The original article was published by Igoa-Adventure.com. Read HERE.
Writer: Abigail Dalton
Are you thinking of heading to Lombok during your travels to Indonesia? For sure you’ve heard of Bali, it might even be the reason you’re visiting, but what about the island Lombok, is it worth visiting too?
It’s the next island across from the world-famous Island of Gods and although similar in landscape and climate, it feels like a completely different country! Why? Since Lombok is predominantly Muslim, the culture differs creating a whole new experience for your travels.
While not as popular as its neighbour, Lombok is just as breathtaking. It’s less crowded, more affordable and has more nature. So the question doesn’t beg, is Lombok worth visiting, the question should be, when are you visiting?
Serenity Meets Adventure In Indonesia’s Lombok, But Why Is It Worth Visiting?
In this post, I’m going to discuss the reasons why Lombok is worth visiting. I’ll also include a full travel guide covering topics such as:
The best things to do in Lombok so you can decide if it’s the right place for you.
The pros and cons of visiting the island so you know what to expect.
Where to stay, where to eat and how to get to Lombok to help you plan your itinerary.
I’ll also talk about expenses, when the best time to visit is and include some useful travel tips so you can plan an epic trip!
Why Is Lombok Worth Visiting in 2023?
While we were travelling around Southeast Asia, one of the best places we visited was Lombok. Not knowing what to expect but knowing it was time to leave Bali, we headed for this wonderful island.
In the end, we had an incredible (almost) 4 weeks of exploring Lombok. Although, in truth, we sort of fell in love with Kuta and stayed the majority of our time there! We spent most days learning to surf and relaxing by the beach; it was a perfect paradise.
The island of Lombok is quieter and less populated than Bali but it offers fantastic beaches and scenery. Surfing in Lombok is fantastic and a popular reason why many people visit.
It’s also more affordable (if that’s even possible), dubbed by some as the “new Bali’, it’s reminiscent of what Bali was like 20 years ago. It’s got it all, breathtaking beaches, other smaller tropical islands, adventure, scenery, a friendly community and of course, luscious rice paddies and stunning waterfalls.
Lombok is definitely somewhere which is worth visiting and should seriously be considered if you’re visiting Indonesia!
Serenity Meets Adventure In Indonesia’s Lombok, But Why Is It Worth Visiting?
In this post, I’m going to discuss the reasons why Lombok is worth visiting. I’ll also include a full travel guide covering topics such as:
The best things to do in Lombok so you can decide if it’s the right place for you.
The pros and cons of visiting the island so you know what to expect.
Where to stay, where to eat and how to get to Lombok to help you plan your itinerary.
I’ll also talk about expenses, when the best time to visit is and include some useful travel tips so you can plan an epic trip!
Why Is Lombok Worth Visiting in 2023?
While we were travelling around Southeast Asia, one of the best places we visited was Lombok. Not knowing what to expect but knowing it was time to leave Bali, we headed for this wonderful island.
In the end, we had an incredible (almost) 4 weeks of exploring Lombok. Although, in truth, we sort of fell in love with Kuta and stayed the majority of our time there! We spent most days learning to surf and relaxing by the beach; it was a perfect paradise.
The island of Lombok is quieter and less populated than Bali but it offers fantastic beaches and scenery. Surfing in Lombok is fantastic and a popular reason why many people visit.
It’s also more affordable (if that’s even possible), dubbed by some as the “new Bali’, it’s reminiscent of what Bali was like 20 years ago. It’s got it all, breathtaking beaches, other smaller tropical islands, adventure, scenery, a friendly community and of course, luscious rice paddies and stunning waterfalls.
Lombok is definitely somewhere which is worth visiting and should seriously be considered if you’re visiting Indonesia!
Who will love Lombok? Lombok is great for those of you who love adventure and lazy beach days. If you’re someone who enjoys hiking, nature and water activities you’ll love Lombok, but it’s also perfect for lounging by the beach sipping cocktails!
The Pros & Cons Of Visiting Lombok
Before we dive into the best things to do in Lombok, I always like to make a note of the pros and cons of visiting a country. Since no place is perfect, we don’t like to sugarcoat destinations.
The most important thing when choosing your next holiday destination is: don’t have unrealistic expectations!
The Best Things To Do In Lombok
Okay, so we’ve established the pros and cons of Lombok but let’s dive a little deeper into all the reasons why Lombok is worth visiting in more detail…
1. Visit Tropical Beaches
Who doesn’t love a tropical beach? If it’s a paradise you’re searching for, Lombok’s beaches are a stunning sight and offer some of the most beautiful stretches of sand in the whole of Indonesia!
You can expect to find pristine white sands, jungle all the way to the shore and sparkling turquoise waters; the perfect spot for any bonafide beach lover.
There are so many to choose from and depending of how your feel will determine where you head. Check out Selong Belanak for quieter beach days surrounded by rolling hills or if you want a party, Kuta’s main beach/boulevard is always pumping with beachside bars and restaurants.
