If you have had enough of Bali and its beauty, Lombok Island is the next best thing. Bali’s next door neighbor offers an exceptional holiday experience and much-needed escape the tourist herd.
Home to Indonesia’s second largest volcanic peak, Mount Rinjani, Lombok Island is a treasure trove of ethereal natural beauty and plethora of attractions. A tropical vacation on this island is no less than a fancy Bali vacation in terms of experiences and memories. In fact, the virgin island offers far more extraordinary experiences of underwater adventures and deserted beaches.
Here is everything you need to know about Lombok Island to plan an awesome sauce vacation.
Lombok Island Weather
Like Bali, Lombok Island also has two season; wet and dry. While dry season, also the peak season, runs from May through September and then December-January, the wet season is from October through April.
The best part about Lombok Island, Indonesia is even during the peak season, it is less crowded than Bali. Hence, it makes a perfect destination if you want to flee the tourist-y crowd of Bali and sped your tropical vacation away from hustle-bustle.
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Lombok Island: Things To Do
1. Hiking to Mount Rinjani
You ought to hike all the way to Mount Rinjani , the second highest volcanic peak in Indonesia. Located in the Rinjani National Park, Mount Rinjani offers surreal views from the top. There is even a partially filled blue-colored crater lake which sits languidly amidst the beautiful surroundings. Hiking all the way to the top is one of the amazing experiences to have on Lombok Island though it is not for the novice trekkers or casual tourists. However, there are other trails which offer equally resplendent views of the islands natural beauty.
Cost: INR 14,00 for a 2-person tour to Rim
2. Scuba diving and snorkeling in Lombok Island
Two of the enthralling and must-have experiences on the island are scuba diving and snorkelling. And, why not when the island is renowned for 3,500 different species of aquatic life like turtles, reef sharks, cuttlefish, and eels underneath its waters. While Gili Islands and Senggigi Beach in Mataram are more famous for scuba diving activity, the beaches on Lombok Island provide perfect opportunities for snorkeling and surfing on the water. Lombok Island diving experience is much more fun than the one in Bali.
Cost: INR 5,400 for a day
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3. Rejuvenating Spa on Lombok Island
Whenever you are on a holiday in Indonesia, a Balinese massage is customary. The world-famous Indonesian spa techniques are known for healing properties and simulation of blood flow. Lombok Island has a variety of places where you can experience a spa ritual. From an alfresco rubdown by the ocean to upscale spa resorts, you can choose from the type of experience you want.
Cost: approximately INR 2,000
4. Golfing
If you have the patience and liking for the Gentleman’s game, there are surprisingly a number of Golf club on Lombok Island. Not only they offer a great respite but the place is blessed with picturesque surroundings of hilly terrains and lush forests. Enjoy an unforgettable golfing experience accompanied with soothing breeze from the ocean. You can also follow the game with a dip in the pool at the club.
Where: Rinjani Golf Club and Lombok Golf Kosaido are two of the places where you can enjoy golfing
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5. Celebrating festivals on Lombok Island
Bau Nyale Festival: If you ever see people catching sea worms at Seger Beach, Kuta, dont be confused because it is a traditional festival on the island. People gather and camp overnight at the beach and celebrate the tradition with rituals, dance, and boat races.
Senggigi Festival: This festival is celebrated to promote the Lombok Island travel and tourism which is a great way to see the culture of Lombok in one place accompanied by parades and competitions.
Lombok Island Attractions
1. Gili Islands
Have an enchanting experience of deserted and motor-vehicle free living at Gili Islands, a group of 3 tiny islands near Lombok. Gili Meno, Gili Air, and Gili Trawangan, all three islands offer unique and secluded experiences. Gili Trawangan is famous of all and offers most of the action among three islands. While Gili Air offers luxury and excellent diving opportunities, Gili Menon is more austere with its preserved nature and lowkey nightlife.
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2. Benang Kelambu Waterfalls
The twin waterfalls- Benang Kelambu and Benang Stokel, are the epitome of staggering beauty. Just an hours drive from Mataram (the capital), the cascading waterfalls make for an excellent attraction. Lie down in the gazebos and stalls near the waterfall as you soak in the beauty and enjoy the cool breeze around. You will have to take a short 15-minute hike to reach the falls but their beauty makes it all worth it.
