Lombok is the form of place that doesn’t shout for consideration, however quietly pulls you in and refuses to let go. In case you’re contemplating a visit to Lombok, this Lombok Journey Information is for you.
Lombok is among the 17,000+ islands that make up the Indonesian Archipelago. The Island itself has a inhabitants of round 4.7million and is in regards to the measurement of Devon (within the UK). Lombok sits subsequent to Bali on the map and is usually described as its quieter sibling or ‘Bali ten years in the past’. Neither are true, in my view. Regardless of being neighbours, Lombok sits properly away from the hectic overtones related to Canggu and Uluwatu.
Lombok strikes to its personal rhythm. Lombok leads a quiet life. It’s an island of gorgeous panorama, lovely individuals and delightful waves.
I’m Sami, and for the final 4 years, I’ve been on a gradual lap of the world. After 5 weeks in Lombok, I already realize it’s my house away from house, and I’m excited to share why.
On this full information to Lombok, Indonesia, I’ll share all the things it is advisable know earlier than visiting, from the place to remain in Lombok and tips on how to get round Lombok, the very best issues to do in Lombok and why this island has turn into one among my favorite locations on this planet.
Issues to know earlier than you go to Lombok:
- The native individuals (Sasak) converse a variation of Indonesian, and are a predominantly muslim society.
- The Indonesian Rupiah is the native forex, and there are many ATMs; playing cards are broadly accepted. You’ll all the time need to have money on you for parking and shopping for coconuts on the seaside.
- It’s a solidly tropical island with two seasons: moist and dry. Whatever the month, the temperature nestles between a fairly excellent 26 and 31°C.
- You’ll want a 2-pin plug to energy your electronics. , the sort utilized in Europe.
- It’s a low-risk surroundings, vaccine-wise, and none are vital for entry. To get in, you’ll, nevertheless, want a VISA, and most of the people will go for the 30-day vacationer E-VISA (which you’ll lengthen after arrival, for an extra 30 days).
The Greatest Time to Go to Lombok:
Lombok has a tropical local weather with two important seasons, the dry season, which runs from Might to October and the moist season from November to April.
In case you want extra predictable climate, the dry season gives decrease humidity, extra sunshine and little or no rain. It’s because of this that June-July-August is ‘peak’ season and for a lot of, the very best time to go to Lombok. In case you’re tight on time and wish assured solar, take your vacation depart to Lombok round then.
I, nevertheless, spent November/December in Lombok and skilled the moist season. And it wasn’t so dangerous. Rain sometimes got here briefly, heavy bursts, adopted swiftly by clear skies and a sizzling solar. Maybe I used to be fortunate, as a result of these months can deliver extended intervals of rain. In case you’re travelling within the off-season (December-January-February), you’ll have to be ready for a week-long wall of climate if you happen to get actually unfortunate.
For the unconstrained traveller, it’s actually a alternative between the possibility of rain and the possibility of crowds. If you’re a surfer or planning to begin your browsing journey, you’ll discover waves within the dry or moist season; Lombok is a year-round surf vacation spot.
Dry season (summer time) brings with it larger swells and extra wind, and moist season (wintertime) sees smaller and friendlier waves.
Attending to Lombok
Lombok is surprisingly simple to succeed in. Most travellers arrive by air, by ferry, or by each.
Flying to Lombok
Lombok Worldwide Airport (LOP) is the principle gateway to the island and is situated within the south, a 25-minute drive from Kuta Lombok (one of many important locations to remain).
There are common home flights from main Indonesian hubs, together with Denpasar and Jakarta. Flying from Bali to Lombok is quick, dependable and low-cost, with brief flight instances and common providers all through the day.
Probably the greatest routes for Worldwide travellers is to fly first to one of many main Southeast Asian hubs, akin to Kuala Lumpur or Singapore. From there, you’ll be able to take a direct flight to Lombok.
Usually, flights from Kuala Lumpur to Lombok are comparatively low-cost, however remember that baggage (a surfboard) can shortly double the price of journey.
Ferry to Lombok
In case you fly to Indonesia, there’s a superb likelihood you land in Bali, not Lombok. If a connecting flight isn’t handy or is simply too costly, you’ll be able to take a ferry. A number of firms are operating a number of crossings per day. Greatest to ebook through 12Go, and please be sure to verify critiques of the totally different ferry firms earlier than reserving, as some are higher than others. Crossings are climate dependent and the journey can generally be fairly tough, if you happen to’re vulnerable to journey illness guarantee you’ve gotten journey illness tablets with you.
