Just twenty-five minutes by plane from Bali or a 15 minute boat ride from the Gili Islands, Lombok is the perfect destination for an extension to your holiday.
With its unspoilt nature, this majestic island has something to offer everyone, from incredible secluded beaches, with some of the world’s best waves, to beautiful scenery, stunning waterfalls and an active volcano. In a short trip, Lombok promises an island experience combining culture, adventure and beauty.
Here are a few tips to help you ensure you see some of the best of Lombok.
Discover Lombok’s Waterfalls
Lombok is famous for its stunning waterfalls located throughout the island. Some are easier to get to than others but the journey adds to the experience, as you get to explore the picturesque landscape and culture.
In the North of the island are two of the most popular cascades, Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep Waterfall. These stunning jungle waterfalls are located close together in the town of Senaru. Sendag Gile is easily accessible and located just a short walk through the rainforest. This waterfall, although the smaller of the two is still impressive with two-tiers and a strong force. Delve deeper into the forest, about a 45-minute trek, and you will find the breathtaking Tiu Kelep waterfall with cascades of 45m – this is definitely worth the hike. You can always hire a guide to help you find your way.
Situated in Central Lombok are Benang Stokel and Benang Kelambu. These waterfalls are located a kilometer from each other but offer very different experiences. Benang Stokel has shallow pools, and impressive falls. Whereas Benang Kelambu, with multiple cascades passing through the jagged rocks and vegetation, is one of Lombok’s most striking waterfalls.
Top tips:
Wear adequate footwear: The paths are rutty and the submerged rocks are slippery, you will lose your flipflops….
Swimming: It is possible to swim at some of the waterfalls but there are no places to change – wear swimmers under your clothes.
Bring: Water, waterproofs and insect repellent.
A Birds-Eye View
Lombok offers some of the most breathtaking views. Many of which require a certain level of fitness as these are often best enjoyed from the summits of particular mountains.
Bukit Pergasingan offers one of the best views in Lombok, and the perfect alternative to climbing Mount Rinjani. Overlooking rice fields, the Sembalun village and views of Mount Rinjani, Bukit Pergasingan offers magnificent views without having to spend days hiking. It is recommended to camp there to capture the beautiful sunrise behind Mount Rinjani.
Mount Rinjani is not for the faint hearted but is a well trodden path. The best views are just before the summit at the crater rim. There you can also enjoy incredible views of the crater lake and the perfect Instagram moment!
Top Tips:
Wear: Robust and comfortable shoes and a windproof jacket
Train: If you are planning on reaching the summit, train!
If you’re not the hiking type, you can still benefit from exceptional views. If you drive to Pusuk Sembalum Tourist Park, you can enjoy panoramic views across forests, hills and rice paddies, at 1,250m above sea level.
Beaches in Lombok
Lombok is known for its abundance of beautiful beaches, many of which are secluded and ‘untouched’. Many of the beaches are close together and you can easily spend a day beach-hopping between them. There are so many to choose from, from soft sand beaches like Selong Benanak Beach to the rocky formations of Semeti Beach; it is well worth exploring as many as you can. Chill out a Tangsi Beach
Chill out a Tangsi Beach
Known as the Pink Beach, Tangsi Beach is one of just 10 pink sand beaches in the world (Indonesia has two of them). Formed by dead red coral this picturesque beach is still a hidden gem, untouched by tourism due to its secluded location it offer the ultimate spot for relaxation. Although not easy to get to, Tangsi Beach and its crystal-clear waters is a must visit.
Top Tips:
Time: For the ultimate experience, visit before 8am or after 4pm to get the best light.
Bring: Bring water and food, there are no amenities there.
Batu Payung in Tanjung Aan
Located near Tanjung Aan Beach this uniquely shaped rock is fast becoming a photo spot for tourists, the famous rock is still worth a visit especially at sunset.
Top Tips:
Wear: Good footwear
Tides: Check the tides. At high tide you will not be able to reach the rock
The Waves
Lombok is very popular for surfing, with a number of great surf spots along the south coast including Desert Point, voted one of the best waves in the world. However, there are many other surfing beaches rewarding surfers of all levels.
Village Life
No trip is complete without visiting a traditional village. Culture is well preserved in many of the villages throughout Lombok such as Sade Saasak Village in Central Lombok. Sade is famous for its local weaving and textiles as well as its regular traditional dance and music performances.
Many of the villages have local guides who are available to show you around and give you an insight into the day-to-day life. Explore the cow dung and clay thatch houses and experience traditional meals.
This really is an island ready to be explored. What are you waiting for?