Here is Your Ultimate Backpacking Tips to Mandalika!

Backpacking Tips to Mandalika – The island of Lombok has gained its popularity since Bali has become an overcrowded place to some. Travelers have found themselves an alternative to something other than the megastar Ubud or Kuta, and that is Kuta Mandalika.

One thing about Lombok, it is an island blessed with many things. Like lush green hills and picturesque landscapes are not enough, the south coast of the islands is blessed with a stretch of pristine beaches facing the vast and glisten Indian ocean – known as the Mandalika of Lombok – the place often is the main destination for backpackers.

Titled as one of Indonesia’s super-priority destinations, Mandalika is home where turquoise sea water meets thousand grains of sand. The gift that God has given to Mandalika is too precious to be missed and explored freely by those feet of yours.

Read more: 

• Tourist Attractions in Mandalika, West Nusa Tenggara, Aside from Beaches
• Try These Outdoor Activities at Merese Hill to Complete Your Mandalika Road Trip
• Best Go-to Surfing Spots in Mandalika, Surf Up!

Backpacking to Mandalika by Your Own? Why Not?!

There must be a reason why Mandalika has been everyone’s heartthrob, rivaling Bali. It’s not just about the way it’s so easy to get your skin being kissed by the sun, it’s how everything is perfect for backpacking. Hence why we’re here to get you through these backpacking tips to Mandalika.

Pre-Departure Backpacking Tips to Mandalika

1. Choose the best time to visit Mandalika

When it comes to Mandalika, it’s all gonna be about beaches, sunsets and sunrises, rejuvenating cocktails, and playing with sea waters all day long. There will be never a day where you are not challenged to explore the pristine beaches of Mandalika.

So, the best time to visit Mandalika is between June to September, where the weather is perfect for beach-cation and a dose of vitamin sea. They are the best months where it is not too cloudy, or rainy. Get ready for the perfect sun-kissed skin 😉

2. Choose your à la backpacker accommodation wisely

As it has become an all-star destination for all kinds of tourists, it’s not hard to find a place to stay in Mandalika that is both comfortable and affordable. There are plenty of accommodations near the beaches that are waiting to be booked by you, t-mates.

Well, isn’t backpacking all about the journey? We suggest that you choose the best one that is suitable for your desires and needs. But… You can always go for the resort-style accommodations that are pocket-friendly and offer you all the amenities, right?

Keep scrolling, as we will also provide you with a list of places to stay in Mandalika 😉

3. How long should you stay in Mandalika?

The best thing about backpacking is you are not bound by time, it is you who decides when and where to go. So, it’s all up to your heart wishes. You can stay for a week, or you can stay for two, or three, or four. You decide.

But, if your time is tight and the metropolis life is waiting for you, five days to a week in Mandalika is more than enough to explore some of the beaches and tourism villages around. Well, isn’t a sunset just another sunset if you keep on rewatching it everyday? 

Like once a poet said; “if you watch the sunset too often, it will just become an ordinary 6pm.” Save it up for later sometimes, so that you’ll come back with another empty cup of memory to fill in…

4. Travel essentials and whatnots

Remember that it’s all gonna be summer all day long, so make sure that you pack your backpack in the most efficient way as possible, t-mates. We are going to use a lot of footwork, so make sure to bring your most comfortable sneakers, and beach sandals is a must!

A lot of sun will get involved, so make sure to bring your sunscreen with a high SPF. Getting a sun-kissed skin is good, but a burned one? Hmm, we don’t think that you want that as a souvenir to bring home.

5. List out your itinerary and plan your budget!

We know that you are traveling all alone and you are not bound with time, yet an itinerary is something core that you should list out, prior to your departure to Mandalika. Don’t you want to get the best out of your journey? 

Well, a planned journey is better than none at all. You have to make sure that with the time you have, it’ll be enough for you to get the best out of your stay in Mandalika. It is best if you plan your itinerary before you go, t-mates. If you don’t know where to start, perhaps this 4D3N Itinerary to Mandalika might give you some ideas 😉

Oh, and make sure that you plan out your budget too, okay? Remember that your itinerary always go hand in hand with your budget 😀

How to Get to Mandalika

Wherever you are coming from, tiket.com will always have the best-deal flight to Mandalika. If you’re coming from other parts of the cities, you can directly head to Lombok International Airport, find and book your best-deal flight to Lombok at tiket.com.

The in-pandemic airport situation might be a little different, so make sure that you prepare all the things that you’ll need. A 3 days pre-departure PCR test is a must when it comes to travelling during the new normal. Hassle not, tiket.com ‘s COVID-19 Test Add-on Feature will make your new normal flight easier.

Rent Your Own Car

Now, you have finally arrived at the airport, can you guess what’s another important thing to do? Yes, rent your own car. There is of course plenty of public transport in Lombok, but wouldn’t it be much more comfortable if you bring your own? Not to mention that there will be definitely places in Mandalika that can’t be accessible by public transport.

tiket.com is here to untangle the tangled threads 😉 With the Self-Drive Car Rental feature from us, renting a car is now an easy peasy thing to do. If it is your first time renting a car, you can read these tips to swerve car rental scams.