3. Pura Lingsar
Built in 1714, Pura Lingsar is a sea temple dedicated to both the faiths of Balinese Hinduism and Wektu Telu. The temple is located on the far north end of the beach in Ampenan, Mataram. There is even an enclosed pond that contains eels which are fed hard-boiled eggs by the visitors. December is the best time to visit the temple.
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4. Narmada Park
While the aesthetics of Narmada Park will charm you, it is not the only thing it is famous for. Known as the resting place of the king of Lombok, the park is a replica of Mount Rinjani and the crater lake. There is even a youth fountain inside the park which is believed to rejuvenate a persons appearance. Every year, Balinese Puja Festival also takes place inside the park.
5. Kuta Beach
Do not mistake Lombok Islands Kuta Beach with Kuta in Bali. The south-coast beach is known as surfers paradise for providing excellent opportunities to enjoy water activities. The white sandy coast and turquoise waters are fringed by a hilly terrain.
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Lombok Island Nightlife
1. Happy Cafe, Senggigi
Happy Cafe on Senggigi bar is one of the happening places to enjoy the nightlife on Lombok Island. It is very popular among the international tourists because of the lively ambiance and cheap drinks. If you are looking to make some friends, it is one of the best places.
2. Horizontal bar & Lounge, Gili T
Gili Trawangan is the best place to enjoy the exciting nightlife on Lombok Island. Any bar or pub on Gili T you enter will provide you with memories for a lifetime. Horizontal Bar & Lounge is among the hip and happening places. The sublime relaxed bar is known for its cocktail haunt and spectacular sunsets.
Map of Lombok Island Indonesia
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Lombok Island Accommodation
1. The Lombok Lodge
The 5-star Lombok Lodges which are set over the hill overlooking the sea will blow your mind away with the exquisite scenery. The 25-meter infinity pool lined with sun loungers and accompanied by the spectacular views of the ocean is enough reason to stay here. If that is not enough, the open-air yoga pavilion, as well as a spa, will convince you to book an accommodation here.
Address: Jl. Pantai Medina, Sigar Penjalin, Tanjung, Nusa Tenggara Bar. 83352, Indonesia
Tariff per night: INR 31,210 onwards
2. The Jayakarta Lombok Resort & Spa
If you are wondering where to stay on Lombok Island, the down-to-earth 4-star resort is located on the beach along the Lombok Strait Coast. Equipped with all the modern facilities like flat screens, mini-fridge, and coffee makers, Jayakarta Lombok Resort makes a perfect nest on the island. Located just 3 km from the Lombok Bolong Temple, the resort is set in peaceful and picturesque settings.
Address: Jl. Raya Senggigi KM.4, Senteluk, Batu Layar, Kabupaten Lombok Barat, Nusa Tenggara Bar. 83355, Indonesia
Tariff per night: INR 4,272 onwards
Lombok Island: How to reach
Lombok Island is located on the Lombok Strait Coast along with Bali. Even though it has an international airport, there are no direct flights from Delhi but Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and major Indonesian cities. The best way to reach Lombok Island is via Bali which can be done in two ways
By Air
You can take a direct 30-minute flight from Bali to Lombok Island Airport which will cost you around approximately INR 2,000. Direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Lombok Island are also there which will cost you around INR 4,000 onwards.
By Ferry
If you prefer sea journey, take a ferry from Bali’s Padang Bai Harbor to Lembar Port in Lombok which will take you 4-5 hours to reach. So even if you plan a vacation in Bali, you can take a small detour to the island.
Further Read: 10 Famous Villages In Bali Bubbling With Life, Art, & Rich Culture
In case you have visited Bali before, Lombok Island is an option worth considering for your next vacation. Even if you haven’t, it is recommended you add Lombok Island to the itinerary while planning a trip to Bali.
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If some people enjoy window-shopping, Dhaarna takes pleasure in day-dreaming about solo trips when she’s not working. A gypsy at heart, she likes to spend her money on vacations, plants, and all things boho.
