What’s it like to move to and live in Lombok?
We all know Bali, which has been a popular tourist, expat and digital nomad destination for years.
But, perhaps partially because of Bali’s fame, neighboring Lombok is becoming increasingly popular as well.
Therefore I’m excited to interview Tania, who currently calls Lombok home.
This interview is part of the Ask an Expat series. In this series I interview people living all over the world but outside of their country of birth. I try to help paint an honest picture of the ups and downs of living abroad, share tips for anyone thinking about moving abroad, and information about the place the expat now lives in.
Living in Lombok, Indonesia
Name: Tania
Age: in her 40s
Hometown: Waipu, New Zealand
Her Story:
“My husband and I left New Zealand in 2022 to travel full-time. We’d been planning it for a few years, and as the pandemic began waning, we set off. We started off in Thailand, one of the few places we could fly into when we left.
We traveled around Southeast Asia for three years, spending time in Thailand, Malaysia, Laos, Vietnam and Indonesia. But we were feeling burnt out. Working remotely and the planning that comes with full-time travel can be hard to mix, as both take a lot of time.
We visited Lombok with some friends and fell in love. It’s beautiful, peaceful, and (like so many places) the local people are so welcoming. As we sat on white sandy beaches, watching buffalo walk past, we knew we wanted to stay.
So we began putting in place plans to make it our base and have been there, on-and-off, for the last two years.”
Why Did You Move to Lombok?
“One of the biggest reasons was the ability to stay long-term, so we could stop packing up and moving every few months.
Also Read: Challenges of Being a Digital Nomad
After years on the road, that sense of stability and grounding became really important to us. In Indonesia, you can invest and apply for a long-term visa called a KITAS or get a long-term tourist visa, which is one of the reasons it’s attractive to so many digital nomads.
Lombok also still has a very laid-back vibe. I’m from a small village in a small country. I didn’t want to be based in a big city. I like being surrounded by farms, beaches, and beautiful mountains, all of which Lombok has.”
What Do You Like About Living in Lombok?
“Like most places, the first thing that stands out is the people.
The Sasak people of Lombok are warm and friendly. As you’re driving around the countryside, they’ll often wave at you from their homes or fields. This translates into a slow pace of life, which I love. Life is not something to be rushed through.”
What Do You Dislike About Living in Lombok?
“I do miss the conveniences of city life sometimes. Being able to order a taxi, go shopping, or visit places like museums and art galleries.
Lombok is small and undeveloped, which has its own charms but can sometimes be frustrating.
Also, the wet season is intense. The wet season begins in December, but January and February are the wettest and in March the rain becomes less. Each wet season is a little different though, depending on the weather patterns like El Niño and La Niña.”
Also Read: Things to Know About Living in Indonesia
Is Lombok Safe as a Place to Live?
“Yes, very. I’ve never felt unsafe in Southeast Asia, as the people are kind and welcoming.
I have heard of a few instances of aggression in the bars late at night, but I’m usually tucked up in bed by then.”
Is Lombok Expensive as a Place to Live?
”It depends on where you compare it to.
If you’re looking at Western cities, then no. It’s cheaper than living somewhere like Sydney or London. However, compared to other digital nomad spots like Vietnam, it is more expensive. Some of that is because it’s an island, so you have to ship a lot of things in.
Lombok is also developing rapidly, which is changing pricing quickly.
Something worth noting about that development: There are many similarities in the growth of Bali and Lombok. There’s a good chance that Lombok follows in a similar path without clear regulations or central planning. However, many people are here because it is not Bali, so perhaps they will build something different? Either way, the growth I’ve seen in the last few years is immense, and I’m not seeing it slow down at all.”
What Is Your Favorite Thing to Do in Lombok?
“Definitely going to the beach.
We live in Kuta, on the south coast of Lombok, and in both directions from town, there are endless bays with relatively untouched white-sand beaches. Many have surf breaking on an outer reef and gentle waves at the shore.
But then there’s also the rest of the island to explore, which has rice paddies, volcanoes, and local villages.”
Any Favorite Bars and Restaurants in Lombok You’d Love to Share?