You Have Arrived: Things to do and Places to Go

Woohoo! You are now finally in Mandalika, home to splendid sunsets and sunrises. A place of tranquility and the sound of the sea! Here are some of the places that you should defo visit!

1. Welcome to Mandalika, where you will be greeted by the pristine Kuta Beach 

The first beach that will greet you is Kuta Mandalika, the popular one and everyone’s favorite. Situated in the heart of Mandalika, Kuta Beach holds perhaps a much more beauty if compared to Bali’s Kuta, and of course less crowded.

The underwater vista of Lombok sea is something that you have to try above all the things that you can do here in Kuta beach. Looking for some adrenaline rush? Then surfing might suit you too 😉 Well, better try than never, right? 

2. Tanjung Aan Beach, a Great Beach to Relax

Located just 20 minutes away from the east coast of Mandalika, Tanjung Aan is an insta-worthy spot to spoil your feed, t-mates! The crescent-shaped beach combined with white sands and turquoise water of the sea, makes Tanjung Aan a destination to put on your itinerary.

 

3. Find your own kind of tranquilness in Selong Belanak Beach

Selong Belanak – a haven of tranquility – is a perfect stop to unwind yourself from the hustle and bustle of metropolitan life. The beach is famous among the surfers, where it is home to perfect waves for beginners or the pros.

Wait, what’s better than a massage after surfing the long waves? There is a nearby beach spa that can rejuvenate you physically and ease you mentally. Watch the world go by while getting a massage from an experienced masseuse.

As if the splendid sea and spa is not enough, Selong Belanak also offers you rows of food stalls that will serve you a variety of delicate seafood with such affordable prices.

4. Get a clear view of Tanjung Aan beach and Indian ocean from the top of Merese Hill

We have explored the pristine beaches, and we have played around with water. Now, it’s time for us to hike our way up to Merese hill. Other than strolling around the beach, you will get a zoom out version of Tanjung Aan beach from the top of Merese hill, t-mates.

No doubt that you will be in awe of how scenic the 360 degrees view from the top of Merese. The best time to visit Merese is at dusk, where the sun is ready to set. If you want, you can also build your own tent and camp here 😉

5. Immerse yourself in the life of locals at Sukarara Village

Wait, a journey won’t be a journey if you don’t immerse yourself in the life of the locals, right? It is the best if we are willing to learn new things about the local culture and so that we have more than just a souvenir to bring back home.

Sukarara Village is home to Lombok’s precious culture and traditions. Sukarara is best known for its gorgeous woven fabrics, where you can also learn how to weave from the older generation here.

Don’t forget to take pictures in front of the traditional Sasak house, t-mates 😉

Where to Stay in Mandalika?

We have promised you to give out a list of accommodations in Mandalika that you can choose, right? Well, here it is, t-mates! These are perfect places to stay, if you are looking for a comfortable yet an affordable place to get the best out of your backpacking experience!

1. Bamba Capsule Hotel

Situated just 4 minutes away from Kuta Beach, Bamba Capsule Hotel is perfect for you backpackers, especially for the one who is travelling alone. The capsule hotel offers you a resort-style accommodation with a big pool for you to jump in.

You can choose whether to sleep in a capsule bedroom, or the usual hotel room. It all depends on you, t-mates. With such an affordable price, Bamba Capsule Hotel will not just give you all the amenities that you need, but the place is all insta-worthy!

2. Beruga Mandalika

Looking for a unique one? Then Beruga Mandalika it is. This little tranquil haven is a place that you will be so glad to stay in. You can see by yourself right? How unique the interior and exterior of Beruga Mandalika is?

Well, just like the pictures above, that’s what to expect when you book a Deluxe Room at Beruga Mandalika. And guess what? It’s just 600 meters away from Kuta beach! You can obviously reach Kuta beach by foot, indeed 😉

3. Martas Windows

Well, well, well, Mandalika is indeed home to absolute unique places to stay and Martas Windows is one of them! Martas Windows is another place that you should consider to choose with friendly staff that you’ll adore.

Martas Windows brings you a traditional with a semi-industrial look in each room. The concept can indeed be seen by the bungalows that are inspired by the traditional Sasak House. Enjoy your favorite cocktail while laying on a sundeck by the pool.

Are You Ready for a Backpacking Trip to Mandalika?

Well, we are finally at the end of our backpacking journey! Our virtual backpacking trip was fun, right? It’s now time for you to decide when to turn this virtual trip to reality 😉 With tiket FLEXI and tiket Reschedule from tiket.com, traveling now has become a hassle-free thing to do. So, what to wait?

Please do remember to take care of yourself and your loved ones!

going anywhere? tiket.com!

*The information is valid at the time of writing. Price and other policies are subject to change at any time without prior notice.