Lombok isn’t just about stunning beaches and lush landscapes; it’s also a place where you can truly learn about local culture through hands-on workshops and classes. What we love about Lombok’s offerings is the chance to learn new skills, whether it’s cooking traditional dishes, catching your first wave, or exploring the island’s vibrant surf scene. Among these options, the Anggrek Putih Cooking Class & Garden Tour stands out for its intimate setting and authentic culinary experience, while the surfing lessons cater to all levels—from absolute beginners to more experienced riders. These experiences add a memorable, personal touch to your trip that no sightseeing can match.
In this guide, we’ll explore five of the best workshops and classes in Lombok, focusing on what makes each unique and how they fit different interests and skill levels. Whether you’re eager to learn Indonesian cuisine, master the art of surfing, or simply want a fun, active way to spend part of your holiday, these options are worth considering.
Quick Overview
Lombok offers a variety of workshops and classes designed for travelers seeking hands-on experiences. You can learn how to cook traditional Indonesian dishes in a small-group setting at the Anggrek Putih Cooking Class & Garden Tour, perfect for food lovers wanting a local culinary immersion. For those more interested in the ocean, the Private Surf Lessons in Selong Belanak Lombok provide personalized lessons on beginner-friendly waves, while the Senggigi Surf lesson packages are geared toward surfers wanting to improve over multiple sessions. There’s also a private beginner surf class for adults, ideal for quick progress, and group lessons in Senggigi that suit first-time surfers or those wanting to revisit the basics. Now, let’s look at each experience in detail.
1. Anggrek Putih Cooking Class & Garden Tour
At number 1 on our list is a cooking class that combines culinary skills with a garden tour, providing a comprehensive insight into Indonesian flavors. For about $20 per person, you’ll spend around three hours in a small group of no more than six travelers, ensuring plenty of personal interaction with the instructor. The experience kicks off with a walk through a vegetable garden, where you can plant seeds and get a feel for local ingredients. Then, you’ll learn to prepare a selection of dishes from Lombok, Java, and other regions using traditional tools like a stone pestle and mortar—no electric blenders here.
What makes this class particularly appealing is its focus on authentic techniques and regional cuisines, making your cooking experience both educational and fun. The menu often includes banana-leaf fish and curry, with vegetarian options available, accommodating different dietary preferences. The small group size and hassle-free hotel transfers from Mataram or Senggigi add to the convenience and charm.
Guests consistently praise the intimate atmosphere and the organic garden tour, with one review highlighting, “Enjoyed the beautiful organic garden tour. They accommodated for vegetarians and allergies.” With a friendly chef guiding you through each step, this class is perfect for food lovers and those seeking an authentic, hands-on cultural experience.
Bottom Line: An affordable, engaging way to bring Indonesian flavors home, making it ideal for couples, small groups, or anyone eager to learn local cooking techniques.
2. Private Surf Lessons in Selong Belanak Lombok
For surf enthusiasts, the Private Surf Lessons in Selong Belanak offer personalized coaching tailored to your skill level. At around $44 per person for 90 minutes, this lesson is perfect for those who want focused, one-on-one instruction. The calm, gentle waves at Selong Belanak make it an ideal spot for beginners, providing a safe environment to learn paddling, popping up, and riding your first waves.
This lesson is especially well-reviewed for its instructor, Ibenk, a helpful and patient guide who makes sure everyone gets the attention they need. Many students leave feeling confident to continue surfing on their own, thanks to clear guidance and encouragement.
The lesson’s flexibility appeals to those who want a quick immersion in surfing, but it’s also suitable for more experienced surfers looking to refine their skills. The small group size ensures personalized feedback, making this a solid choice if you want to kickstart your surfing journey.
Bottom Line: A highly recommended, beginner-friendly option that’s fun, safe, and tailored to your pace—perfect if you’re new to surfing or want a private session.
3. Senggigi Surf lesson packages – 3 lessons
For surfers aiming to improve over several sessions, the Senggigi Surf lesson packages—3 lessons offer a comprehensive approach. Priced at about $154, this package spans roughly three days, making it ideal for those with a bit more time on their hands and a serious interest in riding waves. Senggigi is known as a quieter, less crowded surf spot with a “secret” vibe, perfect for practicing without feeling overwhelmed.
During these lessons, you’ll focus on refining your paddling, positioning, and wave-riding techniques, with experienced instructors guiding you each step of the way. Reviews indicate that this is the best place for beginners to learn with fewer people in the water, giving you more practice time and less competition for waves.
This multi-day option is best suited for committed learners or travelers who want to maximize their surf skills, with the good value for money considering the extended coaching. Keep in mind, the schedule and weather conditions should align for the best experience.
Bottom Line: Ideal for dedicated beginners or intermediates wanting consistent coaching over a few days, with the added benefit of fewer crowds.
4. Beginner surf lesson private class – Adult
If you’re an adult who wants quick results, the Beginner surf lesson private class is worth considering. At just under $61 for a three-hour session, this private lesson offers undivided attention from your instructor, making fast progress more likely. The focus is on foundational skills—paddling, balance, and catching your first wave—delivered in a relaxed, personalized setting.
This class is perfect for travelers on a tighter schedule or those who prefer learning one-on-one for quicker results. Many participants report feeling more confident after only a single lesson, thanks to the detailed feedback and tailored coaching.
The private format minimizes distractions, allowing you to focus intensely on your technique. While the price is higher than group lessons, the personalized approach often makes it a better value for those seeking swift improvement.
Bottom Line: Best for adults eager to learn quickly and confidently, especially if you prefer personalized coaching over group settings.
5. Group Surf Lesson Senggigi Lombok
Finally, the Group Surf Lesson in Senggigi offers a social, budget-friendly way to try surfing. For about $46, you get a roughly 2.5-hour lesson with other beginners, making it a good choice if you’re comfortable sharing the experience but want some guidance. The group format encourages camaraderie and shared learning, which can be motivating and fun.
The lesson is designed for complete beginners or students needing a refresher, ideal for those who want to revisit the basics or just dip their toes in the water. The instructor emphasizes safety and proper technique, helping build confidence on your first few waves.
While the group size means less individual attention than private lessons, reviews suggest that this is a well-organized, friendly option. It’s especially suitable for travelers on a budget or those who prefer a casual, social atmosphere.
Bottom Line: A good introduction to surfing for first-timers or those wanting a relaxed, social experience at an affordable price.
How to Choose the Best Workshop or Class in Lombok
When deciding between these options, consider your budget, time available, and interest level. If you want an in-depth, authentic culinary experience, the Anggrek Putih Cooking Class & Garden Tour offers great value and intimacy. For surfing, your choice depends on your skill level: opt for the private lessons if you prefer personalized coaching, or go for the 3-day package if you’re committed to improving over several sessions. Beginners should consider the group lessons for a fun, social introduction.
Timing is also essential—book early during peak season (July to September) to secure your spot, especially for popular lessons. Also, check weather and surf conditions, particularly if you’re planning to surf multiple days.
Final Thoughts
Lombok’s workshops and classes offer a wonderful way to deepen your experience of the island beyond sightseeing. Whether you’re savoring Indonesian flavors in a small-group cooking class, catching your first wave, or refining your surfing skills over several days, these options deliver authentic, memorable moments. For those seeking culinary adventures, the Anggrek Putih Cooking Class & Garden Tour is a standout with its personal touch. Surfers will find their match in private lessons or multi-day packages, depending on their skill level and commitment.
To make the most of your trip, consider your interests, budget, and schedule, then book early to guarantee your spot. With these varied options, Lombok is a fantastic place to learn something new and take home a skill or memory that will last long after your vacation ends.