What to see on the island of Lombok. Indonesia

This small island is located in the Malay Archipelago, although according to documents it belongs to Indonesia. If you open the map, Lombok is located between two islands - Sumbawa and Bali. The well-known island of Bali is located on the western part, and Sumbawa on the eastern part. Lombok will be smaller in area than Bali. It also has an administrative center - Mataram. The number of inhabitants is 3 million.

Lombok is one of the Indonesian islands, which is simply full of amazing and unforgettable nature. It is less popular than Bali, but its beauty is in no way inferior to the Balinese land, on the contrary, it is superior. Tourists who want not only to sunbathe on the beach, but also to see with their own eyes the landscapes that we see only in pictures, should definitely visit the island of Lambok. We will tell you not only how to get from Bali across the strait to Lombok, but also what you can do there to make this trip one of the most memorable.

Why is Lombok so amazing?

Lombok is a completely different world, which is separated from Bali by a couple of hundred kilometers and a strait. There is a different nature, customs, architecture and even a different religion here. When you find yourself in this piece of paradise, you will immediately feel the difference. This is wild, unique nature. You will be completely free from the massive influx of tourists, city bustle, and noisy establishments. It is a completely different atmosphere with small green villages in Indonesian style. The color of the locals is different from the Balinese.

Even the nature is different here. There are no usual rice terraces on the island; the emphasis is more on the pristine flora and fauna. Incredible views of wild white, black and pink sand beaches, rocky cliffs, green coves, rocky cliffs and green untouched jungle. And the monkeys are everywhere, it seems that you are their guest. Bali was like this 15 years ago, until it became a tourism center.

The main disadvantage of Lombok is its undeveloped infrastructure, namely the lack of Internet cafes, upscale restaurants, villas, exchange offices and supermarkets. For most tourists, such conditions are considered impossible for a comfortable holiday.

Despite the island's isolation from the noisy life of resort areas, there are a lot of cultural and natural attractions here. Therefore, we can honestly say that not even one day, or even several days, is enough for you to experience all the beauty of Lombok. Well, if you decide to rent a bike or vehicle, it will be much more convenient and faster. In addition, you will be able to go to every corner and get acquainted with beautiful landscapes, namely wild beaches with azure coastal waters, deserted roads with exotic plants, deep green jungles with tropical animals and much more.

But, like any other resort, Lombok is also known for its special attractions and merits, which tourists primarily want to experience upon arrival. So, let's get to know them.

Rijani Volcano

One of the most visited places in Lombok is climbing the Rijani volcano. Today it is not only the highest volcano in Indonesia, but also the only one that is considered active. Its height is 3726 meters. Indescribable beauty. Rijani consists of three peaks, although its slopes smoothly merge into each other. The main merit of the volcano is its large caldera with a lake. It is only for this reason that tourists climb the mountain itself - a volcanic lake.

The volcano itself is very huge, so climbing it can take a couple of days, and beginners may have to spend even more time. But the picture fully justifies all the efforts, fatigue and strength. Such excursions are organized quite often, and under no circumstances set off without an accompanying person, as it is very easy to get lost. Such an excursion costs a lot, about $100.

Rijani Volcano last erupted in 2009. This is why many tourists are wary and prefer other options for active recreation on the island of Lombok.

Waterfalls

Next to the volcano there are two famous waterfalls (Air Terjun), they are called Sindang Gila and Tiu Kelep. They are located on the territory of the national park, by the way, like the volcano itself. It is not difficult to get to them both from the volcano and from the center of the island. In both cases, you choose a course for the village of Senaru. When the long climb begins, you drive through it and immediately see hotels, shops, and travel agencies. There is paid parking on the right side. It's small, so not everyone notices it. You will have to pay 5,000 rupees for parking. Then the attack of local guides begins, who charge about 20-30 dollars. Of course, you can use their services, or you can easily get there yourself.

So, if you decide to walk to the waterfalls on your own, from the parking lot you need to go to the other side and go down no more than 10 meters. Go down the steep slope again and at the end you will see the ticket office. This is the entrance to the falls. The entrance fee is 10,000 rupees. When you buy your ticket, head down the path from the ticket office. You walk along it for about 15 minutes and come to the first waterfall of Lombok. It's quite simple. The view of it is unreal. Most tourists come here for beautiful photographs.

