Lampung might not be as famous as Medan or Bukittinggi when it comes to Sumatra’s big travel names—but here’s a secret: it’s actually the closest part of Sumatra to Java, and you can reach it easily with a short ferry ride across the Sunda Strait. That’s why for road trippers and weekend explorers, skipping Lampung would be a big miss, especially the beautiful southern and western coasts.
This province is a hidden treasure of natural wonders, especially if you love pristine beaches, tropical islands, and rich cultural experiences. And yes, you can’t talk about Lampung without mentioning the iconic Siger Tower—a massive golden crown structure that symbolizes Lampungese women and stands proudly at the southern tip.
Curious about what Lampung has to offer? Let’s dive in.
About Lampung
Lampung is a province located at the southern tip of Sumatra, just across from Java, separated by the Sunda Strait. Its charm lies in its natural beauty—from white sand beaches and exotic islands to lush highlands in the north. If you head to South and West Lampung, you’ll find countless coastal gems perfect for beach hopping and snorkeling. But don’t miss the city life too—Bandar Lampung, the capital, offers a deep dive into local culture and tradition.
The native people of Lampung mainly come from two ethnic groups: the Pepadun, who traditionally live in the highlands, and the Saibatin, who are mostly coastal dwellers. Both groups carry strong Malay influences, and in recent decades, the culture has become more diverse with Javanese migration—you’ll even hear many people speaking in Javanese dialects around town.
And yes, like much of Sumatra, Lampung is hot—seriously hot. On my first visit, I felt like it was summer all year round, with average daytime temperatures hovering around 31°C.
What really stole my heart in Lampung—besides the stunning views—was the food. Seafood lovers, rejoice! From pempek (similar to Palembang’s version), to kerupuk kemplang (crispy fish crackers), and fresh grilled fish served everywhere, Lampung is a seafood paradise. And don’t leave without trying its famous snacks—banana chips and Lampung coffee are the top souvenir picks, with shops selling them on nearly every street corner.
What To Do and See in Lampung
Lampung, perched at the southern tip of Sumatra, is full of surprises. It’s vast, home to the busy Trans-Sumatra Highway, and dotted with destinations that deserve a spot on your travel wishlist. But let’s be real—you probably won’t have time to explore everything. Nearly every regency has its own must-visit gem, but if you ask me? I’d say focus on the southern side: around South Lampung, Bandar Lampung city, and Krui in West Lampung. Especially if you’re into island hopping or chasing waves.
The Krakatau Islands: Volcanic Majesty and Underwater Beauty
Welcome to one of the most dramatic volcanic landscapes in the world. The mighty Krakatau (or Krakatoa) is an active volcano located in the Krakatau archipelago, South Lampung. History buffs might remember its massive eruption in the late 1800s—it was so powerful, it cast the skies into darkness for days and reshaped the world map.
What’s left today is even more awe-inspiring. The eruption gave birth to several small islands surrounding the newer peak, Anak Krakatau (which literally means “Child of Krakatoa”). And beneath the waves? A stunning underwater world filled with vibrant coral reefs and marine life.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can actually hike up Anak Krakatau, after that, treat yourself to a snorkeling session around Sertung island.
Backindo Tip: For the best experience, visit during the dry season (April to October) when the seas are calmer and visibility for snorkeling is at its best. Don’t forget your reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of drinking water for the hike!
There are two main ways to reach Krakatau:
- From Java – Take a speedboat from Anyer Beach.
- From Lampung – Join a local tour or charter a boat from South Lampung.
Visiting Krakatau from Lampung can be a bit more challenging on your own. If you don’t want to spend too much time on the road, it’s easier to reach Krakatau from Anyer Beach in Banten instead.
Both routes offer scenic rides across the sea, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot dolphins along the way.
We’ve shared a full guide on how to plan your trip to Anak Krakatau in this article: Mount Anak Krakatau (Krakatoa): A Travel Guide for Exploring Underwater and Hiking
Sebesi Island Cluster
Just a short boat ride from the famed Krakatau islands lies Sebesi Island, the closest inhabited island to the volcanic cluster. What makes Sebesi special? It’s got a mountain right at its center, lush, fertile land, and a vibe that feels both wild and welcoming.
Surrounding Sebesi are several smaller islands with gorgeous snorkeling spots. Be sure to check out:
- Sebuku Besar and Sebuku Kecil
- The quaint and quiet Umang-Umang Island
Most travelers use Pulau Sebesi as a transit base—a place to stay overnight before heading to Krakatau. You’ll find several homestays here, making it a cozy stopover. Meanwhile, Sebuku Island is more untouched, with very few houses or accommodation options.
From Sebesi, it takes around 3 hours by boat to reach Anak Krakatau. The journey is scenic and well worth the early wake-up call.