Tip: Spend 5 minutes on TikTok wanting on the ferry choices earlier than you select whether or not to journey by sea or air.
Getting Round Lombok
When you arrive, getting round Lombok is straightforward.
The easiest way to get to your lodging is by taking a taxi. I all the time suppose it’s good to have a pleasant individual looking for you as quickly as you land, so I pre-booked my taxi by way of my lodging. It’s a bit costlier, however chances are high if you happen to’re coming from the West, you may be sleep disadvantaged, and it’s a pleasant deal with to see your identify on a card on the arrivals.
In case you neglect or can’t be bothered, there may also be many taxi drivers vying to your consideration on the arrival corridor, all of them desirous to take you the place you need to go. Lombok is a secure place to journey by taxi.
As soon as settled in your lodging, you’ll want a scooter.
Scooter rental is extraordinarily widespread, reasonably priced, and gives essentially the most flexibility. Everybody rides a scooter in Lombok, primarily as a result of there are not any ride-hailing apps as you discover in Bali.
Even in case you are not an skilled rider, I believe Lombok is a superb island to follow your driving expertise. Normally, the roads are very quiet, are glorious high quality, and everybody drives fairly slowly.
You may anticipate to pay about 70k-85k IDR a day for scooter rental. Your lodging host will nearly positively have the ability to organize this for you or level you within the route or the closest rental. You’ll see lots of people driving with out helmets; don’t be one among them.
For day journeys, hiring a neighborhood driver can also be very reasonably priced, helps you to discover with out worrying about navigation or street situations, and allows you to sit again and benefit from the journey. Once more, your lodging host is probably going to have the ability to provide the WhatsApp variety of a neighborhood driver.
The place to Keep in Lombok
Selecting the place to remain in Lombok performs a giant position in shaping your expertise, as every space of the island produces a really totally different model of Lombok.
South Coast (Kuta Lombok and close by areas)
The south coast is among the hottest areas to remain, and for good purpose. The city, Kuta Lombok makes a wonderful base for browsing, seaside hopping and exploring among the island’s most lovely shoreline.
It additionally gives the broadest vary of lodging, together with a vibrant café and restaurant scene, gyms, spas, and supermarkets. Most tour operators begin in Kuta, too, so you’ll be able to simply take loads of day journeys from right here. Try my full information to Kuta Lombok for more information.
In case you aren’t so bothered about having an abundance of conveniences and eating places, then you may additionally need to take a look at close by Gerupuk, Ekas and Selong Belanak.
South West Lombok (Gili Gede and close by islets) – This space is way quieter and finest suited to travellers seeking to (like, actually) decelerate. It’s perfect for snorkelling, diving and switching off, with easy, low-key lodging and little or no improvement.
North West Lombok (Senggigi) – Senggigi looks like Lombok’s authentic vacationer strip. Resorts line the coast, sunsets are the principle occasion, and days are simple and predictable. It fits travellers who need to settle into one place and keep there.
North Lombok (Senaru) – Senaru is your base if you happen to plan to hike Mount Rinjani. It’s cooler, greener and extra rural than the coast, however there’s little purpose to remain until you’re mountaineering or spending time in Rinjani Nationwide Park. This can be a base, not a vacation spot.
The Gili Islands– Positioned simply off Lombok’s north west coast, the Gili Islands are formally a part of Lombok and are simple to mix with a mainland keep. Every island gives a unique vibe, from vigorous Gili Trawangan to the quieter Gili Air and Gili Meno.
I selected Kuta Lombok.
I cherished having so many nice espresso and brunch spots, a mixture of western eating places alongside native warungs (eating places), CrossFit and HYROX gyms, and an abundance of (superb!) spa’s while nonetheless with the ability to soak within the island’s tradition and nature. Kuta additionally has among the finest surf spots inside a brief driving distance.
Browsing
You may’t come to Lombok with out giving browsing a go. It’s the principle occasion.
Lombok genuinely has waves for each stage, whether or not you’re a whole newbie or chasing barrels. With so many breaks dotted alongside the coast (it’s inconceivable to checklist all of them right here), the variability is nothing in need of distinctive.