Now we head to the second waterfall, which is more popular on the island. To do this, you need to go up from the walking path, when you see a gazebo with a tiled roof, there will be another path there. It is mostly covered with cobblestones, so it is very difficult not to notice it. There is no need to turn anywhere, you will have to walk for about 20 minutes. As you approach, you will already hear the loud sounds of a spilling waterfall. Many tourists even swim here, although the water is very cold. But if you take into account the heat of 40 degrees, then this water will give you vigor and freshness.

If you have a phone, camera or other equipment in your hands, it is better to hide them or cover them with film to protect them from getting wet, since the splashes are very strong and reach far.

Beaches of Lombok

The most popular beaches are located in the southern part of the island. The south of Lombok, just like in Bali, is called Kuta. Getting to one of the beaches is not difficult; you just need to follow the main road all the time until you see the corresponding signs. Here is the main coastline, where you can swim, sunbathe and relax in local establishments that are located right on the beach. Considering that the largest number of tourists come here, the administration is concerned about the development of infrastructure in Kuta. So, here you can stop at the following beaches:

Novotel Beach. Located 3 km from Kuta. This beach belongs to a high-class hotel, therefore it is equipped with everything necessary, and is also regularly cleaned;
Tanjung A'an. To get to this beach you will have to drive about 7 km from Kuta. It is the furthest away, but tourists call it the most beautiful;
Seger Beach. This beach is located a little east of Kuta, not far from Novotel Beach. But surfers mainly practice here, since strong currents and large waves make it difficult to enjoy the warm water. Although some people simply stop by here on the way to enjoy the unique landscape from the hill.

Surfing

Bali is world famous as a resort with the best beaches for surfing. Lombok is not far behind in this regard. Many athletes come here solely for this purpose. The most popular surf beach in Lombok is Mawi. It is located on the southern coast of the island, next to Kuta. There are waves here that even professionals are delighted with. But if you are a beginner, then this will be a good school for you too, but it is better to do this with an instructor, especially since local residents are willing to provide such services.

There is a huge selection of spots here, and you can choose the appropriate level for yourself. Some of them are attractive during the rainy season, and some during the dry season. But with regards to boards, the range is more concentrated for professionals. If you don't find what you need, the most popular boards are available in the store, which is located in the fishing village of Gerupuk, not far from the beach.

Gili Islands

Another attraction that many have heard about is the Gili Islands. These are the Western Lesser Sunda Islands belonging to Indonesia. They are located near Lombok. The infrastructure is quite developed here, there are enough hotels, restaurants, as well as all kinds of entertainment. Nature is also distinguished by its beauty and uniqueness. Tourists especially highlight small houses that stand right on the water.

Three smaller islands are included here:

Trawangan;
Meno;

Trawangan is the largest island and it is considered the most popular among tourists. It is more suitable for young people, as large-scale discos or other events are constantly held here. Tourists from all over the world come here who are interested in diving or snorkeling. Meno Island differs from Trawangan in its peace and quiet. Entertainment is only available on site. In general, the infrastructure is practically undeveloped. But the island of Meno surprises with its wild and spacious beaches.

Eyre Island is the smallest, but has better infrastructure than Meno. Here you will find everything you need and can also have a great time on the beach. On the Gili Islands, in addition to good sandy beaches, there are a lot of ancient attractions, especially temples and palaces that are already several hundred years old.

How to get from Bali to Lombok

Now all that remains is to figure out the most important thing - how to get from Bali to Lombok? Today, this can be done in several convenient ways, but each of them has its own pros and cons.

By plane

Until recently, getting to Lombok by air was only possible from Bali. And all because there was no international airport on the island. After a new airport was built in Praia in 2011, the island can now accommodate international flights. That is, now not only Balinese, but also other guests from Indonesia and other countries can quickly get here. Such a service will cost you from 30 to 50 dollars, and the entire journey will take only 30 minutes. Of course, the pleasure is not cheap, but you quickly and comfortably find yourself in Lombok. As at any other airport, you can get to the center by taxi or bus. A taxi will cost 5 times more, and boarding itself is carried out only after the ticket fee at the airport has been paid.