To reach Sebesi, you’ll need to go to Canti Harbor in South Lampung. From there, boats depart twice a day, usually in the morning and early afternoon—but keep in mind, the schedule can be unpredictable.
If you want to island hopping trip in Sumatra, also visit Belitung Island: What to Do, Where to Go + Local Tips.
Pahawang Island
If you’re dreaming of snorkeling in clear waters and spotting Nemo (yes, the clownfish!) up close, Pahawang Island should be high on your list. This charming island offers an underwater paradise filled with vibrant coral reefs, sea anemones, and a rainbow of tropical fish. It’s one of the best places in Lampung to see marine life in their natural habitat.
Located in Pesawaran Regency, about 30 km southwest of Bandar Lampung, Pahawang Island is easy to reach and well worth the journey.
To reach Pahawang Island, start by heading to Ketapang Port, the main gateway to the island. From there, you can either rent a speedboat (about 25–30 minutes) or take a regular boat (approximately 1.5 hours). Most visitors opt to rent a boat privately or share with others, with prices ranging from IDR 400,000 to 500,000 per boat—perfect for splitting costs if you’re traveling in a group. To get to Ketapang Port itself, you can drive your own vehicle (parking is available) or hop on a public minibus (angkot) heading to Padang Cermin, which will drop you near the port.
Wayang Island: Hidden Gems
Wayang Island truly lives up to its hidden gem status—tucked away from the city, it remains blissfully quiet, far from the crowds. The landscape is striking, with towering rocky islets that might remind you of Nusa Penida in Bali or even Raja Ampat in Papua. Located about 25 km from Bandar Lampung, you can reach the island by boat from Ketapang Port, with the journey taking around 2 hours aboard a rented local fisherman’s boat.
Expect to pay about IDR 200,000 – 400,000 round-trip, depending on your negotiation and group size. There’s also a small entrance fee of around IDR 5,000, which may vary. Aside from the breathtaking cluster of islands, you might even get lucky and spot dolphins near Kiluan Bay, and of course, the snorkeling here is not to be missed.
Kyokko Beach
Just about 18 km south of Bandar Lampung, Kyokko Beach is a relatively new seaside spot that’s quickly gaining attention. It’s actually the first beach club in Lampung, offering a compact stretch of white sand, and a cozy setup that includes a café, bar, restaurant, bean bags, lounging areas, and even live DJ performances.
While it’s not quite like the beach clubs in Bali, many locals come out of curiosity, making it a lively weekend hangout. To enter, you’ll need to pay an entrance fee of around IDR 100,000, which includes a free soft drink. There’s more than just relaxing here—you can swim, try out surfboards, or enjoy a variety of watersport activities.
If you’re craving something a little more peaceful, just head a bit east to the JW Marriott Resort and Spa, where you’ll find a private beach, seaside pool, and a much calmer, more refined atmosphere.
Tegal Mas Island
Tegal Mas Island is one of Lampung’s standout destinations—famous for its floating resort set right in the middle of the sea. This island offers more than just scenic beauty; it’s an experience. The entrance fee to the resort area is around IDR 50,000, and if you’re planning to stay overnight, prices range from IDR 1,750,000 to 5,000,000, depending on the type of room or villa you choose.
The island features a white sand beach, calm waters perfect for snorkeling, and fun watersport activities like banana boating and canoeing. The shallow waters make it great for beginners, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot green turtles or blacktip reef sharks while snorkeling. There’s also a shark conservation area on the island for a closer look at marine life.
To get to Tegal Mas, start from Sari Ringgung Beach, about 24 km from Bandar Lampung. From there, it takes roughly 1 hour by boat, which you’ll need to rent in advance.
Krui, West Lampung: Surfing Spot
Tucked away on the far western edge of Lampung, Krui is a true coastal escape, facing the vast Indian Ocean and known for its powerful surf. Getting here takes effort—around 5 to 6 hours by car from Bandar Lampung—but once you arrive, you’ll understand why surfers from around the world make the journey.
The area is dotted with stunning beaches like Krui, Jukung, Tembakak, Walur, and Pisang Island, each offering a mix of white sandy shores and dramatic rocky coastlines. The waves here are big and consistent, making it a top surfing destination, but also a place where caution is key, especially for beginners.
The road to Krui winds through the Bukit Barisan mountains, which makes the drive long and challenging, but undeniably scenic. For a quicker route, you can fly with Susi Air from Radin Inten II Airport, with flights available on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
To explore Krui and its surrounding beaches more freely, you can rent a scooter—it’s the most convenient way to get around. Many accommodations offer motorbike rentals, so you can easily hop from one beach to another at your own pace and soak in the coastal scenery along the way.
