Lombok

Rugged and wildly beautiful, laid-back Lombok has plenty of space to roam free or simply relax

Bali’s quieter, more rustic sister island, Lombok boasts sky-skimming volcanos, ancient shrines, world-class surfing and traditional cultural charms all of its own.  Its year-round tropical climate makes hopping your way from one pristine beach to another a pleasure. Whether you plan to explore its headlands and lush forests on foot or by bike, it’s easy to feel like you have the whole place to yourself.

Things to do

WATER
From May to October, surfers flock to Desert Point on Lombok’s rugged southwestern tip to ride the 'best wave in the world' curling in from the Bali Sea. While west of Kuta, the crystal-white, half¬moon bay of Pantai Mawun invites you to swim in deep, calm turquoise waters. Or walk along the rosy-pink sands of Tangsi Beach – tucked away from the busier areas. For waterfalls, you’re spoilt for choice. Whether you fancy getting drenched by spray under the 40m-high Air Terjun Sindang Gila or watching rainbows dancing at the bottom of Tiu Teja.

HISTORY
Explore the island’s distinctive religious history and rituals at Pura Lingsar. Originally built in 1714, this large temple compound depicts how Balinese Hinduism has blended with Wektu Telu – a mystical, animistic interpretation of Islam – the main religion for Lombok’s indigenous Sasak population. Wear a sash and sarong before visiting the shrines, and bring yourself some good luck by feeding hard-boiled eggs to the holy eels who live in the lily-pad-strewn pond devoted to Lord Vishnu. 

NATURE
Lombok’s landscape has something for everyone. From the sculpted rice terraces, cliffs and forests, to the soaring heights of Mount Rinjani, Indonesia’s second-highest volcano. Adventurous hikers will relish the challenge of reaching its mist-shrouded summit, meeting mischievous black and grey monkeys along the way. On your descent, just metres away from Lake Segara Anak, you can take a dip in the mineral-rich Aik Kalak hot springs. A soothing treat for tired muscles at the end of your trek. 

Top Tip from SLH

Join thousands of local Sasaks at the Bau Nyale festival who, to honour a peace-keeping princess from centuries ago, catch and cook brightly coloured sea worms that wriggle onto the beach once a year.