Despite the fact that about 8 planes from Bali land at the airport per day, buying tickets is quite problematic, so it is better to book them in advance and either at the airport itself or from travel agencies, rather than online.

On a ferryboat

A cheaper, and therefore more popular, way is to travel from island to island via ferry. The fare is 10 times less than air travel. But the price does not justify the 5-hour travel, and if the weather is unfavorable or there is a storm, then flights are canceled altogether. That is, you can arrive there, but not get back in time. The ferry operates 24 hours a day and departs every hour.

The ferry departs from Padang Bai pier in Bali and arrives in Lombok to Lembar. From there you can get to the center of the island either by bus or taxi. Mostly tourists use minibuses (Bemo). They will take you to your destination for a small fee. As an option, you can rent a bike (10 dollars) or a car (up to 70 dollars). This method of travel is more suitable for a group.

Thus, Lombok is an amazing place that delights with its pristine beauty. The nature here is completely different from Bali, so it is worth spending a few days to see all the famous places and long beaches with black and pink sand. Of course, for those who love parties and noisy places, this may seem boring. Unless the hotel animators in Lombok offer interesting offers.

The island of Lombok, part of the Indonesian islands, is a place where tourists from different countries go to spend time without the fuss and crowds. Holidays in Lombok, Indonesia mean reasonable prices, beaches, entertainment, attractions for those who appreciate a leisurely pastime surrounded by exotic natural beauty.

There are several options to visit the island of Lombok:
1. By ferry or boat. There is a 24-hour ferry service from the nearby island of Bali. The starting point is Padang Bay port, the arrival point in Lombok is Lembar port. Travel time ranges from 3 to 6 hours. Ticket price is IDR 80,000 per person. There is no clear ferry schedule, the average interval is 2-3 hours.

2. By plane. From the same island of Bali you can go to Lombok by plane. A ticket will cost from 40 euros. Air travel from Jakarta, Indonesia will cost at least 90 euros. The island's new airport has been accepting international flights since 2011. Direct flights connect Lombok with Singapore and Malaysia. The cost of a round-trip ticket from Singapore is from 360 euros.

You can get to the holiday destination from the airports or Lembar port by taxi. The price is most often negotiated with the taxi driver. The main rule is to bargain.

By the way, a bus runs from the international airport to the popular tourist area of Senjiji. Ticket price is 20,000 rupees. For comparison, a similar route by taxi will cost 160,000 rupees.

Lombok Island: holiday features

The main direction of relaxation is a calm, measured pastime on the beach.
However, holidays on the east coast and holidays on the west coast have differences.

Tourist areas and beaches

Sengjiji Resort

The resort area in the western part of Lombok is located 50 km from the international airport. The western part of the island has a well-developed infrastructure. While walking through local shops, you should pay attention to products made of silk or fabric using gold and silver threads. The masterpieces of local potters are no less valuable.

Beaches of Senggiji

The beaches of this resort area are the best in Lombok. The sand here is gray-beige in color, and the grains of sand reach the size of a black peppercorn. The beach line is wide. It creates a feeling of sparseness. Large hotels designed for foreign tourists have their own territory on Sendjiji Beach. Each such site is equipped with everything necessary for a quality holiday on the coast. Not far from the central beach of the resort there is a beach popular among Indonesians - Kerangdangan.

Eastern part of the island

An ordinary tourist who prefers comfort rarely visits the east coast of Lombok, but surfers in the village of Kuta are frequent guests. Despite the complete absence of any tourist infrastructure, there are several decent guesthouses and comfortable hotels here. The beaches of the eastern part of the island are distinguished by lighter, almost white, sand. In addition to areas ideal for surfers and windsurfers, there are beaches that are good for family holidays:

Mavun Lagoon, nestled among lush hills.
Novotel Beach - Pantai Putri Nyale.
Tanjung A'an Beach, the water here is a deep turquoise color.
Air Guling Bay, the closest to Kuta, is an ideal place to relax with children.