2. Try The Incredible Surfing
Lombok is known for its world-class surfing spots, attracting surfers from all over the world. The island offers a variety of waves, from beginner-friendly breaks to challenging barrels, and has a vibrant surf culture with plenty of surf camps, schools, and competitions.
Around the south of the island, which is where Jack and I spent most of our time, there are some fantastic areas for surfing in Lombok. One spot we loved which was good for us novices was Gerupuk; Gerupuk Inside to be precise.
Our Experience Surfing
I quickly just want to jump in here and tell you about our experience surfing in Lombok, this is good to read if you’re heading there for the first time as a surfer.
We had actually planned on surfing at a few beaches while making our way along the south coast of Lombok. As it turned out, it wasn’t as straightforward as we had hoped and we weren’t really able to do this.
It was mainly because we didn’t have our own surfboards and the scooters we had rented didn’t have a surf rack, therefore we were limited to beaches where surfboards were available.
Good To Know: Many of the spots for surfing in Lombok are hard to reach, as in really bad roads, with no or inadequate board rentals available! So, just keep this in mind if you are planning a surf trip to Lombok and don’t have your own boards.
Nevertheless, we did have a fantastic time surfing! One of the more well-known surf spots near Kuta is Gerupuk; with its inside and outside surf spots it’s good for beginners to advanced surfers. We surfed there for the whole month slowly improving our skills.
The Cost Of Surfing In Gerupuk.
Surfing in Lombok’s Gerupuk Bay turned out to be a little more expensive than surfing in other spots as to get there you need to catch a boat. This can be arranged on the day but prices vary drastically, however, if you’re willing to barter then there are deals to be made!
In total, a day of surfing at Gerupuk should cost around £7/$9 if in a group, or £13/$16 if alone! (Here’s the breakdown as of early 2022).
- 2 hours on a local fishing boat (although they don’t seem too fussed if you’re out for longer) prices start at 150,000 IDR per boat; maximum of three people.
- Additional persons will be 50,000 IDR p/p.
- So, if there are three of you it’s 50,000 IDR each and if there’s one of you it’s 150,000 IDR.
- Board hire is around 50,000 IDR per day, but you will have to haggle to get this price.
- Scooter hire is between 30,000-50,000 IDR a day.
3. Hike The Scenic Volcanoes
Okay, so in complete transparency, we never made it to the top of Lombok’s most famous volcano- Mount Rinjani.
This was for a few reasons but in all honesty, we were volcanoed out! We had just climbed Mount Batur in Bali not long after climbing Mount Ijen in Java and so decided to take a break from the heights and focus on the waves!
That said, Lombok is totally volcano country with a number of them dotted around the island. Mount Rinjani is the tallest, reaching a sky-high altitude of 3,726 meters and should definitely be climbed if you’re on the island!
It’s an active stratovolcano but that doesn’t stop adventurers and nature enthusiasts from taking on its challenging hiking trails to experience the awe-inspiring panoramic views. Looking back, we regret not making the climb. Sigh.
Aside from Mount Rinjani, there are other notable volcanoes on the island, such as Mount Tambora, which caused one of the largest volcanic eruptions in recorded history when it erupted in 1815!
4. Chase Stunning Waterfalls
Lombok is an unexplored haven for those of you who love waterfalls, it’s home to some of the most stunning cascades and picturesque landscapes in the whole of Indonesia.
If you’re seeking a trek into the wilderness, Lombok’s waterfalls are an obligatory destination that deserves a spot on your itinerary.
✔️ Several of the most popular waterfalls are Benang Kelambu, Tiu Kelep and Sendang Gile waterfalls. Every one of these enchanting wonders possesses its individual ambience and allure!
5. Admire Impressive Temples
Lombok’s temples are just as awe-inspiring as Bali’s, and they’re steeped in a rich history that will captivate you. The island is home to countless temples that were constructed to honour their deities, and many of them are centuries old.
They showcase intricate designs and fascinating stories and have become some of the most popular tourist destinations on the island.
Check out the iconic Pura Lingsar and the majestic Pura Meru.
6. Learn The Culture & Heritage
The island is a treasure trove of culture and heritage, with traditions and customs that are unique to the island. The local people have a rich history that’s reflected in their daily lives, including the traditional Sasak culture, indigenous to the island.
Lombok is predominantly Muslim, but there are also significant Hindu and Buddhist communities on the island, which means you’ll have a chance to experience a variety of cultural practices and ceremonies.
While there, make sure you visit the traditional markets, check out the unusual architecture, and immerse yourself in the local communities.
7. Relax With Wellness & Yoga
Lombok is an ideal location for seeking wellness and yoga, especially around the Gilli islands and Kuta. With its breathtaking natural scenery and tranquil environment, it’s a perfect spot to de-stress, unwind and reconnect with yourself.
Pamper yourself at Hening Swarga Spa with a Relaxing Lombok Spa Treatment at Hotel Tugu Lombok Spa!
