Lombok is the form of place that doesn’t shout for consideration, however quietly pulls you in and refuses to let go. For those who’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 concerning 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 nicely 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, stunning 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 understand it’s my house away from house, and I’m excited to share why.
On this Lombok Journey Information, I’ll share all the pieces you’ll want to know earlier than visiting, from the place to remain in Lombok and the way to get round Lombok, one of the best issues to do in Lombok and why this Indonesian island has grow to be considered one of my favorite locations on this planet.
Issues to know earlier than you go to Lombok:
- The native individuals (Sasak) communicate a variation of Indonesian, and are a predominantly muslim society.
- The Indonesian Rupiah is the native foreign money, and there are many ATMs; playing cards are broadly accepted. You’ll at all times wish 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 somewhat good 26 and 31°C.
- You’ll want a 2-pin plug to energy your electronics. You already know, the kind utilized in Europe.
- It’s a low-risk surroundings, vaccine-wise, and none are obligatory for entry. To get in, you’ll, nonetheless, 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 predominant seasons, the dry season, which runs from Could to October and the moist season from November to April.
For those who 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, one of the best time to go to Lombok. For those who’re tight on time and need assured solar, take your vacation depart to Lombok round then.
I, nonetheless, spent November/December in Lombok and skilled the moist season. And it wasn’t so unhealthy. Rain usually 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 convey extended intervals of rain. For those who’re travelling within the off-season (December-January-February), you’ll must be ready for a week-long wall of climate when you get actually unfortunate.
For the unconstrained traveller, one of the best time to go to Lombok is mostly a alternative between the prospect of rain and the prospect of crowds. If you’re a surfer or planning to start out your browsing journey, you’ll discover waves within the dry or moist season; Lombok is a year-round surf vacation spot.
Dry season (summer season) 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 achieve. 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 predominant 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 quick flight occasions and common providers all through the day.
Among the best routes for Worldwide travellers is to fly first to one of many main Southeast Asian hubs, reminiscent of Kuala Lumpur or Singapore. From there, you may take a direct flight to Lombok.
Usually, flights from Kuala Lumpur to Lombok are comparatively low-cost, however remember that baggage (a surfboard) can rapidly double the price of journey.
Ferry to Lombok
For those who fly to Indonesia, there’s a superb probability you land in Bali, not Lombok. If a connecting flight isn’t handy or is simply too costly, you may take a ferry. A number of firms are working a number of crossings per day. Greatest to ebook by way of 12Go, and please be sure you examine critiques of the completely different ferry firms earlier than reserving, as some are higher than others. Crossings are climate dependent and the journey can generally be fairly tough, when you’re liable to journey illness guarantee you may have journey illness tablets with you.
Tip: Spend 5 minutes on TikTok trying 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 at all times suppose it’s good to have a pleasant particular person searching for you as quickly as you land, so I pre-booked my taxi by means of my lodging. It’s a bit costlier, however likelihood is when you’re coming from the West, you can be sleep disadvantaged, and it’s a pleasant deal with to see your title on a card on the arrivals.
For those who neglect or can’t be bothered, there may also be many taxi drivers vying on your consideration on the arrival corridor, all of them desirous to take you the place you wish to go. Lombok is a protected place to journey by taxi.
As soon as settled in your lodging, you’ll want a scooter.
Scooter rental is extraordinarily widespread, inexpensive, 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 if you’re not an skilled rider, I believe Lombok is a superb island to apply your driving expertise. Typically, the roads are very quiet, are glorious high quality, and everybody drives fairly slowly.
You’ll be able to anticipate to pay about 70k-85k IDR a day for scooter rental. Your lodging host will nearly undoubtedly have the ability to prepare 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 considered one of them.
For day journeys, hiring a neighborhood driver can also be very inexpensive, enables you to discover with out worrying about navigation or highway 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 an enormous function in shaping your expertise, as every space of the island produces a really completely 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 cause. The city, Kuta Lombok makes a superb base for browsing, seaside hopping and exploring a few of the island’s most stunning 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 may simply take loads of day journeys from right here. Take a look at my full information to Kuta Lombok for more information.
For those who aren’t so bothered about having an abundance of conveniences and eating places, then you may additionally wish 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 excellent for snorkelling, diving and switching off, with easy, low-key lodging and little or no growth.
North West Lombok (Senggigi) – Senggigi looks like Lombok’s unique vacationer strip. Resorts line the coast, sunsets are the principle occasion, and days are simple and predictable. It fits travellers who wish to settle into one place and keep there.