Things to do in Lombok

The nature of the island has created several interesting objects that are worth visiting while vacationing in Lombok in 2019. Among them:

Rinjani volcano, almost 4000 meters high. Climbing the volcano takes a whole day. During the ascent, encounters with representatives of the local fauna are common. This excursion is a great opportunity to see picturesque mountainous areas. At the top there is a beautiful volcanic lake.
Sendang Gila Falls, located a 30-minute walk from Senaru Village, is the most beautiful waterfall on the island. By the way, after walking about an hour up the river, you can see another waterfall - Tui Kelep.
Lake Danau-Segara-Anae.

Holidaymakers on the east coast can enjoy many hiking trails on this part of the island.

In addition to natural parks, Lombok Island has historical and cultural sites.

Main attractions of Lombok

Narmada Water Park is a large-scale landscape and architectural complex founded in the 19th century. There are many springs and lakes in the park. There is also a Fountain of Youth here, the water from which, according to local residents, helps to prolong life.
The Pura Kalasa Temple is a striking example of Hindu culture, located in the Narmada Park.
Mayura Water Palace, built in the mid-18th century. A walk through the territory of the palace park is an opportunity to enjoy interesting sculptural objects, fountains and admire the picturesque lake.
Villages of craftsmen, including: the village of weavers - Sukarare, the village of Penuyak, where they make clay products, and the village of Suradi, its residents make bags and jewelry from palm leaves.

The presence of interesting cultural sites, Indonesian flavor and the absence of large crowds of tourists on the beaches make it possible to organize a relaxing and quite varied holiday. Lombok Island, Indonesia is a suitable place for families with children, lovers of water activities and lovers of a secluded beach holiday.

Views around the village of Senaru. Photo credit: 5steps-photoblog.com

A little crazy waterfall - Air Terjun Sindang Gila. Photo credit: 5steps-photoblog.com, Flickr

Sembalun

The village of Sembalun Lawang is located on the slope of Rinjani further from the coast, closer to the top, this is an alternative starting point for trekking to Senaru, which is considered more difficult, since the ascent is carried out along a more gentle rocky slope, in contrast to the forested slope of Senaru. The landscape of Sembalun is more deserted and rocky, with local attractions including remote villages in the surrounding area that produce traditional weaving products.

How to get there: transfer from a tour operator (if you book trekking in advance) or lodge/homestay (ask when booking) from the airport, port or any of the beaches of Lombok; on your own by local bus from the main Mataram station via Anyar, from where regular minibuses (bemo) run to Senaru; by taxi, rented car or motorbike (about 2-2.5 hours from the coast).

A charming weaver from the village of Sembalun. Photo credit: Angel Lahoz, Flickr

Tetebatu

The village of Tetebatu is located on the southern side of Mount Rinjani. Trekking is not carried out from here, but the place itself will delight fans of eco-tourism. Here you can rent a bungalow and visit a hospitable local family, get to know the way of life and traditions of the Sasak people, and visit magnificent waterfalls.

How to get there: by taxi, rented car or motorbike (about 1.5 - 2 hours from the coast).

The vicinity of the village of Telebatu. Photo credit: Daniel Ph, Flickr

Local fun guys). Telebatu village. Photo credit: Franklin Heijnen, Flickr

Choose your beach

Beaches of Lombok Island

Lombok's main beaches are located on the west and south coasts of the island.

Senggigi

Senggigi is the largest, most developed and popular beach region of Lombok Island, consisting of several beaches and bays. The main beach of Senggigi stretches along the village of the same name, to the south you should look for beaches and bays with a more affordable choice of accommodation, to the north - more expensive hotels and villas. The main tourist infrastructure - tour offices, massage parlors, local restaurants and bars - are located in the village and along the southern coast.

The beaches of Senggigi are far from “bounty”, the sand here is almost gray, the landscapes are completely dull in places, but it is almost always deserted here, especially away from the central beach. Plus, from Senggigi it is convenient to get to both Rinjani and.

How to get there: from Lombok airport there are buses to Senggigi (50 km), an alternative to buses is taxi or hotel transfers; from western ports you can get to Senggigi by bemo (minivans), taxis or transfers; from Bali and the Gili Islands - by speedboat.

Senggigi beach strip. Photo credit: Rana Pipiens, Flickr

Tanjung and Medan beaches

The Tanjung region and the beaches of Medana are located in the western part of the island, relatively speaking, between the Gili Islands and Mount Rinjani. The bay closest to Gili is called Tanjung (not to be confused with Tanjung Ann Bay on Kut) - this territory belongs to expensive hotels. Further north stretch the large deserted beaches of Medana, where several small resorts and eco-lodges are located.

