If you are planning to visit Lombok for Mandalika MotoGP 2026, you have a good excuse to turn race weekend into a proper island getaway.
For me, that is what makes MotoGP in Lombok special. You can spend the day watching some of the fastest motorcycles in the world, then end it near beaches, hills, local restaurants, and some of South Lombok’s best scenery.
The Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia will run from October 9 to 11, 2026, at Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit.
If this is your first MotoGP trip to Lombok, here is what I think you should know before you arrive.
When Is Mandalika MotoGP 2026?
The Mandalika MotoGP 2026 weekend takes place from Friday, October 9 to Sunday, October 11, 2026.
The official event schedule starts with practice sessions on Friday, followed by the main weekend activities before the Grand Prix concludes on Sunday. I recommend checking the official MotoGP or Mandalika event website again shortly before your trip because session times and supporting activities can change.
If you can, arrive in Lombok at least one day before the event starts. This gives you time to check into your hotel, arrange transportation, and get familiar with the Mandalika area without rushing.
Where Is the Mandalika International Circuit?
Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit sits on the southern coast of Lombok in West Nusa Tenggara.
The track stretches for 4.3 kilometers and features 17 corners, including 11 right-hand and six left-hand turns. What makes it particularly interesting for visitors, though, is its location. Beaches, green hills, and the coastline surround the circuit, giving Mandalika a completely different atmosphere from many traditional racing venues.
Kuta Mandalika also sits nearby, so you will find plenty of restaurants, cafés, accommodation, and beaches within the wider area.
How to Get to Lombok for Mandalika MotoGP 2026
For most international and domestic travelers, flying directly to Lombok offers the easiest option.
Arriving by Air
Lombok International Airport serves as the main gateway to the island and sits in Central Lombok, relatively close to the Mandalika tourism area.
After landing, you can continue to your hotel using an airport transfer, taxi, rental car, or private car with a driver.
During MotoGP weekend, I would arrange this transport before arriving rather than looking for a vehicle at the last minute.
Arriving from Bali or the Gili Islands
You can also reach Lombok by sea.
Travelers coming from Bali often use fast boats or ferries, while visitors coming from the Gili Islands usually enter Lombok through the northwestern side of the island.
This route can work well if MotoGP forms part of a longer Bali–Gili–Lombok holiday. Just remember that Mandalika sits in South Lombok, so you still need ground transportation after reaching the island.
Where Should You Stay During Mandalika MotoGP 2026?
If your main priority is attending the race, Kuta Mandalika makes the most convenient base. You stay close to the circuit while still having easy access to restaurants, cafés, beaches, and other tourist facilities.
You can also consider Praya or other parts of Central Lombok if you want convenient access to the airport.
Mataram offers more city facilities, but you need to allow more travel time to Mandalika.
Meanwhile, Senggigi makes more sense if you want to combine MotoGP with a longer holiday around western Lombok.
Whichever area you choose, I recommend booking accommodation well before race weekend. MotoGP brings a large number of visitors to Lombok, so popular hotels and transport options can become harder to find as the event gets closer.
Getting Around Lombok During MotoGP Weekend
Transportation deserves some planning during a major event like MotoGP.
If you only stay around Kuta Mandalika, local transport or official event transportation may cover most of your needs.
But things change if you stay in Mataram, Senggigi, another part of Lombok, or plan to explore several destinations.
A rental car gives you much more flexibility.
You can leave your hotel earlier, carry luggage comfortably, visit attractions away from the circuit, and plan your schedule without depending entirely on point-to-point transportation.
Traffic around Mandalika can also get busier during a major race weekend, so I prefer allowing extra travel time rather than planning everything too tightly.
Should You Rent a Car for Mandalika MotoGP 2026?
Not everyone needs a rental car.
If you stay next to the circuit and only plan to attend MotoGP, you may manage without one.
But I would seriously consider renting a car if you plan to stay in Lombok for several days.
A self-drive rental car gives you maximum freedom if you feel comfortable driving around the island.
A private car with a driver offers an easier alternative if you prefer to relax, avoid navigation, or travel with family and friends.
The second option also works well for first-time visitors because you can focus on your itinerary rather than figuring out roads and parking.
Explore Lombok Beyond the Mandalika Circuit
One thing I would not recommend is flying to Lombok, watching MotoGP, and immediately leaving.
South Lombok has several places worth adding to your trip.
Tanjung Aan Beach offers beautiful turquoise water and lies within the wider Mandalika area. Nearby, Merese Hill gives you one of the most popular viewpoints in South Lombok.
You can also visit Selong Belanak Beach, Mawun Beach, or explore a traditional Sasak village if you want to add some local culture to the trip.
MotoGP itself even highlights Mandalika’s beaches, Merese Hill, Sade Village, and other Lombok attractions as experiences visitors can combine with the race.
A Simple Mandalika MotoGP 2026 Itinerary
If I had four days in Lombok, I would keep the schedule simple:
- Day 1: Arrive in Lombok, check in around Kuta Mandalika, and spend the afternoon exploring the area.
- Day 2: Attend MotoGP activities at the Mandalika Circuit and enjoy Kuta in the evening.
- Day 3: Spend race day at the circuit and avoid planning anything complicated afterward.
- Day 4: Explore Tanjung Aan, Merese Hill, Selong Belanak, or another part of South Lombok before heading home.
If you have five or six days, you can easily extend the trip toward Senggigi, the Gili Islands, North Lombok, or other parts of the island.
Tips for Visiting Lombok During MotoGP Weekend
A little preparation can make race weekend much easier. Book your flight and hotel early, secure your MotoGP tickets through an official channel, and arrange airport pickup or rental transportation before arriving. On event days, leave earlier than you normally would and expect heavier traffic around Mandalika.
I also recommend carrying sunscreen, a hat, drinking water, a power bank, and both online and offline copies of important tickets or reservations.
Most importantly, keep some flexibility in your schedule. You are visiting a tropical island during a large international event, so traffic, weather, and travel times may not always match your original plan.
Rent a Car in Lombok with Vibes Lombok
If you plan to explore more than just the circuit during Mandalika MotoGP 2026, having reliable transportation can make your trip much easier.
Rental Car Lombok by Vibes Lombok provides car rental options for travelers who want more flexibility while exploring Lombok. You can arrange transportation for airport pickup, travel around Mandalika, day trips, or longer journeys across the island.
You can choose a rental car that suits your trip or arrange a private car with a driver if you prefer a more relaxed experience.
This option works especially well for couples, families, and groups who want to combine MotoGP weekend with beaches, cultural attractions, or other destinations around Lombok.
Rather than arranging transportation every time you want to go somewhere, you can build your own schedule and enjoy Lombok at your own pace.
Final Thoughts
The Mandalika MotoGP 2026 gives motorsport fans another reason to visit Lombok, but I think the destination deserves more than just a race weekend.
Come for MotoGP, but give yourself an extra day or two if your schedule allows it.
Watch the racing, explore the beaches around Mandalika, enjoy the views from the hills, try Lombok’s local food, and see a little more of the island.
With your accommodation and transportation arranged early, you can spend less time dealing with logistics and more time enjoying both MotoGP and Lombok.