Reserving a surf faculty or hiring a neighborhood information is one of the simplest ways to do it. They’ll handle transport, select the proper spot primarily based in your capability and the day’s situations, present boards and rash vests, organise boat entry to reef breaks, and information you within the water.
Lean on them to take out all of the guesswork out of it, and you’ll concentrate on having fun with the waves. Check out my surf faculty suggestions on the ‘Kuta Lombok’ information.
Scuba diving and snorkelling
Heat water, wholesome reefs, uncrowded websites and good visibility 12 months spherical make Lombok a really engaging place to snorkel or dive.
Among the finest underwater experiences may be discovered across the Gili Islands and the quieter Secret Gilis within the southwest. Blue Marlin Dive is a sustainability-focused operator that runs journeys from Kuta Lombok and the Gili Islands, providing skilled guides, high quality gear, and entry to quite a few websites. Additionally they provide PADI programs in case you are taken with getting certified while in Lombok.
Go to a conventional Sasak village and be taught in regards to the Sasak tradition
Taking the time to go to a conventional Sasak (indigenous individuals of Lombok) village will get you a bit deeper into Lombok’s tradition, scratching beneath the floor of gorgeous seashores and oceanscapes. Go spend a couple of hours at Sade village to find out about conventional structure, day by day life and centuries-old weaving methods which are nonetheless practised immediately.
In case you’re searching for a particular memento, these villages are additionally an ideal place to buy handwoven sarongs, made by native girls utilizing conventional strategies. It’s considerate, lovely and helpful.
Discover waterfalls in Central and North Lombok
Chasing waterfalls supplies a shot of nature. They’re wild, with actual quantity and water that feels noticeably cooler and cleaner than in lots of different components of Indonesia. After time on the coast, it’s a pleasant reset.
Among the most spectacular waterfalls embrace Tiu Kelep and Sendang Gile close to Mount Rinjani within the north, in addition to Benang Stokel and Benang Kelambu in Central Lombok. For a quieter, extra off-the-beaten-path expertise, stick a Google Maps pin on Mangku Sakti.
Visiting Waterfalls with a neighborhood information makes it simpler to mix a number of falls in sooner or later and discover safely, significantly after rain.
Trek Mount Rinjani summit or different non-summit hikes
Mount Rinjani towers over Lombok at 3,726 metres and shapes a lot of the island’s panorama. You may see it from nearly all over the place. And you’ll hike up it! Mount Rinjani is a multi-day trek (normally 2-3 days) to the summit. I didn’t do that (it’s closed throughout peak wet season) however have heard that it’s equal 1:1 difficult and unbelievable.
If a full summit trek isn’t your factor otherwise you’re brief on time however nonetheless need to expertise Rinjani’s magnificence, exploring the foothills inside Rinjani Nationwide Park is a implausible various. Half-day and full-day excursions can be found. I actually just like the sound of this half-day foothills tour that additionally helps a female-led native enterprise, and it’s one I plan to ebook after I return again to Lombok.
Snorkel on the ‘Secret’ Gilis
A lot of individuals have heard of the Gili Islands, however far fewer find out about Lombok’s Secret Gilis. Taking a day journey to those small islands off south-west Lombok was one among my favorite experiences. The genuine desert island really feel and the crystal clear water wealthy with vibrant fish and coral are what made the Secret Gilis so particular for me.
I booked with Really feel Lombok, for the snorkelling day journey that took us to Gili Nanggu, Gili Sudak and Gili Kedis. The tour included all transport, snorkelling gear and a scrumptious fish BBQ lunch on the seaside.
In case you’re searching for one thing much more distinctive, it’s additionally attainable to spend an evening tenting below the celebrities on Gili Kedis, waking up with dawn on one of the untouched islands within the space.
Discover Tetebatu and Lombok’s rice terraces
Tetebatu is Lombok at its greenest. A peaceable village set amongst rice terraces, jungle trails and waterfalls, on the southern fringe of Mount Rinjani. A day journey right here is feasible, however you probably have time to remain no less than one night time in a neighborhood homestay, I’d strongly advocate it. That’s when Tetebatu actually reveals itself and you’ll correctly immerse your self in village life and take in each drop of nature.
Both rent a neighborhood information or lease a scooter to discover the monkey forest, Tetebatu Waterfall (plus so many different waterfalls close by), wander by way of the rice terraces, or take a neighborhood cooking class utilizing substances grown within the surrounding countryside.
