South Lombok After Dark: Discover the Best Nightlife Hotspots
Lombok is a lush island to the east of Bali, skirted by white sand beaches and known for its tropical climate and local Sasak culture. While it’s not a party-all-night island like Bali, Lombok also has more going for it than beautiful mindful sunrise walks, fresh coconut water, and mountain hikes. The daytime activities in Lombok are pretty great but it also has a fun, laid back nighttime scene for when you feel like letting your hair down.
When is the best time to visit Lombok?
Lombok is great for surfers, trekkers and poolside-loungers all year round. The tropical climate skews warmer and has more showers during the wet season, from October to March, though rain usually lasts less than an hour per day. April to September is the dry season, where rain is less frequent and the humidity subsides a bit.
Nightlife varies slightly between these two seasons – the Dry Season is more tourist heavy, so the nightlife is more lively. However, during the Wet Season in February there are some local festivals and celebrations. Ramadan runs from late March through most of April, and impacts nightlife significantly, with most venues shut at 6pm throughout the month. In February, however, there’s a local celebration for Princess Mandalika, which often includes a parade and nighttime festivities. In February the island also celebrates Chinese New Year.
Best Bars and Restaurants in Lombok
SIWA Resorts
SIWA Resorts is a stunning new development high on the hills that overlook Mandalika. Luxurious share plates and a refined wine list make it perfect for a night of celebration and indulgence. Every Friday they host ‘Frequency Fridays’, a happy hour event with a live DJ who spins into the night. Sundays are ‘Spritz Sundays’ where you can enjoy discounted drinks and live music. The atmosphere is relaxed but elegant, the place for a sunset cocktail where you can drink in the view.
Address: Prabu, Pujut, Central Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
Opening Hours: 8am – 8pm
Cantina Mexicana: Satu Lagi
You can’t go wrong with Coronas and quesadillas. Cantina Mexicana is an al fresco restaurant and bar, serving up iconic Mexican eats and drinks. Its colourful decor and lively clientele are best enjoyed on a Thirsty Thursday, when a live band plays and margaritas are 50k until 7pm. If you want a less hectic experience, visit on Taco Tuesday, when every margarita comes with a free taco.
Address: Jalan Raya Kuta 6, Kuta Lombok, Puyut, Kuta, Lombok, Central Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara 83753, Indonesia
Opening hours: Open from 12pm
KRNK Sports Bar
The place to go when you want a proper, naughty feed. With stacked burgers, fresh pizzas, ice cold drinks and giant cookies for dessert, it’s hard to resist temptation at KRNK. Its rustic, playful decor features colourful doors all over the ceiling and hand painted wall art, which contributes to its down-to-earth vibe. They’re open until late, so stay for a dance under the disco ball. Check their instagram for the occasional games night or drinks special.
Address: Lombok, Next To El Bazar, Jl. Raya Kuta No. 5a Kuta, Kuta Lombok, Pujut, Central Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara 83573, Indonesia
Opening hours: Opens 12pm
BARA
Bara is a warm, modern pool club with plenty of indulgent food and drink options. By day, they sell treats from their bakery and brew classic coffees, and by night they crank up the woodfire oven and get out the cocktail shakers. You can expect classic drinks and Western cuisine: pizzas, bruschetta and delicious vegetarian sides. Plan to visit on Saturdays between 5 and 7 to take advantage of their ‘Surf Saturday’ event, with beer buckets and two for one cocktails.
Address: Jl. Raya Kuta, Kuta, Kec. Pujut, Kabupaten Lombok Tengah, Nusa Tenggara Bar. 83573, Indonesia
Opening hours: 7.30am – 12am
Treehouse
Treehouse is a laid back, open air bar that does what it says on the tin: it’s a treehouse. Built around a beautiful old tree and featuring playful swings, Treehouse is known for its acai bowls and fruit smoothies. They also do killer cocktails, though, and have a great, relaxed atmosphere to enjoy on a balmy night. Perch on a swing or put your feet up on one of their couches while you chat into the late hours. Their food options are nourishing and filling; think vegetable soups and stuffed meat dishes. Great for famished hikers or surfers after a day in the elements.
Address: Jl. Mawun, Kuta, Kec. Pujut, Kabupaten Lombok Tengah, Nusa Tenggara Bar., Indonesia
Opening hours: 8am – 11pm
Things to do in Lombok
Stargazing at Kuta Mandalika Beach Park
After a night of good food, great drinks and even better company, decompress by walking by Kuta Mandalika Beach Park. Breathe in the fresh air and enjoy stargazing; if you come from a place with lots of light pollution, the constellations visible in Lombok will amaze you. If you’re shaky on your Orion’s belts and Big Dippers, you might like to download a night sky app (here’s a free one). Stargazing at Kuta Mandalika Beach Park is perfect for a romantic stroll or post-drink debrief with your friends.
Watch the Sunset at Bukit Merese
Lombok Accommodation
If you’re looking for a place to stay in Lombok that’s close to both the nightlife and the wildlife, have a look at KU Villas. KU offers everything from single rooms to villas with private plunge pools, and has a company ethos of sustainability and wellness. Enjoy a pool and day spa on the property; you might need it after a night out.
Other activities in Lombok
