The Mandalika MotoGP weekend is one of the most exciting times to visit Lombok. You get world-class motorcycle racing, a lively atmosphere around South Lombok, and some of the island’s best beaches only a short drive from the circuit.
For 2026, the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia is scheduled for October 9–11 at the Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit. (The Official Home of MotoGP)
But I would not recommend spending your entire trip around the circuit.
If you are searching for things to do Lombok MotoGP weekend, there are plenty of places you can easily add to your itinerary without traveling across the whole island.
Here are some of my favorite options.
Make the Most of Your Mandalika MotoGP Weekend
MotoGP weekend can get busy, so I think the key is simple: stay relatively close to Mandalika and avoid creating an overly ambitious itinerary.
South and Central Lombok work perfectly for this.
You can watch the racing, spend a few hours at the beach, explore Sasak culture, have dinner in Kuta, and even catch a sunset from the hills without driving for several hours.
Even the official MotoGP destination guide highlights places around Mandalika such as Tanjung Aan, Bukit Merese, Pantai Seger, and Sade Village as experiences visitors can enjoy while in Lombok.
1. Kuta Mandalika
Kuta Mandalika is probably the easiest place to explore during MotoGP weekend.
The town sits close to the circuit and has grown into one of South Lombok’s main tourism hubs. You will find restaurants, cafés, small shops, hotels, beach areas, and plenty of places to relax after a day at the track.
I particularly recommend Kuta if you do not have much free time.
Instead of planning another long journey after the race sessions, you can return to Kuta, grab dinner, walk around town, or simply relax near the beach.
During MotoGP weekend, expect the area to feel much livelier than usual.
2. Tanjung Aan Beach
If you only have time for one beach near Mandalika, Tanjung Aan Beach would be high on my list.
The beach is known for its bright sand, clear blue water, and surrounding hills. Indonesia’s official tourism site also highlights its relatively calm water and its proximity to Bukit Merese.
That location makes Tanjung Aan especially convenient during a MotoGP trip.
You could spend a couple of hours here before heading back toward Kuta or combine the beach with Bukit Merese later in the afternoon.
You do not need to make it complicated. Grab something to drink, enjoy the coastline, swim if conditions are suitable, and slow down for a while before returning to the crowds around Mandalika.
3. Bukit Merese
Tanjung Aan and Bukit Merese make a great combination.
Bukit Merese offers wide views across the South Lombok coastline, and I think it works particularly well as a late-afternoon stop.
You can spend the afternoon around Tanjung Aan, then head toward the hill before sunset.
The climb is relatively short compared with a serious hike, so you do not need to dedicate an entire day to it. From the top, the open landscape, coastline, and changing evening light create one of the most memorable views around Mandalika.
The official MotoGP destination guide also specifically recommends enjoying the sunset at Bukit Merese.
If your MotoGP schedule gives you a free evening, this would be one of my first choices.
4. Sade Traditional Village
Lombok is not only about beaches.
If you want to add a cultural experience to your MotoGP trip, consider stopping at Sade Traditional Village.
Sade introduces visitors to Sasak culture, traditional houses, local crafts, and a way of life that feels completely different from the modern tourism development around Mandalika.
I especially like including Sade in an arrival or departure itinerary because it sits in Central Lombok and can work naturally as part of a road trip between Lombok International Airport and the Mandalika area.
Instead of driving straight to your hotel, you can make your first few hours in Lombok more interesting.
MotoGP’s official destination guide also lists Sade among its recommended cultural experiences for visitors.
5. Mawun Beach
Want somewhere a little quieter?
Mawun Beach can be a good choice when you have half a day available and want to escape some of the MotoGP crowds.
The drive also gives you a chance to see more of South Lombok’s coastal landscape.
I would choose Mawun when relaxation matters more than checking several attractions off your list. Spend some time by the water, enjoy the scenery, and return to Kuta without rushing.
During MotoGP weekend, having one slow afternoon can actually be a nice break from the energy around the circuit.
6. Selong Belanak Beach
If you can travel a little farther west, Selong Belanak Beach deserves consideration.
The long coastline and relaxed atmosphere make it popular with travelers who want to spend more time at the beach. The area is also well known among beginner surfers.
I would recommend Selong Belanak mainly if you have at least half a day available.
It makes less sense to squeeze it between tightly scheduled MotoGP sessions. But if you arrive in Lombok one day early or stay one day longer, it can become an easy South Lombok road trip.
Should You Visit Senggigi or the Gili Islands During MotoGP Weekend?
You can, but I would consider your available time first.
Senggigi, Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, and Gili Meno are all worth visiting. However, they sit away from Mandalika, which means you need to account for road travel and, for the Gilis, a boat transfer.
If you only have three days and MotoGP is the main reason for your visit, I would stay focused on South and Central Lombok.
If you have one or two additional days, then adding Senggigi or the Gili Islands makes much more sense.
That way, you can enjoy both sides of the trip without constantly watching the clock.
A Simple One-Day Lombok Itinerary During MotoGP Weekend
If you have one relatively free day, you do not need a complicated route.
I would suggest:
Sade Traditional Village → Kuta Mandalika → Tanjung Aan Beach → Bukit Merese
Start the morning at Sade Village and learn a little about Sasak culture.
Continue to Kuta for lunch and a short break.
After that, drive toward Tanjung Aan and spend the afternoon at the beach. Finish the day at Bukit Merese for sunset before returning to your accommodation.
This route combines culture, food, beach time, and scenery without sending you across different corners of Lombok.
Getting Around Lombok During MotoGP Weekend
Transportation deserves a little more planning during MotoGP weekend.
Lombok has attractions spread across different areas, and race-weekend traffic can make journey times less predictable than usual.
I recommend leaving some buffer time whenever you need to reach the circuit.
Having your own transportation also makes sightseeing much easier. You can leave when you want, stop somewhere unexpectedly, carry luggage or race gear comfortably, and change your itinerary if traffic gets busy.
This becomes especially useful if you want to combine airport transfers, MotoGP activities, and sightseeing in one trip.
Explore Lombok with Rental Car Lombok by Vibes Lombok
If you want a more flexible way to explore the island during MotoGP weekend, Rental Car Lombok by Vibes Lombok can help you arrange transportation throughout your stay.
Instead of figuring out transportation every time you move between your hotel, Mandalika Circuit, beaches, or other attractions, you can plan everything around one vehicle.
It is a practical option for:
- Lombok International Airport pickup and drop-off
- Transportation to the Mandalika area
- Exploring beaches around South Lombok
- Visiting cultural destinations such as Sade Village
- Creating your own Lombok day-trip itinerary
- Traveling before or after MotoGP weekend
During a busy event like MotoGP, I personally think flexibility matters more than trying to fit too many destinations into one day.
A private car gives you that flexibility while allowing you to enjoy Lombok at your own pace.
Final Tips for Enjoying Lombok During MotoGP Weekend
The best things to do in Lombok during MotoGP weekend do not have to involve long road trips.
Some of the island’s most beautiful beaches, hills, villages, and viewpoints already sit around Mandalika.
If your schedule is tight, concentrate on Kuta Mandalika, Tanjung Aan, Bukit Merese, and Sade Village. They give you a good mix of beach scenery, culture, local atmosphere, and easy sightseeing.
If you have additional time, expand your journey toward Mawun, Selong Belanak, Senggigi, or even the Gili Islands.
Most importantly, do not turn your Lombok trip into a race outside the racetrack.
Leave some empty space in your itinerary, enjoy the drive, stop when you see an interesting view, and experience a little more of Lombok beyond Mandalika Circuit.