ll find lots of family-friendly homestays, small hotels, and villas with pools.

Family-friendly options we recommend:

• Yuli’s Homestay – Budget-friendly and welcoming, with clean rooms and a local feel. A simple but solid choice for families looking for a central base in Kuta.
• Sikara Lombok Hotel – Kuta Lombok – A boutique hotel with family rooms.

Selong Belanak: A quieter alternative, perfect for babies and toddlers. Calm, shallow beaches, soft sand, and beginner surf lessons make it ideal for families.

Kid-friendly stays we recommend:

• Amber Lombok Beach Resort – A luxury resort featuring beautiful villas directly on the beach, offering a premium experience for families.
• Tropik Resort Lombok – Charming villas close to the center and Selong Belanak Beach, providing a cozy and convenient stay.

💡 Crew tip: We preferred Selong Belanak. The beach is perfect, the restaurants are good, and it’s much quieter. For specific baby supplies, you’ll need to head to Kuta Lombok, where there’s a larger supermarket.

North Lombok is perfect for families planning to visit Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep waterfalls. Not many large resorts here, but small local guesthouses are cozy and scenic.

Family-friendly options we recommend:

• Rinjani Lodge – Family-friendly stay with views of Mount Rinjani, and easy access to the waterfalls

💡 Crew tip: Book ahead, because we struggled to find places with baby cots and family rooms last minute.

Great for exploring the quiet islands of Gili Kondo, Gili Kapal, and Gili Bidara with kids. Best as a 1–2 night stop to break up the journey. Fewer options here, but it’s peaceful and authentic.

Family-friendly options we recommend:

• Bidara Cottages – A quiet guesthouse with a pool, baby cot, high chair, and warm local hosts. Perfect for a peaceful reset after an active day.

Gili Trawangan offers the most activities for families: beaches, cafés, bikes, and easy access to everything. Gili Air is quieter and car-free, with safe beaches for kids.

Family-friendly options we recommend:

• Villa La Vida – Stylish, family-friendly boutique villa with a pool and spacious rooms. Far enough from the center to be quiet, but still walkable to beach cafés.
• Cinta Cottages – Lush garden setting, beachfront hammocks, and comfy rooms with space for families.

👫 Parent Tip: Have older kids, or want to do something for yourself? The Gilis are one of the best (and most affordable) places to get your Open Water diving certification.

Senggigi used to be Lombok’s main beach area, but it’s not what it once was. Some parts feel a bit run down, and we don’t recommend staying here with kids unless you find a resort you really love. It’s okay for a short transit stop, but there are better options elsewhere.

Traveling Lombok with a baby or toddler is easy with a bit of planning. With a good baby carrier, sun protection, and flexible schedules, even the littlest adventurers can enjoy calm beaches, toddler-friendly waterfalls, and relaxed island days.

We’ve explored all corners of Lombok with our then 2- and 3-year-old. Most activities are perfectly doable with babies and toddlers, but with very little babies it’s best to stick to the more touristy areas like Kuta Lombok and the Gili Islands. We saw many families with babies there. If you venture to more remote spots, make sure you’re stocked with baby essentials in Lombok:

• Diapers & Wipes: Available in touristy areas like Kuta, Mataram, and the Gili Islands; bring extra for remote places (East/North Lombok).
• Baby Food & Formula: Basic brands sold locally; bring familiar brands if needed.
• Swim Diapers: Hard to find outside tourist hubs.
• Transport: Stroller works for smooth streets and resorts; carrier essential for beaches, rice terraces, and jungle trails.
• Sleeping: Some accommodations provide cots; a travel cot is useful for naps on the beach.

Extra travel tips for parents:

• Changing: Public changing tables rare; locals are friendly and usually help.
• Activities: Calm beaches, easy waterfalls, short hikes, rice terrace walks.
• Safety: Supervise near water; avoid tap water; carry first-aid essentials.

A must-have for Lombok with a baby or toddler, because many trails include stairs, uneven paths, or sand. We used our favorite carrier every day: for jungle walks, rice fields, boat transfers, and even in airport queues. A stroller is just not very practical here. Not sure which stroller, carrier or sleep solution works best? We’ve shared the travel gear we use when exploring Asia with kids in a detailed guide.

Mosquitoes are more common near rice fields and during the rainy season. Bring baby-friendly mosquito repellent and dress your kids in light long-sleeve clothing in the evening if necessary.
You could also pack a compact mosquito net, though many accommodations already have one above the main bed. Baby cots, however, often don’t come with a net, so bringing your own is a good idea if you want to be sure.

The sun in Lombok is intense, even on cloudy days. Pack baby-safe sunscreen, UV-protective swimwear, and a good sun hat. Shade isn’t always available, but on most popular beaches in Lombok you can rent a beach umbrella for a small fee.

You can find some baby snacks and basic food items in larger supermarkets in Mataram and Kuta, like crackers, fruit, biscuits, and even some baby food jars. The selection is limited though, so it’s smart to stock up before heading to more remote areas like East or North Lombok.
Formula is also available in some places, but not always the brand you’re used to, so if you want to be sure, bring enough from home.
If you’re staying somewhere with a kitchen, you can also make simple baby food yourself using local fruit, rice, or eggs.

