Mark the calendar: the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia returns to the Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit in South Lombok on 9–11 October 2026. It’s the biggest weekend of the island’s year — three days when a laid-back surf coast turns into one of the loudest places in Southeast Asia — and if July taught us anything, the time to sort your trip is now, not September.
Why book so early?
Simple: Mandalika just demonstrated what happens when a big event lands. During the Pocari Sweat Run in mid-July, hotels across the zone hit 100% occupancy — for a fun run. A MotoGP weekend draws a far bigger crowd of international race fans, teams, media and Indonesian motorsport faithful, and the accommodation squeeze starts months out. The pattern is predictable: Kuta and the circuit area sell out first, prices climb, and latecomers scramble.
The Mandalika circuit, briefly
The 4.3-kilometre street-style circuit sits right on the coast of the Mandalika Special Economic Zone, a few minutes from Kuta Lombok. It’s one of the most scenic tracks on the calendar — turquoise ocean beyond the run-off, green hills behind the grandstands — and race week fills the surrounding villages with night markets, parades and a festival atmosphere that spills far beyond the ticket gates. Even if you’re not a racing fan, it’s quite something to be on the island for it.
Where to stay for race weekend
- Kuta & Mandalika — walk-to-the-circuit convenience, maximum atmosphere, first to sell out and priciest during race week.
- Central Lombok / Praya — close to the airport and about 30 minutes from the track; practical, less scenic.
- The Senggigi coast — the contrarian pick, roughly 90 minutes north-west. You trade proximity for quiet beaches, sunset views and rooms that don’t triple in price. Beachfront resorts in the Mangsit stretch, like Holiday Resort Lombok, tend to keep availability longer than the circuit zone — and coming back to a calm pool after a day of engines is its own kind of luxury.
Make a week of it
October is shoulder season — mostly dry, warm seas, thinner crowds everywhere except the circuit. Fly in a few days early: surf Gerupuk’s bay breaks, boat out to the Gili Islands, or eat your way through Kuta’s warungs before the fans arrive. Race weekend Lombok and everyday Lombok are two different islands; seeing both in one trip is the move.
Frequently asked questions
When is MotoGP Mandalika 2026?
9–11 October 2026 — practice on Friday, qualifying and sprint on Saturday, the Grand Prix on Sunday.
How do I get to the Mandalika circuit?
Fly into Lombok International Airport (LOP) — about 30 minutes from the circuit. Lombok now has u003ca href=u0022https://travelingtolombok.com/lion-air-direct-flights-lombok-kuala-lumpur/u0022u003edirect international flights from Kuala Lumpuru003c/au003e alongside domestic links from Jakarta and Bali.
Is race week a bad time for a normal Lombok holiday?
Only if you insist on staying in Kuta. The Gilis, the west coast and the north barely notice the race — though flights and fast boats do get busier, so book transport early too.
Sources: Lirep Global · Eastern Edge · Suka Tour — Lombok Event Calendar 2026