Seashore hop and take in some solar
Irrespective of how lengthy you spend in Lombok, you’ll by no means run out of seashores to discover. The island’s jagged shoreline is dotted with white sand bays and hidden coves, lots of which nonetheless really feel splendidly untouched. It’s common to reach someplace lovely and have it nearly totally to your self.
The easiest way to expertise Lombok’s seashores is by scooter. Comply with the principle street, after which flip off down a dust monitor to get to a seaside. It’s when the magic occurs.
Two of my favorite spots to decelerate with a ebook are Mawun Seashore and Lancing Seashore. In case you’re feeling adventurous, head to the jap finish of Mawun at medium to low tide and scramble over the rocks to discover a hidden tidal pool.
If you end up seaside hopping within the south west, then add Semeti Hills as a cease. It’s not a seaside, nevertheless it’s an ideal viewpoint with beautiful views of the rugged shoreline.
The ‘Lombok Loop’
If you wish to see as a lot of Lombok as attainable in simply 4 days, Lombok Loop is a cheat code. The Lombok Loop is a multi day journey that circles the island, taking you far past the seashores and into distant villages, sweeping rice terraces, jungle landscapes and dramatic volcanic surroundings.
It’s much less about ticking off sights and extra in regards to the journey itself, providing a uncooked, immersive option to expertise native life and attain components of Lombok that many travellers by no means see. I’d advocate reserving instantly with the founders of Lombok Loop for essentially the most genuine expertise.
Go to Pink Seashore and Tanjung Ringgit
Pink Seashore isn’t vivid pink, and if you happen to’re arriving anticipating candyfloss colored sand, you’ll most likely be disenchanted. It’s basic Insta vs actuality. The ‘refined’ pink blush comes from tiny fragments of purple coral blended into the sand, and is just noticeable in sure mild.
That stated, you need to nonetheless positively use Pink Seashore as a purpose to go to the east, which is wildly underrated and properly definitely worth the journey. The shoreline is rugged, distant and untouched, with lovely seashores, dramatic cliffs and hardly any crowds. You may simply mix your go to with a stroll alongside the clifftop trails at Tanjung Ringgit, the place the views over the turquoise water and headlands are spectacular.
Issues to concentrate on in Lombok
Greatest to set a couple of expectations, as a result of whereas it’s one among my favorite locations on the planet, it’s not everybody’s excellent place.
- Lombok doesn’t run on comfort. There’s no Uber no Seize, no Gojek, on demand providers are restricted, and you’ll’t simply order a motorbike or a automotive if you wish to get round. In case you depend on frictionless logistics, this will probably be an irritation.
- In contrast to Bali, Lombok Island is predominantly Muslim, and that exhibits up in on a regular basis life. You’ll hear a number of calls to prayer day by day (which may begin as early as 04:00), and the costume code expectations lean closely conservative. Swimwear is ok on the seaside, however belongs solely there, and it’s (fairly pretty) anticipated that you just don’t put on bikinis to espresso meet-ups.
- Lombok’s reputation is swelling, and also you’re going to see its rising pains. There’s loads of development. Waste administration is uneven; locals burn garbage, and litter is seen in some locations, significantly round Kuta Lombok and Mataram. It’s not India, nevertheless it’s noticeable. We should set a superb instance by carrying away garbage from public locations, lowering plastic use the place attainable, and supporting native clean-up efforts fairly than assuming the island will take up the influence.
None of this could come as a shock, however understanding it prematurely makes the expertise simpler to take pleasure in and simpler to respect.
Is Lombok Value Visiting?
I believe the reply has been evident from the start. Sure.
Lombok is uncooked with out being tough, peaceable, not boring, and adventurous with out feeling overwhelming. In case you like browsing, good espresso, stability, island tempo and smiling, it may simply be your paradise. It’s of no coincidence that so many individuals arrive “only for a vacation” and are nonetheless right here months, even years later. Lombok has a behavior of doing that.
In case you’re prepared for someplace that’s equally grounding and genuinely particular, cease overthinking it and ebook the flight. Lombok will do the remaining.
Have you ever been to Lombok?
What are the very best issues to do in Lombok? Something you’d add to this Lombok bucket checklist?
Love as all the time and glad adventuring…
You may comply with Sami’s adventures on Instagram right here.