The tourist infrastructure here is limited to hotels, but the places are idyllic and isolated from the rest of the world, and the location is good for those planning trekking to Rinjani and/or a further move to Gili.

How to get there: taxi or hotel transfers from the airport or ports of Lombok.

Eco-lodge in Medana Bay. Photo credit: ayreshaxton, Flickr

Kuta

The large Kuta Beach at the southern end of the island, next to a fishing village, is undoubtedly the island's most picturesque beach region, with sandy white beaches, picturesque hills, tiny idyllic coves and big waves. Kuta is a favorite place for surfers in Lombok; it is here that surf fans tired of the crowds in Bali usually run away, and it is thanks to Kuta that Lombok is called “non-tourist Bali.”

There is a housing format in Kuta for every taste - from stylish villas to simple bungalows and homestays, and prices are disproportionately lower than in Balinese. The atmosphere in Kuta is lazy, relaxed and very authentic.

How to get there: from the airport and ports of Lombok by taxi or hotel transfers; from the island of Bali - by high-speed boats with transfer to Kuta.

Kuta, Lombok. Photo credit: Muhammad Faisal Othman, Flickr

Kuta Beach, Lombok. Photo credit: Olivier, Flickr

Sekotong Beach and Gili Gede Island

Sekotong Beach is located in the southwestern part of the island, this is still an almost wild part of the southern coast, with incredible long sandy beaches, turquoise water, views of tiny islands and a couple of very nice atmospheric hotels. There are several tiny islands near Sekotong Beach, the largest of which is Gili Gede, where you can stay for a couple of days to experience the charm of life on small islands, almost untouched by tourism.

How to get there: by bemo from Lembar port or by taxi from other regions of Lombok, by boat from Sekotong Island to Gili Gede Island.

The best place for an early breakfast. Sekotong Beach. Photo credit: Darryn Santich, Flickr

Exciting activities on Gili Ged). Photo credit: Dagmara Smulewicz, Flickr

Weather in general

Temperatures here, as in Bali, are high all year round - between 26 ° C and 29 ° C. However, it is cooler in the mountains. Average temperatures in the central mountains of the island range from 18 ° C to 24 ° C. In general, the weather in Bali and Lombok is approximately the same, although Lombok is drier and has less rainfall than Bali.

Rain season

The hot rainy season lasts from October to March, and sometimes the downpours are quite long and heavy. During the wet season it rains almost daily, with the heaviest rainfall from December to February. In December and January, sudden and brief thunderstorms occur in the afternoons, although rain can sometimes fall for days, flooding roads and causing the island's rivers to overflow. But most often the rains will not bother you much. After all, the rest of the day (except for this rainy hour) is sunny, and you may even manage to get sunburned. Not that the humidity was unbearable. For example, swimsuits will have time to dry overnight on the balcony, but T-shirts will dry only during the day in the sun. So, just in case, we stock up on swimsuits and light clothing. Read completely

Is the answer helpful?

What to buy?

It's safe to say that, unlike Bali, you can find a richer range of handicrafts and souvenirs in Lombok. No, Bali is also littered with all sorts of trinkets, but the point is that in the markets of Lombok they sell gizmos brought from craft villages, which, as a rule, specialize in one particular skill: wicker baskets, textiles, pottery. If you are not at all lazy, go to one of these villages (Masbagik, Banyumulek or Penujak) and see with your own eyes how all these miracles are made by hand using ancient technologies.

TOURISTS' ANSWERS:

So, what can you see on the beautiful island of Lombok:

Tanjung A"an

Nice area near Kuta Beach. The sand there is unique in that it looks like pepper granules. That is, quite large sand, which many tourists try to steal for souvenirs. This beach is guarded from early morning until night, and this is great because there are no hawkers hanging around the beach harassing tourists. Although there are still some, and mostly these are children and peaceful villagers trying to earn a living, they are quite good-natured and not intrusive. You can often buy good quality sarongs from them and a drink called kalapa muda (coconut juice, in short): the merchants will crack the coconut for you, and if you are lucky, they will also give you a straw or even a glass - pure thrill!