If you looking for other best spot for surfing in Sumatra, read our guide Padang Travel Guide: Things to Do and See in West Sumatra
Other Destinations in Lampung
Lampung isn’t just about island hopping and sun-soaked beaches—there’s so much more to explore if you’re willing to look a little deeper. The province has two major cities: Bandar Lampung and Metro.
If you’re arriving via Bakauheni Port, one of the first things you’ll spot is the striking golden Siger Tower perched on a hill—an iconic symbol of Lampung. Just about 2 hours from the port, Bandar Lampung offers a mix of natural and cultural attractions, like the Lampung Museum and several traditional houses that reflect the region’s heritage. Head south and west for coastlines and islands, while the north is dominated by mountains and lush highlands, offering a completely different vibe.
On the other hand, Metro is Lampung’s second-largest city and known as a center for education. It’s filled with universities, and the student population means plenty of budget-friendly food spots—great if you’re traveling on a tighter budget.
If you venture out to East Lampung, don’t miss the famous Way Kambas National Park, a conservation area and training center for Sumatran elephants. As for other regions, some may not offer standout attractions, and road conditions in a few districts can be quite rough, so plan your route accordingly.
In short, Lampung is a region that rewards curiosity. With a bit of careful planning, you can tailor your trip to suit your travel style—whether you’re after waves, wildlife, or cultural gems.
How to Get to Lampung
One of the best things about Lampung is how accessible it is from various parts of Indonesia. Whether you’re flying, taking the train, or traveling overland, getting here is relatively straightforward. Here’s a quick guide to the most common routes:
By Flight
If you’re coming from Jakarta (CGK), the easiest way is to fly into Radin Inten II Airport (TKG) in South Lampung. The flight takes only about 50 minutes. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a DAMRI shuttle bus to get into the city, as there is currently no airport rail service in Lampung.
By Train (From Palembang)
Planning a train journey? You can take the Rajabasa Train from Kertapati Station in Palembang to Tanjung Karang Station in Bandar Lampung. This route is part of the Trans-Sumatra railway, and it’s a scenic way to see more of Sumatra while you travel.
We also write about Palembang, please read full guide on
By Bus or Overland from Java
If you’re coming from Java, you’ll need to cross by ferry from Merak Port (Banten) to Bakauheni Port (Lampung). From Jakarta, you can take a bus either directly to Bandar Lampung or to Merak, then continue by ferry. The ferry crossing takes about 1–2 hours, depending on sea conditions and weather.
If you prefer to travel independently, you can also drive or ride a motorbike or private car.
Note: Some roads in Lampung—especially outside the main Trans-Sumatra route—can be in poor condition, so plan your route carefully and allow for extra travel time.
Getting Around Lampung
If you’re planning to explore Lampung, there are several transportation options to help you get around both within and outside the city. In Bandar Lampung, one of the most common forms of local transport is the angkot—colorful minivans that run various routes across the city. Some southern beaches near Bandar Lampung can even be reached using angkot, making it a budget-friendly option for short trips.
However, if you’re heading to destinations farther from the city center, it’s a good idea to rent a motorbike or car for more flexibility and comfort—especially if you want to visit remote islands or mountain areas.
Online ride-hailing services like Grab and Gojek are also available, mainly in urban areas. They’re reliable and easy to use, especially for short rides or food delivery.
Backindo Tip: Many roads in Lampung are shared with large vehicles like trucks and shipping containers, especially on main routes. Always stay alert while on the road, and if you're riding a motorbike, make sure to wear proper safety gear for a smooth and safe journey.
Where to Stay in Lampung
Lampung is a large and diverse province, so choosing the right place to stay depends on what kind of trip you’re planning. For most travelers, staying in or near Bandar Lampung is a smart choice—it’s strategically located, making it easy to reach both the beaches to the south and the highlands up north.
If you’re looking for comfort and accessibility, Radisson Lampung Kedaton is a great pick. It’s connected to a shopping mall, features clean and cozy rooms, and is ideal for travelers who enjoy modern convenience. Another solid option is Holiday Inn Lampung, which comes with a gym, swimming pool, indoor playground for kids, and is not far from the train station—perfect for families or business travelers.
Heading west to the surf town of Krui in West Lampung, there are plenty of beachside accommodations with ocean views. Walur Surf Villa is located near Pantai Walur, one of Krui’s popular surf spots, and it’s also close to the local airport. For something more budget-friendly, Rumah Nalu Surf offers affordable lodging and even has scooter rentals, making it easy to explore the area at your own pace.
Final Though
If you’re planning to explore Sumatra starting from Java, it’s worth spending a few days in Lampung. The province offers beautiful beaches of many kinds, yet it’s still mostly undiscovered by foreign tourists. And if you enjoy diving, Lampung could be the perfect place to explore Indonesia’s underwater world. It might not be the most famous destination, but it surely deserves a spot on your travel bucket list.