North Lombok (Senaru) – Senaru is your base when you plan to hike Mount Rinjani. It’s cooler, greener and extra rural than the coast, however there’s little cause to remain until you’re mountain climbing or spending time in Rinjani Nationwide Park. It is 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 energetic 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 (wonderful!) spa’s while nonetheless having the ability to soak within the island’s tradition and nature. Kuta additionally has a few of the finest surf spots inside a brief driving distance.
Browsing in Lombok
You’ll be able to’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 not possible to record all of them right here), the variability is nothing wanting distinctive.
Reserving a surf college or hiring a neighborhood information is the easiest way to do it. They’ll handle transport, select the precise spot based mostly in your skill 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 may deal with having fun with the waves. Check out my surf college 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.
A few of the finest underwater experiences might 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 tools, and entry to quite a few websites. Additionally they provide PADI programs if you’re thinking about getting certified while in Lombok.
Go to a standard Sasak village and study concerning the Sasak tradition
Among the best issues to do in Lombok is take the time to go to a standard Sasak (indigenous individuals of Lombok) village will get you a bit deeper into Lombok’s tradition, scratching under the floor of gorgeous seashores and oceanscapes. Go spend a number of hours at Sade village to study conventional structure, each day life and centuries-old weaving methods which might be nonetheless practised at present.
For those who’re on the lookout for a particular memento, these villages are additionally an excellent place to buy handwoven sarongs, made by native girls utilizing conventional strategies. It’s considerate, stunning and helpful.
Discover waterfalls in Central and North Lombok
Chasing waterfalls gives a shot of nature. They’re wild, with actual quantity and water that feels noticeably cooler and cleaner than in lots of different elements of Indonesia. After time on the coast, it’s a pleasant reset.
A few of 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 is among the finest issues to do in Lombok as a result of it makes it simpler to mix a number of falls in someday 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’ll be able to see it from nearly in all places. And you may 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 unimaginable.
If a full summit trek isn’t your factor otherwise you’re quick on time however nonetheless wish to expertise Rinjani’s magnificence, exploring the foothills inside Rinjani Nationwide Park is a incredible 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
Numerous 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 considered one of 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.
For those who’re on the lookout for one thing much more distinctive, it’s additionally doable to spend an evening tenting below the celebs 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 at the least one night time in a neighborhood homestay, I’d strongly advocate it. That’s when Tetebatu actually reveals itself and you may 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 means of the rice terraces, or take a neighborhood cooking class utilizing substances grown within the surrounding countryside.
Seashore hop and take in some solar
Regardless 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 commonplace to reach someplace stunning and have it nearly fully to your self.
The easiest way to expertise Lombok’s seashores is by scooter. Comply with the principle highway, 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. For those who’re feeling adventurous, head to the japanese 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 excellent viewpoint with gorgeous views of the rugged shoreline.
The ‘Lombok Loop’
If you wish to see as a lot of Lombok as doable 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 concerning the journey itself, providing a uncooked, immersive method to expertise native life and attain elements 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 brilliant pink, and when you’re arriving anticipating candyfloss colored sand, you’ll in all probability be disenchanted. It’s traditional Insta vs actuality. The ‘refined’ pink blush comes from tiny fragments of pink coral blended into the sand, and is barely noticeable in sure gentle.
That stated, it is best to nonetheless undoubtedly use Pink Seashore as a cause to go to the east, which is wildly underrated and nicely definitely worth the journey. The shoreline is rugged, distant and untouched, with stunning seashores, dramatic cliffs and hardly any crowds. You’ll be able to 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 number of expectations, as a result of whereas it’s considered one of my favorite locations on the planet, it’s not everybody’s good place.
- Lombok doesn’t run on comfort. There’s no Uber no Seize, no Gojek, on demand providers are restricted, and you may’t simply order a motorbike or a automotive if you wish to get round. For those who depend on frictionless logistics, this shall be an irritation.
- Not like Bali, Lombok Island is predominantly Muslim, and that reveals up in on a regular basis life. You’ll hear a number of calls to prayer each day (which might 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 (somewhat pretty) anticipated that you just don’t put on bikinis to espresso meet-ups.
- Lombok’s recognition 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, decreasing plastic use the place doable, and supporting native clean-up efforts somewhat 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 get pleasure from and simpler to respect.
Is Lombok Price Visiting?
I believe the reply has been evident from the start. Sure.
Lombok is uncooked with out being tough, peaceable, not uninteresting, and adventurous with out feeling overwhelming. For those who like browsing, good espresso, steadiness, 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.
For those who’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 one of the best issues to do in Lombok? Something you’d add to this Lombok bucket record?
Love as at all times and blissful adventuring…
You’ll be able to observe Sami’s adventures on Instagram right here.