Narmada Water Park (Taman Narmada)

Located 10 km east of Mataram, the park was a resting place for local kings in their time. The park has a Hindu temple, a swimming pool and a fountain (called the "Youth Fountain" because it is believed to prolong the life of those who drink from it). Entrance fees to the park cost around Rp 4,000, but sometimes “foreigners” have to pay up to Rp 10,000. Despite these strange prices, the place is worthwhile, beautiful and useful. True, for some reason it’s a little abandoned, but holidays are still held here on Sundays, and in general the park is very popular among the people of Lombok, who flock there to have a picnic and swim in the large pool, replenished with fresh water from forest springs. This is a great place to see what the locals do in their free time, as well as learn more about traditional games.

Air Terjun Sindang gila

Translated, the name means “Slightly crazy waterfalls” or “crazy waterfalls”. This waterfall is located near the village of Senaru on the slopes of Mount Rinjani. When you go to the waterfall, be prepared for a not very pleasant greeting: mocking staff at the gate, annoying sellers of everything they can, intrusive guides who start the tour without your consent. It is worth noting that you do not need any guide to go down the steps to the main area of the waterfall and climb up afterwards. There is only one path leading down from the entrance gate to the waterfall. And the waterfall is impressive, because the waters flow “very vertically,” with a roar, from a great height. I hope that the money that is taken from tourists at the entrance goes to improve the condition of the waterfall, since the surrounding area is usually covered with a layer of garbage left by sloppy visitors. At least, this was the case until 2011, and then the regional government launched a modernization program in order to improve the amenities at the base of the waterfall - all sorts of trash cans, etc., to make it look more decent. Get ready for the fact that you will have to go down the stairs for about twenty minutes, and then up again - this is the hardest part and requires effort, especially on a hot day.

Air Terjun Tiu Kelep

This is the second waterfall near Senaru. Located 1 hour's walk from the village, it's best to find a reputable local guide if you've also found a regular driver willing to show you the way. To get to the second waterfall, follow the path down to the first waterfall and then have to go upstream. It is not recommended to wear shoes, or at least very strong ones, as you will have to wade through rivers - sometimes you will have to walk 50 meters or so through water. But this waterfall has a deep pool where you can swim or even jump off a cliff into the water, and there is also a tunnel that can be used as a water slide. Here's a natural water park for you!

Air Terjun Betara Lenjang

Third Senar waterfall. True, you can’t just get close to him. A hike to this waterfall requires advance planning and in general, it is “indicated” only for experienced climbers, or at least with a local guide (but with special equipment).

Pusuk Monkey Forest

A winding road climb through stunning mountain landscapes is one of the ways to reach Bangsal. So, along the way you will discover the so-called “monkey forest”, where numerous wild monkeys live in the jungle. You can take some food with you and feed the hungry little monkeys, but be careful and keep a tight grip on your bags, backpacks and shiny objects. You can drive through the forest on a scooter, but on foot, in my opinion, it’s prettier.

Mawun Beach

This huge beach is not very popular among tourists, but it is simply beautiful! It all depends on the day of the week and time of day, of course, but generally, this beach with soft white sand and turquoise water is quite deserted. Sometimes there are strong waves here. The beach is located in a secluded location - in an almost closed bay, which can be easily reached by scooter or bicycle.

Pink Beach

So, to get there you need a good driver or strong nerves (especially if you are going there on a scooter). The road to this beach is quite difficult, since these roads can hardly be called roads. But when you overcome all the hardships of the bumps and potholes, you will be rewarded with the beauty of a deserted, quiet beach. Yes, with pink sand, which consists of tiny particles of colored corals. The stunning views from the nearby hills are amazing, and by the way, the popular Tanjung Ringgit is nearby.

Mosques and Hindu temples

Unlike Bali, Lombok has a predominantly Muslim population. This is why you can see and especially HEAR mosques almost everywhere. When you book a hotel, make sure it is located away from the mosque. Especially during Ramadan, it will be difficult to sleep (and the first prayer is before dawn).
The Balinese minority in Lombok also have their own temples - Pura Meru, Pura Lingsar, Pura Narmada or Pura Batu Bolong. Most of them are located in the western part of the island and in the areas of Mataram and Senggigi.