Though the most upbeat and popular area of Lombok island is Senggigi, still relatively low-key than Bali. It can be comfortably said the Senggigi is the Lombok nightlife area as you can easily find a number of late-night venues and live music pumping through the early hours of the night with free-flowing drinks.

Lombok's nightlife is however not just concentrated to Senggigi. It extends to Mataram which though is fairly quiet during the night, has a few restaurant and coffee shops that open till late at night. Most of these venues are free to enter.

1. Marina Pub

Marina Pub is one of the most frequented bars in the area, not just by locals but by travelers too. It is a great place to mix up with the locals and dance to the tunes of a live performance every night.

Besides the drinking and dining scene, a lot of resorts also put on cultural shows showing the tales of Lombok's traditions. The environment lets you lay back, enjoy a sumptuous buffet and learn a thing or two about Indonesia's dance and unique performances, highlighting the traditional designs and costumes.

2. Happy Cafe

Happy Café is a popular place to hang out among the locals and expatriates alike. The café is best known for its live entertainment and sushi bar. The drinks are reasonably priced and the atmosphere friendly.

3. Sahara Club

Sahara Club is one of the few venues on the island to charge an entrance fee and ask for a casual dress code. It is thus advisable to visit with shirt and shoes on. The club invites and hosts DJs from the mainland and mixes some of the most amazing live music sending you into a trance.

4. Sugar Café and Bar

Lombok is friendly to each of its travelers. The Sugar Café and Bar is a perfect example of this fact. It is a gay-friendly bar in Senggigi hosting amazing cabaret shows and often raising the tempo of the visitors during the peak season. Even if the atmospheric value doesn't excite you much, the place is worth checking out at least once for its reasonably priced drinks and service-with-a-smile policy.

5. Papaya Cafe

If you are looking to have great Indonesian food with a twist of European style, the Papaya Café is a must-visit. The place prepares delicious Indonesian delicacies and great comfort food like fries and fresh fish. Their must-try include spaghetti Bolognese and chicken nuggets. But that is not all. You can gulp down a drink or two from its extensive selection of wines and whiskeys. The place also caters well to those looking for lighter drinks like beer, tequilas, vodka, or gins or those looking for a delicious mix of cocktails. Their equally delicious non-alcoholic beverages include soft drinks, hot drinks, iced teas, smoothies, juices, milkshakes, and mocktails. You can wrap up a perfect evening at one of its live music performances which can only be booked in advance as they are not listed online.

6. Asmara Restaurant

Lombok is favorite to many travelers when it comes to a night of live music. Adding the cherry on top is the Asmara Restaurant in Senggigi where top musicians transport you to a world of reverie with their mellow jazz and blues. Some of the best performing local bands are Ary Juliyant Folkclub, Aan Tombstone & Friends, Agus, and the Pallette Band apart from some featured special guests. The restaurant does not just offer amazing food and drinks with friendly service but also hosts 'Stammtisch', a casual social gathering for local, expats and friends of Asmara on every Friday, except the first Friday of each month.