“So many. Kuta has a great variety of coffee shops, restaurants, and bars.
The best breakfast in town is the hot honey at Milk, Knalpot is my go-to for cocktails, and Warung Ombak for great Indonesian food.”
What Is the Expat / International Community Like in Lombok?
“There are many expats based in Kuta and Sengigi.
There are a lot of Australians, as it’s so close to home, and a growing contingent of Spanish expats (which obviously brings padel courts!).
A lot of people are here long-term, building businesses, but there are also plenty of more transient digital nomads.”
Any Tips for Moving To / Living in Lombok?
“Learn a little Indonesian. It’s a relatively easy language, and it goes a long way with local people.
Also, don’t completely get swept up in the hype here. There’s a huge buzz around Lombok, spilling over from the growth Bali has seen, and a lot of people are offering ways to get rich quickly. Come for the right reasons, and you’ll have a wonderful time here.”
Any Resources You Found Useful During the Process of Moving to and Building a New Life in Lombok?
“The Lombok groups on Facebook were so helpful to us in the beginning to understand how things work.
Also, people who have been living here for a while will have gone through many of the challenges you’re facing, so don’t be scared to talk to people and ask for help.”
Is There Something You Just Have to See or Do When You Are in Lombok?
“I think when you first arrive, one of the best places to spend time is Selong Belanak. It still feels like a small local village (though that’s changing) and has been regularly voted one of the best beaches in the world.”
About Tania
Tania Hack is the co-founder of Slower Travels, a travel blog focused on slow, immersive travel and building a more intentional life abroad.
Originally from New Zealand, she and her husband left home in 2022 to travel full-time through Southeast Asia before making Lombok, Indonesia, their base.
Tania works remotely as a copywriter and website designer for wellness businesses while also growing Slower Travels, where she shares in-depth guides, reflections on long-term travel, and life as a digital nomad.
Her husband also works remotely as a financial adviser, which allows them to live abroad long-term and create a slower, more grounded lifestyle together.
About Lombok, Indonesia
Lombok is an island in Indonesia’s West Nusa Tenggara province, located just east of Bali. While it’s often compared to its famous neighbour, Lombok has a very different feel: quieter, more traditional, and far less developed for mass tourism.
The island has a total population of around 4 million people, most of whom are Sasak, with Islam playing a strong role in daily life and culture.
For expats and remote workers, Lombok’s appeal lies in its slower pace, natural beauty, and sense of space. Think uncrowded beaches, rural villages, volcano views (Mount Rinjani dominates the landscape), and surf spots that rival Bali’s but without the traffic and chaos.
Popular areas for foreigners include Kuta Lombok (South Lombok), Selong Belanak, and parts of Senggigi, depending on whether you’re after surf, quiet beach life, or easier access to services.
Despite feeling remote, Lombok is relatively easy to reach. The island has its own international airport, Lombok International Airport (LOP), with direct domestic flights from Jakarta, Bali, and other major Indonesian cities, as well as some international connections depending on the season. Many people also arrive via boat or fast ferry from Bali, which makes Lombok an easy add-on, or alternative, to Bali.
In terms of infrastructure, Lombok is still developing. Internet and electricity are generally reliable in expat-heavy areas, but power cuts and slower speeds can happen, especially outside the south coast.
Healthcare is basic compared to Bali; for anything serious, many expats travel to Bali or Jakarta.
As with much of Indonesia, having flexibility, patience, and realistic expectations makes a big difference.
Life in Lombok is more conservative than in Bali, and expats are expected to dress and behave respectfully, especially outside tourist zones.
There’s less nightlife, fewer conveniences, and less structure than in Bali, but for expats looking for a calmer, more grounded lifestyle close to nature, Lombok can be a very rewarding place to live.
Also Read:
- Living in Indonesia: Things You Should Know Before Moving Here
- What’s It Like to Live in Jakarta
- What’s It Like to Live in Bali
- Bali for Digital Nomads – A Practical Guide
- Interesting, Surprising & Funny Facts About Indonesia
- The Best Things to Do in Indonesia
- Dengue Fever in Indonesia
- Things to Consider Before Moving Abroad