Tanjung

Southeast Asia · Indonesia

Did you know?

  • Bayan and Sembalun trace their foundation to a Majapahit prince.
  • An inland excursion to Kotaraja can include Sasak stick-fighting demonstrations.
  • The Sokong Community Action Program involves visitors in coral regeneration and agricultural projects.

See also

Gili Air

Indonesia

8.36°S 116.08°E · 10 m

Mataram

Indonesia

8.58°S 116.12°E · 24 m

Senaru

Indonesia

8.30°S 116.41°E

Overview

Tanjung is a quieter north-coast base with access to the Gilis and Rinjani foothills. Nearby communities offer village visits and environmental projects.

CultureHistoryNature

Languages: Indonesian

Why go?

Tanjung is Lombok's quietest beach destination, offering luxury resorts like The Oberoi Lombok and Medana Bay Marina without the commercial chaos of Senggigi or Gili Trawangan. It's the gateway to the Gili Islands, Mount Rinjani, and traditional Sasak villages, making it ideal for nature lovers, golfers, and travelers seeking a slower pace with access to world-class diving and trekking.

Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0

Getting in

Fly into Lombok International Airport (LOP) in south-central Lombok at Praya, then arrange a taxi or hotel transfer. Lombok Taksi and Express Taksi offer metered rides throughout the area. Some travelers arrive via fast boat from Bali to Gili Islands or Senggigi. If taking the slow ferry from Bali, arrange transport in advance from Lembar port.

Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0

Getting around

Metered taxis like Lombok Taksi and Express Taksi operate 24 hours throughout the Tanjung area, servicing destinations like Bangsal, Sira, Medana, Senaru, and across Lombok. Hotel transfers can be arranged for airport pickup. Cidomo horse carts wait near Bangsal pier for the short ride to public boat landing points.

Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0

Where to stay

Tanjung has no mid-range accommodation—it's either luxury resorts or budget options elsewhere. The Oberoi Lombok (US$345-1128) at Medana Beach is Lombok's most prestigious resort, while The Lombok Lodge offers boutique luxury from US$160-240. Budget travelers should look to Senaru on Mount Rinjani's slopes, Gili Islands, or Senggigi to the south. Homestay Brata Yuda near Sokong offers cultural immersion at Rp 200,000-300,000 per night with home-cooked meals.

Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0

Food and drink

Most international dining is confined to hotel restaurants at The Oberoi Lombok, The Lombok Lodge, and Hotel Tugu Lombok, which serve Western and Indonesian cuisine with wine. Local eating houses line the main highway through Tanjung district—seek these out for authentic Sasak food at lower prices. For diverse international dining, travelers head south to Senggigi. Pantai Sira has sunset bars and food stalls, with cheaper options further north.

Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0

Things to do

Resort-area activities center on Sire Beach and Medana: diving, snorkelling, fishing charters, and traditional spa treatments. The 18-hole Kosaido Golf Club on the Sire Peninsula offers championship play with Mt. Rinjani views. Day trips include Gili Islands snorkeling, Senaru waterfall hikes, and visits to traditional weaving villages. The Sokong Community Action Program lets visitors participate in coral regeneration and agricultural projects for stays from a few days to three weeks minimum.

Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0

Day trips

Tanjung is perfectly positioned for Lombok's highlights: public boats to Gili Islands depart Bangsal 08:00-17:00 for Rp 10,000; Mount Rinjani is an active volcano accessible from nearby Senaru; Bayan and Sembalun are among Lombok's oldest villages, founded by a Majapahit prince; Tetebatu offers traditional Sasak handicraft artisans and nearby Kotaraja hosts Lombok's best stick-fighting demonstrations. The scenic west coast highway passes through Bangsal, Nipah, Senggigi, and ends in Mataram.

Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0

Connectivity

Mobile coverage is reliable via Indonesian carriers: Telekomsel's Simpati SIM has the best signal in Tanjung, while XL Axiata and Indosat also provide coverage. WiFi is available at hotels and resorts, though coverage can be inconsistent. For connectivity, budget travelers may prefer staying on Gili Islands where WiFi cafes are common.

Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0

Safety

Tanjung is generally safe with a quiet, resort-focused atmosphere. The main hospital is in Mataram (30+ minutes away), though local health clinic Puskesmas Tanjung handles minor emergencies. Be cautious on roads at night—driving standards and lighting can be poor. Avoid isolated beaches after dark and secure valuables in resort areas. During rainy season (November-March), Mount Rinjani access may be suspended.

Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0

Go next

From Tanjung, charter or public boats depart Bangsal for Gili Islands (Rp 10,000 public, speedboats from Teluk Nare). Trek Mount Rinjani from Senaru, visit traditional villages Bayan and Sembalun, or head to Tetebatu for Sasak handicrafts. The scenic west coast road passes through Nipah, Senggigi, and ends in Mataram and Ampenan for flights or ferry to Bali from Lembar port.

Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0

Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.

Places to know

A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.

  • sleep

    Homestay Brata Yuda

    This village homestay offers visitors an opportunity for a cultural and social immersion experience in a contemporary local Sasak kampung (village). The facilities are modest but sufficient and the hospitality is genuine and un-pretentious including home cooked meals and the opportunity to meet and interact with a local community in the Tanjung area. Trips to local rice fields, coffee, cocao and clove plantations can be arranged as well as the more predictable touristic sites. The hosts are heavily involved in local community based agricultural training and development programs and also offer opportunities for direct involvement in volunteer and community development programs if visitors are interested. People can just use the homestay if they require but the homestay's stand out feature is the opportunity to see more of the local community than most visitors normally do. If required a car or taxi can be arranged for transport to the location. Singles and small groups are welcome. For more adventurous guests trips and overnight stays can be provided to a nearby tradition mountain village, access is by motor bike and conditions are more basic, but still very welcoming.

    Recorded price: 1 person/Rp 200,000, 2 people Rp 300,000 per night includes a pick up at Bangsal pier by motorcycle. 3 meals per day per person is Rp 100,000 extra

    Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors

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    Hotel Tugu Lombok

    Neighboring the Tugu grounds is the 18-hole Kosaido Golf Club. The hotel is surrounded by traditional village houses and green fields. Tugu's land comprises approximately 6 hectares of palm plantations and has views of the sea and Mount Rinjani. The clear blue water of Sire beach in front of the hotel is ideal for swimming, snorkelling and diving. Some visitors may find the hotels design concept and layout unresolved.

    Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors

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    Marina at Medana Bay

    Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors

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    Medana Resort

    Many of their staff come from the surrounding villages. Open air restaurant and bar with views of coconut palm trees and the sweeping bay toward the Gili's, quiet pretty area with views of distant Bali and Mount Agung lie across the sea to the west.

    Recorded price: double US$110 including tax, single US$99 including tax

    Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors

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    Rinjani Beach Eco Resort

    The resort is behind the rice fields by the beach with a beautiful sun set view of Gunung Agung in Bali and a sun rise view of Gunung Rinjani. An open air restaurant faces the ocean. Beachside pool and a dive shop onsite. Tours to waterfalls, temples and traditional villages, biking and canoeing can be organised.

    Recorded price: Backpacker bungalow-double Rp 300,000, single Rp 250,000. Bamboo villa Rp 750,000, a villa by the beach is Rp 900,000, all rates include tax and breakfast

    Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors

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    Sira Beach House

    Salt-water swimming pool plus tennis court. Villa backs onto the Kosaido golf course. Views across the sea to nearby Gilli Islands and Bali’s Mount Agung, contemporary decor, full facilities. sleeps 12-14 people in 6 double bedrooms. Rates include breakfast and all laundry. Extensive private grounds, beachfront location, suitable for families.

    Recorded price: US$89-1,395

    Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors

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    The Anandita

    Private villa over 3 acres in size next to the Kosaido golf course and 5 minutes by boat from the Gili Islands. 27-m private swimming pool and a volleyball court and fronts directly on the beach. Located close to the Tugu and the Oberoi hotels, the villa includes 4 bedrooms, private pool and garden and has a full complement of 16 staff including chef, maids and security. Prices vary depending on season, and is for the entire villa.

    Recorded price: From US$625-1,395.

    Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors

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    The Lombok Lodge

    Boutique beachside hotel opened in 2010 with 7 lodge-suites overlooking the north western coastline of Lombok. Quiet and secluded position, distinctive contemporary and stylish design, infinity pool overlooks the beach and sea. Suites equipped with A/C, 32” flat screen satellite TV, DVD player, Bose Sounddeck, itouch, electronic personal safe and Wi-Fi internet access. See promotions section on their website.

    Recorded price: Normal price, US$240, specials from US$160

    Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors

Before you go

Accommodation

No mid-range options in Tanjung—luxury resorts or budget elsewhere (Gili Islands, Senaru, Senggigi).

Connectivity

Telekomsel Simpati has best coverage; XL Axiata and Indosat available but inconsistent.

Health

Main hospitals in Mataram (30+ min away); local clinic at Puskesmas Tanjung handles minor issues only.

Money

Use Indonesian Rupiah; ATMs available but limited in Tanjung—carry cash from Mataram. Market and local shops accept cash only.

Transport

Metered taxis (Lombok Taksi, Express Taksi) operate 24 hours; public boats to Gili Islands depart Bangsal Rp 10,000.

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