It’s hard to find baby-specific meds in Lombok. Bring essentials like paracetamol, a thermometer (preferably digital), oral rehydration salts (ORS), band-aids, and any allergy medication your child might need.
Also pack plenty of diapers, wipes, and swim diapers. You can usually find these supplies in more touristy areas or bigger cities like Mataram, Kuta, and the Gili Islands, but if you’re heading to more remote spots like East Lombok, it’s best to bring enough with you.

Traveling to Lombok with kids is easy if you come prepared. Many items can be bought locally in tourist hubs like Kuta, Mataram, or the Gili Islands, but some essentials are harder to find.

Key items for kids in Lombok:

• Baby essentials: Bottles, pacifiers, favorite toys
• Travel cot: Handy for accommodations without cots or for naps on the beach. We always use the 👉 Deryan Travel Cot.
• Baby carrier: Essential if you plan on waterfalls, rice terraces, or short jungle hikes. Check out our absolute favorite carrier from Tula.
• Swim diapers: Limited availability outside tourist areas
• Water shoes: Perfect for beaches with sharp coral (Gili islands) or waterfall hikes. Check out 👉 these options
• Documents & money: Passport, credit card, some cash

We’ve made it super easy for you: check out our complete family packing list for Bali & Lombok, including a free printable PDF checklist so you don’t forget a thing!

Traveling Lombok with kids is easy with some planning. Discover practical tips for transport, safety, water activities, and the best time to visit to make your family trip smooth and stress-free.

Transport in Lombok with kids is basic, but manageable. You can hire a private driver (with car seat if pre-booked), rent a scooter (only recommended with older kids), or use shared taxis for short distances. For island-hopping, small boats connect the Gilis with the mainland: fun, but not always smooth.

Lombok is generally safe for families with kids, but you do need to be mindful of hygiene and healthcare access. Use bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth, and avoid ice, raw salads, and uncooked vegetables, especially in rural areas.
Outside of the main tourist zones, healthcare can be very limited, so bring a compact first-aid kit and any essential baby medicine. There are some small clinics in tourist hubs like Kuta and the Gilis, but for anything serious, you’ll likely need to go to a hospital in Mataram.

From slippery jungle trails to rocky or coral-covered beaches, water shoes are really useful for kids in Lombok. They help prevent cuts and slips, especially when walking through rivers or playing in shallow areas. We used them almost every day; at waterfalls, beaches, and even on boat trips.

The dry season (May to October) is an ideal time to visit Lombok with kids; less rain and calmer seas. July and August are peak season, but still much quieter than Bali. The wet season (November to April) brings heavy but short rains and rougher seas, which can affect boat trips and day plans.

Make sure your travel insurance covers children and family activities like boat trips and hiking. Bring any essential medications and a copy of your child’s vaccination records. Arrange airport pickup and request a baby bed if you’re arriving late.
Want a full checklist? Read our blog: 👉 Before You Go: What to Arrange When Traveling to Bali or Lombok with Kids. It covers things like travel documents, vaccines, insurance, airport transport, and more.

Lombok may be a bit wilder and less polished than Bali, but that’s exactly what makes it such a special adventure — even with little ones. With the right prep, it’s a peaceful, nature-filled, and kid-friendly destination that’s absolutely worth exploring.

Whether you’re adding Lombok to a longer Bali trip or flying straight in, traveling here with babies and toddlers is doable and highly recommended. Slower pace, stunning beaches, friendly locals… and just enough challenge to feel like a true adventure.

👉 Planning your trip? Check out these helpful blogs:

📥 Looking for extras? Download our free 👉 3-week Bali & Lombok itinerary to keep little ones entertained, or check out our 👉 Family Travel Shop for journals and more fun printables.

📌 Save this guide to Pinterest & follow us for weekly family travel ideas.
📸 Say hi on Instagram — we love sharing real tips and behind-the-scenes from our adventures with kids!

Happy exploring! 🌿
— The Little Passport Crew

FAQ: Lombok with Kids

Is Lombok suitable for a trip with a baby or toddler?

Yes, as long as you’re prepared. Lombok is quieter than Bali and offers beautiful nature, but facilities like baby supplies and medical care can be limited outside tourist areas. A baby carrier, meds, and flexible mindset go a long way.

Can you buy diapers, formula, and baby food in Lombok?

Yes, but mostly in bigger towns like Mataram or Kuta Lombok. Stock up there before heading to more remote areas. Formula and baby food jars are available, but options are limited.

Is it safe to travel around Lombok with kids?

Generally yes, but roads can be rough, and healthcare limited in remote areas. Use bottled water, be cautious with food, and bring basic medicine for your child.

Is Lombok better than Bali for a family trip?

It depends on what you’re after. Bali has more facilities and entertainment, while Lombok is quieter, more natural, and less crowded. Many families combine both islands for a mix of comfort and adventure.

What’s the best place to stay in Lombok with kids?

Kuta Lombok is a great family base. Gili Air is quiet and car-free. Senaru is good for nature, and East Lombok is ideal for boat trips to the Secret Gilis. Choose based on your travel style and kids’ ages.

What are the best things to do in Lombok with kids?

Families can enjoy calm beaches like Selong Belanak, surf lessons in Kuta, jungle walks and waterfalls near Senaru, and snorkeling around the Gili Islands. Older kids might love a Rinjani viewpoint or local market visit.