West Nusa Tenggara (Nusa Tenggara Barat) is an Indonesian province spanning two main islands—Lombok and Sumbawa—offering a diverse blend of volcanic peaks, pristine beaches, and rich Sasak and Sumbawan cultures. From the towering Mount Rinjani and the turquoise Gili Islands to the legendary surf breaks of Lakey Beach and the remote wilderness of Moyo Island, the province delivers world-class adventure and relaxation in equal measure.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Snorkeling at Gili Air
Snorkeling in the shallow waters of Gili Air's east beach with virtually guaranteed sea turtle sightings just 30–50 metres from shore — one of Indonesia's most accessible and magical family wildlife experiences
Duration: 2–4 hours
Selong Belanak Beach Day
A full day at Lombok's most family-friendly beach with gentle, consistent waves perfect for children learning to swim or surf, and crystal-clear shallow water for paddling and building sandcastles
Duration: Full day
Sindang Gile Waterfall Hike
A gentle jungle hike accessible for children aged 5 and above to the spectacular Sindang Gile waterfall in Senaru, with the option of extending to the larger Tiu Kelep waterfall for older children and teenagers
Duration: 2–3 hours
Narmada Water Palace Visit
A beautiful Balinese royal garden with terraced sacred pools and Hindu temple architecture that children find fascinating — local children often swim in the sacred pool which delights visiting young travellers
Duration: 1.5 hours
Banyumulek Pottery Workshop
Watching and trying traditional Sasak hand-pressing pottery techniques is an absorbing hands-on cultural experience that children love — artisans are usually happy to let children try moulding clay under supervision
Duration: 1–2 hours
Gili Island Bicycle Tour
Cycling the perimeter of any of the car-free Gili Islands is a perfect family activity — Gili Meno (smallest) takes 45 minutes to cycle around, Gili Air about 1 hour, Gili Trawangan about 2 hours
Duration: 2–3 hours
Beginner Surf Lesson at Selong Belanak
Selong Belanak has the gentlest and most consistent surf break for beginners in Lombok — professional instructors, calm bay, and longboards make it the ideal first surfing experience for older children and teenagers
Duration: 2 hours
Sasak Cultural Village Visit (Sade)
An engaging cultural visit to the authentic Sasak village of Sade where children can observe traditional weaving, learn about the unique buffalo-dung polished floors, and interact with village children in their daily environment
Duration: 1.5 hours
Scuba Discover Dive at Gili Trawangan
PADI Discover Scuba Diving experience suitable for non-certified divers aged 12 and above — dive centres at Gili Trawangan are the best in the region with professional instructors for first-timers
Duration: 3 hours
Cooking Class: Making Sasak Satay
A short, fun cooking session focusing on making sate and pelecing sauce — children love the process of threading skewers and the reward of eating what they made immediately afterwards
Duration: 2 hours
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
The Santosa Villas & Resort
Senggigi's best family hotel with multiple pools including a waterslide pool, beach access, villa accommodation, and water sports equipment including kayaks and paddle boards
Family features: Waterslide pool, water sports, beachfront, villa accommodation, children's activities
Sheraton Senggigi Beach Resort
Reliable international-standard resort with private beach, two swimming pools, and a range of children's activities including beach games and cultural workshops
Family features: Private beach, 2 pools, children's activities, family rooms, babysitting on request
Gili Air Lagoon Resort
The best family base on the Gili Islands — Gili Air is far calmer than Gili Trawangan with shallow snorkeling for kids and a relaxed atmosphere
Family features: Shallow snorkeling, beachfront bungalows, no party scene, dive centre, pool
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
Most tourist restaurants in Lombok and the Gili Islands welcome children; high chairs available at resort restaurants
Sasak food can be intensely spicy — always request 'tidak pedas' (not spicy) for young children
Indonesian portions are usually generous — consider sharing main dishes to reduce waste and cost
Fresh fruit smoothies and young coconut water are excellent hydration options for children; widely available and very cheap
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Choose the dry season (May–September) for family travel — predictable weather, calm seas, and optimal beach conditions
Rent a car with a driver ($35–50/day) rather than motorbikes when travelling with young children
Pack electrolyte sachets — children dehydrate quickly in tropical heat and humidity
Bring reef-safe sunscreen from home — it is both better for coral reefs and significantly cheaper than locally available options