Okay, so there can be no second thoughts about the fact that Bali in Indonesia is a top-notch holiday destination. In fact, I have some of the best memories from there and Bali never fails to surprise me. But during my recent trip, I have come back smitten by its simple, rustic and more romantic cousin island, Lombok. When I landed there, the vibes of this low-key island got to me immediately and after three days, it was hard to say goodbye to its unparalleled coastlines, pristine waters, virgin landscape, underwater treasures and its ever-smiling people.
A 25-minute flight with sparkly, delighting ocean views is the fastest way to reach the island of the mighty Mount Rinjani, loveable Sasaks and fiery food. Located in the East of Bali and blessed with volcanoes, beautiful beaches, clear warm waters, jungle terrain and plenty of traditional villages, Lombok is located in West Nusa Tenggara province. The general myth is that Lombok means chilli but as per my local guide, Uji, the word is derived from the word ‘long’. However, the use of chilli has been liberal since and it dominates the local flavours and the culinary scene.
Lombok is far less crowded than Bali and thus, it makes for a tranquil holiday. I was thoroughly impressed with its unspoilt and picturesque beauty.
Here are 10 things about the island that will make you curious and send you packing right away.
The sunset at Bukit Merese Hill in Kuta Lombok is a great way to kickstart your rendezvous with this island. I am still in awe of the fantastic coastal views that Merese Hill offered that evening. All it takes is a 15-minute hike and the views are absolutely stunning when the sun takes a bow in the ocean, spreading its aura over the shores of Tanjung Aan Beach and the rocky coastline towards Kuta.
No visit to Lombok is complete without listening to the folklore of princess Mandalika and her way of returning every year in the form of worms. An eponymous beach with a wide and long stretch of beautiful white sand on the south coast of Lombok is going to be the most sought-after in future, as it is being developed as the first and only international street racing circuit facing the Indian Ocean. Mandalika will host the world’s first street race for MotoGP in 2021.
The best of Lombok is protected underwater. You got to snorkel or dive in to discover the best of it. After the adrenaline rush, there is abundance of coral reefs, marine life, turtles and sunfish to play with. Gili Islands, Pink Beach, Kuta and Sekutong are some of the scuba paradise spots in Lombok. The three Gili islands are also known as the ‘Turtle Capital of the World’. The sea turtles will surprise you here. Gili Meno has a reef, especially put together for snorkelling.
Benang Kelambu Waterfalls is a set of two waterfalls in central Lombok, nearly 40 km north of Lombok. It requires some thousand steps down to see the real magnificence. North and central Lombok boast of jaw-dropping mountainous landscapes, gorgeous waterfalls and abundant greenery. Gunung Rinjani at 3726 m and 12,224 ft is Indonesia’s second-tallest volcano and is sacred to the island. Last eruption had taken place in 1257 AD. A lot of people aim for trekking to seek an incredible experience, but if you do not have enough time or you aren’t a trekker, you can always visit Mount Rinjani National Park, which is a hidden paradise in itself. Recently, it was awarded UNESCO Geopark status for its interesting flora and fauna.
Mataram is the provincial capital and the largest city of the island. Most of the people are Sasaks here. Some of the historical and modern buildings are here. Lombok has many mosques and Islamic Centre Mosque is the majestic one with an admirable architecture. Even as a non-Muslim, you can go inside to seek blessings and take a 140-m high trip by elevator to the top. The views are spectacular. Once done with the tour of the mosque, go around and check more in Mataram. There is Batu Payung Beach, West Nusa Tenggara State Museum, Lingsar Temple, Pura Segera, Ampenan Beach, Narmada Park and Epicentrum Mall.
Indonesia is known for its unforgettable beaches and Lombok lives up to the expectations. Just like Bali, Lombok also has a Kuta beach which is famous for world-class surfing. Tanjung Aan is pristine and looks like Caribbean. The views of the surroundings are to die for. Selong Belanak is all about white sandy beaches and fishing village exploration. This crescent-shaped beach is quite popular among locals. The white sand at Tanjung Aan Beach is pepper-like. It is good for swimming and snorkelling. Senggigi town is a beautiful resort destination and Senggigi Beach is known for its gorgeous sundown. Gili Air in itself has nine beaches and Gili Trawangan is my favourite for its vibrant coastline.
Lombok is also home to many surf breaks and in fact different waves, every day. One should not miss learning surfing here. Surfers from all over the world come here for the best experiences. South Lombok is a favourite side and some of the popular points there, are Bangko Bangko, Selong Belanak, Gerupuk and Mawai.
You can’t afford the local food in Lombok. Do visit a warung, family-owned cafes or restaurants. They are a great place to relish Nasi Goreng and other Indonesian dishes. These small shops are part of family homes and are famous for local gossip and cheap eats. Some of the other local dishes to try are fresh seafood, BBQ dishes, spicy water spinach, satay and Taliwang Ayam (a spicy grilled chicken dish from Lombok). The use of coconut and lime in many dishes enhance the flavours.
Gili Islands are a combination of three tiny but individual islands — Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air. Away from the hustle and bustle of tourist hubs, Gili Trawangan is adorable, with its colourful settings and stunning scenic views of the coast. Motorised vehicles are prohibited on the Gili Island and therefore cycling is the best way to explore the place. To travel to the Gilis, one can take speedboat transfers from any of these points, Teluk Nara, Teluk Kodek or Kecinan.
Sasaks are the indigenous people of Lombok who make 85 per cent of the population. They add a whole lot of character to the island with their traditional living, traditions, music, handicraft, war dance and Wektu Telu beliefs. Not many authentic villages exist now but you must look for their traditional homes that are made of cow dung. I would recommend a visit to one such village in Ende where you can peek into their lifestyle and meet the men and women, see them sing and dance, and engage with them while they attend to their daily chores.
