Lombok – an island east of Bali, however less renowned. While millions of tourists are drawn to Bali each year, most areas on Lombok are still untouched. Over here, mass tourism is still unknown. Lombok offers many empty and frequently isolated fantasy beaches, friendly and attractive people, tasty food, and excellent nature. This season, after a stay of more than two months, Lombok and the Gili islands became my personal favorites – so far. Within this article, you’ll discover a few must-sees around Lombok and how to get there.
Getting To Lombok
To get to Lombok, you have two choices of transportation. With an airplane and a boat. Flights go from many cities in Indonesia to Lombok. But the global airport welcomes flights from abroad. To locate the best and cheapest flights to the trip to Lombok, check out Skyscanner. There you may compare prices, departure times, flight duration, and the different airlines. You can take a ship to Lombok from, e.g., Bali, the Gili Islands, or Sumbawa. There’s a difference between speed boats and local boats because not only prices but also travel length can vary significantly.
Hotels in Lombok
Lombok is a relatively large island and provides nearly endless possibilities to stay. Whether southern Kuta, at the Mataram, or at the tourist center of Senggigi around the west shore, you will see many accommodations in all price ranges on Lombok. We personally recommend a stay around Senggigi. An excellent hotel is the Qunci Villas, which can be situated in a secluded, quiet beach. The center of Senggigi is just a short cab or scooter ride out. But also near the Qunci Villas, you’ll see some restaurants and stores.
Tours in Lombok
- Mount Rinjani
Lombok is famous for its second-highest mountain, Mount Rinjani. It is possible to book multi-day guided tours to the Crater Lake and the very best at all touristy spots. So, make sure you visit it.
- Pusuk Monkey Forest
Taking a twisting road through a stunning mountain landscape is your next choice to visit Bangsal. It’s where you find the so-called fighter forest, called after the numerous wild monkeys in the jungle and close to the road. Feed the starving and annoying little bastards at the view factors if you like. But be mindful and watch out for your bags, backpacks and such. You may go there by scooter also, but always “Hati Hati,” such as the Indonesian says.
- Senggigi
Most tourists arrive at Senggigi because most resorts are situated over here. It’s also excellent for going out at night or even eating. One of the most famous surf spots for locals and tourists alike is Senggigi Beach. At this beach, the sellers and locals are not pushy, but you may have an excellent small talk if you prefer (mainly about football).
- From Senggigi to Pemenang
To explore this street next to the coast, it’s ideal to use a scooter, which you can hire, for example, in Senggigi. One of the highlights is the position at Malimbu Hill 2 and 1. Take a look at the other views and beaches that you could find this manner as well because they’re worth visiting, too. You can depart from Lombok using the people ships to the Gili Islands. Then take a taxi from the airport or by Lembar (where the people ferry from Bali arrives) that you will most likely utilize the same road because this street goes directly to Bangsal, where public boats are departing.
- The Gili Island
Three paradise islands – are located only 20 minutes away by boat: Gili Trawangan (the main island), Gili Meno, and Gili Air. The Gilis are extremely popular for scuba diving and snorkeling, relaxing, swimming, and partying. Backpackers and vacationers see Gili Trawangan often. Over here, you can feel the energetic reggae-ganja-magic-mushroom-vibe. The Gili islands are a must! You could even find the colorful underwater world of the Gilis by diving a daily trip from Lombok. With a little bit of chance, you can even spot turtles.
Before you plan a trip to Lombok, be sure to read more about Lombok and Indonesia by visiting Wonderful Indonesia.
